Shiba Inu
GENERAL APPEARANCE : The Shiba is the smallest of the native Japanese breeds of dog and was originally developed for hunting by sight and scent in the dense underground vegetation of the mountainous areas of Japan. Alert and agile with keen feelings, he is also an excellent watchdog and companion. Its frame is compact with well-developed muscles. Males and females are clearly different in appearance: males are masculine without weakness, females are feminine without weakness of structure.
Personality: Alert, active and attentive.
Energy Level : Very active, needs daily exercise, whether it's a play session or a long walk.
Good with children: Yes.
Good with other dogs: With supervision.
Grooming: Seasonal.
Life Expectancy : 12-15 years old.
Bark level: Quiet. Bark when necessary.
HISTORICAL SUMMARY
The Shiba Inu, the smallest and oldest of Japan's dogs, has been with the Japanese for centuries. After coming close to extinction during World War II, these remaining Shibas were from three different bloodlines. They are excellent guard dogs and have established themselves as the number one companion dog in Japan. What is valid is this little dog named Shiba first came to his name in approximately the 1920s. In December 1936, through the Cultural Properties Act, Shiba was designated as a precious natural product of the Japanese nation. Thus, the breed received official recognition.
Country of Origin: Japan.
BEHAVIOR AND TEMPERAMENT: A witty boldness, a good nature and an irrelevant frankness, which together produce dignity and natural beauty. The Shiba has an independent nature and can be reserved for strangers, but is loyal and affectionate towards those who earn its respect. Sometimes aggressive towards other dogs, the Shiba is always under the control of its handler. Any aggression towards the handler or judge or any overt shyness should be severely penalized.
HEAD:
CRANIAL REGION
Skull: The size of the skull is moderate and proportionate to the body. The front is wide and flat, with a slight groove.
Stop : Moderate.
FACIAL REGION
Snout: F irme, full and round with a stronger jaw jutting filled cheeks. The bridge of the muzzle is straight. Decreases slightly towards the tip of the nose. The snout length is 40% of the total head length from the tip of the occiput to the nose.
Truffle: The Truffle it's black.
Jaws and Teeth: Scissor bite. White teeth, strong and with a scissor bite.
Lips: Tight and black.
Expression: Strong and confident.
Eyes: Are shapely triangular, deep and sloping upwards towards the outer base of the ear. Dark brown in color.
Ears : Triangular, tightly set and small, but in proportion to head and body size. The ears are set well apart and slant directly forward with the slant of the the back of the ear that follows the arch of the neck.
NECK : It is thick, sturdy and of moderate length.
TRUNK
Top Line: Yeah straight and level to the base of the tail.
Back: Well developed.
TAIL: Thick, powerful and is carried on the back in a sickle or curled position. A loose tail pointing vigorously towards the neck and nearly parallel to the back is preferred. A fold or sickle pointing upwards is acceptable. With length, the tail reaches almost to the hock joint when extended. the tail is inserted high.
MEMBERS
PREVIOUS
Arms: M oderadamente angulated and approximately equal in length.
Elbows: Elbows are fitted close to the body and do not rotate in or out.
Feet: Feet are cat-like with well-arched toes, set firmly. Cushions are thick.
HINDQUARTERS
Hocks: Perpendicular hock.
Legs: The legs are long, straight and parallel.
Paws : Feet are cat-like with well-arched toes, set tightly. Cushions are thick.
GAIT/MOVEMENT: The movement is agile, light and elastic. At the trot, angle the legs toward a centerline while the topline remains level and tight. Forward reach and rear span are moderate and efficient.
COAT
Hair : Coating double, fur rigid and straight outer coat and soft undercoat. the hairs of the tail are slightly longer and stays open in a brush. It is preferable that the Shiba is presented in a natural state.
COLOR: The color of the fur is as specified here, with the three allowed colors having the same consideration. All colors are clear and intense. Red, black and brown (black and tan), sesame, black sesame and red sesame. Being sesame the equal mixture of white and black hairs. black sesame more black hair than white hair. red sesame having as base color red, mixed with black fur. All above mentioned colors must have “URAJIRO”. Urajiro are whitish fur on the sides of the muzzle and cheeks, below the jaw and chin, on the chest and stomach, on the underside of the tail and on the inside of the legs.
SIZE: Males: 40 cm. Females: 37 cm
FAULTS
Any deviation from this standard should be considered a fault and penalized in exact proportion to its severity and its effects on the health and well being of the dog.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS
• Aggressiveness or excessive shyness.
• Any dog that shows any sign of physical or behavioral anomaly must be disqualified.
• Atypical dogs.
• Dropped ears.
• Hanging or short tail.
• Undershot or overshot.
• Numerous missing teeth.