Shiba Inu have become more widely known due to the popularity of the internet and people becoming more aware of different dog breeds around the world. They are becoming more and more popular in the United States and are currently in the top 50 most popular dog breeds in the country.1
Most people know about the Shiba Inu thanks to the memes that have made the internet go viral. They’re funny and loyal, but there’s so much more that makes them such a fascinating dog. Here are some of our favorite facts about this special Shiba Inu.
15 Facts About the Shiba Inu
1. The Shiba Inu is an ancient breed
The Shiba Inu is native to Japan, with recorded existence dating back 2,300 years. Shiba Inu once lived in the mountainous regions of Japan, and archaeologists have found remains of dogs similar in size and structure to the Shiba Inu we see today.
Historical records show that these dogs were bred to hunt small animals and birds. Eventually, these dogs became the foundation breed for the modern Shiba Inu and, after years of selective breeding, the Shiba Inu we know today was born.
2. It is registered as an official breed in Japan.
There are six native dog breeds in Japan (Japanese dog2The Shiba Inu is one of the most popular dog breeds in Japan and is well known as the most popular companion dog in Japan. It was designated a national natural monument in December 1936.
There are several monuments erected throughout Japan to honor and honour Japanese dog breeds. One of the most popular monuments is the monument to the Shiba Inu, known as the Kabosu dog. This monument was installed at Sakura Furusato Square in November 2023.
3. They were on the verge of extinction
Although the Shiba Inu has grown in popularity over the years, it was once on the brink of extinction. In the early 1900s, mixed-breed dogs became more common, and as a result, purebred Shiba Inu became rare.
Bombing and epidemics of canine distemper caused the Shiba Inu’s numbers to decline further during World War II. Only three breeds survived at that time, with the Shinshu being the most common and to which modern Shibas are most similar. Fortunately, breeders have worked tirelessly to preserve the breed, and it is now one of the most popular dog breeds in Japan.
4. The first Shiba Inu came to America in 1954
The first Shiba Inu dogs were brought to the United States by American military families in 1954. However, the Shiba remained a relatively rare breed for several decades, only becoming AKC-recognized several decades later in 1992.
The Shiba Inu’s popularity can be largely attributed to internet culture, with the dog becoming more well-known thanks to the popularity of the Doge meme and social media accounts posting content about the dog.
5. There used to be three types of Shiba Inu
Before the first Shiba Inu breed standard was established in 1934, there were three main varieties of Shiba Inu: Mino, San’in, and Shinshu. All of these Shiba Inu sub-breeds were named after the regions where they originated.
In a movement to preserve and establish the breed, Shiba Inu have been selectively bred to fit a breed standard.
6. They were originally bred for hunting.
The Shiba Inu was a small dog that was perfect for hunting small animals and ground birds. The word “Shiba” roughly translates to “Shiba forest.” The name Shiba Inu is thought to have come from the Shiba Inu’s red coat color and its ability to scare away rabbits and other small animals from the Shiba forest.
Shiba Inu are now primarily kept as pets, but they are active dogs with a strong predatory instinct. They tend to be independent and like to chase small animals that appear in their path. Therefore, if you plan to let your Shiba Inu run around in your yard, it is important to have a high, well-secured fence.
7. They are masters of escapes
It’s no surprise that Shiba Inu are masters of escape: they’re athletic, agile and extremely intelligent dogs. Combine this with a strong predatory instinct and you have a dog that can figure out how to escape from anywhere while chasing small animals.
Shibas love to chase, so they enjoy playing ball toss or tug-of-war, but they aren’t usually good for dog agility events – they tend to have a mind of their own and can easily go astray, especially if they become intrigued by something else.
8. Little maintenance required
The hair of the Shiba Inu is straight and short to medium length. The hair does not tangle easily, and hair loss can be reduced by brushing once a week. Also, Shiba Inu do not need to be bathed until they smell, and it takes several weeks for the smell to come out.
Shiba Inu dogs do not require much grooming, but you should be aware that they are a breed that sheds a lot. Shiba Inu dogs have a thick double coat of fur that helps keep them warm in cold weather and regulates their body temperature. Shiba Inu dogs shed a lot of hair twice a year during the shedding season, when the undercoat begins to fall out.
9. Available in 4 different colors
When you think of the Shiba Inu, you probably imagine a dog with red fur and a cream underbelly, but the AKC recognizes the breed in four colors: red, black and tan, sesame, and cream.
However, because the cream color is controversial and produces defects in the show ring, breeders refrain from including cream-colored Shibas in their programs for breeding show-quality dogs.
10. Their barks sound like screams.
Shiba Inu are not known for barking excessively, and if this is your first time hearing one, you may be surprised to hear the sharp, high-pitched sound, commonly referred to as the “Shiba Inu bark.”
Most Shibas only bark when necessary, so it’s worth paying attention if they start barking – barking can be triggered when they see something strange, interesting or potentially dangerous.
11. The oldest Shiba Inu is 26 years old
Shiba Inu are healthy dogs that can live long lives. The oldest Shiba Inu on record was Poosuke, who lived to be 26 years old. Poosuke’s owners reported that Poosuke was healthy and active until the end of his life. Poosuke passed away in December 2011, about three months before his 27th birthday.Number birthday.
Many factors, such as breed and size, affect the accuracy of converting dog years into human years, but it is commonly believed that Puske lived to be about 125 years old in human years.
12. People often tell me I look like a cat.
Shiba Inu are cute in appearance and small in size, but their unique personalities make them recommended for experienced dog owners. Shiba Inu are independent and have their own will, so they are often more difficult to train than other breeds.
Shibas also like to have their own space and are not very affectionate. They don’t like to be cuddled, except when they are near their family, and generally enjoy it on their own. They can be a little aloof, but that, combined with their natural cleanliness, has earned them a reputation as the cats of the dog world.
13. The Shiba Inu that saved a family during an earthquake
Shiba Inu have a reputation for being aloof, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t loyal. They love their families and show their affection in their own unique ways. In fact, a Shiba Inu named Mari saved a puppy and its owner after an earthquake.
This incident happened after an earthquake in Yamakoshi, Japan in 2004. Mari quickly rescued the puppies and woke up her elderly owner who was trapped under a cabinet. The owner was able to escape and evacuate but was unable to take Mari and the puppies with him. Luckily, when the owner returned two weeks later, Mari and the puppies were still alive. Mari’s amazing and inspiring story was eventually made into a movie titled “Mari’s Miracle.” The story of Mari and the three puppies.
14. The famous Doji meme is the Shiba Inu
One of the most well-known dogs on the internet is a Shiba Inu named Kabosu. Most people know her as the Doge Meme dog. Kabosu’s owner runs a blog where she would post pictures of Kabosu. Just one person found these photos and shared them on an internet thread, and the images went viral, quickly becoming a meme.
Kabosu remained active on social media and had fans all over the world. She lived for 18 years and passed away in May 2024.
15. Owns cryptocurrency
One of Kavos’ popular results is Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency created by two software engineers, Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer. Dogecoin was originally created as a satirical joke, but like Kavos, the coin quickly went viral and became a popular electronic currency around the world.
Dogecoin’s official logo features a picture of Kabosu surrounded by phrases like “Awesome” and “Lots of Coins” with the letter D on the other side. Although it is not as popular as it once was, it maintains a large user base and is accepted by several reputable cryptocurrency exchanges.
Conclusion
At first glance, the Shiba Inu is a small, cute dog. But underneath that compact body lies a big personality that will surprise and delight many. The Shiba Inu certainly deserves its internet fame, and it’s good to see this breed gaining more recognition. As more people discover the Shiba Inu, we’re sure its popularity will continue to grow. If you’re thinking about getting a Shiba Inu, make sure you can give it everything it needs, including daily exercise.
Featured image credits: Ricantimages, Shutterstock
