The Shiba Inus is a term that describes 3 dog breeds that are medium in size. This includes the Kishu, the Kai Dog and the Shikoku. These three breeds have slight differences concerning size and a few other fine points. These breeds were initially used as hunting dogs, used mainly for deer, boar, and other small or medium sized animals. With professional hunting in decline, they began a new “career” as watch dogs and family pets.
These dogs are very popular in Japan, but are quite rare outside their native country.
The Shiba Inus are larger than Shiba Inus, but smaller than Akita Inus. These Spitz-type dogs have a wolf-like appearance, medium sized bodies, with an average height of 17 to 22 inches and weighing around 30 to 60 pounds.
The dogs have a double coat, with a dense, soft undercoat, and a harsh, straight outercoat. The colors may vary from one breed to another, mainly like this:
- The Kishu - most commonly white, but also red, brindle or sesame
- The Kai Dog - red brindle, black brindle or simply brindle
- The Shikoku - red or brindle
The coats dont necessitate a great amount of care or grooming. The coat must be brushed twice a week in order to keep it in mint condition. Bathing should be performed only when necessary.
All the breeds are courageous, loyal, and brave. They are alert and intelligent dogs, creating strong bonds with their families, but especially with one member in particular. They require a firm and experienced owner, who can be a good “pack leader” for them.
These breeds dont have any specific health problems, but like any other dog they can suffer from various illnesses if not properly fed, not exercised, or not given the right amount of care and attention. They have a life span of ten to 12 years.
They are very tolerant breeds, getting along well with other dogs or pets, as well as with children. They are very trainable, and can be easily housebroken. Also, they make quite efficient watch dogs because of their reserved nature towards strangers. All of these dogs breeds make excellent family pets, being very devoted to their owners.
The Shiba Inus are not suited for apartment living as they are very energetic and need a lot of exercise. The perfect living space for them is a large yard where they can run and play as much as they wish to. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, in order to keep them from getting bored. They can adapt well to every type of climate, cold or warm.
Each of these 3 breeds needs basically the same thing as any other one: affection, care, a good home, and a lot of exercise.
With all of these factors taken into consideration there is no doubt that any of the three dog breeds (Kishu, Kai Dog, and Shikoku), generally called the Shiba Inus, will make excellent pets, companions and true friends for you and your family, as long as you offer them the proper care they need.
