When you look at a Shiba, you feel immediately captivated by those profound eyes that remind us of its canine relatives: wolves and foxes. We're all aware of the fact that the great majority of well known breeds are the result of many matings that the man has been doing in order to obtain certain qualities, that according to the experts, should be accentuated or improved.

    In the particular case of the Shiba, the human implication has been very scarce, and that's why this breed has been kept intact throughout centuries preserving the primitive and mysterious spirit that is loved by all of us who really like animals living freely in contact with nature.

    Skeletal remains indicate that a Shiba like dog lived together with the Jomonjin in Japon around the year 7000 B.C. But it was in the third century B.C. when a new tribe arrived in the Nipponese country bringing their dogs with them and mating them with those mentioned before. This is how they secured the triangular ears and a curled tail.

    Under the reign of Yamato, VII century A.C., a law was passed in which native breeds were considered as an integral part of the Japanese culture. Therefore these breeds were protected and even though the country closed its frontiers for some centuries, European dogs reached Japan, spoiling the originals that lived in populated areas. Free from all this were the dogs that lived in villages or the country, and thanks to them the Japanese breeds that we know took shape: The Akita (big size), the Kishu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kai (medium size) and the Shiba (Small size).

    When I have had the opportunity of listening to conversations about the character of Shibas, they have normally been regarded as independent dogs that are not particularly obedient. But based on my experience, I cannot share this opinion.

    If you are looking for a dependable dog ready to obey all owner's commands, the Shiba isn't the most appropriate one; there are other breeds that can be much more suitable.

    I always say the Shiba is not a dog of impositions but a dog of convictions. We cannot forget its spitz origin in order to understand it. Together with the owner's good criterion, it's very important to let the dog's instinct decide. It's here where lies the key for a successful education.

    It's fundamental to follow certain steps which can help us a lot: the dog has to be considered a friend or companion, not just a simple pet; from the very first moment the Shiba has to be aware of the fact that his owner is "the boss", who can be loving but firm at the same time.

    If we lay good foundations from the beginning, we'll enjoy the loyalty of a dog that will also give us all its depth inside and will delight us with its wonderful attitude, total respect and affection.   

    Shibas are considered tough and healthy dogs, but this doesn't mean we can forget the importance of nutrition. If a responsible dog owner wants his/her Shiba to be healthy, strong and happy, apart from regular visits to the vet, he/she has to give the dog a well-balanced diet, daily exercise, and lots of love.

    Feeding requirements may not cause any difficulty today, because we' ve got a great variety of dog-food products on the market.

    Referring to exercise, we must remember that the Shiba was originally used as a hunting dog, that's why these active animals need to train their muscles. So it's a good habit not only for them, but also for us, to take them for a walk daily and make them run a little bit with the help of a tennis ball or a simple stick. Busy people can use the  weekends to go to the country with their friend and to enjoy nature, an ideal place for a Shiba to discover it's survival and hunting instincts.

    Finally, needless to say that the Shiba, as any  other pet, demands lots of love from its owners. Personally, I think that if this is not so, it's much better not to acquire them, because although they're animals, they have a great seuse of loyalty and affection for people and if these people don't correspond them, they can be imperceptibly hurt.

5th group - Primitive and spitz type dogs.

                 Section 5 - Asian spitz and similar breeds.

                 No working tests.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

   A small, strong and well balanced dog. Powerful and well-muscled neck. It's active, noble and corageous with a brisky gait and an expression of alertness. The ratio of body height to length is 10 to 11.

HEAD

Wide forehead, clear stop showing a smooth groove, a straight bridge on a hard nose with a pointed, but not very long muzzle. The lips don't have any slackness. Strong teeth that occlude correctly. Small, triangular eyes, well-separated and of dark brown colour. Its ears are also small and triangular, carried erect and leaning forward slightly.

NECK

It has to be strong and broad; well proportioned in relation to body and head.

BODY

Compact. Straight back and strong loins. Broad and muscled at the kidneys. Deep chest with ribs slightly sprung.

FORELEGS

Moderate angulation of the shoulder blade.

REAR LEGS

Long thighs and well - developed legs with a natural stance.

FEET

Well-knucled up paws. Hard nails preferably dark.

TAIL

Of high implantation and bushy. It should be carried curled or sickle over the body.

COAT

Short, stiff and straight; the undercoat is soft and bushy. The tail hair is the longest on the body and grown out.

COLOUR

Red, black and tan, and red and black sesame.

Definition of sesame:

- Sesame: equally mixture of white & black hair.

- Black sesame: more black hair than white.

- Red sesame: red fur mix up with black hair.

All the colours mentioned above should present the "URAGIRO". The "uragiro" is white hair on both sides of the muzzle on the cheeks, under the jaw, over the throat, chest and belly, the lower part of the tail and the inside of the legs.

MOVEMENT

Brisky, springy gait.

SIZE

Male: 40 cm. / Bitch: 37 cm.  1.5   cm up & down is accepted.

DEFECTS

Anything that differs from what we have said before can be considered a flaw which will be penalized depending on its importance.

    1) Fearful dogs.

    2) Effeminate males or the opposite.

    3) Overshot or undershot.

    4) Lack of an important number of teeth.

ELIMINATING DEFECTS

    1) Not erected ears.

    2) Short or dropped tail.

    Males should have normal testicles.