Ever wonder how a 2,000-year-old breed became a modern-day icon?
Long before the Shiba Inu stole hearts on social media with its fox-like face and iconic smirk, it was navigating the rugged hills and dense forests of ancient Japan.
This Japanese dog breed, dating back over 2,000 years, was originally developed to hunt small game such as birds and rabbits. Alert, and fiercely independent, Shiba was a trusted companion to early Japanese hunters and warriors.
The Shiba Inu made a remarkable comeback, becoming one of Japan’s most beloved native dogs and eventually earning recognition as a national treasure. Today, it’s not just a symbol of Japanese heritage but a global icon proving that this little dog’s story is just as powerful as its personality. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through the captivating each types of Shiba Inu dog with their distinct traits and characterstics.
The Four Types of Shiba in Japan
While there are multiple regional types of Shiba from Japan, and only one of them — the Shiba Inu — is commonly found in the western world. The four different types of Shbia dogs are
- Mino Shiba
- San’in Shiba
- Shinshu Shiba
- Modern Shiba Inu
1. Mino Shiba
The Gifu Prefecture, once the Mino Province, is where the Mino Shiba originated. This particular breed was characterized by a deep red coat that was topped with black hairs, giving it a burnt or shadowy look. The Mino Shiba was valued for its sharper personality and attentiveness, and it also had a little longer body and thinner frame.
The Mino variety was energetic and vivacious, which made it a quick hunter in contrast to the more submissive Shinshu Shiba. Only a small number of committed breeders in Japan are keeping the Mino Shiba alive today due to its extraordinary rarity.
3. Shinshu Shiba
The most well-known ancestral line, the one that most closely resembles the modern standardized Shiba Inu, is the Shinshu Shiba, which originated in the hilly area of Nagano (previously known as Shinshu). Because of its compact physique, thick double coat, and striking red coloring, this breed was preferred.
Its calm, observant disposition and alert temperament made it a dependable hunting companion in difficult terrain. The Shinshu Shiba served as the model for the contemporary Shiba breed that we are familiar with today due to its favorable characteristics.
2. San’in Shiba
The San’in region, especially the prefectures of Tottori and Shimane, is where the San’in Shiba originate. The San’in Shiba had a more primitive appearance and temperament, and was typically taller and thinner than the Shinshu variety.
These dogs were renowned for their fierce independence and powerful wills, and they frequently had darker coats, with black being a fairly typical color. Even though they are now uncommon, San’in Shibas are known for being more reserved and a little distant—qualities that made them ideal for working alone in the rural mountains.
4. Modern Shiba Inu
The origin of current Shiba Inu is a cross between the three original varieties, Shinshu, San’in, and Mino, which were carefully developed in the early 1900s to produce a consistent, standardized canine breed. Nowadays, this Shiba is well-known to most people and is accepted by kennel groups worldwide.
This kind of Shiba is balanced in terms of size and structure, usually has a curled tail, and has coat colors that include cream, red, black and tan, and sesame. The modern Shiba, which is frequently compared to a cat in its behavior, is renowned for its independent thinking and brave, lively attitude. It is both adorable and demanding.
What is Jomon Shiba?
The Jomon Shiba is a fascinating reconstruction effort rather than an officially recognized or naturally occurring dog breed. Inspired by archaeological findings from the Jomon period (14,000–300 BCE), this version of the Shiba was selectively bred to resemble ancient hunting dogs native to prehistoric Japan. Breeders aimed to bring back the primitive, wolf-like traits that might have existed in dogs thousands of years ago.
Source: nationalpurebreddogday.com
Physically, Jomon Shibas are leaner and more athletic than the modern Shiba Inu. They typically feature a longer muzzle, sharper facial angles, more upright ears, and a narrower frame—giving them an appearance closer to that of wild canines, like wolves or jackals. Their tails are often more sickle-shaped than tightly curled, and their expressions can appear more intense or primal.
Types of Shiba Inu: Coat Colour variation
There are all sorts of Shiba Inus, each with its own unique look and they are;
Red Shiba Inu
The Red Shiba Inus are a popular and iconic color variation of the Shiba Inu breed, originally from Japan. Known for its fox-like appearance, the red coat is a rich, warm hue that highlights the breed’s alert expression and compact, muscular frame. Shiba Inus are independent, intelligent, and loyal dogs, often described as spirited and bold. The red coloration is the most common and traditional, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. Despite their small size, they have a strong-willed personality and require consistent training and socialization.
- Bred for: hunting, senses, agility and silent tracking ability
- Personality: loyal and independent
- Height: 13.5 to 16.5 inches ( 34 – 42 cm)
- Weight: 17 to 23 pounds (8 -10.5 kg)
- Life span: 12 to 16 years
Black Shiba Inu
The Black Shiba Inus are a variation of the Shiba Inu breed, characterized by its black coat with tan markings. Like all Shibas, they are independent, confident, and energetic dogs. They are known for their fox-like appearance, alertness, and strong prey drive. They are courageous and a little stubborn, which makes training difficult despite their diminutive stature. They are exceedingly tidy, loyal to their owners, and might be distant from outsiders.
- Bred for: independence and hunting ability
- Personality: confident , clean and stubborn
- Height: 13.5 to 16.5 inches ( 34 – 42 cm)
- Weight: 17 to 23 pounds ( 8- 10.5 kg)
- Life span: 12 to 16 years
Sesame Shiba Inu
The Sesame Shiba Inus are a rare and unique variation of the Shiba Inu breed, recognized for its distinctive coat that blends red and black hairs, giving it a sesame-like appearance. This coat color is one of the four recognized variations in Shiba Inus. Similar to other Shibas, sesame Shibas are renowned for being fearless, self-assured, and self-reliant. They are intelligent but often stubborn, which can make training a challenge.
- Bred for: hunting and alert
- Personality: playful,strong and confident
- Height: 14.5 to 16.5 pounds ( 37-42 cm)
- Weight: 23 to 25 pounds (10 to 11 kg)
- Life span: 12 to 15 years
Cream Shiba Inu
A Cream Shiba Inus are a variation of the Shiba Inu breed, characterized by its light, creamy coat color. Shiba Inus are a Japanese breed known for their fox-like appearance, curled tail, and alert expression. While traditional Shiba Inu coats come in red, black, and tan, the cream Shiba Inu has a pale, off-white fur that can sometimes appear almost golden.
source: www.google.com
- Bred for: companionship
- Personality: independent,loyal and clean
- Height: 14.5 to 16.5 inches ( 37-42 cm)
- Weight: 20 to 23 pounds (9 to 10.5 kg)
- Life span: 12 to 16 years
What is the Real breed of shiba inu ?
The real Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed originally used for hunting small game in rugged mountain terrain,It is the smallest of Japan’s native spitz-type dogs and is known for its alert expression, curled tail, and bold, independent personality. Recognized coat colors include red, sesame, and black and tan-cream is not part of the official breed standard. Despite their small size, real Shiba Inus are agile, intelligent, and deeply loyal to their families.
Shiba Inu Characteristic
The Shiba Inu is a small, confident dog with a fox-like face, pointed ears, and a curled tail. Brave and independent, they act larger than their size. Smart but stubborn, they can be challenging to train. Shiba’s are energetic, have a strong prey drive, and need regular exercise. They are exceedingly clean, frequently grooming themselves, aloof with outsiders, and devoted to their owners. Their unique mix of traits makes them a memorable breed.
Popularity
The Shiba Inu is a popular dog breed known for its fox-like appearance, quirky personality, and internet fame through memes like “Doge.” Original dog from Japan, Shibas are loved for their independence, clean habits, and expressive faces. Despite their stubbornness, their charm and confidence have made them a favorite worldwide.
Conclusion
Dog lovers all throughout the world have fallen in love with the distinctive and adaptable Shiba Inu breed. These dogs are a great option for seasoned dog owners who value their independence because of their bold, self-assured attitudes and gorgeous beauty.
Every variation provides something unique, whether you’re drawn to the unusual black and tan or the traditional red Shiba Inu. Prospective owners can select the ideal Shiba Inus for their lifestyle by being aware of the variations between the various breeds. These dogs can be a little difficult to teach, but they make very rewarding friends because of their devotion, intellect, and feisty nature. All things considered, the Shiba Inu is an exceptional breed that flourishes when given the proper ratio of care, affection, and training.
