Dog shiba-inu: description, character and breed standard

This dog is widespread in Japan. It is called shiba-inu. Hunting breed is deduced on island Honshu (Japan). Originally it was used to hunt wild boar, deer and even bear, as well as small game.

From the history of the breed

Historians and archaeologists say that the Japanese shiba-inu dog lived on Earth two and a half thousand years ago. But about a hundred years ago it was on the brink of extinction. Thanks to the timely measures taken (in 1928) to preserve the ancient species, tangible positive results were obtained, and the livestock gradually began to increase.

In 1934 the first standard of this amazing breed was approved, and at about the same time it was recognized as the national treasure of Japan. Today, the hunting skills of these animals are practically not used. Now the dog shiba-inu is first and foremost a wonderful companion, a friend, a pet. Over time, these animals have become popular in Europe, North America, Australia.

External Features

Even non-professionals recognize that this is a very beautiful dog. It is interesting that Japanese judges at dog shows and manufacturers pay great attention to the sexual characteristics of these cute animals, which must be clearly pronounced. The dog shiba-inu should not cause doubts: the male before you or the female, it is clear at once.

The backbone of the male should be much more powerful than that of the bitch, the musculature dense, the head large and broad, with pronounced podchechnymi bones and a rather short nose. Even the look and general position of the head look noble.

The female opposite, should always have a smaller backbone, not so developed musculature, and its tail should be thinner. The expression of the eyes of the female shiba-inu is meek, and the entire posture of the body is very elegant.

According to the standard, the dog's growth does not exceed 39.5 cm, and the bitches - 36.5 cm. The tolerance is ± 1.5. The weight of males is up to 14 kg, the female - up to 13 kg.

A cute, well-built Japanese shiba-inu dog has a large head, which is a bit like a fox. The wide skull is marked by a pronounced transition from the forehead to the muzzle, which narrows closer to the nose. Lips of medium thickness, fit tightly. The paws are short, the tail is set high and folded into a ring.

Shiba Inu: colors

This animal has a luxurious thick coat. It is short, dense, to the touch a little harsh. There is a dense soft undercoat. Very cute dog breed shiba-inu. Its colors may be different, but always bright and saturated: it is sesame color (red hair with black tips) and white, black with yellow or tan markings, brindle.

Any dark color according to the standard should have lighter areas located on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheekbones, on the chest and neck, on the inner surface of the paws, on the abdomen.

Character

The Shiba Inu breed is distinguished by an independent and rather capricious character, which without proper upbringing can cause misunderstanding with the master. They are bold and hardy animals. With their upbringing, a strong-willed and resolute owner will be able to break the stubbornness of his pet and prove his leadership in relations with the Shiba Inu.

Puppies of this breed are absolutely charming creatures, therefore owners often make the same mistake - they pamper the baby, and he very quickly starts using it. If you feel that you can not resist the charm of this crumb, ask for help from a professional cynologist.

Today the dog shiba-inu is a wonderful companion, because she still has a strong hunting instinct. That is why we must not forget about the early socialization of such a pet and its upbringing. Greater attention to yourself does not require shiba-inu. Puppies from the first days of appearance in the house show their independence and restraint. Despite this, in communication with children they seem to forget about "good manners" and can play with them, cheerfully whimpering for several hours in a row. These are very energetic dogs that will make the company on a run, bike rides and sporting events.

Sometimes representatives of this breed may exhibit aggression against dogs and strangers. This is due to the fact that they are exclusive owners and will not allow anyone to believe that they own furniture or toys, a house plot and even the owner himself. This dog will obey and become a loyal friend only to an experienced dog breeder, who loves serious and productive work with "complex" four-legged pets.

Maintenance and care

These magnificent animals are distinguished by some incredible, not animal-specific accuracy. Shiba Inu closely monitor their appearance: they do not go into dirty places, walk around puddles, very carefully lick their paws after walking.

The wool of this dog is almost not spoiled, and therefore care for it is quite simple. Periodically it is necessary to comb the hair with a brush with a coarse bristle. Bathe this dog only if necessary.

In autumn and spring, the shiba-inu molt, and very strongly, so at this time they need to be combed twice a day. In addition, such a pet needs all the hygienic procedures that are required for all dogs - cleaning the ears and teeth, pruning claws. In eating, the dog is not fastidious: it does not require a varied diet and costs a small amount of food. Quite comfortable feels shiba ina in the city apartment, and in the enclosure of a country house.

Education and training

Cynologists are convinced that by nature an inflexible and weak person will not be able to establish contact with this animal. These dogs are trying to assert their leadership in the house from the puppy age. The animal seeks that the owner should feed him, when the dog is hungry, leave the chair chosen by her, approach the first call. Agree, in many respects their wishes with the owner are similar, therefore between them the confrontation which should be supervised by the person often begins.

At the earliest age the shiba-inu show their hot temperament and irrepressible energy. Puppies among themselves arrange noisy brawls, figuring out who is the main one in the cage. Absolutely charming creatures in relation to people and most other pets, having met with the representatives of their breed, they turn into temperamental fighters. In all puppies, this trait manifests itself in different ways, so every case needs to be discussed with the breeder.

Health

The life span of these animals is fifteen to seventeen years. Shiba Inu most often suffer from hereditary diseases - dysplasia, a dislocation of the patella, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease. Some owners note a deterioration in the sight of their pets (not age). It is quite possible progressive atrophy of the retina, cataracts, there is also a twist of the century (entropion).

There are allergic reactions to shampoo and food. In this regard, when acquiring a puppy, do not be lazy to ask the breeder for a medical card of his parents.

Shiba Inu: price

Today, such a charming pet can be purchased both in a specialized nursery, and from trusted and reliable private breeders. Only in the bird market you are unlikely to get a healthy and thoroughbred shiba-inu. The price of a thoroughbred puppy with all the necessary documents and vaccinations is at least two thousand dollars.

An animal without a breeding or exhibition perspective, as well as without a full package of documents will cost you five hundred dollars.