Surely you have heard of this furry friend, or you might even know one! It is a dog of Japanese origin, somewhat nervous, very clean, and incredibly special. At Ownat, we share some of its most surprising peculiarities so you can get well acquainted with this breed and the details that make it so special. Let's begin!
Let's start with its history!
Did you know that they are one of the oldest dog breeds in existence? There are records that trace their origin back to the Jomon period (over 2000 years ago!). Shiba Inus are direct descendants of Japanese hunting dogs, which explains their peculiar ability to chase small prey.
Their unique voice
They have a particularly distinct voice, have you noticed? Unlike other dogs that bark in a "normal" way, Shiba Inus have a soft bark and rarely use it. Instead, they communicate in various ways: with growls, whines, and a characteristic howl known as the "Shiba scream" (high-pitched and piercing).
Clean like cats
This breed is especially clean, spending several hours a day grooming themselves (licking like a cat). It is recommended to bathe them less frequently than other dogs and only when absolutely necessary.
Close to wolves
Due to their ancient origin, they are considered one of the dogs closest to wolves. Perhaps that is why they have a hunting instinct and can often be seen trying to catch small birds and mammals.
"Urajiro" color
Urajiro is a Japanese word composed of the terms “ura” and “jiro”: “ura” means inverse and “jiro” means white. This term refers to the white area these dogs have on the underside of their bodies, which is also present on the inner side of their front legs, along the entire belly, and the chest area.
A peculiar tail
Have you ever noticed their tail? It is very curious and curls over their back! Additionally, it is slightly thick and fluffy.
Golden health
In general, they tend to be a very healthy and resilient breed (though not all, of course. They can suffer from hip dysplasia, skin allergies, eye problems, etc.). Their life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years, which is also important!
