The Shiba Inu is a breed of dog native to Japan.  Thought to be one of the oldest of the Japanese breeds, the Shiba Inu is also the smallest of the dogs native to Japan.
   
    Shiba Inus stand between 13-16 inches and weigh between 18-30 pounds, with females tending to be smaller then the males.  They are a spitz-type of dog, and look like a miniature Akita Inu.  Their ears are pricked and their tails are either curled and carried over the back or carried in a sickle curve.  They have a thick double coat; the outer coat is straight while the undercoat is soft and shed two or three times a year.  The coat of the Shiba Inu can be a wide variety of colors and shades including red, black, and tan with various markings.
   
    The Shiba Inu is one of the oldest breeds of dog, recent DNA testing found also it to be one of the most primitive breeds.  Originally bred for hunting, the breed was bred small to be able to maneuver steep hills, mountain slopes, and forests.  Generally they were used on small prey, but they also hunted boars and birds.  WWII almost brought the extinction of the breed, and all other Japanese dogs as well.  The ones that survived were from three main bloodlines, Shinshu Shiba, Sanin Shiba, and Mino Shiba; these three lines were bred and brought about the Shiba Inu as we know it today. 
   
    Socialization from an early age is important for a Shiba Inu’s development.  They have a reputation for being wary of strangers, both human and canine alike and the socialization can help with it.  They are intelligent, and like most older breeds independent as well.  They are a clean breed, and therefore fairly easy to housebreak, however with all other training the Shiba Inu can be difficult.