Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Japan.

MOST SUITED AS Hunting dog and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height standard is 39.5cm (15 1/2in) for dogs and 36.5cm (14 1/2in) for bitches. Variations of 1.5cm (1i2in) are permitted.

COAT
The Shiba Inu has a short straight-haired coat with a soft undercoat. Red, red highlighted with white, white, black, black and tan, and salt and pepper are the most common colours.

CARE REQUIRED
The coat of the Shiba Inu does not require much attention. Remove dead hairs from time to time to keep the coat in good condition, using a coarse comb with a double row of metal teeth.

CHARACTER
This is a lively, equable dog which barks little and bonds closely with its handler yet is independent. It is also curious, cheerful and vigilant. It is natural for a Shiba Inu to keep itself clean and it is therefore easily house-trained.

TRAINING
The training of this dog is not such a problem, provided you make allowance for it having a mind of its own and being naturally independent. Vary the exercises with play so that the dog will enjoy itself.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
The Shiba Inu normally gets on with dogs and other animals. It is a bit reserved with strangers but children do not usually cause any problems with them.

EXERCISE
This un-demanding dog will adapt to your cir­cumstances but should it ever be necessary, it can walk for hours on end.