What does Shiba Inu mean in Japanese?
Shiba Inu literally translates to "brushwood dog." The name refers to the dense mountain scrub the breed was used to push through while flushing game such as birds and rabbits.
Questions about Shiba Inu
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How many original bloodlines does the modern Shiba Inu descend from?
All modern Shiba Inus descend from three surviving bloodlines: the Shinshu Shiba from Nagano Prefecture, the Mino Shiba from the former Mino Province in present-day Gifu Prefecture, and the San'in Shiba from Tottori and Shimane Prefectures. The breed nearly became extinct during World War II due to food shortages and distemper outbreaks.
When was the Shiba Inu recognized as a Natural Monument of Japan?
The Shiba Inu was recognized as a Natural Monument of Japan in December 1936 under the Cultural Properties Act. The designation was achieved largely through the efforts of Nippo, the Association for the Preservation of the Japanese Dog.
What is the life expectancy of a Shiba Inu?
A review of cemetery data in Japan found the Shiba Inu has a life expectancy of 15.5 years, greater than any other breed examined. A 2024 UK study placed the figure at 14.6 years, compared to an average of 12.7 years for purebreds and 12 years for crossbreeds.
What health problems are Shiba Inus prone to?
Shiba Inus have a high rate of patella luxation, with 35% of those surveyed in one Japanese study affected. The breed accounts for 33% of all canine glaucoma cases in one study despite making up only 2.7% of the population examined. Shiba Inus are also predisposed to canine atopic dermatitis and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome.
Who is Kabosu the Shiba Inu and what is the Doge meme?
Kabosu is the Shiba Inu whose image became the basis for the Doge internet meme in 2013, characterized by a sideways glance and broken English text. Her image became the logo of the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, which was named after the meme.