Photo: Roberto Vasarri · Public domain dog breed · 927 on Animalso
Shiba Inu
- Animal
- Dog
- Type
- Japanese dog
- Origin
- Japan
- Height
- 36.5 cm
About the Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a Japanese hunting dog and the smallest of the six original dog breeds native to Japan. It was bred for hunting, and its name translates literally as “brushwood dog,” reflecting its use to flush game. The breed is listed at a height of 36.5. Its type is Japanese dog, and Japan is its listed origin. These details place the Shiba Inu among Japan’s native breeds and describe its original hunting role. The breed is identified as small-to-medium in size, while the available height figure provides a more specific listed measurement. Its connection to flushing game is part of the explanation for its name and purpose.
What stands out
- Smallest of six original Japanese dog breeds
- Originally bred for hunting
- Used to flush game
Who it suits
The Shiba Inu may suit readers interested in Japanese breeds or dogs with a hunting background. Its game-flushing role may be relevant to people learning about its original purpose.
In short
The Shiba Inu is a Japanese hunting breed with a specific role in flushing game. Its place among Japan’s original breeds and its literal name translation help define its profile.
More dog breeds from Japan
Japanese Spitz Japan Height 30 cm Photo: Hakumichi · Public domain 
Jōmon Dog Japan Photo: 縄文柴犬研究センター · CC BY-SA 3.0 
Kishu Japan Height 49 cm Photo: Sabine · CC BY-SA 3.0 Other Japanese dog breeds
Photo credits12 photographs on this page
- Shiba Inu — Roberto Vasarri · Public domain · file page
- Akita — TsutsuiKennel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Hokkaido inu — Magdalena Niemiec · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Japanese Chin — Trysha · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Japanese Spitz — Hakumichi · Public domain · file page
- Japanese Terrier — Pleple2000 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Jōmon Dog — 縄文柴犬研究センター · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Kai Ken — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Kishu — Sabine · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Shikoku Ken — Bigsteeve · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Tosa — Ludivine HOUDAS · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Kawakami Ken — Ｋａｔｕｕｙａ · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.