The Shiba Inu

Independent and reserved by nature, the Shiba Inu exemplifies loyalty and affection to those who earn its respect. As the smallest of the Japanese native breeds, the compact and muscular Shiba Inu is alert, agile, and has the keen senses essential for a dog bred to hunt small wild game, boar, and bear in Japan’s mountainous regions. The breed descended from the primitive dogs of the ancient people of Japan and was named after its hunting terrain or the colour of the brushwood leaves in the fall—Shiba in Japanese means “brushwood” while Inu means “dog.” The breed was almost wiped out after World War II from bombing raids and distemper, but bloodlines have been combined since to produce the Shiba Inu as we know it today.

Dog: Koshi; Collar: Cali Girl “Transformers” collar, caligirlcollars.com