If you’ve spent any time online, you’ve probably met a Shiba Inu. Whether they are the face of a meme, executing a famous ‘Shiba Scream,’ or simply giving a side-eye that says, “I’m judging you,” this ancient Japanese breed is loaded with personality.
Often described as a cat-dog hybrid, the Shiba is sassy, independent, and undeniably loyal. But there’s so much more to this striking, fox-like pup than just viral fame!
Here are five fascinating facts that explain why the Shiba Inu is one of the most unique dogs in the world.
1. They Are the Smallest of the Six Japanese Natives
The Shiba Inu belongs to a group of six native Japanese spitz breeds (Nihon Ken), all named after the region they originated from. The Shiba is the baby of the group.
The six breeds, listed by size, are:
- Shiba Inu (Smallest)
- Shikoku Ken
- Kishu Ken
- Hokkaido
- Kai Ken
- Akita Inu (Largest)
The word “Shiba” itself has a couple of meanings in Japanese: it can mean “brushwood,” referring to the small trees where they used to hunt, or it can refer to the vibrant, reddish brushwood colour of their coat—the most popular hue.
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2. That Famous Vocalisation is Called the “Shiba Scream”
The “Shiba Scream” is legendary and not necessarily a sign of pain or fear. It’s a high-pitched, loud, and often piercing yodel or howl that Shibas use to express strong emotions—and they are not shy about using it!
The scream can be heard when:
- They are overjoyed (e.g., when you return home).
- They are very upset (e.g., getting their nails clipped or receiving a bath).
- They are frustrated or simply demanding attention.
It is part of the breed’s unique, dramatic way of communicating, solidifying their reputation as the biggest divas in the dog world.
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3. They Are Masters of the ‘Shiba Shuffle’ and ‘Shiba 500’
Shibas are notorious for their independence, which can manifest in two distinctive types of locomotion:
- The Shiba Shuffle (or Bolt): Shibas have a powerful hunting drive and are masters of the escape. If they aren’t securely contained or kept on a lead, they are famous for suddenly ‘bolting’ out of sight. This is why a secure garden fence and a solid lead connection are non-negotiable for the breed.
- The Shiba 500: Like a sudden burst of energy, the Shiba 500 is a random, rapid sprint around the house or garden, often ending as quickly as it began. They just need to expel that sudden sass-fueled energy!
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4. They Possess “Cat-Like” Fastidiousness (Grooming)
While most dogs require regular bathing to stay clean, Shibas are remarkably self-cleaning. They often engage in fastidious grooming behaviours, similar to cats. They lick their paws and legs and will even attempt to wash their own face.
This fastidiousness extends to their environment: they are known to be meticulous about avoiding stepping in puddles, mud, or anything that might dirty their pristine white paws. If you have a Shiba, you’ll likely spend more time chasing them with a towel before they step on mud than after!
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5. They Were Almost Wiped Out by World War II
Despite their current popularity, the Shiba Inu breed faced near extinction during World War II due to food shortages and a devastating outbreak of distemper shortly afterward.
Dedicated breeding programmes were launched after the war, combining the three surviving bloodlines (Mino, Shinshu, and San’in) to secure the future of the breed. This crucial effort is why the resilient, resourceful Shiba Inu still thrives globally today.
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