Dog shiba-inu: description, character and breed standard
This dog is widespread in Japan. It is called shiba-inu. The hunting breed is bred on the island of Honshu (Japan). Originally it was used to hunt wild boar, deer and even bear, as well as small game.
From the history of the breed
Historians and archaeologists say that the Japanesethe dog shiba-inu lived on Earth two and a half thousand years ago. But about a hundred years ago it was on the brink of extinction. Thanks to the timely measures taken (in 1928) to preserve the ancient species, tangible positive results were obtained, and the livestock gradually began to increase.
In 1934 the first standard of thisan amazing breed, and around the same time it was recognized as Japan's national treasure. Today, the hunting skills of these animals are practically not used. Now the dog shiba-inu is first and foremost a wonderful companion, a friend, a pet. Over time, these animals have become popular in Europe, North America, Australia.
External Features
Even non-professionals admit that this is verybeautiful dog. It is interesting that Japanese judges at dog shows and manufacturers pay great attention to the sexual characteristics of these cute animals, which must be clearly pronounced. The dog shiba-inu should not cause doubts: the male before you or the female, it is clear at once.
The backbone of a male must be much more powerful thanthe bitch, the musculature is thick, the head is big and wide, with pronounced podchechnymi bones and a rather short nose. Even the look and general position of the head look noble.
The female opposite, should always have a smaller backbone, not so developed musculature, and its tail should be thinner. The expression of the eyes of the female shiba-inu is meek, and the entire posture of the body is very elegant.
According to the standard, the dog's growth does not exceed 39.5 cm, and the bitches - 36.5 cm. The tolerance is ± 1.5. The weight of males is up to 14 kg, the female - up to 13 kg.
Cute, well-built Japanese dogshiba-inu has a large head, which slightly resembles the shape of a fox. The wide skull is marked by a pronounced transition from the forehead to the muzzle, which narrows closer to the nose. Lips of medium thickness, fit tightly. Paws short, tail set high and folded into a ringlet.
Shiba Inu: colors
This animal has a luxurious thick coat. It is short, dense, to the touch a little harsh. There is a dense soft undercoat. Very cute dog breed shiba-inu. Its colors may be different, but always bright and saturated: it is sesame color (red hair with black tips) and white, black with yellow or red tans, brindle.
Any dark color according to the standard should have more light areas located on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheekbones, on the chest and neck, on the inner surface of the paws, on the abdomen.
Character
The Shiba Inu breed is independent and prettywayward character, which without proper upbringing can cause misunderstanding with the owner. They are bold and hardy animals. With their upbringing, a strong-willed and resolute owner will be able to break the stubbornness of his pet and prove his leadership in relations with the shiba-inu.
Puppies of this breed are absolutely charmingcreatures, so owners often make the same mistake - they pamper the baby, and he very quickly starts using it. If you feel that you can not resist the charm of this crumb, ask for help from a professional cynologist.
Today the dog shiba-inu is beautifulcompanion, because she still has a strong hunting instinct. That is why we must not forget about the early socialization of such a pet and its upbringing. Greater attention to yourself does not require shiba-inu. Puppies from the first days of appearance in the house show their independence and restraint. Despite this, in communication with children they seem to forget about "good manners" and can play with them, cheerfully whimpering for several hours in a row. These are very energetic dogs that will make the company on a run, bike rides and sporting events.
Sometimes representatives of this breed canto show aggression towards dogs and strangers. This is due to the fact that they are exclusive owners and will not let anyone take what they consider as their own - furniture or toys, a house plot and even the owner himself. This dog will obey and become a loyal friend only to an experienced dog breeder, who loves serious and productive work with "complex" four-legged pets.
Maintenance and care
These magnificent animals are differentIncredible, not characteristic for the animal accuracy. Shiba Inu closely monitor their appearance: they do not go into dirty places, walk around puddles, very carefully lick their paws after walking.
The wool of this dog is practically not spoiled, and therefore care for it is quite simple. Periodically it is necessary to comb the hair with a brush with a coarse bristle. Bathe this dog only if necessary.
In the fall and spring, the shiba-inu molt, and verystrongly, therefore at this time they need to be combed twice a day. In addition, such a pet needs all the hygiene procedures that are required for all dogs - cleaning the ears and teeth, pruning claws. In eating, the dog is not fastidious: it does not require a varied diet and costs a small amount of food. Quite comfortable feels shiba ina in the city apartment, and in the enclosure of a country house.
Education and training
The cynologists are convinced that, by nature, inflexible anda weak person will not be able to establish contact with this animal. These dogs are trying to assert their leadership in the house from the puppy age. The animal seeks that the owner should feed him when the dog is hungry, leave the chair chosen by her, approach the first call. Agree, in many respects their wishes with the host are similar, therefore between them the confrontation which should be supervised by the person often begins.
At the earliest age the shiba-inu show theirhot temperament and irrepressible energy. Puppies among themselves arrange noisy brawls, figuring out which of them is the main one in the aviary. Perfectly charming creatures in relation to people and most other pets, having met with representatives of their breed, they turn into temperamental fighters. In all puppies, this trait manifests itself in different ways, so every case needs to be discussed with the breeder.
Health
The lifespan of these animals -fifteen to seventeen years. Shiba Inu most often suffer from hereditary diseases - dysplasia, a dislocation of the patella, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease. Some owners note a deterioration in the sight of their pets (not age). It is quite possible progressive atrophy of the retina, cataracts, there is also a twist of the century (entropion).
There are allergic reactions to shampoo and food. In this regard, when acquiring a puppy, do not be lazy to ask the breeder for a medical card of his parents.
Shiba Inu: price
Today, such a charming pet you canpurchase both in a specialized nursery, and from trusted and reliable private breeders. Only in the bird market you are unlikely to acquire a healthy and thoroughbred shiba-inu. The price of a thoroughbred puppy with all the necessary documents and vaccinations is at least two thousand dollars.
An animal without a tribal or exhibition perspective, as well as without a full package of documents, will cost you five hundred dollars.