Shiba Inu: One of Japan’s Cutest Dogs! 

If you’ve been on the internet during the last ten years, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with Shiba Inu. This dog breed is not only famous on the internet for being cute and silly, but it also has the honor of being Japan’s number-one dog breed!

If you’ve ever considered owning one for yourself, or if you’ve ever wanted to learn a little more about the history of these popular dogs, this is the article for you!

What is a Shiba Inu?

The Shiba Inu is a breed of dog native to Japan. They were traditionally bred to aid in hunting, as their name translates to “brushwood dog.” These small, tan, and cream-colored dogs are the most popular breed in Japan and bear the title of a Natural Monument of Japan. This is a testament to their popularity and cultural importance.

Where did it originate?

Shiba Inu’s origins date back to the Jomon Period of Japanese history, roughly between 14,000 and 1,000 BC. Small carvings known as dogs have been found that represent this breed, proving that they’ve been an important part of Japanese life for millennia. Prehistoric evidence suggests that these dogs came from the Chubu Region or the central region of Japan.

Are there any similar breeds?

A few other Japanese dog breeds, including the Akita Inu and the Hokkaido breeds, are similar to the Shiba Inu. While these breeds share certain similarities in appearance, origin, and hunting backgrounds, it is important to remember that each breed is different and requires specific care and training.

How should I care for a Shiba Inu?

Shibas may be super cute, but like any dog, they require special care and training. Failure to give these dogs proper care may result in a very unhappy dog and owner. Shibas, in particular, can be deceptively tricky to train, as their intelligence, size, and personality make them seem like easy pets.

Shibas were hunting dogs, which means they have an immense amount of natural energy that must be expended daily. Walks, playtime, and outdoor activities are absolute musts for these dogs.

Shiba’s are also highly intelligent, making dog-proofing a house tricky. They are fantastic escape artists; owners have watched their dogs open crates, locked doors, sliding glass doors, and even certain other doors. They are super sneaky and crafty animals, which can be challenging for owners not ready to wrangle their dogs daily.

As such, it is extremely important to keep Shiba on their leashes when outside. Since they are hunting dogs, they can and will dart off instantly if something catches their attention. They are also incredibly stubborn dogs, so having them return and obey commands can be difficult.

Many owners liken Shibas to cats as they often choose when and from whom they want affection. If an owner is accustomed to the kind of dog that will gladly take love and attention at any given moment, dealing with a Shiba may be a rude awakening. 

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Are there any famous Shiba Inu?

A handful of famous Shiba Inu’s have recently popped up online. From silly jokes to social media superstars, these dogs have made quite a name for themselves. There’s a good chance that you’ve seen some of these dogs, too!

Kabosu

Easily one of, if not the most famous internet dog of all time, Kabosu was the face of the doge meme that took the internet by storm about ten years ago. A picture of Kabosu looking sideways at the camera, with a few words of disjointed text, typically written as, “Much ___, wow,” wound up all over the internet. The term “doge” became so popular that there’s even a cryptocurrency called Dogecoin.

Cheems

Another famous meme pooch, Cheems, became the face of another meme that made the internet rounds a few years ago. With a long face and slightly dour expression, Cheems became the face of the “bonk meme”, a joke used to inform someone that they needed to reevaluate their actions jokingly. Armed with a bat, the bonk meme has been passed around in virtually every community online, a testament to how cute Cheems was. 

Maru

Unlike the other two doggies on this list, Maru is not a meme dog but a global icon. With over two million followers on Instagram, Maru is a world-famous dog from Japan who shares their adventures daily. From restaurants to parks to other outings, people worldwide check in to see what Maru is up to! 

Why is the Shiba Inu so popular?

The Shiba Inu is so popular because it’s a cute dog and a part of Japanese culture. As small and intelligent dogs, Shiba’s make good pets for those who can train them properly. With such boundless personalities, they are far more different than slower and more even-paced breeds people may be familiar with.

The battle to preserve the Shiba Inu breed in Japan has been fought for nearly a hundred years now, as the introduction of Western breeds and various disasters have nearly ended the purebred line. In that regard, Shibas are an essential piece of Japanese history that carries on millennia’s worth of history and culture.

Do you like Shiba Inus? Do you have one yourself? Please let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear about your special pooch!