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Shiba Inus have lived with the Japanese people for centuries. Considered the smallest and oldest of Japan's dogs, the Shiba's ability to maneuver steep hills and mountain slopes, together with its keen senses, have repeatedly shown it to be a superb hunting dog. After reaching near extinction during World War II, only three Shiba bloodlines remained. They were the San In Shiba, Mino Shiba and the Shin Shu Shiba, the latter being the most popular. It is from these three lines that the breed evolved into the modern Shiba. The first Shiba documented in the United States was imported from Japan by an American service family in 1954.Movement is nimble, light, and elastic. At the trot, the legs angle in towards a center line while the topline remains level and firm. forward reach and rear extension are moderate and efficient. Shibas possess a spirited boldness, a good nature, and an unaffected forthrightness, which together yield dignity and natural beauty. The Shiba has an independent nature and can be reserved toward strangers but is loyal and affectionate to those who earn his respect. Shibas are totally odorless!
