Maintaining the Shiba Inu for Future Generations By Patricia Doescher What was I thinking? No, that wasn’t what I asked myself after agreeing to be the breed columnist for the magazine, the AKC Gazette, but rather it's what I asked myself in 1991 as I looked around and discovered I was the proud owner of four Shiba Inus and considering adding another! You've all heard the once famous slogan for “Lays” potato chips, "You can't eat just one." Many of us find it's the same with Shibas. "You can't own just one," has now become a familiar catchphrase between exhibitors and pet owners alike. So, what is the “irresistible” factor of this breed? Think back to the first time the Shiba caught your attention. Why did you give the breed a second look? Shiba breeder, Jane Chapin of J-Ann Shibas in Cuba, IL says, "Like everyone I thought they looked like foxes. I thought they were so cute and I liked the exotic look about them.” Geert Jan Wagemans of Jaklho Shibas, a breeder in the Netherlands, tells me he was hooked after seeing a picture of a Shiba. He said, “I gave this picture <of a Shiba> another good look and it was this "something" what no other breed has. There is no other dog that can look like this. It's mysticism. It is difficult to put into words.” My own feelings were quite similar. I was contentedly exhibiting my lovely Keeshonds when I saw a Shiba puppy owned by a friend. I became intrigued immediately with this little red dog, my attention caught by it’s nice clean lines and muscle-bound little body. At the time the oriental appearance of the head unknowingly played into the draw this creature had over me. However, only after studying the Japanese breed standard and its history did I become fully aware of the idiosyncrasies of “type” that make up this breed. Breed type is explained as: “Those things about a breed of dog that make it uniquely different from every other breed of dog.” With the Shiba it’s the way the eyes are positioned on the head in relationship to the ears, the pitch and placement of the ears with nice back-skull, a bright colored harsh coat which is well-fitted without looseness, the carriage of the tail reflecting the attitude and character of the breed which exudes boldness without aggression, and an over-all attitude of pride and dignity, yet with an inner calmness. The future of all breeds is dependent upon the integrity of its breeders, past, present and future. The characteristics that attracted us to the Shiba did not evolve by accident. Due to the Shiba’s near demise in the past, the early 1900’s found the breeders in Japan (its country of origin) creating a distinctive “type” as a guideline to reestablish the breed. The standard of the National Shiba Club of America is based on these same guidelines. As breeders in the present we must hold ourselves accountable to preserve these qualities that will allow the Shiba Inu to continue to stand out in its individualism among other Northern breeds. Only by doing so will we guarantee a future of continued appeal toward this captivating breed.