The history of the shiba inu is one with “ups and downs.” The breed was almost extinct twice. Fortunately, it is such a great breed that the shiba inu is blooming again like a rose. If you wish to buy a shiba inu directly from a Belgian breeder, then check out our available puppies.
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The Inus that used to roam the Japanese islands in the Pacific Ocean were versatile. They were not only used for hunting but were also excellent guard dogs, distinguished themselves as tough fighters, and were even harnessed for sleds.
Their versatility was not due to the way they were bred. At that time, dogs were not bred for appearance or talents. As a result, there was enormous physical diversity within the breed. The differences that developed often had to do with the climate. For example, it could be very cold in the north during winter, while it was much warmer in the south. The structure of the coat adapted to environmental factors so that the dog could function as well as possible in any climate.
Hunting in Japan, not good for the Shiba inu
In the early twentieth century, various associations were established to defend the interests of the breed. This was necessary, as between 1868 and 1912, Japanese dog breeds were crossed with imported English setters and pointers. As hunting was on the rise and this sport became more popular than ever, attempts were made to improve the hunting capabilities of Japanese dogs by mixing in already established values within this dog sport.
As a result, many original characteristics of the shiba inu were naturally undermined. Eventually, a purebred shiba became a rare sight, and action had to be taken. The associations understood this and set themselves the goal of restoring the breed to its authentic form.
With all efforts for the shiba inu
It was particularly the association Nihonken Hozonkai, led by Doctor Hirokichi Saito, that achieved a great result. Since there were almost no purebred Japanese dogs left, they were forced to travel far to remote areas to select the right dogs to include in the planned breeding program. This was, of course, not an easy task.
Fortunately, they received help from academics, who conducted research for them in historical, zoological, archaeological, and anthropological fields. In 1937, their joint efforts were rewarded when the Japanese government took measures to declare the shiba inu a protected national heritage. This can be considered a true crowning of their years of work, as who wouldn’t want to be on this list of Japanese cultural heritage alongside sumo wrestling and geishas?
And then came the Second World War
Due to World War 2, this crown unfortunately soon fell from the work. By the end of the war, the breed was almost completely extinct. The search for suitable purebred bloodlines to breed again yielded little. The number of suitable dogs could barely be counted on one hand. But however small the gene pool was, it proved just enough to revive the shiba inu.
It is from these bloodlines that the shiba inu, as we know it today, originated. Since the revival of the dog breed after the Second World War, the shiba inu has even grown to become the most popular dog breed in Japan. For modern owners, it is important to understand how independent and self-reliant these dogs naturally are, which goes back to their historical role as versatile working dogs.
Today, the shiba inu is not only popular in Japan but has also gained a large following worldwide. For families with children, it is interesting to know how these dogs interact with the youngest family members. The training of a shiba inu requires an understanding of their unique history and character, while modern owners must also learn to deal with their natural stubbornness.
source: W o e f
