The Shiba is a small dog. The average height at the withers is 40 cm for males and 37 cm for females. Its tail is thick, set high and tightly curled over the back. The outer coat is hard and straight while the undercoat is soft and dense. The color of the dress can be red, black and tan, sesame, black sesame, red sesame. All the dresses have urajiro, whitish spots, especially on the chest and cheeks.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale classifies the Shiba among the Asian Spitz dogs. (1)

The Shiba is a breed of dog that originated in a mountainous region of Japan. It is the oldest breed in the archipelago and its name, Shiba, means “little dog”. Originally, it was used for hunting small game and birds. The breed came close to extinction during the first half of the 1937th century, but was finally saved and declared a “national monument” in 1. (XNUMX)

The Shiba has an independent character and can be reserved towards strangers, but it is a loyal and affectionate dog towards those who know how to assert themselves as the dominant ones. He may have a tendency to be aggressive towards other dogs.

The standard of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale describes him as a dog “Faithful, very attentive and very alert”. (1)

The Shiba is a robust dog in generally good health. According to the 2014 Purebred Dog Health Survey conducted by the UK Kennel Club, the number one cause of death in purebred dogs was old age. During the study, the vast majority of dogs did not have any pathology (over 80%). Among the rare dogs with disease, the most observed pathologies were cryptorchidism, allergic dermatoses and patellar dislocations (2). In addition, as with other purebred dogs, it may be susceptible to developing hereditary diseases. Among these we can note the microcytosis of Shiba inu and gangliosidosis GM1 (3-4)

La microcytose du Shiba inu

Shiba inu microcytosis is an inherited blood disorder characterized by the presence of red blood cells of smaller diameter and size than the normal average in the animal’s blood. It also affects the other Japanese dog breed, the Akita Inu.

The diagnosis is guided by breed predisposition and is made by a blood test and a blood count.

There is no associated anemia and this disease does not affect the overall health of the animal. The vital prognosis is therefore not engaged. However, it is advisable not to use the blood of dogs of this breed for blood transfusions due to this anomaly. (4)

GM1 gangliosidosis

GM1 gangliosidosis or Norman-Landing disease is a metabolic disease of genetic origin. It is caused by the dysfunction of an enzyme called β-D-Galactosidase. This deficiency leads to an accumulation of a substance called glanglioside type GM1 in the nerve cells and the liver. The first clinical signs usually appear around the age of five months. These include tremors of the rear end, hyperexcitability and a lack of coordination of movements. It is also associated with a growth failure from an early age. Symptoms worsen over time and eventually the disease progresses to quadriplegia and complete blindness. The worsening is rapid in 3 or 4 months and the prognosis is poor since death usually occurs around the age of 14 months.

The diagnosis is made using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which shows damage to the white matter of the brain. Analysis of a sample of cerebrospinal fluid also shows that the concentration of GM1 type gangliosides is increased and makes it possible to measure the enzymatic activity of β-galactosidase.

A genetic test can also make it possible to establish a formal diagnosis by demonstrating mutations in the GLB1 gene encoding β-galactosidase.

To date, there is no specific treatment for the disease and the prognosis is grim because the fatal course of the disease seems inevitable. (4)

The cryptorchidie

Cryptorchidism is an abnormal position of one or both testes in which the testicle (s) are still located in the abdomen and have not descended into the scrotum after 10 weeks.

This abnormality causes a defect in the production of sperm and can also lead to infertility. In some cases, cryptorchidism can also cause testicular tumors.

Diagnosis and localization of the testicle is done by ultrasound. The treatment is then surgical or hormonal. The prognosis is good, but it is still recommended not to use the animals for breeding in order to avoid transmission of the anomaly. (4)

The Shiba is a lively dog ​​and can be a strong head. They are, however, excellent pets and excellent guard dogs. They are particularly loyal to their family and are easy to train. However, they are not working dogs and therefore are not among the ideal dog breeds for dog competitions.

If they get angry or overly excited, they may utter high-pitched screams.