Creslane Shibas

For all those who are wondering what a Shiba is........ here is a little bit of information about this fascinating breed.

"What in the world is a Shiba?" Shibas, unheard of several years ago, are quickly gaining in popularity. They are a handsome breed. Those who find the "spitz-type" of dog attractive with their erect ears, plush double-coat, and curled tail, will also like the Shiba. They are the smallest of the Japanese breeds, with Akitas being the largest. The Shiba size is very attractive. They have the personality and attitude of their much larger cousins but in a much more manageable size. But don't let their size fool you! They are incredibly strong! Beyond their beautiful physical characteristics, the Shiba is exceptionally intelligent and will steal your heart with their winning ways.

We have 4 Shibas at the moment. They are all "show dogs", but most importantly, they are all members of the family. Our Shiba boys are "Chonan" and "Garth" and our Shiba girls are "Josie" and "Brooks".

Shibas love to run and play in the yard. They sometimes can play very rough. They also are "on guard" and patrol the property on a regular basis for intruders of both the 2-legged and 4-legged varieties! After all, they were bred originally to be watch dogs and small game hunters. Their instincts are still very much intact unlike many of the more domesticated breeds of dogs in the USA today. In many ways, the Shiba still exhibits a primitive instinct much like the original Shiba centuries ago. Despite the Shiba's unassuming demeanor, this breed should not be underestimated. It is NOT a Lab nor is it a plush teddy bear. The Shiba likes to have a reason for doing things and they challenge you to explain what that reason is! Shibas are a "thinking" breed and they can be stubborn! Have you ever heard of the "Shiba Scream"? Well you will the first time you put a collar and leash on a Shiba - AND expect them to walk along with you! Don't let the scream stop you, though. They do get over it! It's just their way of letting you know that this is all YOUR idea, not THEIRS! The Shiba is an extremely intelligent, instinctive breed to be understood and respected as such. This natural primitive instinct demands that the Shiba be both admired and respected. This is not a breed for someone who does not have the time or interest to invest in training and bonding with their dog. Trust and respect are Key factors when working with a Shiba. The investment is well worth the effort!

A well-bred, lovingly raised Shiba loves people. There are exceptions to every rule, but most Shibas love to be with you, not necessarily on your lap, but within view. They are very cat-like in many ways. They love to be around you but they are not demanding or needy. Their cleanliness is exceptional. There is no "doggy" odor from them and housebreaking consists of showing them where the door is. They are second to none in cleanliness! Shibas are relatively quiet dogs making warning noises - barks, yodels, or yelps - only when there is someone or something around.

Shibas need to live in a safe, fenced area and be taken out of that area only on a leash. They were originally bred as guard dogs and small game hunters. So, their instinct tells them to "patrol, watch, and protect their territory and their people". If allowed to run free to follow their instinctive behavior, they would very quickly be hit by a car or become sick or injured trying to rid the world of potential threats. Adult Shibas often view other animals as intruders and consider them a threat, so they will "posture" and growl and behave aggresively towards the other animal. As young pups, Shibas should be socialized and exposed to as much stimuli as possible, including other dogs. When you teach them that other dogs are not a threat, there is less of a chance that they will become overly dog-aggressive as adults. However, it is important to keep in mind that the Shiba is operating on instinct, so never underestimate that. CRESLANE believes, "Shibas respond best to a soft voice, gentle hands, and consistent firmness coated with kindness." Shibas quickly learn your routine, what is expected and accepted by you and what is not. They are food motivated and love a treat from you for good behavior! As a matter of fact, like many other breeds, they will gladly repeat that behavior hoping for a treat! After awhile, that good behavior will be a way of life whether there is a treat or not! NEVER make working with a Shiba a "power-play". You will lose. Shibas never forget a kindness and learn to trust. They also never forget fear and where it came from. Basic obedience training and socialization is not only recommended for a Shiba - it is critical!

Shibas are a "wash and wear" breed. No clipping, stripping, or shaving of their coat required. Their plush double-coat is all natural and only needs daily human petting to keep it nice. Of course, an occasional bath and brushing may be needed just to fluff them up. Shibas come in different coat colors - Red, Red-Sesame, and Black & Tan are the most common. Cream/White coats are seen occasionally but are not preferred in the show ring or for breeding according to the AKC Breed Standard.

Like all double-coated (short, soft, downy undercoat for insulation and longer, coarser guard hairs for waterproofing) breeds, Shibas do shed. Once or twice a year, they will shed out their undercoat and will definitely NOT look their best. A warm bath and some extra brushing during this shedding time helps remove all the dead fur and stimulates the growth of the new coat. In a few weeks, that old scruffy, dull coat will be replaced with a new glistening coat.

Until recently, Shibas had not reached the levels of popularity experienced by some other breeds, so the incidence of overbreeding and genetic conditions was low for them. However, Shiba popularity is on the rise and with it often comes a cost to the breed in the form of increased incidents of genetic conditions, poor temperament, and loss of type (what makes a Shiba look like a Shiba should). But, as of now, Shibas are still a very hearty, healthy breed overall. To ensure the Shiba breed's continued health, we always check hips, patellas (knees), and eyes prior to breeding, as well as type and temperament. Only the very best are bred!

Well, that is our version of "all about the Shiba" in a nutshell! If we had to mention only one thing about living with Shibas, we would have to say it is their respectful arrogance and dignity! They can "let their hair down" and play, but they quickly regain their status with a shake of their head and a "snork" which says, "Remember who I am! I am Shiba!"

Enjoy the photos of our Shibas and feel free to email with any questions you may have. We love to talk about our Shibas!

If you would like to learn more about the Shiba Inu breed, the history, and the AKC Breed Standard, click here