The Shiba Inu is a small to medium sized breed of hunting dog from Japan. It is the smallest of the six original dog breeds native to Japan. Its name translates to "brushwood dog", because it was used to flush out game.
1912: Western Dog Breeds Introduced
Between 1912 and 1926, the introduction of Western dog breeds to Japan led to cross-breeding with native Japanese breeds, including Shiba Inus, becoming increasingly common.
1926: Decline of Pure Shiba Inus
By 1926, due to extensive cross-breeding with Western dog breeds, the number of pure Shiba Inus in Japan had significantly dwindled.
1928: Renewed Interest in Shiba Preservation
Around 1928, a renewed interest in preserving the pure Shiba Inu breed emerged among hunters and intellectuals in Japan.
1934: First Japanese Breed Standard
The first official breed standard for Shiba Inus, known as the Nippo Standard, was established in 1934.
December 1936: Shiba Inu as Natural Monument
In December 1936, the Shiba Inu was officially designated as a Natural Monument of Japan through the Cultural Properties Act, largely thanks to the efforts of the Association for the Preservation of the Japanese Dog (Nippo). This recognition aimed to protect and preserve the breed's cultural significance.
1954: First Shiba Inu in the US
The year 1954 marked the arrival of the first Shiba Inu in the United States, brought over by a family associated with the armed services.
1979: First Recorded Shiba Litter in the US
The first recorded Shiba Inu litter was born in the United States in 1979, marking a significant step in the breed's establishment outside of Japan.
1992: AKC Recognition
The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Shiba Inu breed in 1992.
1993: Placement in AKC Non-Sporting Group
In 1993, the Shiba Inu was officially placed within the AKC's Non-Sporting Group, solidifying its categorization within the American kennel club system.
2010: Shiba Inu Online Presence
By at least 2010, the Shiba Inu breed had already established a notable presence in online culture, according to Jamie Cohen, an assistant professor of media studies at Queens College.
2013: Doge Meme
The "Doge" meme, featuring a Shiba Inu and characterized by broken English, emerged in 2013, further boosting the breed's online popularity.
2016: Shiba Inu Ranking in US
In 2016, the Shiba Inu breed held the 44th position in terms of registrations with the American Kennel Club, reflecting its growing popularity in the United States.
August 18, 2023: Cheems' Passing
'Cheems', a Shiba Inu who rose to fame online during the COVID-19 pandemic, sadly passed away on August 18, 2023, at the age of 12½ years due to complications during cancer surgery.