History of Shiba Inu in Timeline
The Shiba Inu is a small-to-medium-sized hunting dog breed originating from Japan. It is the smallest of the six original Japanese dog breeds. The name Shiba Inu literally translates to "brushwood dog", reflecting its historical use for flushing game in brushwood areas. It is known for its fox-like appearance, alert demeanor, and independent nature.
1912: Western dog breeds imported
In 1912, western dog breeds were imported to Japan, leading to crossbreeding with native Japanese breeds.
1926: Decline of pure Shiba
By 1926, the crossbreeding with western breeds had led to a situation where almost no pure Shiba Inu dogs remained in Japan.
1928: Interest in Shiba protection
Around 1928, hunters and intellectuals started to show interest in protecting the remaining pure Shiba Inu dogs in Japan.
1934: First Japanese breed standard published
In 1934, the first Japanese breed standard for the Shiba Inu, known as the Nippo Standard, was published.
December 1936: Shiba Inu recognized as Natural Monument
In December 1936, the Shiba Inu was officially recognized as a Natural Monument of Japan through the Cultural Properties Act.
1947: Creation of Sanin Shiba Inu
In 1947, the two remaining Shiba Inu breeds were bred together to create the foundation stock of the Sanin Shiba Inu.
1954: First Shiba Inu in the US
In 1954, an armed service family brought the first Shiba Inu to the United States.
1979: First recorded litter in the US
In 1979, the first recorded litter of Shiba Inu puppies was born in the United States.
1992: AKC Recognition
In 1992, the Shiba Inu was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
1993: Added to AKC Non-Sporting Group
In 1993, the Shiba Inu was added to the AKC Non-Sporting Group.
2010: Online culture presence
According to Jamie Cohen, the Shiba Inu breed has had a significant presence in online culture since at least 2010.
2013: Doge meme origin
The Doge internet meme, featuring Kabosu, a Shiba Inu, and broken English, originated in 2013.
2016: Ranked 44th in AKC Registrations
In 2016, the Shiba Inu breed ranked 44th in registrations with the American Kennel Club in the United States.
August 18, 2023: Death of 'Cheems'
On August 18, 2023, Cheems, a Shiba Inu known for going viral during the COVID-19 pandemic, died during cancer surgery.
2024: UK study on life expectancy
A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 14.6 years for the Shiba Inu breed.
