History of Shiba Inu in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 24, 2025

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.

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