The Faithful Aide of the Samurai

Shiba Inu is a true force of nature in a dog's body – small, independent, and full of character, as if it carried within it the spirit of ancient Japanese warriors. This charming yet firm dog can capture the heart of its owner in the blink of an eye, but don't expect it to ever completely submit to its owner's will. This is a dog that – quite literally – grew up in the ancient forests of Japan, surviving centuries of history, and now proudly walks through city streets while carrying the legacy of the samurai within.

Its history begins more than 9,000 years ago when the first settlers on the Japanese islands during the Jōmon period brought the ancestors of Shiba along with them to help hunt small game. This small dog, agile as an arrow, was perfectly suited for tracking animals through dense thickets. However, it was not just a simple hunter – the Shiba Inu is a breed that, since ancient times, has witnessed the formation of Japanese culture, accompanying its inhabitants in the harsh conditions of mountainous regions. Imagine that the same dogs we see on today's park walks once followed in the footsteps of ancient warriors.

Agility, courage, and loyalty – these traits that so closely resemble those of legendary samurai – are no surprise in the Shiba Inu. This dog accompanied medieval samurai in their lives. It was a favored companion during hunts and even accompanied armies during marches, helping to gather food in the forests through which the army traveled.

The modern world has gone crazy for Shiba Inu – from internet memes to social media stars, these dogs have gained immense popularity. However, few people realize that behind this cute, fox-like face lies an ancient history full of adventures, challenges, and extraordinary connections with Japanese culture. In this article, I invite you on a fascinating journey through the history of the Shiba Inu, from ancient forests to contemporary pop culture. Let’s get to know this remarkable, loyal companion of the samurai.

Meet the Main Character – Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu is the little fox of the dog world – agile, full of energy, and charm that can steal your heart in a heartbeat. When you look at a Shiba, you might get the impression that it’s a fox that somehow decided to become a dog and join your family. But it’s not just the appearance that makes it stand out – each Shiba Inu carries something that sets it apart from other breeds.

The Name

The name Shiba Inu holds both history and symbolism that date back centuries. In kanji, Shiba Inu is written as 柴犬: a combination of two words: "Shiba" (柴) and "Inu" (犬). "Shiba" literally means "brushwood" or "shrub," which refers to the dense forests where these dogs were used to hunt small game. They would "hide" in the bushes as they stalked their prey – hence the name. Another theory suggests that "Shiba" may also mean "small" (small like a shrub), which fits the compact size of this dog. Meanwhile, "Inu" simply means "dog" in Japanese.

The name Shiba Inu became commonly used during the Meiji period when the Japanese began taking an interest in preserving native dog breeds in the face of the influx of Western breeds. Previously, Shiba Inu was known by different names depending on the region in which it was found. It was not until the 1930s, thanks to the efforts of breed enthusiasts, that the name "Shiba Inu" was standardized and officially adopted.

Size and Build: Compact Yet Strong

Shiba Inu is a small dog that masterfully combines compactness with strength. Although it may appear small at first glance (typically 33-41 cm in height), it is incredibly well-built. Its muscular silhouette and solid build allow it to perform various feats – from running along mountain paths to tracking animals through thick undergrowth. Shiba moves with grace, like a born hunter. Despite weighing only 8-13 kg, don’t be fooled – this is a true "little warrior."

Coat and Coloring: The Armor of a Fox Warrior

The Shiba Inu’s coat is a true wonder of nature. It is double-layered, meaning it consists of two layers: a soft, fluffy undercoat and stiff, straight guard hairs. The latter serves as a barrier against rain and snow, allowing Shiba Inu to be prepared for all weather conditions. Even the worst weather won’t ruin its look. The most common colors are red (known as "aka"), sesame (a mix of red and black), and black and tan. And here’s an interesting fact – while Shiba Inu also comes in a cream (white) color, it’s not recognized by Japanese kennel clubs (the distinguishing feature of the breed – urajiro – is not visible against a white background).

What is Shiba Inu Like?

What is this mysterious "urajiro" (裏白 – literally "white underside")? It refers to whitish markings that must appear on the face, chest, belly, underside of the tail, and inside the legs for a dog to be recognized as a Shiba Inu. These white accents add extra charm to the Shiba Inu and make every dog look like it’s wearing its own unique "battle markings." Add to that the characteristic triangular, upright ears that are always alert and ready for any sound, and the curled tail proudly resting on its back – a sign of pride and confidence.

A Fox in a Dog's Skin

Comparisons of Shiba Inu to a fox are no coincidence – if you’ve ever seen a red Shiba, you know it’s hard to resist the comparison. The same slender lines, intelligent gaze, and incredible agility. Shiba Inu can sneak around like a fox, full of mysterious charm.

Personality

Shiba Inu is a dog with a unique character, combining independence with courage. This is a breed that knows exactly what it wants and isn’t afraid to show it. Independence is one of its key traits – Shiba Inu often acts on its own terms and can be stubborn, which doesn’t always make training easy. However, it’s this confidence that makes it such an endearing companion. Shiba Inu doesn’t need constant approval and attention and prefers to make decisions independently, which sometimes resembles a cat more than a dog. It’s a dog that values its own space, but once it becomes attached, its loyalty is unshakable.

Shiba Inu’s intelligence and strong hunting instinct come from its historical role as a hunting dog. For centuries, these dogs were used to hunt small game, which developed their ability to act independently and react quickly to their surroundings. Shiba Inu is a breed that thinks fast and acts fast, which, combined with its independence, can make training challenging. For this reason, Shiba Inu needs an owner who is patient and consistent but can also respect the autonomy of this exceptional dog.

Shiba Inu’s loyalty to its owner is as strong as its distrust of strangers. This dog bonds with its family wholeheartedly but keeps a distance from those outside its inner circle. Shiba Inu is not the type of dog to greet every visitor with enthusiasm – quite the opposite, it is cautious and reserved in contact with new people. This trait makes Shiba Inu an excellent watchdog that will be a devoted companion on one hand, and on the other – always maintain a distance from strangers.

A Journey through History

When Did They Appear?

Now let’s travel back in time – to the Jōmon period, which began around 14,000 BCE. The Japanese islands were then wild and mountainous, and their inhabitants – the Jōmon people – were a hunter-gatherer society that settled in small communities. They lived in harmony with nature, using the resources of the forests and rivers. It was during this time that the first dogs, ancestors of the modern Shiba Inu, appeared on the scene. These dogs were not just companions to humans but indispensable partners in hunting.

Archaeological discoveries, including dog remains found in various parts of Japan, indicate that the ancestors of Shiba Inu lived as early as 7000 BCE. These dogs were small, agile, and perfectly adapted to Japan’s harsh mountainous terrain. They worked with humans in hunting small game such as birds or rabbits, in dense thickets and forests. Not only were they quick and agile, but they also possessed an exceptional hunting instinct.

These ancient dogs, considered the ancestors of today’s Shiba Inu, were invaluable companions – not only helping to acquire food but also serving as guardians, protecting settlements from wild animals. Their adaptability and endurance allowed them to survive through the centuries, even as Japan began to change.

Shiba Inu in the Lives of Aristocrats of the Heian Period (794–1185)

During the Heian period (794–1185), Japan experienced intense cultural and political development. This was a time when the aristocrats of the imperial court and the emerging class of warriors, who would eventually evolve into the samurai, played a key role in shaping Japanese tradition. During this period, hunting was not only a form of entertainment but also one of the essential elements of daily life for the elite. Dogs, specifically the Shiba Inu, were indispensable companions in these activities.

Shiba Inu, with its small size and remarkable agility, was ideal for hunting small game such as birds or rabbits. Hunting with dogs was part of court ceremonies and the entertainment of the aristocracy. The dogs were used for tracking and capturing game, and thanks to their intelligence and independence, Shiba Inu gained recognition as excellent hunters.

Hunting in the Heian period was often organized as grand social events that aimed not only to provide entertainment but also to allow the aristocracy physical exercise and strengthen bonds with companions. Shiba Inu, with its endurance, speed, and ability to make independent decisions in difficult terrain, was the perfect companion during these outings. Documents such as "Konjaku Monogatari" – a collection of stories from that period – contain mentions of hunting with Shiba Inu dogs, which tracked and drove the game into traps.

One of the more well-known aristocrats of the Heian period who was an avid hunter was Fujiwara no Michinaga (966–1028), one of the most influential politicians of the time. He organized numerous hunts, in which his companions and members of the court participated. Shiba Inu hunting dogs were an integral part of such outings, helping to track game and showcasing their extraordinary agility and endurance.

Shiba Inu, due to its small size and remarkable agility, was ideal for hunting small game, such as birds or rabbits. Hunting with dogs was a part of court ceremonies and aristocratic entertainment. The dogs were used for tracking and capturing game, and thanks to their intelligence and independence, Shiba Inu earned recognition as excellent hunters.

Hunting during the Heian period was often organized as grand social events, aimed not only at providing entertainment but also at giving the aristocracy physical exercise and strengthening bonds with their companions. Shiba Inu, with its endurance, speed, and ability to make independent decisions in difficult terrain, was the perfect companion for these outings. Documents such as "Konjaku Monogatari"—a collection of stories from that period—contain references to hunts with Shiba Inu, which tracked and drove game into traps.

One of the more well-known aristocrats of the Heian period who was an avid hunter was Fujiwara no Michinaga (966–1028), one of the most influential politicians of that time. He organized numerous hunts in which his companions and court members participated. Hunting dogs, including Shiba Inu, were an integral part of these expeditions, helping track the game and demonstrating their incredible agility and stamina.

Connection with the Samurai

Let’s now move to medieval Japan, when the samurai were the elite of society, and their lives were closely tied to the principles of honor and subordination (later known as Bushido—the way of the warrior). Although at first glance, it may seem that Shiba Inu—a small, energetic dog—has little in common with powerful warriors, in reality, these two entities are closely linked. Shiba Inu, long present in Japan, even embodies values that the samurai cherished.

Although Shiba Inu did not fight alongside the samurai on the battlefield, their role was important. Shiba Inu were valued companions during hunts, which held great significance in samurai culture. Hunting was not only a way to gather food—it was also a form of training and meditation, aimed at strengthening the samurai’s body and spirit. Shiba Inu, as a fearless hunter, fit perfectly into this ritual, serving as a partner in hunting small game in the mountainous, densely wooded regions of Japan. Its agility, speed, and independence complemented the discipline of the samurai.

In Japanese culture, Shiba Inu embodied values related to honor, determination, and loyalty—the same values that characterized the samurai (although certainly, Shiba Inu’s independent spirit was less aligned with the samurai’s ideal of subordination and obedience). There are also frequent accounts of these dogs accompanying marching samurai and ashigaru armies, helping to gather food from the forest.

The Edo Period (1603–1868)

The Edo period (1603–1868) was a time of political, social, and economic stability in Japan under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate. During this period, Japan remained isolated from the rest of the world, which greatly influenced various aspects of life in the country, including the development of local dog breeds like Shiba Inu. Political and geographic isolation, known as sakoku, prevented the influence of foreign breeds on the native fauna.

While most dog breeds in Europe and other parts of the world were being crossbred and modified due to foreign influences, isolation during the Edo period allowed Shiba Inu to retain its original traits. The geographic isolation of Japan’s mountainous regions helped maintain local dog populations in nearly unchanged form for hundreds of years.

Many mountainous regions of Japan, such as Nagano, Gifu, or Shimane, were cut off from major urban centers, meaning that Shiba Inu breeding developed in isolation, adapting to local environmental conditions. The lack of contact with other dog breeds meant that Shiba Inu could retain its original hunting function and characteristic physical features for a long time.

Shiba Inu played a vital role in the daily life of rural communities, especially in mountainous areas, where life was tough and even more dependent on natural resources than in the cities. In many rural regions, particularly in provinces like Nagano, Shiba Inu was an indispensable hunting companion, helping to hunt small game such as rabbits, pheasants, or wild birds. Its small but muscular build allowed it to move quickly and skillfully through dense forests and mountainous terrain, making it the perfect dog for the challenging landscapes typical of Japan.

During the Edo period, farmers often kept Shiba Inu not only as hunting dogs but also as guards for their homes and barns. These dogs were used to guard households, alerting their owners to uninvited guests, whether human or wild animals. With their vigilance and courage, as well as their distrust of strangers while remaining loyal to their master, Shiba Inu became not only a tool for hunting but also a symbol of loyalty and protection in rural communities.

The Meiji Era and World War II: The Threat of Extinction

Unfortunately, in the 19th century, during the Meiji era (1868–1912), Japan opened itself up to Western influences, which also affected native dog breeds. With the influx of Western breeds, Shiba Inu was increasingly crossbred with European dogs, leading to a decline in the number of purebred Shiba. The situation became critical during World War II when food shortages and a distemper epidemic nearly led to the extinction of the breed. Shiba Inu dogs, like people and other animals, suffered from hunger and harsh wartime conditions.

After the war, intensive efforts were made to save Shiba Inu. Breeders in Japan initiated a breed preservation program, trying to restore its original traits by using three main varieties: Shinshu Shiba from the Nagano region, Mino Shiba from Gifu, and San’in Shiba from the Shimane and Tottori regions. Thanks to the efforts of breeders and defenders, this exceptional breed was saved from complete extinction.

Shiba Inu as a National Treasure: Japan’s Natural Monument

In recognition of its historical significance and unique traits, Shiba Inu was officially designated a National Natural Monument in 1936, thanks to Japan’s cultural heritage preservation law. This designation highlights the importance of this breed to Japan’s heritage and culture. Despite its near extinction, Shiba Inu survived thanks to the efforts of Japanese breeders, becoming one of the country’s national symbols and a living legend whose roots stretch back thousands of years.

The National Natural Monument (天然記念物, tennen kinenbutsu) is a special status awarded not only to inanimate natural objects but also to exceptional species of plants, animals, and ecosystems in Japan.

Modern Stars from Nico Nico and YouTube

Beyond its long and rich history, Shiba Inu has gained entirely new fame in recent years—representatives of this charming dog breed have become true stars of the Internet and pop culture. In the era of social media, memes, and viral trends, Shiba Inu has found its place as one of the icons of the Internet, particularly on platforms like Nico Nico Douga, YouTube, and Instagram. Here are some of the most famous Shiba Inu who have captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

#1. Kabosu – "Doge"

Perhaps the most famous Shiba Inu in the world is Kabosu (かぼす – named after a small, sour fruit in Japan)—the dog who became the face of one of the most recognizable Internet memes, known as Doge. Kabosu, adopted by Japanese blogger Atsuko Sato, appeared in a series of photos on her blog in 2010.

Her expressive, "confused" facial expression quickly went viral, and the meme with captions like "such wow, much amaze" took the Internet by storm. Doge became not only a symbol of Internet humor but also the inspiration for the cryptocurrency Dogecoin (technically somewhat similar to Bitcoin), making Kabosu one of the most recognizable faces in cyberspace. A few years later, in 2020, a second cryptocurrency—Shiba Inu—was created, which was meant to be the "Dogecoin killer" (although it was a completely different cryptocurrency—an ERC-20 token based on the Ethereum blockchain).

#2. Maru – Instagram Star

Maru (マル) is another superstar in the world of Shiba Inu, who gained immense popularity on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. This adorable dog from Japan is known for his wide "smile" and cheerful disposition.

Maru has millions of fans worldwide who follow his daily adventures. His owner regularly posts photos and videos of Maru playing, walking around Japanese cities, or posing for photos with his characteristic grin. Maru embodies joy and calm, which earned him popularity.

#3. Shibao – Popular on Nico Nico Douga

Shibao is one of the most recognizable Shiba Inu on the Japanese platform Nico Nico Douga. His videos showcase everyday life filled with typical Shiba Inu antics and playful behavior. Shibao captured viewers’ hearts with his agility, a hint of disobedience, and absolute charm, reflecting the essence of the breed’s character. Viewers from around the world watch his antics, and the live comments during broadcasts are full of praise for his intelligence and cleverness.

#4. Cheems – A Pandemic Icon

Cheems is another Shiba Inu who gained enormous popularity on the Internet, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This dog became the protagonist of memes featuring his face with humorous captions, often written with intentional spelling mistakes, which provided opportunities for linguistic jokes.

Cheems memes were often used to depict everyday problems and humorous situations, gaining popularity on platforms like Reddit and Twitter. Cheems became a true icon of Internet humor, and his image appeared in hundreds of edits and interpretations.

Conclusion

Shiba Inu is not only a dog with an enchanting appearance and impressive heritage but also a symbol of Japanese spirit and history. From ancient times, when it accompanied the Jōmon people on their hunts, to modern times, when it achieved the status of an Internet star, this small, energetic canine continues to entertain and help us.

The modern popularity of Shiba Inu is not only due to its charm or agility but also, in part, to its extraordinary history. Today, whether we meet a Shiba Inu in city parks or see it on our computer and phone screens, we can be sure that behind its fox-like face lies a true spirit of the past, filled with Japanese tradition and pride.

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 A connoisseur of Asian culture with a deep-seated appreciation for various philosophies of the world. By education, psychologist and Korean philologist. By heart, an Android developer and an ardent tech aficionado. In tranquil moments, he champions a disciplined way of life, firmly believing that steadfastness, perpetual self-enhancement, and a dedication to one's passions is a sensible path for life.

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  Mike Soray

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