Height: 13 to 17 inches at shoulder
Weight: 17 to 23 pounds
Coat: straight and thick
Life span: 12 to 16 years
Breed Group: Companion Dogs

The Shiba Inu was originally bred to flush birds and small game, and was occasionally used to hunt wild boar. He is one of Japan's six native breeds: Akita (large), Kishu, Hokkaido, Kai, Shikoku (medium), and Shiba (small). He is known for his spirited personality, small upright ears, and cat-like agility. Today he serves primarily as a companion dog in Japan and the United States.