Facts about Shiba Inu

1. 09

   Doge, the famous Shiba Inu meme dog, was adopted from an animal shelter in Japan in 2008 before becoming an internet sensation around 2013.

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2. 08

   Shiba Inu puppies are born with floppy ears that gradually become erect by 8-12 weeks of age as ear cartilage develops and strengthens.

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3. 07

   Shiba Inus shed their double coat twice yearly in heavy cycles lasting 2-3 weeks, requiring daily brushing during these periods to manage loose fur effectively.

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4. 06

   The breed's name Shiba Inu combines the Japanese word shiba, meaning brushwood, with inu meaning dog, referencing the small bushes where they hunted game.

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5. 05

   Shiba Inus are prone to patellar luxation, a hereditary knee condition affecting up to 8% of the breed, requiring careful breeding practices to minimize occurrence.

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6. 04

   Shiba Inus weigh between 17 and 23 pounds at maturity, making them one of Japan's smallest native dog breeds despite their bold and independent temperament.

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7. 03

   In 1937, the Japanese government designated the Shiba Inu as a Natural Monument to preserve the breed's genetic purity and cultural heritage.

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8. 02

   A Shiba Inu's tail typically curls over its back in a tight loop called a sickle or spiral, a distinctive breed characteristic prized by Japanese breed standards.

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9. 01

   Originally bred in Japan during the 3rd century BC, the Shiba Inu was developed to hunt small game in mountainous terrain.

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