The
Shiba Inu (柴犬, shiba inu or shiba ken) is the smallest of the six original and distinct
breeds of
dog from
Japan.
Inu is the Japanese word for dog, but the "Shiba" prefix's origin are less clear. The word
shiba usually refers to a type of red shrub. This leads some to believe that the Shiba was named with this in mind, either because the dogs were used to hunt in wild shrubs, or because the most common color of the Shiba Inu is a red color similar to that of the shrubs. However, in old Japanese, the word
shiba also had the meaning of "small", thus this might be a reference to the dog's small size. Therefore, the Shiba Inu is sometimes translated as "Little Brushwood Dog". (
Wikipedia)
When they are puppies, shibas look like little teddy bears. They grow to be extremely beautiful and intelligent dogs. They also come in
amigurumi form.
