AKC Group	Non-Sporting Group
Function	Originally hunting but now kept for companion
Origin	Japan
Average Life Span	12 to 14 years
Average Size	Small size. 13-17 inches
Coat	A dense double coat similar to that of a husky.
Grooming	Regular brushing and an occasional bath, ear cleaning, nail trimming.
Intelligence	Intelligent
Trainability	Early socialization, temperament testing, and careful conditioning are mandatory for the young puppy.
Temperament	The Shiba takes the "spirited boldness part of his temperament quite seriously. Dog aggression, especially in the un-neutered male, is a Shiba Inu characteristic. This fiery aspect of the Shiba nature cannot be taken lightly. The Bearded Collie is stable, self-confident, and outgoing. They are very accepting of other animals and people. By nature they love to have something to watch over. They are excellent with children
Problems	Basically a sturdy dog, a few defects have been reported, but none in numbers to cause concern. Reputable Shiba Inuers do all they can to screen for serious disabling hereditary-problems for the first few years of life.