The Shiba Inu (Japanese: 柴犬; Japanese pronunciation: [ɕi.ba.i.nɯ]) is a breed of hunting dog from Japan. A small-to-medium breed, it is the smallest of the six original dog breeds native to Japan. The Shiba Inu was originally bred for hunting. Its name literally translates to "brushwood dog", as it is used to flush game. The Shiba Inu is a small, alert, and agile dog that copes well with mountainous terrain and hiking trails. Its appearance is similar to other Japanese dog breeds such as the Akita Inu or Hokkaido, but the Shiba Inu is a different breed with a distinct bloodline, temperament, and smaller size than other Japanese dog breeds.
