Introduced into Britain in 1912, the Shiba Inu is an ancient and uncommon Japanese breed that was used for herding and hunting. It is presumed that this particular breed was brought to Japan from China, where they were often found homes in temples and were gifted to various dignitaries, as well as to the Chinese Emperor. Since their arrival in Japan, the Shiba Inu have been crossbred with the Pekingese, the Chow Chow and the Kyushu to produce the breed as it is known today.
In 1936, the Cultural Properties Act declared the Shiba Inu a precious natural product of Japan. The breed was brought nearly to the brink of extinction during World War II and was only saved by co-mingling the breeds San'in, Mino and Shinshu bloodlines.
The Shiba Inu was eventually introduced into The United States in 1954 and the breed finally received American Kennel Club recognition in 1993.
