Don't Appropriate Shiba Inus | Explains

How much do you know about Shiba Inus? What were they originally bred for? Why did they almost go extinct? Shiba’s are aesthetically pleasing, incredibly popular, and Japan's national treasure--but how much do you know about the history of this hunting dog?

Known for their fox-like features and tan fur, Shiba Inus have been around since the 3rd century BC but have nearly become extinct on two occasions–both in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. When Japan started importing Western dogs, cross-breeding led to a decline in pure Shiba Inus. And during WWII, bombings and food shortages also nearly wiped out these highly-sought after dogs.

After Elon Musk’s 2021 tweet about his Shiba, the breed became trendy and this leads to unethical high-volume breeding. Though Shiba Inus have gone viral, buyers need to realize that owning this dog isn’t a fad. In fact, it’s a serious responsibility that requires a 14-16 year commitment to a dog that is practically a 25 lb. wolf.

Host
Tai Koga

Producer
Stephanie Tangkilisan
Joy Jihyun Jeong
Alison Boya Sun

Associate Producer
Manal Ahmed

Researcher and Writer
Manal Ahmed

Additional Research
Alison Boya Sun

Director of Photography
Vinod Vijayasankaran

Editor
Rendy Abi

Editor in Chief
Keshia Hannam

Head of Production
Stephanie Tangkilisan

Animator
Fajar Alkan

Sound Mix
David Alba

Graphic Design
Samuel Kang
Fitra Pratama
Annie Zhao

Additional Archival Material
Getty Images
Tiktok/klarities
Tiktok/Yuzutheshiba
SHIBA INU LAND
Exodus
American Kennel Club
National Purebred Dog Day
Wikimedia
Youtube/Alice
KOREA TEACUP PUPPIES
Youtube/Jonny Kimchee
Japan Times
Tiktok/Shiba_island
Japan Wonder Travel
Breeding Business
The National WWII Museum
Youtube/Shibe
Lady and The Blues
Reddit
Super Shiba
Crufts
Theo the Sammy
Insider Business
Leo Fucarev

Additional Music
Humans Win - Curious Chaotic Strings
New Library Sounds - A New Day
Media Music Group - Let The Expertn Explain