The Shiba Inu dog breed was originally bred to flush birds and small game, and was occasionally used to hunt wild boar. He is one of Japan's six native breeds: Akita (large), Kishu, Hokkaido, Kai, Shikoku (medium), and Shiba (small). Today he serves primarily as a companion dog in Japan and the United States.

The well-bred Shiba Inu is good-natured, alert, and bold. He is strong-willed and confident, and often has his own ideas about things. He is loyal and affectionate with his family, though tends to be suspicious of strangers. The Shiba Inu doesn't share well.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) This is another condition which affects the eyes, but it's a degenerative disease often linked to genetics. Patellar Luxation. Allergies. Cancer. Take Them in for Routine Checkups.