SHIBA-INU: A loving, healthy, wonderful companion with proper diligence and training. Descendant from Japan bred to hunt small wild game. "Shiba" means "brushwood", after its hunting terrain or the color of the brushwood leaves when they turn red in the fall. "Inu" means dog in Japanese. A medium sized dog with Females: 13.5 - 15.5" and Males: 14.5 to 16.5" at the withers. Weights vary but should not be over 25 pounds. Medium boned, compact, well-muscled and very agile. Very active as a puppy but tend to mellow out with age... Minimum care. Fenced yards and locked gates to prevent a child that sees the dog from opening the gate to pet as dogs will bolt and off they go. No need for a special diet, just good high quality kibble; but things such as ground turkey, veggies (not corn), eggs, fish oil supplements, etc. --but not necessary. The need for puppy socialization and obedience classes is a must. They will become the "alpha dog" as they are strong-willed and possessive of their things. They need to learn their manners and how to behave. Puppies tend to use their mouths to "taste" their human, but need to learn not to be rough. Once trained, they are loyal, loving and true to their owner.