As its name suggests the Japanese Shiba Inu originates from Japan, originally being bred for hunting. Inu is Japanese for dog. This dog breed is similar in appearance to the Japanese Akita, though smaller. This thick coat comes in colours from black, black and tan and red. The Japanese Shiba Inu is very intelligent thus making them a relatively easy dog to train. This dog breed will chase almost anything that runs so it is a good idea to keep them on a leash in open spaces.