The Total Shiba Hardcover – January 1, 1997

This book has a large amount of information geared towards breeders and people interested in competitive showing of their Shibas. However, there is a great deal of history included in the book that most other Shiba-specific books just don't have. It covers everything from the regional origin of the Shiba, to the breed's near-destruction during and post World War 2, to the extensive rehabilitation of the breed and why the breeders chose the methods they used in order to revive and conserve the Shiba population.In addition to the breed history, "The Total Shiba" also gives an accurate portrayal of the Shiba's characteristics. The book lists both the breed standards of the Japanese and United States clubs as well as descriptions in layman's terms. I have several Shiba books and this one best describes what a Shiba is in plain English. It also covers some special health concerns that other books have not listed, including allergies to some routine puppy vaccinations.To be honest, I would consider this to be a companion book to  Shiba Inu (Comprehensive Owner's Guide) . The "Shiba Inu (Comprehensive Owner's Guide)" by Andrew de Prisco covers a great deal of information for new Shiba owners, including basic care, first aid information, what to look for in a breeder, supplies to purchase before and after adoption of a Shiba, etc. It's surprisingly in-depth when it comes to a pet owner's needs and even covers a small portion of training techniques. Where "Shiba Inu (Comprehensive Owner's Guide)" gives you the how-to's and important information as a pet owner, "The Total Shiba" is an excellent book for Shiba enthusiasts to learn more about their breed's background and the details behind their breeding and showing in the ring.I would recommend "The Total Shiba" to anyone who is truly interested in learning all they can about the Shiba breed, but also suggest that other books be read as well. From what I've read so far, each Shiba Inu book out there has some helpful information that the other books may either lack or only briefly touch on.

My son loves this book. I would haven given a 5 if the book had color photos as implied by the cover and cost.

This book is very informative and provides detailed history about the Shiba Inu breed. There are many photos of the dog breed, which I enjoyed esp. since I have never owned Shiba Inu's before. I obtained two sibling puppies; now 6-months of age. This book has helped me and my spouse understand the breed better and also their disposition. There is information in the book about showing the breed and what judges like to see in the breed . Even though I do not plan to Show my dogs, I found the book very helpful. I would recommend to all Shiba Inu owners.

This book is outdated and much of the information is irrelevant. Shiba Inu was accepted as an official AKC breed in 1992. This book was published in 1997, so there is only 5 years of AKC based information. Moreover, since it was published in 97; and it is now 2013, the information is 16 years old! I found much of the content to be word for word from the National Shiba Inu Club of America website. ALL pictures are BLACK & WHITE; even the ones that discuss color variations and faults as well as the chart for color genetics in breeding.There is information regarding breed standards, along with pictures, charts and diagrams. Many of the diagrams have lines, letters, and/or numbers on them as if to discuss the standards, but the dialog doesn't even refer to them or if it does, it is very vague and not understandable. For example, a discussion about the ear size states that the ear must be in proportion with the head; it mustn't be too big or too small. However, it does not define that proportion, so there is no way to know what too big or too small is. There is another discussion about the shape of the ear with several illustrations of incorrect ears with the head facing you straight on, yet the illustration of the correct ear is a side view of the dog, so impossible to tell the actual shape and size or to see it with respect to the incorrect ones.There is one breeder whose dogs' pictures dominate this book, which is not a fair representation of the breed at all. There are a few bloodlines that come from different areas in Japan. The main breeder from this book buys from the same Japanese breeder, making the information about pedigrees and ancestry as well as the look of the dogs very specific and limited; not a true representation of the breed or the Japanese imports as promised by the title The Total Shiba.The chapter 'The Foundation of the modern Shiba' is completely irrelevant and outdated. Along with the Breed Gallery chapter. The Breed Gallery is about 30 pages with about 100 dogs "to help new and old shiba fanciers with pedigree studies. Most of the Shibas selected for the Breed Gallery are japanese imports. Using your pedigree from your Shiba's breeder and the pedigree in the Breed Gallery, we hope you will be able to trace your shiba back to it's Japanese roots ...". This chapter is a waste. There are thousands and thousands of Shiba's in Japan. The 100 dogs listed are not the founding fathers of the current dogs in Japan let alone the Shiba Inus that reside in the US. It would be a miracle if your Shiba's ancestors showed up in that Gallery.Those are just a small sample of the poorly written and poorly edited book. Save your $25 and surf the internet. Look at the information on AKC as well as the National Shiba Inu Club. There you can find accurate information with color pictures which is not biased to one breeder.I'm sending my book back. I hope they will refund my money.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is definitely planning to get a Shiba Inu. Many of the websites you find actually quote (without credit) this book. This book puts together all of the information from the various websites in one place. Beyond that, it has great information about breeding, showing, genetics and the history of the Shiba with pictures of some of the "original" stock from Japan.Owning a Shiba is an intense experience from the beginning and having all the tools necessary will help you. This is one very helpful tool.

This book was recommended to me by another Shiba owner and I'm glad she did. More breed specific information than any other Shiba book I've seen. Also, there is a section regarding breeding. This is a book for serious Shiba Inu fans and anyone who is contemplating showing or breeding.

Well written and very comprehensive book on the Shiba inu breed; I learned a great deal about managing my little wench!

We knew very little about our shiba before we got her. From history to types, coloration, how they think and training this book does a great job for the new owner.

Aimed at breeders specifically, extensive breed standard explanation, focus on American breed history, deep respect for and deference to the Nihonken Hozonkai. Pity all the photos are in monochrome; if I could dock half a star for that I would. Large number of pedigrees given. Goes above and beyond the level of detail really necessary, making it very wordy and heavy reading. Nonetheless, essential reading for any serious Shiba breeder, or indeed anyone aiming to judge the breed correctly.

Very helpful

Direi il libro più completo, serio e veritiero sulla razza. Molto tecnico. Direi più da allevatori e studiosi della razza che da semplici proprietari di uno di questi cani

A must have for all shiba inu addicts ! Has lots of references and view on the history of the breed. The genetic part is a bit outdated but science evolves so rapidly that it's not a surprise.