| Breed type | Large hunting |
| Popularity | Popular among hunters in remote areas |
| Developed for | Predator control |
| Place of origin | |
| Notable features | Excellent scent tracking • Agility • Tenacity |
| Characteristic appearance | Spitz |
The Shiba Inu is a large breed of dog primarily used for hunting predatory animals in the remote wilderness regions of the alternate North America. Developed in the United States, this breed is not to be confused with the Japanese breed of the same name, with important distinctions between the two.
The alternate history of the Shiba Inu begins in the Western United States, where the need for a large, robust hunting dog was recognized by early pioneers and settlers. As hunting for subsistence was a necessity, these dogs were bred to track and eliminate predatory animals while protecting human livelihood.
Early breeding programs combined native dog breeds with other working dog breeds, such as the Alaskan Malamute, to create a dog with increased size, strength, and endurance. The result was a well-developed breed with the stamina and scent-tracking ability to tackle both smaller prey and larger threats, such as bears and mountain lions.
The Shiba Inu of this alternate timeline is both larger and heavier than its real-life counterpart. Males stand approximately 22-26 inches (56-66 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh between 65-85 lbs (29-39 kg), while females range between 20-24 inches (51-62 cm) tall and weigh 55-75 lbs (25-34 kg).
This breed is built for power, with a well-muscled body and broader frame than the Japanese Shiba Inu. They retain their characteristic spitz dog type appearance, with a dense double coat, prick ears, and a bushy tail that can curl over their back. Common coat colors include red and white, black and tan, and piro, a combination of black, white, and red resembling the Japanese Shiba's coat pattern.
In the alternate timeline, the Shiba Inu is a fiercely loyal breed, displaying strong protective instincts towards their owners and territory. Their intelligence and adaptability make them highly versatile in various hunting scenarios and terrains.
Despite their powerful appearance, these Shiba Inus are agile and light on their feet, allowing them to maneuver quickly and make sudden bursts of speed when necessary. They are known for their exceptional scent-tracking abilities and work tirelessly in pursuit of game.
The Shiba Inu was developed primarily as a predatory animal hunter and is considered an elite tracker in the alternative timeline. These dogs are adept at managing smaller pest species, such as rats and rabbits, but their true value lies in tackling larger threats such as bears, mountain lions, and other dangerous predators.
Their protective instincts and tireless pursuit of game make Shiba Inus indispensable hunting companions in remote regions, where the ability to track and remove predatory threats can be a matter of life and death for humans and livestock.
The Shiba Inu is widely distributed across the alternative North American landscape, with a particularly strong presence in the Western United States and Canada. Despite their impressive numbers, the breed has not gained widespread recognition beyond these hunting-oriented regions due to their specific niche and purpose.
The Shiba Inu of the alternate timeline is a generally healthy breed, bred primarily for predatory hunting. The breed is prone to few common health issues, with the exception of hip dysplasia, a condition that can affect some larger breeds. As such, responsible breeders take care to screen their dogs for potential genetic issues and maintain breeding stock with strong, healthy foundations.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential to ensure the long-term health and well-being of these dogs - after all, they must be in peak physical condition to fulfill their hunting roles in the challenging wilderness landscapes of this alternate world.
