The Shiba Inu is similar to the Akita but is smaller in size. The Shiba Inu has origins back 3,000 years ago in Japan and may have Chow Chow ancestry. The Shiba Inu is the most popular pet dog in Japan and is also known as the Brushwood Dog. Independent and industrious the Shiba Inu stands around 36 cms high and was originally used for hunting small game.