Everything you need to know about the Shiba Inu

With its fox-like appearance and cat-like personality, the Shiba dog breed has captured the hearts of pet people across the world. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or thinking of adding to your furry family, read on as we “unleash” everything you need to know about this adorable breed.  

Shiba Inu breed characteristics 

What sets the Shiba dog breed apart from the rest? Here’s our quick-fire round of Shiba need-to-knows. 

• Origin: The Shiba Inu originated way back in 300 BC in the mountains of Chūbu, Japan. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1992.
• Size: Adult Shiba Inus typically measure 13 to 15 inches in height and weigh 27 to 23 pounds. 
• Character: This is a breed full of pizazz; independent yet loyal, intelligent yet strong-willed, and energetic yet attentive.
• Grooming: As Shiba dogs tend to shed quite a bit, pet parents may need to groom them as often as once a week. They’re not known for being the most complacent when it comes to nail trimming and bathing, so getting Shiba Inu puppies comfortable with this early on is a good idea. 
• Health needs: Shiba Inus are at risk of several health problems; hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, allergies, and eye problems. It’s important to take your pooch for regular checkups to catch any of these conditions early.
• Energy levels: Shiba dogs are energetic breeds that require lots of mental and physical stimulation. They should be given at least one hour of exercise each day, and enjoy lots of additional playtime in between.
• Intelligence: This is an extremely intelligent breed, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to train - they’re also extremely strong-willed and therefore can be tricky to master.
• Lifespan: 13-16 years.
• Noise levels: Although they rarely bark, they are famous for the distinctive “Shiba scream”, a high-pitched yelp they emit when things aren’t going their way.

What does a Shiba Inu look like? 

Shiba Inus join breeds like Pomeranians and Huskies as part of the spitz family, a group of dogs characterized by their thick, fluffy fur and pointed ears. Shibas are medium-sized and muscular, with distinctive fox-like facial features complete with a pointed nose and upright ears. Their fluffy tails curl upwards and round towards their backs. 

The AKC recognizes Shiba Inus in four different colors: sesame, cream, red, and black and tan. Spotting an all-black Shiba Inu is extremely rare, and all-white Shibas are equally hard to come by - sesame (a kind of caramel brown) is the most common coat color. 

Shiba Inu personality 

Shiba dogs are intelligent, strong-willed, and extremely independent, which means they are often compared to our feline friends. It’s the Shiba Inu way or the highway, and they’ll be sure to let you know about it! 

Don’t let their strong personalities fool you though - they’re also good-natured and loyal, but not necessarily the most cuddly of breeds. They can be quite selective about who they choose to spend their time with and are unlikely to ask for pets from strangers. That being said, they still enjoy the company of others. This means it’s super important to get an in-home dog sitter when you’re away - having someone around to care for them is often enough to keep them happy.

Shiba Inu lifespan and health

The typical lifespan of Shiba Inu dogs is 13-16 years, but one of the oldest dogs in history was a Shiba named Pusuke, who lived a whopping 26 years! 

In order to give Pusuke a run for his money, you’ll need to keep your Shiba’s health in tip-top shape. Take your furry friend for regular checkups at the vet and keep an eye out for the following health problems, which can “run in the family”.

Hip dysplasia 

A painful condition in which the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together properly, hip dysplasia can lead to arthritis and other joint problems. If you notice your four-legged friend having difficulty standing or limping when walking, take them to the vet for a checkup. 

Patellar luxation

Otherwise known as luxating patella, patellar luxation happens when the kneecap slips out of place. Your furry friend might hop and skip as they walk, and they may require surgery if the condition is severe. 

Allergies

Shiba Inus are particularly prone to allergies, which can cause itchy skin, ear infections, and hair loss. It can be tricky to narrow down the cause of the allergies, but vets can typically prescribe medication to help relieve the symptoms.  

Eye problems 

Shibas are also at risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, or progressive retinal atrophy, all of which can cause blindness. If your furry friend has cloudy eyes or discharge, take them to the vet for a checkup.  

What’s the ideal home for a Shiba Inu?

As Shiba Inus are clean and easy to toilet train, they often do better in apartments than other breeds. They should be happy as long as they’ve got space for zoomies and a human companion (even if they don’t pay you much attention!). 

They prefer sticking to a schedule than living in a busy, hectic household, so don’t be surprised if you get judged for feeding them late. They also make good guard dogs and are often on high alert for strange noises and unknown visitors in the house.  

What’s the ideal human for a Shiba Inu?

Ideally, those thinking of getting a Shiba Inu will have been dog owners before. This can be a challenging breed to take care of so a bit of prior experience can go a long way. 

Due to their intelligent and independent nature, Shiba Inus can sometimes be quite stubborn. Prospective pet parents should therefore be ready to commit to consistent training which is firm yet gentle in its approach. 

You will also need to spend lots of time exercising your Shiba, not only taking them for long walks but also stimulating them with regular play sessions. 

Tips for training Shiba Inus

It’s important to start training Shiba Inu puppies early, as their intelligent nature doesn’t necessarily make them eager to please. Their tendency to be stubborn, particularly when it comes to food, other dogs, or strangers, means that the Shiba dog breed is often recommended for experienced owners. 

Shibas are typically food-orientated, so positive reinforcement is the most effective training method to start with. Make sure the rest of the household stays consistent with the rules as this breed is quick to learn who they can wrap around their little finger (or fluffy tail). 

Are Shiba Inus hard to train? The answer is yes and no. Toilet training is generally pretty straightforward due to their naturally clean habits, and Shiba Inu puppies tend to understand quickly that they don’t want to pee in their living area.  

But when it comes to other aspects of training and socialization, you’ll have to put in the work from the very beginning. Training your pup to be on the leash is crucial, but despite your best efforts, recall training is likely to be overridden by their high prey drive. For this reason, it’s recommended to always keep your Shiba Inu on a leash when exploring open areas, and some pet parents even use two leashes for added security. 

Grooming Shiba Inus

Shibas have a thick double coat, which means they shed all year round. During the fall and spring months, pet parents notice their Shiba Inu shedding even more as they “blow” (or get rid of) their undercoats. 

Despite being particularly clean dogs, they often need a little help in the grooming department during this time - if only to save your home from becoming a furry nightmare! 

Get your Shiba Inu used to grooming, bathing, and nail trimming from a young age, if only to avoid being met with the infamous “Shiba scream”. Regular brushing should help keep on top of the fluff, and cleaning their teeth daily is essential to proper hygiene. 

Shiba Inu history 

According to the American Kennel Club, Shiba Inus first appeared on the scene back in 300 BC. They were originally bred as hunting companions in the mountains of Chūbu, Japan, but now it’s more typical to see them as pets.

Despite being one of the oldest dog breeds, there was a time when the Shiba Inu was at risk of extinction. World War II nearly wiped the breed out altogether, but they quickly regained their popularity after being brought from the remote countryside into the cities.

The AKC officially recognized the Shiba dog breed in 1992, and today, they are the most popular breed of dog in Japan. 

Getting a Shiba Inu

They might look like adorable pups, but don’t let the cute Shiba Inu face make you take on the responsibility of becoming a dog owner lightly. Their nature can make them a challenging pet, especially for first-time owners, plus they need lots of mental and physical stimulation.

Known for being master escape artists, Shiba Inus will find a way to dig their way out of your garden or even wriggle out of their harness if given half the chance. They have even been known to open crates, gates, and sliding doors, so owning a Shiba Inu requires you to take extra precautions both at home and outdoors (having eyes in the back of your head will help). 

As the owner of a Shiba Inu, you must be prepared for regular grooming, keeping your pup on a leash, and not always getting your way. But that doesn’t mean they don’t make excellent companions!