Shiba Inu Dog Breed Information

Group

Non-sporting

Weight

8k-10.5 kg

Height

35-43 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Shiba Inu

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you know your memes, the chances are you will recognise the Shibu Inu immediately. Shiba Inu’s can make great family pets for owners that can dedicate the time needed to train and shower the dog with the love and attention it needs.

If you’re considering owning a Shiba Inu, our guide will help you with all the essential owner information you need about this beautiful dog breed, from grooming and feeding tips to training and potential health concerns.

What is the history & origin of the Shiba Inu?

The Shiba Inu is one of the oldest domestic dog breeds, with evidence showing it dating back to the third century BC. It was bred in Japan as a hunting dog for flushing out small game.

Purebred Shiba today are descendants of just three bloodlines following near extinction after World War 2. As we know it today, the Shiba Inu is a result of all three strains combined.

What is a Shiba Inu breed?

The Shiba Inu is a small to medium-sized hunting dog with a small fluffy curly tail that comes back up towards the body, the ears are small and pointed, and they have a compact body.

Shiba Inu dogs coat colouring comes in many different colours, including red sesame, black and tan, cream, black sesame, sesame, and red. The Shiba Inu keeps cosy thanks to a double coat which gives them a cuddly appearance. They will shed throughout the year at a moderate rate and heavily twice a year around autumn and spring.

Who is a Shiba Inu best for?

Shiba Inu can make a good family dog, but it is essential to understand that they are highly intelligent and stubborn dogs. This can make training hard, so they may not be ideal for first-time pet owners.

They can also be aggressive towards other dogs and small animals unless socialised from an early age. They require a lot of time and affection and can be better suited to homes without other pets and with older children.

They were originally bred for mountainous terrain, so they make a great companion dog for active households that like to get out and about.

Shiba Inu Grooming & Shedding

Shiba Inus shed, so you probably won’t need to visit a professional groomer. However, you will need to brush and bathe your dog regularly. You can clean them weekly, but you shouldn’t go longer than six weeks without washing them. Because they have a thick double coat, you should research the correct way to wash and dry your Shiba.

Shiba Inu dogs shed their inner and outer coat throughout the year, but during Autumn, they will shed heavily in preparation for their winter coat coming in. The same will happen in Spring as your dog prepares for the summer months.

Do Shiba Inus bark a lot?

Shiba Inu’s aren’t particularly vocal in the way that smaller dogs can get yappy and noisy. This makes them great for apartments and flats as they are relatively small and quiet.

Your Shiba Inu will only really bark when they need to make you aware of something, like if they are angry, happy, or excited.

They can also howl or, if you are doing something like trimming nails or visiting the vet, you might hear a “Shiba scream.” This is a high pitched scream the dog will emit to voice its displeasure.

What is the average weight & height of a Shiba Inu dog?

It will take around a year for your Shiba Inu to become fully grown, but some dogs can take as long as eighteen months. In that time, males will grow to around 35cm to 43cm inches in height, and female Shiba Inus will grow to approximately 33cm to 40cm tall.

You can expect your Shiba Inu puppy to weigh around 1.5kg-3kg at one month, adding between 0.5 and 1kg a month until fully grown. A fully grown male should weigh between 8kg to 10.5kg, and a female should weigh between 7kg to 8kg. Your dog’s weight may be above or below these averages, and if you have any concerns, consulting your vet is recommended.

Are Shiba Inus easy to train?

Training Shiba Inu puppies is important as they will need proper socialisation from an early age to avoid aggressive or destructive behaviours. Obedience training with Shiba Inu pups isn’t easy, and if you’re inexperienced, you may require some professional guidance.

You will need to show a lot of perseverance and patience as Shiba Inus tend to have a strong personality and like to do what they want.

Recall training is also important because they are known to run off when let off the lead. This can not only be a significant inconvenience, but it can also be dangerous if you are near main roads or the dog approaches other animals that aren’t socialised.

How do Shiba Inus behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Shiba Inu is a highly intelligent dog that is very loyal and will form a strong bond with its owners. They are lively and alert dogs but can be stubborn and territorial.

The dog’s temperament is generally good-natured when trained well from an early age and given boundaries. It should be kept on a lead when around other animals because they are very independent-minded and bred with a strong hunting instinct.

Does the Shiba Inu have any common health issues?

The Shiba Inu is generally a healthy dog, that being said, as with any purebred dog, they can be more susceptible to common health issues that include;

Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, leading to pain and arthritis.
Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye that can result in vision loss if untreated.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A degenerative eye disease that affects vision over time.
Cataracts: Clouding of the lens in the eye, impacting clarity of vision.
Patellar Luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates, causing lameness or difficulty walking.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid that can lead to weight gain, skin issues, and lethargy.
Seizures: Sudden episodes of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, which can vary in severity.
Allergies: Dogs can have allergies to food, environmental factors, or flea bites, causing skin irritations and discomfort.
Pyometra: A serious infection of the uterus that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Chylothorax: A condition where lymph fluid accumulates in the chest cavity, affecting breathing.

The best way to ensure your Shiba Inu remains healthy is by giving them a well-balanced diet and taking them to your veterinarian for routine check-ups. This allows your vet to pinpoint potential problems and treat them early on.

What is the lifespan of a Shiba Inu?

The average lifespan of a Shiba Inu is between 12-15 years, a typical age for a small to medium-sized dog. You can improve your dog’s life expectancy by providing high-quality dog food, regular exercise, and taking your dog for regular check-ups.

How much does a Shiba Inu need to be fed?

Feeding your dog a healthy and balanced diet is important as they will require the right amount of protein and fat to be able to develop. Puppy foods, in particular, tend to have a high-calorie content and have a lot of nutrients to help the bones, muscles, and organs develop.

How much you feed your dog will depend on its size and how active it is. You should refer to the dog food brand recommendations and consult your vet for more guidance on this.

As your dog grows, the more you will have to feed them. You might want to consider consulting your vet about switching from puppy food to dog food at around six months. You can do this gradually, so the dog has time to get used to the new food.

What you feed your dog, whether that is dry kibble, wet food, or raw food, will depend on your dog and how they react to it. If your dog gets an upset stomach, you want to consider switching brands or food after speaking with your vet.

How much can you expect to pay for a Shiba Inu in Australia?

Purebred dogs tend to be expensive, and a purebred Shiba Inu is no different from other dogs in that respect. You can expect to pay anywhere between $4,000 and $6,000 for Shiba puppies.

Shiba Inu FAQs

Are Shiba Inus good as companion dogs?

A Shiba Inu will make a great companion dog as they are very loyal and affectionate dogs. Though Shiba Inu’s personality is typically quite stubborn and can be tricky to train, they are a very devoted dog breed.

Will a Shiba puppy require a lot of training compared with other dogs?

They are notoriously difficult to train as they are very stubborn, and this is why they are not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. They are great dogs if you have the patience to give them the training they need from a young age.

How do I housebreak my Shiba Inu puppy?

Though they are pretty tricky to train, housebreaking your Shiba is just a matter of perseverance. You should take them regularly to where you want them to go and give them a command word. You should then keep them there until they go, praise them, and give them a treat.

This positive reinforcement will help your dog to understand that this is what they should be doing.

How do I find a good Shiba Inu breeder?

It’s important that you find suitable and responsible people that breed Shiba Inus to ensure the dog is healthy and bred in an ethical environment. Contact the National Breed Club or ask for the breeder’s registration information to be sure.