Shiba Inu Breed Guide

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.

Who are Shiba Inu dogs 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 dogs for active households that like to get out and about.

How much grooming does a Shiba Inu need?

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 Inu bark much?

Shiba Inus 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.

Do Shiba Inu bite?

Unless properly socialised and trained from an early age, the instincts bred in Shiba Inu can lead to biting. As a puppy, your dog will test boundaries and, when excitable, can bite in a playful way.

If your Shiba Inu does bite or nip, firmly tell the dog "No" and turn away from it. The dog will learn that this is not acceptable behaviour. It would be best if you did not shout or scold your dog as this can cause fear and anxiety. Positive reinforcement and giving your dog a chew toy so it knows what it can bite can help in these situations.

What is the temperament & personality of a Shiba Inu?

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.

What is the weight & size of a Shiba Inu?

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 37cm to 42cm inches in height, and female Shiba Inus will grow to approximately 34cm 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.

How much training does a Shiba Inu need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Shiba Inu?

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

• Glaucoma

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy

• Cataracts

• Patellar Luxation

• Hypothyroidism

• Seizures

• Allergies

• Pyometra

• Chylothorax

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 should you feed a Shiba Inu?

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 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.

What is the price of 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.