An ancient Japanese breed, the Shiba Inu is a little but well-muscled dog once employed as a hunter. Today, the spirited, good-natured Shiba is the most popular companion dog in Japan. The adaptable Shiba is at home in town or country. They are alert, confident, courageous, and attentive. They are charming, affectionate, brave, kind, and trainable. They are strong willed, bark little, make excellent watch dogs and bond closely with their family.
TEMPERAMENT
A well adjusted Shiba is good with kids, adults, other dogs, and cats if they are raised with cats when they are puppies. Socialize this breed well as a puppy, as they can be reserved with strangers. A beginner’s obedience class is highly recommended. You will find this breed to be clean, quiet, have a mischievous sense of humor, and be a wonderful companion.
ENERGY
The Shiba Inu was used to hunt small wild game, boar, bear, and flush birds from the brush. Being a natural born hunter the Shiba should not be trusted alone with small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, and small birds. Be careful when taking them off leash as they like to chase. They adapt very well to traveling, and will also do well living in an apartment. The Shiba Inu is an undemanding dog that will adapt to your circumstances. Daily walks or areas that they can run free is necessary. They are a very active dog and will be healthier and happier with regular exercise. This breed can walk for hours on end as it has tremendous endurance.
COAT AND GROOMING
They are very easy to housebreak and in many cases will housebreak themselves. They regard themselves as part of the family and do very well indoors, and they also love the freedom of the great outdoors. They are very clean, so grooming needs are minimal and there is little need for regular bathing. Their coat is naturally waterproof and they have a thick undercoat that can protect them from temperatures well below freezing. Shedding, also known as blowing coat, can be a nuisance. Shedding is heaviest twice a year, during the seasonal change. Owners should never shave or cut the coat of a Shiba Inu, as the coat is needed to protect them from both cold and hot temperatures. A Shibas coat may be red, red sesame (red with black-tipped hairs), black and tan, or cream (white).
GROWTH AND EXERCISE
Males will generally be between 15-17 inches tall at the withers; females between 14-16 inches. Males will weigh on average between 25-30 pounds; females between 20-25 pounds. Overall, the Shiba Inu is a healthy dog breed. Health conditions known to affect this breed are allergies, glaucoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, entropion, and luxating patella (slipped kneecap). The average life expectancy is from 12-15 years. Exercise, especially daily walks, is preferred for this breed to live a long and healthy life.
ABOUT MINI SHIBA INUS
"Mame" or Mini Shiba vs. Standard Size Shiba" There is no difference in personality or temperament, and no difference in health related issues between the mini Shiba and the standard size Shiba. The mini Shibas are just as loving, playful, friendly and smart as the standard size. The only difference between mini and standard size Shibas is the size and weight of the dog. Our mini male and female are both about 13 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh about 13 pounds. On average, the minis are about two inches shorter at the shoulders than a standard size Shiba. Mini Shibas are ideal for people in apartments or smaller living spaces but the standard size Shiba will also do well with apartment living. Rest assured, if you adopt a mini Shiba, you will still be getting the same big Shiba attitude...but in a smaller package!
Contact us for more information on adopting a puppy!
