How to Adopt a Shiba Inu in California

The Shiba Inu is one of Japan’s national dogs. While many dog breeds that are prized in their country of origin aren’t well-known outside of their birthplace, Shiba Inus have global recognition, thanks to cryptocurrencies like DOGE and SHIB. This popularity also makes them an attractive breed to adopt for many in California, but finding one for adoption can be a little challenging.

If you’re considering adding a Shiba Inu to your family through adoption, it is an excellent route to go about it, though it surely has its difficulties due to the appeal and rarity of these dogs in California. Still, you can adopt a Shiba Inu in California if you know where to look.

In this article, we will cover how to adopt a Shiba Inu in California by guiding prospective owners. We will also review the Shiba Inu’s characteristics to help prospective owners who aren’t too sure about their decision come to a conclusion. Read on to get your ultimate guide to adopting and having a Shiba Inu in California.

What Are Shiba Inus Like?

The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the Japanese dog breeds. However, this shouldn’t mislead you about their size – Shiba Inus are small-to-medium-sized dogs that appear much bigger than toy breeds – more on their exact size below.

Even though they are smaller than their larger Japanese siblings, Shiba Inus were primarily utilized for hunting. The agile builds of these dogs enabled them to navigate the rough terrain of the Japanese mountains effortlessly, especially when going after small game. Nowadays, however, most Shiba Inus are kept as companion animals but still retain some of their traits as hunting dogs, such as an alert and active personality.

Here’s more on what Shiba Inus are like and what to expect from having one in California.

What Is a Shiba Inu’s Temperament? Shiba Inus have many of the traits you would expect from a small hunting dog. They are attentive and active companions that keep a vigilant eye over their territory. This makes them a great watchdog, though it can pose challenges if living in an apartment with noise restrictions. Nonetheless, Shiba Inus tend to be moderate barkers, so you likely won’t have major issues with excessive barking. While these dogs are fairly territorial and take their time to warm up to strangers, they are highly affectionate with the family and the people they know. They enjoy receiving and giving affection, but a Shiba Inu might not always be willing to take direction from the owner. These dogs are fairly independent, requiring the owner to keep a firm grip on their training and socialization. With these temperament traits, expect a dog that’s loving but requires guidance due to their territorial side.

How Active Are Shiba Inus? Shiba Inus might be small, but they are highly energetic dogs that require daily exercise to benefit their health. They should be walked for at least an hour a day in total, with some playtime to meet their exercise needs. Given their hunting background in the Japanese mountains, these dogs tend to enjoy hiking the most. Fortunately, California offers plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails for Shiba Inus and their owners to explore together and build a bond. These dogs also need lots of mental stimulation, which is just as crucial as daily exercise. If a Shiba Inu’s routine gets too repetitive, they can exhibit behavioral issues. Always try new things with your Shiba Inu to provide the enrichment they need. Additionally, whether taking a quick stroll around the neighborhood or involving them in dog sports, pay attention to the heat, as California summers can get intensely hot and pose health risks to a Shiba Inu due to their thick coats. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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What Size Are Shiba Inus?

Shiba Inus are considered small-to-medium. They aren’t as small as a toy poodle, but not quite the medium-sized dog like a cocker spaniel. Shibas fall somewhere in between, weighing 17 to 23 pounds and standing 13 to 16 inches tall at the withers. However, the Shiba Inu you adopt in California can always be slightly out of these height and weight ranges. Always be prepared for surprises when adopting a puppy or a young teenager that continues growing.

Considering the fairly small size of the Shiba Inu, pretty much all homes in California should be able to accommodate one of these dogs. A home with yard access is the best living condition for them, but they can also adapt to apartment living as long as their physical and mental needs are met on an ongoing basis.

What Are a Shiba Inu’s Grooming Needs?

On the outside, the Shiba Inu has a short coat, but underneath that, there’s a thick undercoat that sheds heavily year-round. Since these dogs were utilized in the mountains of Japan, they have coats that might be too thick for California’s weather. Regular brushing to improve airflow in their coat is a must to keep them cool, especially in summer. Brush your Shiba Inu two to three times a week using a slicker brush to remove dead hair and keep their coat in top condition.

Shiba Inus also have other grooming needs, like brushing their teeth, which is particularly important with these dogs as they suffer from various dental problems. Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and paw care should also be attended to regularly to ensure their well-being. If all these are too much to handle, you will find professional grooming salons pretty much everywhere across California to meet your Shiba Inu’s grooming needs.

What Are Common Shiba Inu Health Issues?

Shiba Inus are among the healthiest dog breeds. They can lead long lives with minimal health problems throughout most of their lives. Still, certain health conditions affect these dogs, including hip dysplasia, luxating patella, allergies, and eye issues like glaucoma. Owners of this breed should educate themselves on the early signs of these health problems.

Routine vet check-ups are also important in ensuring a Shiba Inu leads a healthy life. California is home to some of the best veterinary clinics and animal hospitals not only in the US but in the world. Always take your Shiba Inu to regular health check-ups to identify potential health problems and start the care they need as soon as possible.

What Is a Shiba Inu’s Lifespan?

Shiba Inus have an average lifespan of 13 to 16 years, which is slightly higher than most dog breeds around the same size.

Are Shiba Inus Good With Other Animals or Kids?

Shiba Inus aren’t the lovey-dovey type of dogs that accept everyone immediately – this also applies to dogs in the same family. These dogs can get along with other dogs only if they are socialized properly and the owner takes the time to supervise interactions until everyone gets comfortable with each other’s presence. Shiba Inus can also get along well with cats, though it might take significantly more time and training compared to dogs.

As for kids, they tend to be good family dogs. Shiba Inus are active dogs that are always up for playtime with the people they love. Playing together can keep both a Shiba Inu and kids active and busy, making them an excellent choice for California families with older, energetic children. This playful side, however, can pose difficulties without an adult’s supervision. Shiba Inus are small but powerful, which can lead to accidentally hurting children during playtime. As with any other breed, an adult’s supervision is a must.

Are Shiba Inus Good for First-Time Dog Parents?

Shiba Inus are generally not recommended for first-time owners due to their stubborn and territorial side. These dogs need an experienced owner who can help a Shiba Inu channel their instincts appropriately. Without proper guidance, they can be too difficult to handle despite their small size.

It is best for novice owners to look for another dog breed. In terms of appearance, the Pomeranian can be an excellent alternative to the Shiba Inu. They are more docile and easy to manage. Plus, they are smaller and have much less exercise and mental stimulation needs compared to the Shiba Inu, making them a lot more low-maintenance.

How Do You Adopt a Shiba Inu in California?

As mentioned at the beginning, Shiba Inus aren’t popular dogs in California. Even those looking to purchase a puppy from a breeder sometimes have difficulties finding a breeder. Due to this, you might have a hard time finding an adoptable dog.

While it is generally difficult to find Shiba Inus for adoption in California, there’s a sizable number of these dogs listed on Dog Academy’s adoption page. Browse the Shiba Inus looking for a home in your area, and read each dog’s description and basic details to find the right match for you.

Once you come across a Shiba Inu that has what you’re looking for in your next dog, inquire about adoption. Depending on how the organization or the foster dog parent operates, you might need to complete an adoption application form that details your experience with dogs, living arrangements, and work to determine if you’re a good fit for the dog.

If you’re approved for adoption, you will schedule a day to pick up your newly adopted Shiba Inu, pay the adoption fee, and sign the required documents before taking them to your California home. This summarizes the entire adoption process for a Shiba Inu. However, note that there might be certain requirements that you need to pass before getting approval, such as a home visit or asking for references.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Shiba Inu in California?

The adoption fees for a Shiba Inu tend to range between $200 and $750, depending on the organization, or the foster dog parent rehoming them, and the age of the dog. Puppies almost always have higher adoption fees. Many organizations also waive adoption fees for senior dogs and dogs with health problems.

How Should I Train a Shiba Inu?

Shiba Inus don’t always show interest in training. These dogs have a fairly independent mind that wants to solve problems on their own. This can pose challenges during training if you don’t know how to get your Shiba Inu’s attention and keep a lax attitude.

Keep training firm and consistent, and find what motivates your Shiba Inu to keep them engaged during training. While most dogs consider a tasty treat to be the best reward, others might enjoy a brief playtime more than anything else. By using what makes them move, you will have an easier time training a Shiba Inu following a consistent training regimen.

Those who are new to training or having difficulties giving sessions a structure can benefit from our online courses. You will find dog training materials developed by AKC-certified dog trainers on puppy training, basic obedience training, trick training, psychiatric service dog training, and much more.

Find the Right Shiba Inu in California for You

Just as it is essential to know if the Shiba Inu is the right breed for you, all prospective owners must get a Shiba Inu that matches their lifestyle. When checking Shiba Inus for adoption, always assess each dog’s personality and background to find the right dog for you.

With this in mind, and knowing how to adopt a Shiba Inu in California now, start by searching for adoptable Shiba Inus in your area on Dog Academy and inquire about adoption to get the process started. After finding a suitable dog, you can have them in your California home in just a few days.