How to Adopt a Shiba Inu in Pennsylvania

Shiba Inus are well-known for their happy facial expressions and place in the meme culture. These dogs inspired the creation of major cryptocurrencies like DOGE and SHIBA INU, showing how popular they are with both dog lovers and the general public.

This popularity and their adorable appearance make the Shiba Inu an appealing dog breed for many in Pennsylvania. Coupled with their small size and fairly adaptable temperament, the Shiba Inu is a matching dog breed for countless individuals, couples, and families in Pennsylvania.

If you’re one of the many who want to get a Shiba Inu in Pennsylvania, adoption is a way that connects you with the dog you want to have and gives a home to a dog in need at the same time. As a result, adopting a Shiba Inu is one of the most rewarding experiences. However, the popularity of the Shiba Inu and the fairly low numbers in Pennsylvania can make adoption intimidating for many.

Fortunately for those living in Pennsylvania looking for a Shiba Inu to adopt, our article is here to cover everything you need to know. We will also review the Shiba Inu’s characteristics to help prospective owners decide if this Japanese breed is the right dog to adopt. Read on as we uncover how to adopt a Shiba Inu in Pennsylvania and what to expect after taking one of these dogs home.

What Are Shiba Inus Like?

Some of the Shiba Inu’s characteristics can be surprising for those who want to get one of these dogs but haven’t done their research yet. They aren’t anything like what the meme culture portrays them as. Prospective owners need to understand what Shiba Inus are like before getting to the adoption process.

We cover everything you need to know about the Shiba Inu below, touching on the breed’s personality, size, exercise needs, health, family life, and more.

What Is a Shiba Inu’s Temperament? Shiba Inus are hardy dogs that were bred to hunt, which equipped them with certain personality traits. Firstly, the Shiba Inu is an independent dog breed with an affectionate side that only comes out when they are satisfied with what they have. Therefore, Shiba Inu owners must meet their dogs’ care needs in order to have a dog that’s manageable. Otherwise, the strong-willed side of the Shiba Inu can make these dogs act on their own. When a Shiba Inu is content with what they have, they turn into calm, lovey-dovey dogs that only want to spend time with their loved ones. However, many of their quirks can make Shiba Inus difficult to manage. This can make those with other dogs and kids question their suitability as a companion. The same goes for first-time dog parents – we will also cover all these in detail in the later parts below.

How Active Are Shiba Inus? Shiba Inus are high-energy dogs that require plenty of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. While they might not appear as such, their double coats hide an athletic body capable of undertaking many things. These dogs should be walked for at least an hour, along with playtime and mentally enriching activities. If living in rural areas of Pennsylvania and have enough space to offer a Shiba Inu, their daily routine alone will be enough to meet their exercise needs. Those living in big cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, however, might not have off-leash areas readily available aside from dog parks, which the Shiba Inu might not thrive in due to their relationship with other dogs. Casual walks, playing fetch in enclosed areas, training, interactive games, and solving dog puzzles are the best ways to exercise a Shiba Inu living in the city. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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What Size Are Shiba Inus?

While they are small by many standards, Shiba Inus are considered small-to-medium. However, these dogs are by no means small compared to the Pomeranian or the Chihuahua. It is important to set realistic expectations about the Shiba Inu’s size, as they are fairly bulky dogs that typically weigh more than they appear.

As for their exact size, Shiba Inus weigh between 17 and 23 pounds and stand 14 to 17 inches tall at the withers. Even though they aren’t particularly small, most Pennsylvania homes should have enough space to accommodate a Shiba Inu. However, those living in apartments or condos should prioritize exercise and mental stimulation to ensure their dogs don’t find themselves in need of a yard to release excess energy and prevent boredom.

What Are a Shiba Inu’s Grooming Needs?

Shiba Inus aren’t demanding when it comes to grooming, but note that these dogs shed quite a lot, especially during seasonal changes as their coat prepares for the next season. During this period, they should be brushed at least two or three times a week. Outside of shedding seasons, brushing a Shiba Inu weekly should be enough to meet their care needs.

Shiba Inus are also prone to periodontal disease, so brushing their teeth regularly is necessary to prevent dental problems. Besides this, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and bathing should be done as needed. With all these, it is safe to say that the Shiba Inu is a fairly low-maintenance dog breed in terms of grooming. In case grooming gets difficult, Pennsylvania residents will also find countless dog groomers that can help, particularly for deshedding.

What Are Common Shiba Inu Health Issues?

Shiba Inus are generally healthy dogs that don’t experience major health problems much of their lives. However, as with any other breed, they are at risk of developing certain health conditions, especially as they age. Other than dental issues, the health problems commonly affecting Shiba Inus include luxating patella, hip dysplasia, glaucoma, allergies, and hypothyroidism.

Routine vet check-ups are important for identifying any of these health problems early. After adopting a Shiba Inu, take them for routine vet check-ups at a veterinary clinic or animal hospital to identify potential health problems early.

What Is a Shiba Inu’s Lifespan?

Shiba Inus have an average lifespan of 13 to 16 years, which is higher than many dog breeds, proving how healthy lives they can lead.

Are Shiba Inus Good With Other Animals or Kids?

Shiba Inus have strong personalities, which can make them act in unwanted ways around unfamiliar animals, but it all comes down to your Shiba Inu’s socialization level. A well-socialized Shiba Inu will happily make doggo friends during walks. However, they can chase after small animals due to their high prey drive coming from their hunting background. Due to this, Shiba Inus aren’t the best choice for households with prey animals.

The relationship Shiba Inus have with kids is generally good, though they are a better match for families with older children. A Shiba Inu might not tolerate the unruly behavior of young children, which can make them respond badly. Adopting a dog also gives very little control over the Shiba Inu you bring home, compared to purchasing a puppy from a breeder, families with younger children might want to look for another breed.

Are Shiba Inus Good for First-Time Dog Parents?

Shiba Inus aren’t a good choice for first-time dog parents in Pennsylvania. It takes a lot of experience to have one of these dogs, whether you want to adopt a puppy or an adult. Shiba Inus are stubborn dogs with an independent mind, which makes them difficult to manage, even for most experienced owners.

If you’re a novice dog owner, it is best to look for another dog. Learn more about different dog breeds on Dog Academy to find the best dog for your experience and life circumstances.

How Do You Adopt a Shiba Inu in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania residents who want to adopt a Shiba Inu have multiple options. If you’re after a Shiba Inu to adopt, nearby animal shelters and rescue organizations can help. However, set realistic expectations when contacting these places to adopt a Shiba Inu, as these dogs are rarely put up for adoption.

For a broader search in Pennsylvania, find adoptable Shiba Inus on Dog Academy. Just as you would browse puppies for sale, check out Shiba Inus for adoption. After finding a dog to adopt, contact the organization or the foster dog parent and ask about the Shiba Inu’s availability. If the dog is still up for adoption, schedule an in-person meeting. This will help you observe the Shiba Inu’s behavior and ask questions about their character to determine if the dog is suitable for you.

However, it is important to be on the lookout for potential red flags during the initial meetup, such as downplaying behavioral issues or missing information about the dog’s history. If you trust that you would adopt the Shiba Inu and the dog appears to be a good match, you can begin the adoption process.

Most organizations require submitting a written application that includes your basic details, like current pets and experience. There might also be a home visit to ensure your living arrangements are appropriate for a Shiba Inu. If you’re approved for adoption, following these, only signing the relevant adoption documents and paying the adoption fee will be left. You will then take your newly adopted Shiba Inu to your Pennsylvania home.

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

Shiba Inu adoption costs in Pennsylvania typically vary between $250 and $500. Generally, puppies have higher adoption fees than adults. The adoption fees might also be waived entirely for seniors to promote adoption.

How Should I Train a Shiba Inu?

Training is an excellent way to bond with your newly adopted Shiba Inu and establish rules to make the transition easier for both you and your dog. However, Shiba Inus are known to have a stubborn mentality, which doesn’t help in training. What works with these dogs is following reward-based training techniques.

Regardless of what you want to train a Shiba Inu for, you must find what your dog likes in order to make training easier for you and more engaging for your dog. You can do this by observing how they respond to different types of rewards. A tasty treat is what motivates most Shiba Inus, but some might be more encouraged by a quick game of fetch.

Once you find what drives your Shiba Inu, you can use it to your advantage in training. To follow positive reinforcement training appropriately for a Shiba Inu, check out Dog Academy’s online courses on basic obedience training, fixing behavioral issues, leash walking, and more.

Find the Right Shiba Inu in Pennsylvania for You

We covered how to adopt a Shiba Inu in Pennsylvania by going over the typical adoption process. Even though it isn’t particularly difficult to find a Shiba Inu to adopt, especially with the help of Dog Academy, future owners of this breed should look for the right dog that aligns with their lifestyle.

While the Shiba Inu has some standard characteristics, every dog is unique in their own way, which means that one Shiba Inu that’s suitable for you might not be a good choice for another person.

Therefore, it is essential to find the right Shiba Inu in Pennsylvania. It might seem like a complicated task, but it is as easy as keeping your options open and meeting different dogs until you find a dog that feels like the one.