Shiba Inu: Your Complete Guide
Japan’s smallest dog breed, the Shiba Inu, is a well-recognized dog breed in popular culture, especially on the internet. The face of this breed is on cryptocurrencies like DOGE and SHIB, and it isn’t uncommon to see a meme that includes an image of a Shiba Inu.
While they are well-recognized thanks to their prominent place on the internet, Shiba Inus are unique dogs with distinct characteristics that every prospective owner should know. They aren’t anything like what they are portrayed as on the internet. Everyone interested in adopting or purchasing a Shiba Inu puppy from a breeder must review this breed’s characteristics to ensure they are planning to get the right dog.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Shiba Inu by going over this Japanese breed’s temperament, size, coat type, health, care needs, and more. Read on to get your complete guide to the Shiba Inu.
Quick Look at the Shiba Inu
Below is a quick look at the Shiba Inu’s characteristics. We will cover each point in detail in the coming parts of this article.
| Weight/Height | 17-23 pounds / 14-17 inches |
| Coat Type | Short, double coat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Alert, independent, active, protective |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train |  |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 13-16 years |
What Is the History of Shiba Inus?
The Shiba Inu’s history dates back to before 300 BC to the earliest Japanese dogs. These dogs were kept as all-purpose dogs, assisting their owners in hunting, protecting livestock, deterring predators, and alerting the owner in case of something suspicious. While modern Shiba Inus aren’t as versatile, they certainly still carry many of their ancestors’ traits.
Shiba Inus were favored small dogs for much of Japan’s history, but their numbers went near extinction by the end of World War II. The efforts of breed enthusiasts revived the breed’s numbers, and today, the Shiba Inu is among the most popular breeds in Japan.
The Shiba Inu was first brought to the United States in 1954 by a military family, and the popularity of the breed has grown ever since. Shiba Inus were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992, and they currently rank in the 42nd spot on the AKC’s most popular dog breeds list.
While they were originally a working dog breed, it is now extremely rare to see one of these dogs upholding the same duties as their ancestors, even in Japan. Shiba Inus are most commonly kept as companion animals, though some of their traits make them suitable for those who want their dogs to act as watchdogs – more on this down below.
What Do Shiba Inus Look Like?
Shiba Inus have limited coat color potential. These dogs are most commonly seen in red coats with white parts that cover their cheeks, chest, inner legs, and under the muzzle. Some also have cream or sesame-colored coats. Although much rarer than other coat colors, Shiba Inus can also have black and white coats with similar white markings as those with red coats.
What Size Is a Shiba Inu?
The Shiba Inu is the smallest Japanese dog breed, but when compared to others, they are small-to-medium dogs. They weigh 17 to 23 pounds and stand 14 to 17 inches tall at the withers. They aren’t super small like Yorkies, but aren’t exactly medium-sized like Aussies. Although quite rare in the US, there are mini Shiba Inus in Japan that weigh about 12 to 14 pounds.
The size of the Shiba Inu makes this breed an ideal companion for many, but those who want a small dog to be able to travel in the passenger cabin of an airplane might want to look for another breed or a Shiba Inu that’s more on the smaller end.
What Is a Shiba Inu’s Coat Type and Length?
The Shiba Inu has a short, double coat that’s very thick as these dogs were bred to endure the freezing temperatures of Japan’s rugged mountainous regions. This coat can make it difficult to adapt to climates where the weather is warm year-round, though regular brushing and planning exercise times for early mornings and evenings can help.
What Is a Shiba Inu’s Temperament?
The Shiba Inu has a temperament that’s pretty much between a companion dog and a working dog. They are affectionate around the family, but still keep an alert eye over their surroundings in case there’s a threat to their loved ones or territory. This also makes them fairly independent, which can pose challenges during training.
Shiba Inus have fairly sociable personalities and become very playful around friendly dogs, though they are more trusting of other dogs than unfamiliar people as they are typically wary of strangers. Still, they open up quickly after getting the owner’s approval that a stranger doesn’t mean harm.
Are Shiba Inus Good With Kids?
Whether or not a Shiba Inu gets along well with kids mainly depends on the behavior of the kids rather than the Shiba Inu. A well-socialized Shiba Inu will behave nicely around kids and tolerate most of their behavior, but they can have their limits – they shouldn’t be disturbed by kids often, especially when drinking or eating.
If kids aren’t bothering a Shiba Inu and respecting their personal space, they will get along just fine and will make great playmates for children. In fact, one of Shiba Inu’s earliest jobs was to keep children company. They enjoy playing with children and can keep them active throughout the day by having a playmate who’s readily available for any activity.
Are Shiba Inus Good With Other Animals?
Similar things can be said for a Shiba Inu’s relationship with other animals. These dogs typically get along well with other dogs in the family, especially if raised together. They can also live with cats as long as they don’t feel that they are being bothered, though some might have difficulties adapting to households with cats.
That said, most Shiba Inus experience problems around small animals like guinea pigs and hamsters. This is due to their high prey drive, which can make them instinctively chase after small animals. To prevent any party from getting hurt, Shiba Inus and prey animals should be kept in separate parts of the home. Due to the difficulties involved, the Shiba Inu isn’t generally a recommended dog breed for households with prey animals.
Are Shiba Inus Aggressive?
Shiba Inus aren’t inherently aggressive, but they are more prone to aggression than some dog breeds due to their protective and territorial nature. Because of this, early socialization and training are critical while raising a Shiba Inu – letting them interact with friendly dogs and strangers, taking them to new places, training them every day, and reinforcing good behaviors must be prioritized by the owner.
It is worth noting that any dog breed can become aggressive, especially if they lack socialization. This can be a problem with adopted dogs, as they likely have past traumas that can make them act in unwanted ways. Luckily, since Shiba Inus doesn’t have an extremely high desire to act protective or territorial, even the ones that act aggressively can be trained to become non-aggressive with training.
Do Shiba Inus Bark?
Shiba Inus aren’t big barkers. They typically bark only when there’s a need for it, such as a stranger approaching the yard or something suspicious getting their attention. Shiba Inus rarely bark to get their owner’s attention, which means the owner should pay attention to it when it happens.
That said, they are known for their vocalizations, also known as the Shiba scream. They are very sassy dogs and they will ‘back talk’ with their little whiny scream. Any inconvenience is a chance for them to vocalize and make their displeasure known.
Are Shiba Inus Affectionate?
Shiba Inus are highly affectionate dogs. They bond strongly with every one of their family members and often show their love through physical touch. It wouldn’t be uncommon for a Shiba Inu to rest their head on their owner when they want attention, for example.
While Shiba Inus are affectionate dogs that enjoy spending time with the owner, they are less prone to separation anxiety thanks to their independent temperament. They can cope with being left alone much better than many other dog breeds, making them a great breed choice for those leading a busy life from time to time. However, like all dogs, Shiba Inus need daily attention to live a fulfilling life.
Are Shiba Inus Intelligent?
Shiba Inus are highly intelligent dogs. In fact, their intelligence was one of the main reasons why they were such versatile dogs able to assist their owners in various ways. They understand social cues and human emotions well, making them responsive to what’s going on in their environment.
However, this intelligence doesn’t always mean Shiba Inus are easy to train, as they also have an independent side that can make them ignore their owner’s commands – more on their trainability below.
Are Shiba Inus Energetic?
Shiba Inus are energetic dogs that need daily exercise to benefit their health. They should be exercised for at least one hour daily to ensure they are healthy and happy. This can be a combination of casual walks, playtime, and playing with friendly dogs. These are possibly the most important care needs of a Shiba Inu next to eating and drinking as a lack of exercise can lead to behavioral issues like destructiveness and excessive barking.
Since Shiba Inus are smart dogs, they also require a lot of mental enrichment. In addition to physical exercise, they should get opportunities to put their minds to work through training, solving dog puzzles, exploring new places, and meeting friendly strangers and dogs.
Are Shiba Inus Easy to Train?
Shiba Inus aren’t the easiest to train due to their stubborn personalities. These dogs require some work to train, especially if training for advanced tasks. When training a Shiba Inu, it is essential for owners to follow positive reinforcement training and avoid harsh corrections to ensure their dogs remain engaged throughout training sessions.
Otherwise, a Shiba Inu can quickly lose interest in training, which will make any future training sessions even more difficult.
Are Shiba Inus Good Watchdogs?
The Shiba Inu is a natural watchdog as these dogs have been utilized for this purpose for centuries. If they spot something suspicious at a distance, they will make sure to alert the owner by barking. However, their small size means that the Shiba Inu isn’t a good choice to take on any guarding work. They will only bark to alert, and their job will end there.
Are Shiba Inus Good Service Dogs?
Shiba Inus aren’t preferred for service dog work because of how difficult it is to train these dogs and their temperament around strangers. Since service dogs must be well-behaved in various public situations and stay on task no matter what, Shiba Inus don’t make reliable service dogs.
Nonetheless, Shiba Inus can serve their owners in other ways, such as being a loyal companion or upholding the duties of an emotional support animal.
How to Care for a Shiba Inu?
Everything we’ve discussed above can give you an idea of what it is like to care for a Shiba Inu as far as their training, socialization, exercise, and emotional needs are concerned. There are also some basic care needs of Shiba Inus that every future owner of this breed should know to build realistic expectations.
Here’s more on how to care for a Shiba Inu to determine if looking after one of these dogs is something you can manage.
Do You Need to Groom a Shiba Inu?
Shiba Inus need grooming like all other dog breeds. They should be brushed weekly to remove dead hair from their coat using a durable slicker brush. Shiba Inus also need bathing every few months or when they get dirty. We would normally categorize the Shiba Inu’s grooming needs as low, but with how much these dogs shed, which we will get into in a moment, they require average attention when it comes to grooming overall.
Maintaining their coats isn’t the only care need of Shiba Inus, however. These dogs also require some basic grooming like nail trimming, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, paw care, and tick prevention. All these should be an essential part of your Shiba Inu’s grooming routine to ensure their well-being.
Do Shiba Inus Shed?
Shiba Inus are among the dog breeds that shed the most, especially during seasonal changes. They can shed so much during certain parts of the month that they even bother people with no pet allergies. To manage shedding in and around the home, frequent brushing in spring and fall is a must to go through this period without major problems.
What Health Problems Do Shiba Inus Have?
Shiba Inus are overall healthy dogs with very few health problems. They can live much of their lives without experiencing any health issues. Still, Shiba Inus are prone to develop certain health conditions like any other dog breed. These include luxating patella, hip dysplasia, dental problems, allergies, and eye problems like glaucoma.
Even though Shiba Inus typically develop these much later in life, some can have a genetic predisposition to developing certain health problems. Regardless of age, it is essential to take them for routine vet check-ups to ensure potential health problems are detected early and they are provided with the care they need.
How Long Do Shiba Inus Live?
Shiba Inus have an average lifespan of 13 to 16 years which is fairly longer than many other dog breeds. This shows how healthy Shiba Inus can be, especially with the proper care and attention.
What Should a Shiba Inu Eat?
Shiba Inus require a balanced diet that supports their overall lifestyle and individual needs. Most owners should be able to find the right dog food for their dogs after considering their age, activity levels, and size. They can also be on a homemade or raw diet, though formulating these requires an animal nutritionist or veterinarian to ensure a Shiba Inu gets all the nutrients they need.
If you’re new to dog food, check out our dog food recommendations to find the best diet for your Shiba Inu.
Is a Shiba Inu the Right Dog for Me?
The Shiba Inu is a dog breed that surprises many with their unique traits. They are affectionate yet protective, small but sturdy, and highly adaptable dogs that can fit into various living arrangements and households. If you’re considering the Shiba Inu as your next dog, it is critical to understand what it takes to care for them and your compatibility considering their temperament.
With everything we’ve mentioned, it is safe to say that the Shiba Inu is a dog for experienced owners who can handle a small but headstrong dog. They have high socialization and training needs that must be prioritized early to ensure they become well-mannered adults. Otherwise, a Shiba Inu can become too difficult to manage, even for those who are experienced with dogs.
If you’re confident that you can provide the socialization and training these dogs need and have the expertise they require, then the Shiba Inu may be the right dog for you. They are affectionate dogs that can double as watchdogs and are loyal companions like no other.