Shiba Inus: Everything You Need to Know About This Adorable Breed

Shiba Inu, formerly a popular hunting dog, is now primarily kept as a pet. It's especially popular in Japan, where it's related to the iconic Akita

If you're interested in Shiba Inus, you've come to the right place! Dogalyo has all the information you need on these adorable dogs.

On average, Shiba Inus stand between 14 and 17 inches tall and weigh between 7 and 20 kilograms. They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years and are great for apartments, houses, kids, hikes, and guarding.

Shiba Inu The Most Popular Dog in Japan

Shiba Inu origin

It is believed that the Shiba Inu breed has been present in Japan for at least 3,000 years, having originally arrived from China or Korea with emigrants. Despite its long presence in Japan, it is thought that the breed was actually developed in Japan, as it is classified as a spitz breed and is one of the oldest known breeds. As such, it is considered a Japanese breed, although its origins lie in other Asian countries.

The Shiba Inu, formerly a popular hunting dog, is now primarily kept as a pet. It is especially popular in Japan, where it is related to the iconic Akita Inu.

Related: The Difference Between a Shiba Inu and an Akita

Shiba Inu dog breed Physical characteristics

Despite its small size, the Shiba Inu breed looks like a large dog due to its strong musculature and agility.It has a fox-like appearance, with triangular, erect ears, an elongated muzzle, dark almond-shaped eyes, slightly oblique, with a black nose and lips.

Its coat is strong, dense, smooth and short, with different colors such as gray, brindle, cinnamon, red and tan, cream and white. All Shiba Inus have a common characteristic called "Urajiro", where the hair on their chest, belly, legs, inside of the legs and face are white. Its tail is of medium length and covered in hair, which is usually carried curled on the back.

Shiba Inu temperament and personality

The shiba inu is generally a fairly independent dog. It is generally calm, but also has some vigilance instinct and may bark at strange sounds. He is very affectionate with his family and very attached, but somewhat wary and distant with strangers. He can sometimes bark if strangers enter his territory.

Moreover, the shiba inu is quite lively, nervous and sometimes even a little mischievous, it is very playful!

He is intelligent and knows it. Therefore, his training is not complicated; he learns quickly, but sometimes it takes a little time for the shiba inu to obey. It is a rather proud breed. For this very reason, it may cost you to interact with other dogs sometimes, but always keep in mind the importance of socialization, for any dog. If he is subjected from the puppy to a process of education and socialization, the shiba inu breed dog will not give problems.

Shiba Inu Temperament and Personality

How to take care of Shiba Inu

The shiba inu is a very clean breed, often grooming itself like a cat! To keep its coat clean and healthy, it should be brushed 2 to 3 times a week, except during its moulting period when brushing should be done every day. This will remove any dead hair, dirt and insects. Cutting their hair is not necessary. As for bathing, it should only be done every 6 to 8 weeks, as more frequent baths may irritate their skin.

However, the shiba inu breed can be averse to water so bathing at home may be difficult. If needed, consider taking the shiba inu to a professional dog groomer.

As we said, the Shiba Inu is an active breed that requires regular exercise. Taking him out for regular walks a couple times a day and engaging in activities such as running, ball games, and fetch are great ways to keep him healthy and entertained.

Finally, if you own a Shiba Inu, you may notice that they can get eye mites. It's important to clean them off as soon as they appear using sterile gauze and saline solution.

Read also: Jindo Dog or Korean Jindo

Shiba Inu health problems and issues

Shiba Inus are generally a healthy breed of dog, however, it is important to be mindful of the amount of exercise they get. Too much exercise can lead to the development of hip dysplasia and luxating patella, two common health issues for Shiba Inus.