Shiba Inu is a Japanese dog breed that has a fox-like face with pointed ears and red furry coat. This fox-kind face is what attracts most of the pet owners!
The word Shiba has a Japanese reference which means brushwood.
Therefore, a few people may also refer them as the Brushwood Dog. This is one of the most cheerful dog breeds that I have hit on, and that’s what urged me to write this article for you guys 🙂
You will just fall in love with Shiba Inu instantly, but wait before you know everything about them.
Shiba is an Epitome of Cuteness and Sharpness combined together!
Shiba Inu Dog Breed Overview
| Group: | Sporting |
| Size: | Small (12 – 22 pounds) |
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Best Suited For: | Families |
| Temperament: | A bit mischievous and attention seeker like cats; Independent, Possessive, Sensible, Outgoing, Fearless, and Caring. |
| Exercise Needs: | Moderate |
| Drooling Potential: | Low |
| Grooming Needs: | Low |
| Similar Breeds: | All the breeds with a fox-like face! Though behavior, temperament, and likes may vary. Akita Inu, Icelandic Sheepdog, Hokkaido, Korean Jindo Dogs, Indian Spitz, The Finnish Spitz etc. |
1. Basic Features
Shiba Inu has a muscular-built body structure and has pointed ears just like a fox. The optimized body size and proportions give them a cute natural look! Noses are black and round in shape, along with the small, intense eyes.
Shiba has an all-weather coat that keeps them protected both during the hot as well as cold climates.
They have a double-layered coat, with the rough and straight coat on the top.
While the underlying coat is thicker and soft. Legs are strong and come with dew claws that can be trimmed out regularly. They have a thick tail, which gets curled up over their back.
2. Shiba Inu Origin
Shiba belongs to the Spitz breed of the Dogs which originates from Japan. They are the smallest among all the six variants in the Spitz class. Because of their agile nature, this dog breed suits up well with mountainous terrain too.
During the ancient times, this breed was meant for the hunting purpose. People confound Shiba for other dogs that have a similar fox-like face, but not all of them are same! They often get confused with the other Japanese dogs like Akita Inu, and even Hokkaido.
3. The personality of Shiba Inu
Well, you will be surely reminded of the cats. Shiba Inu is very much familiar with the felines.
Shiba has a possessive, and naughty nature which they use for seeking your attention just like the cats do.
They love children, but still, you can’t leave them unattended.
4. Shiba Inu Behaviour
They have an independent kind of behavior and will do only what they like to do.
This is why you should train them for obedience and discipline at the early stage itself. You got to be a firm and strong pet owner to deal this breed rightly.
Other than these qualities, they are good observers. You can set them as a watchdog for a while, in case you need them to do so.
5. Exercise Requirements
The stamina and endurance of Shiba Inu are of a different level. On the other hand, they are not much of a demanding type. So, a simple half-an-hour walk also works for them. They are pretty active by nature, but for a happy and healthy living, some routine exercise is a MUST.
If you are a busy kind of person and could spare time for an evening stroll – then that’s even perfect for the Shiba Inu breeds.
The only thing to keep in mind is that these breeds gotta have some moderate activity otherwise they may put up extra weight.
6. Diet Needs
The diet should be rich in minerals and proteins. You can take about 1/2 or 1.5 cups of dry food and feed them daily, with dividing them into two meals. Include food items like wheat, corn, flaxseed, salmon, meat in their diet. Other than this, you can also feed them vegetables, dog rice, fruits, etc.
Consult about the diet with your regular vet before starting on a new dog diet.
If you ask me about the food proportions, then it depends on the type of the breed, size, age, overall strength, metabolism rate, and many other factors! It would be better you meet the vet and chart out the best diet for your buddy.
7. Trainability
Did I mention about the independent and stubborn nature of the Shiba Inu!
They may get violent and out of control – if they are not properly trained.
Things get worse in their adult age. I would recommend you to start the training of the pet as soon as they are home.
With the early training, they will have less temper and a sensibility in their conduct. Make sure that all the vaccinations are given prior to the training. Also, you can set a few boundaries while they are in the pup stage.
8. Common Health Problems
On a general note, Shiba Inu is a healthy breed and does not fall sick too easily. Even though, they will face certain issues with the growing age. Some of the common health issues reported with the breed include hip dysplasia, deafness, allergies, cancer, cataract, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
9. Who should Adopt a Shiba Inu?
All in all, Shiba Inu is a friendly breed that goes well for singles as well as family people. Also, they have an innate quality of being neat and clean all the time. No more hassles with the pet grooming!
If you are someone with a busy work schedule or someone who stays out of their home often – can rightly adopt a Shiba Inu!
They can also work as a watchdog for you in case of emergencies.