Skip to content 
Shiba Inu Dog Breed Introduction
Shiba Inu ( also referred to as Shiba or Shibas in plural by AKC) is a small-medium spitz breed of dog originally from Japan that was bred for hunting. This is a dog that adapts well to hiking trails and mountainous terrain. It is often mistaken for other Japanese dogs such as Hokkaido or Akita Inu due to the similarities that they share. However, Shiba is a different breed with a distinct temperament and bloodline.
Origin
Shiba is one of the six distinct and original spitz breeds of dogs from Native Japan. This dog was bred to hunt and flush small game such as rabbits and birds. Originally, these dogs resided in the mountainous areas of the Chūbu region. Western dogs were imported and bred with the native Japanese dogs during the Meiji Restoration and their crosses became popular. Therefore, between 1912 to 1926, almost there were no pure Shibas remaining.
Hunters and intellectuals developed an interest to protect pure Shiba around 1928. Regardless of the efforts to preserve the Shibas, this breed nearly became extinct during World War II. Subsequent dogs were bred from the only three surviving bloodlines including the Shinshu Shiba, Mino Shiba, and San’in Shiba.
Shinshu Shibas had a dense layer of guard hairs, a solid undercoat, a red coat, and was small in size. The Mino Shibas had a sickle tail rather than the curled tail found in modern Shibas and thick, prick ears. The San’in Shibas were larger in size than modern Shibas and tended to be black without the common tan and white accents found on modern black and tan Shibas.
The three breeds were combined into one overall breed, the modern Shibas. The first Shiba was imported in the USA in 1954 by a military family. The first litter of this dog was recorded in 1979. AKC recognized Shibas in 1992 and added it to the AKC non-sporting group in 1993. Currently, Shiba is kept as a companion dog in both Japan and abroad in countries like the US.
Shiba Inu Lifespan
According to AKC, Shiba has a lifespan of 13 to 16 years. However, the life expectancy of this breed may be vary from individual to individual with others having a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The oldest Shiba to ever live had a lifespan of 26 years and died in December 2011, three years shy away from attaining the lifespan for the world record for the longest living dog.
Shiba Inu Grooming
It is a naturally clean dog that requires minimal grooming needs. Shibas shed moderately throughout the year and heavily twice a year, especially during summer. Some dog owners have reported that the heavy shedding may even last for six months at a time.
During the shedding season, brushing or combining the coat will help to reduce the amount of hair around the house. Infrequent brushing won’t hurt during the light shedding periods since the coat does not mat unless it’s a long-coated Shiba. Blowing the dog’s coat with a strong blow-dryer or shop vacuum in reverse is a good way to remove loose hair, and check for fleas, and dandruff.
Naturally, these dogs hate to be wet or bathed, hence, get your pet accustomed to bathing when they are still young. This dog also rejects nail clipping. Therefore, introducing nail cutting when the puppy is still young will help. However, if it becomes a major struggle, consult with a professional. Clean the ears on a weekly basis to remove debris or wax while checking for redness, dark discharge, and odor. Brush the teeth of a Shiba at least twice a week if not daily using a dog-formulated toothpaste and toothbrush.
Shedding
Shiba has a double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during seasonal change in Spring and Fall. The shedding or blowing coat may be a nuisance during the heavy shedding season. Daily brushing will help to confine the hair in the brush rather than around the house. Using a strong blow-dryer is also good to remove loose hair.
Coat
A Shiba possesses a thick double coat with a fox-like look face, legs, and ears. The coat is made up of a top coat that is stiff and straight while the undercoat is soft and thick. The thick undercoat protects these dogs from temperatures well below freezing. It is advisable not to cut or shave the coat of a Shiba since it is needed to protect them both from hot and cold temperatures.
Shiba Inu Hypoallergenic
It has a thick double coat that is susceptible to shedding dander, an allergen that affects people suffering from dog allergies. Shibas also shed fur that allows the escape of dander. Therefore, Shibas are not hypoallergenic. This breed also sheds throughout the year at moderate levels and heavily during seasonal change, therefore, the dander will always be present around the house. Apart from dander and fur, Shiba’s urine, saliva, and mucus contain a protein allergen that causes inflammation in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Shiba Inu Training
Shibas puppies are easy to housetrain and in many cases will housebreak themselves. This is due to their meticulous and proud nature, that they tend to keep their coat clean while also regularly licking their paws and legs as the cats do.
Potty training for this breed is accomplished if the owner simply places the Shiba outside after meals and naps. At the age of four weeks, a puppy of this breed tries to get as far away from the sleeping area in order to eliminate. By the time a pup is 5 weeks old, it can be able to hold all night until it is taken outside to eliminate.
Controlling the bladder takes a little longer and will be effective if the owner takes the Shiba out 20 minutes after meals, naps, following an exciting activity such as car ride or playtime, and every one to two hours during the day. While training your dog, the Shiba should always be on a leash unless in a confined area. Crate training is also crucial in ensuring the safety of the dog when it stays indoors.
Training Tips
Socialization is key in raising a well-mannered and behaved dog. This training exposes your dog to different places, people, smell, sight, surfaces, experiences, and sounds such as baby crying sounds, door bells, sirens, whistles, washing machine, vacuum cleaners, and lawn mowers. Socialization training starts from the age of 3 weeks while the pup is with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after the pet has already settled in its new home. The training sessions should be short, fun, and challenging not exceeding 10 minutes since Shibas have a short attention span.
Use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, playtime, petting, toys, and verbal praise to encourage positive behaviors. Avoid use of harsh correction methods since they make training counterproductive. Always use a calm tone when correcting your pet as they don’t respond well to the harsh corrections method. You should also teach your dog one command at a time until it understands before introducing another command.
Training Difficulty
Shibas have an independent temperament which may make training difficult for first-time or fearful dog owners. This dog is also intelligent and at times, may not want to do necessarily what you want him to do. Making your pet think obedience is his idea may make training a bit easy. Working with a professional trainer who understands the breed’s independence will help in yielding the best results.
Training Book
- The Complete Guide to the Shiba Inu: Selecting, Preparing For, Training, Feeding, Raising, and Loving Your New Shiba Inu( April 2020).
- Shiba Inu Training | Dog Training with the No BRAINER Dog TRAINER (September 2015).
Exercise
This is a fairly energetic dog that needs at least an hour of exercise a day. Shibas love to go for walks. This is not such a hyper dog that will climb the walls if not exercised daily. However, a dog owner should be dedicated in exercising the dog especially if there is no adequate yard where the dog will exercise itself.
Shiba Inu Temperament
- Independent.
- Stubborn.
- Alert.
- Intelligent.
- Confident.
- Fastidious.
- Fearless.
- Possessive.
- Strong-willed.
Barking
This is a quiet breed that is appropriate in urban and suburban settings. However, the barking may be frequent if the dog is unhappy or provoked and it will produce a high-pitched and loud scream. The barking often occurs when a Shiba has been handled in a way that the dog deems unacceptable. A very similar sound may also be produced during periods of great excitement or joy such as the return of the owner after an extended absence or even the arrival of a favored human guest.
Aggressive
These dogs are possessive of their food, territory, and toys and may at times be aggressive while trying to guard these things. Shibas don’t also get along with other dogs especially when intact.
Biting
A Shiba has a bite force of 235 Psi. Puppies of this breed are susceptible to biting while teething. However, dogs bite out of frustration, being overstimulated during playtime, reactivity, or fear. In order to overcome biting, experienced dog owners have been promoting bite-inhibition training. A dog that has undergone this training is less likely to even bite down or break the skin.
Types
There is only one type of modern Shibas. However, after World war II, there were three bloodlines of Shibas including Shinshu Shiba, Mino Shiba, and San’in Shiba that were combined into one overall breed of the modern Shiba Inu during the mid-1900s.
Some of the other breeds of dogs include:
Pug.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Shiba Inu Size
A female Shiba is slightly smaller in size in terms of weight and height as compared to the male counterpart. A female Shiba has a height of 13 to 16 inches ( approx. 33 to 41 cm) and a weight of 17 to 18 pounds ( approx. 7.7 to 8 kg) while a male Shiba has a height of 14 to 17 inches ( approx. 35 to 43 cm) and a weight of 22 to 23 pounds ( approx. 10.0 to 10.4 kg).
Height
A female Shiba has a height of 13 to 16 inches ( approx. 33 to 41 cm) while a male Shiba has a height of 14 to 17 inches ( approx. 35 to 43 cm).
Weight
A Male Shiba weighs 22 to 23 pounds( approx. 10.0 to 10.4kg) while a female Shiba weighs 17 to 18 pounds ( approx. 7.7 to 8 kg).
Health Issues
A Shiba is a generally healthy dog that should undergo periodic joint examinations throughout its life. Eye tests are also recommended since eye problems develop over time. At the age of two years, Shibas are considered free from joint problems in the case that none has been discovered, since the skeleton has been fully developed at this age. Some of the health issues that affect Shiba include cataracts, luxating patella, allergies, entropion, hip dysplasia, and glaucoma.
Shiba Inu Allergies
A Shiba Inu may suffer from various form of allergies as discussed below:
Skin allergies – A Shiba may suffer from skin allergies due to food, contact, and environmental allergies that manifest on the skin.
Food allergies – Rarely, a Shiba Inu suffers from a true food allergy that causes an immune response. Apart from food allergies, this breed may also suffer from food intolerance or sensitivity.
Contact allergies – This allergy causes inflammation to the skin of a Shiba once the allergen comes in contact. Some of the contact allergens that affect Shibas include grooming products, carpet cleaning detergents, plastics, bed linens, lawn chemicals, nylon carpet, certain fabrics, latex, and medication.
Environmental allergies – Some of the environmental allergens that affect Shiba Inus include fleas, trees, ragweed, grass, pollen, house molds, and dust and dust mites. Flea’s saliva cause flea allergy dermatitis that causes intensive scratching and biting underneath the tail and on the back legs until the skin around the bite area is raw. Symptoms of environmental allergies include itchiness, nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion, and itchiness on various body parts such as ears, face, belly sides, muzzle, groin, underarms, between the toes, and around the eyes.
Shiba Inu Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in Shiba may be caused by environmental allergens such as grass, pollen, or even dust molds. The environmental allergies cause atopic dermatitis. This is an inflammatory skin condition that causes a greasy skin, licking, rubbing, scratching, itching, a yeasty smell, and redness. One of the environmental allergens, flea cause flea allergy dermatitis that causes intensive scratching and biting until the skin around the bite are is raw. If left unattended, it may cause yeast and fungal infections.
Food allergies also cause skin issues conditions such as itchiness, facial swelling, crusting lesions, hives, pruritus, and dermatitis. The common affected body parts by skin allergies include the belly, feet, stomach, ears, armpits, between folds of the skin, and paws. A Shiba affected by Skin allergy will often engage in constant biting, chewing, and licking of the affected areas which may also lead to open wounds or hair loss.
Allergies in dogs may manifest as itchiness, skin irritation, chronic ear infections, sneezing, vomiting, rubbing of the paws, and dry flaky skin. Dog allergies don’t manifest themselves unless the dog is at least 6 months old. According to AKC, dogs with active allergies should not be bred unless the source of the allergen has been identified. Most dogs suffering from allergies may lead normal lives with the use of products that treats the symptoms.
Shiba Inu Food Allergies
Pet parents may have a difficult time distinguishing whether the pooch is suffering from food allergies or food intolerance. The former though rare, cause an immune response that results in a wide range of symptoms from skin issues such as hives, facial swelling, crusting lesions, dermatitis, and pruritus as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and/or vomiting.
On the other hand, food intolerance doesn’t cause an immune response but occurs as a result of gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet and snacks of a Shiba. Some of the food ingredients that cause food sensitivities in a Shiba include food additives, preservatives, chemicals, soy, corn, wheat gluten, lamb, chicken, beef, dairy products, eggs, turkey, fish, etc.
Food intolerance in this breed may manifest as diarrhea, vomiting, change in color and consistency of stools, Gurgling abdominal sounds, foot infections, loss of appetite, ear infections, and itchy skin. Shiba parents should work along with the Vet to manage the symptoms and find the offending ingredient in the food.
Seasonal Allergies
Shibas may also suffer from seasonal allergies most caused by pollen manifesting as sneezing. Seasonal allergies are likely to occur during fall. summer, and spring.
Shiba Inu Colors
The acceptable coat colors of Shibas according to Japan Kennel Club and American Kennel Club is Red, Red Sesame, Black Sesame, and Black & Tan. However, the Cream coat color is considered a fault by the two Kennel Clubs. JKC and AKC state that a Cream coat color Shiba should never be bred intentionally for a dog show as the required marks known as urajiro literally translate to underwrite are not visible. British Kennel Club standard accepts a white or cream coat. The urajiro is required in the following areas on all coat colors including on the cheeks, abdomen, on the sides of the muzzle, inside the ears, ventral side of the tail, upper throat inside of legs, underjaw, and upper throat inside of legs.
Litter Size
During birth, a female Shiba may give birth to an average litter size of three puppies usually ranging from 2 to 5 puppies.
Eyes
Shibas have eyes that are deep-set and somewhat triangular in shape. The eyes are upward slanting toward the outside base of the ear. The eyes of Shibas should also have a dark brown iris and black eye rims.
Eye Problems
This breed is prone to eye problems that may develop over time, hence eye tests are recommended yearly. Some of the eye problems that affect Shibas include glaucoma, entropion, and cataracts.
Eye Discharge
The common cause of eye discharge in dogs include viral infection, bacterial infection, conjunctivitis, entropion, corneal ulcers, etc. Therefore, a Shiba that has eye discharge may be a result of entropion.
Hair Loss
Hair loss in Shibas may be a result of allergies, infections, mange, endocrine issues, hormonal issues, mange, and folliculitis. Allergies causes hair loss due to extensive scratching, biting, rubbing, and licking which causes lick granuloma leading to hair loss. For diagnosis of the reason behind hair loss in your dog, take your pet to a vet.
Shiba Inu Ears
This breed has small and firmly pricked ears that are triangular in shape. The ears are also in proportion to the body and head size. The ears of a Shiba are set well apart and they tilt directly forward with the slant of the back of the ear following the arch of the neck.
Ears Down
Ears down in Shibas occurs when the dog is happy and pins his ears down to the side giving them a little wing appearance. It may be described as Airplane ears that are usually accompanied by a smile and lips that are pulled back to form a grimace.
Ear Infection
Ear infections in a Shiba may be caused by skin allergies. A dog suffering from an ear infection is likely to have an odor, hair loss around the ear, head shaking, scratching of the ear, and even a yellow, bloody, or brown discharge.
Tail
A Shiba has a curled or sicked tail that is thick and powerful and it is carried over the back. According to AKC, the required tail standard of this breed is a loose sickle or curl tail pointing vigorously toward the neck and nearly parallel to the back. The tail of a Shiba comes in handy in protecting it from harsh winter weather. While sleeping, these dogs curl up and use their tails to shield their nose and face protecting their sensitive areas from cold.
Tail Types
- Single-curled tail.
- Double curled tail.
- Sickle tail.
Tail Down
The preferred tail standard of a Shiba is a thick and powerful tail that is either sickled or curled and carried over the back. A Shiba that has its tail down may be passing a message of loneliness, sadness, or even feeling unwell.
Head
The head size of a Shiba is moderate and proportionate to the body. The forehead is flat and broad with a slight furrow. Dogecoin cryptocurrency also bears the head image of a Shiba Inu.
Head Tilt
The most common reason why dogs tilt their head is to listen more attentively to determine where the sound comes from. However, head tilt may also be a symptom of ear infection, type of head trauma, and head or neck injury.
Teeth
An adult Shiba has a total of 42 adult teeth that grows when the dog is between six to seven months. This is after the 28 sets of milk teeth fall out. These dogs are also prone to more dental problems than other breeds due to the increased risk of this breed having an overbite due to their narrow nose. A bad bite may lead to teeth misalignment making teeth cleaning problematic. Some of the health problems that this dog may suffer from include gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Seizures
Dogs are prone to three kinds of seizures; reactive, primary, or secondary. Primary seizures are also referred to as idiopathic epilepsy which is an inherited condition in Shibas. Secondary seizures may occur due to brain tumors, stroke, or trauma. Reactive seizures in dogs may be a result of the brain’s reaction to toxins, low blood sugar, or even organ failure. Common signs of seizures include loss of consciousness, collapsing, stiffening, or muscle twitching.
Neck Size
The neck size of an adult Shiba is 14 to 16 inches ( approx. 35 to 41 cm).
Speed
A Shiba has a running speed that is equivalent to an Italian Greyhound of 40km/h ( approx. 25 miles per hour).
Muzzle
Shibas have a round, full, and firm muzzle with a stronger lower jaw projecting from full cheeks. The bridge of the muzzle should also be straight. The muzzle tapers are slightly from stop to nose tip.
Mating
The heat cycle of a female Shiba lasts between 2 to 4 weeks. This process recurs after every 6 months. breeders and owners are urged to spay their female dogs if they have no intention of breeding. This is because dogs experience the estrus cycle throughout their lives. Therefore, it is possible for a Shiba to get pregnant in its senior years. However, the heat cycle becomes irregular as the dog matures.
Some of the signs that Shiba Inus exhibit while on a heat cycle include bloody discharge, mood swings, tail flagging, changes in eating habits, increased urination, and increased nesting behavior. Before mating your bitch, make sure she gets all the required vaccinations since some live injections may cause harm to unborn puppies. Avoid breeding a dam before the age of 2 years to reduce the risk of dystocia and the probability of the dog rejecting the puppies.
Nose
A Shiba should have a black nose that appears pointed.
Collar
Shibas are prone to skin allergies, therefore, the most preferred collar to use on your pet is a standard flat leather collar that is less likely to cause skin irritations. These collars are also long-lasting.
Harness
A harness is preferred for a Shiba that has a tendency of pulling when they spot a small and fast-running animal. This is because Shibas were bred for hunting and have an inherent prey drive. A harness will better help in controlling a Shiba that wants to give a chase.
Shiba Inu Names
After adapting your Shiba from a rescue center, it is time to give it a name. Some dog owners may name their Shibas names from their native Japan, according to character, level of activity, pop culture, celebrities, coat color, food, books, and movies.
Regardless of the name that you will choose, ensure that it freely rolls off your tongue without making you embarrassed when you utter it out loud in the public parks and malls. While naming your dog, it is good to stick to names that have vowels as they are memorized better by the dogs.
Giving a Shiba a name that rhymes with the command words can create confusion. Remember also to give your Shiba a name that is not used by the members of the household or guests who frequent your household to avoid confusion.
Names Female
- Daisy.
- Chloe.
- Ruby.
- Lucy.
- Penny.
- Rosie.
- Ava.
- Sophie.
- Molly.
- Bella.
- Luna.
- Lily, etc.
Names Male
- Leo.
- Buddy.
- Kai.
- Max.
- Jack.
- Jasper.
- Thor.
- Duke.
- Prince.
- Jackson.
- Gus.
- King.
- Chibi, etc.
Shiba Inu Dog Food
A Shiba dog owner may choose to feed this pet commercial dog food either dry or wet, homemade foods, or raw diet depending on the belief, time, and budget. Human beings are advised to feed on the least processed whole foods to lead a healthy life and so should our pets. While considering the origin of these breeds, Shibas were bred in native Japan as hunting breeds where they fed on fish, veggies, fowl, small game, and fish.
According to research conducted over the years, it has been discovered that fermented foods are beneficial for these dogs. Most of the Japanese owners of Shiba also feed their pets with fermented beans. Some dog owners will prefer feeding their dogs with natural home-prepared food which is nutritious if dog owners provide a balanced meal with all the necessary minerals and vitamins.
Feeding
The amount of food that your dog feeds on depends on the age, activity level, metabolism, build, and size. Puppies should be fed three times in small portions while adult Shibas should feed twice a day. The amount of food fed also depends on the type of food whether raw diet, homemade meals, or commercial feeds.
Growth Stages
Neonatal period – This is the period between birth to 12 Days old. During this period, the puppies cannot see but they have already started the learning process.
Transition Period – This is the period between 13 to 20 days old. During this time, the eyes begin to open.
The socialization period occurs between the age of 3 to 7 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Shiba Inu Aggressive
Yes, they may exhibit aggressive behavior toward other animals because they are possessive over their toys, food, and territory.
Are Shiba Inu Good for First-Time Owners
No, these dogs have an independent temperament at times stubborn which makes training difficult.
Are Shiba Inu Hypoallergenic
No. Shibas possess a thick double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during seasonal change. This dog also has an undercoat which is likely to shed dander, an allergen that causes allergies in people suffering from dog allergies.
Shiba Inu Quick Facts
- It has a sickle or curly tail that protects its face and nose from the cold while it sleeps in a curl-up position.
- Puppies of this breed are able to housebreak as early as five weeks old.
- Shibas have an independent temperament which makes them not suitable for timid or first-time owners.
