Shiba Inu

Read our comprehensive guide to the Shiba Inu breed, including information on predisposed health issues, exercise needs, family friendliness, grooming, history, overview & temperament.

Dog
17 Oct 2023

History of Shiba Inu Dogs

Native to Japan, the Shiba Inu breed is among the oldest dog breeds in the world and was originally created as a hunting dog. One of the smallest Japanese breeds, the word Shiba translates literally to ‘small dog’. Today the Shiba Inu breed is adored universally as a house pet and loved for its foxy features and lively and playful persona.

What to expect when caring for your Shiba Inu

Common Shiba Inu Health Issues

Owing a Shiba Inu dog doesn’t mean you will encounter any of these diseases, it simply means you are more likely to come across them with this breed than any other. Here’s what to look out for:

 

Obesity – This is a disease that is a common problem for Shiba Inu dogs and carrying extra weight can cause havoc on the joints as a result.

 

Epilepsy – Shiba Inu dogs are prone to primary seizures. There is no cause for a seizure of this kind, it is simply a genetic issue. This health issue can be controlled simply with the right medication.

 

Von Willebrand’s disease – This is a bleeding disorder that is inherited from the dog’s parents. This affects how the blood clots and is usually due to a protein deficiency called Von Willebrand.

How Much Grooming Do Shiba Inu Dogs Need?

Shiba Inu dogs have a thick coat and are known as a high-shedding breed. Usually, you can groom your dog by brushing its coat a couple of times per month, but you will need to increase this to a couple of times per week in shedding season. This breed of dog has a double-coat and it is the undercoat that is very light and heavy shedding. An extra bath or two during shedding season is the perfect way to keep your pet’s coat under control. Shiba Inu dogs are notoriously clean and are known to self-groom as cats do.

How Much Exercise Do Shiba Inu Dogs Need?

If you own a Shiba Inu dog, you can expect to exercise them for around an hour each day. While they aren’t overly active, they have a tendency to gain weight quickly, and regular exercise is one way to keep this in check and avoid obesity issues that this breed of dog is prone to. Lead-only walks are recommended unless you are letting them off in a secure space.

  1. Shiba Inu Personality Traits

    What to expect from your Shiba Inu

    Alert and confident, the Shiba Inu dog is fiercely loyal to those who they trust. Generally good-natured, this breed of dog is bold and high-spirited, with an independent streak a mile long. Owners are attracted to this breed because they are small and conveniently sized, but they require training and a firm owner who is willing to discipline them. Left to its own devices, a mischievous Shiba Inu can outrun most humans if something catches their attention on a walk, so walking off the leash is discouraged, and owners should always be one step ahead. This is a reflection of their hunting background, but as a result, this dog is best paired with a consistent and confident owner.

  2. Are Shiba Inu Dogs Family Friendly?

    How will they behave around my family?

    Shiba Inu dogs aren’t best suited to family homes with children but will thrive in an all-adult home. This is because they have a tendency to be impatient and this can be tested by small children.

Key Facts Summary
Size:
13-17 inches
Weight:
7kg-11kg
Temperament:
Inquisitive and Lively
Lifespan
12-15 Years
Average Cost:
£1000-£1600

Shiba Inu FAQs:

Are Shiba Inu Dogs Good Pets?

Shiba Inu dogs are superb pets for the right owner, but they aren’t for everyone. They require a strict and firm owner who will dedicate time to train them and give them the attention they need.

Are Shiba Inu dogs Aggressive?

Intelligent and strong-willed, the Shiba Inu breed can be fiery towards other dogs (especially larger dogs), and if left to reach adulthood without proper training, it could easily develop an Alpha role in the household. While they rarely show aggression towards humans, they should, like any breed, be supervised around small children.

Are Shiba Inu Dogs a Challenge to Own?

This particular breed of dog is definitely more well suited to an experienced dog owner. Without the proper training and care, Shiba Inu dogs can express a dominant side and can be territorial. Due to their nature as hunting dogs, they also like to chase anything that moves, which means training can be challenging especially for a novice dog owner. This breed is agile and an escape artist, which is something to note if your garden is not airtight.

Now you know exactly what to expect when welcoming a Shiba Inu dog into your home, it’s also worth considering pet insurance for your new furry friend. Asda Money Pet Insurance can help protect you against those unexpected vet bills, with different levels of cover to choose from.

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