Shiba Inu Breed
The Shiba Inu is a small companion dog with a big attitude. They are alert, confident, courageous and bold. They are charming, affectionate, brave, kind, and trainable. They are strong willed, bark little, make excellent watch dogs, and bond closely with their family. A well-adjusted Shiba is good with kids, adults, other dogs, and cats if they are raised with cats when they are puppies. They are active, lively, agile and can run very fast. Socialize this breed well as a puppy, as they can be reserved with strangers. An obedience class is highly recommended. If a Shiba is not completely convinced that its owner is the pack leader, it can become a bit stubborn, and believe that it can do what it wants. Shibas are very smart and will take over the role of pack leader if given half a chance. Proper human to canine communication is essential. It is unfortunate that many people will not heed this advice which could result in a very unpleasant experience for both owner and dog. With that said, it really isn't that difficult to give a Shiba puppy the basic training and socialization skills it needs. Shibas are playful, friendly, trainable, and very loving dogs that will bring you years of undying love and laughter. Well worth the initial effort!
Originally, the Shiba Inu was bred to hunt and flush out small game, such as birds and rabbits. Being a natural born hunter, the Shiba should not be trusted alone with small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, and small birds. Be careful when taking them off leash as they like to chase. They adapt very well to traveling, and will also do well living in an apartment. The Shiba Inu is an undemanding dog that will adapt to your circumstances. Daily walks or having areas that they can run free is necessary. They are a very active dog and would be healthier and happier with regular exercise. This breed can walk for hours on end as it has tremendous endurance.
They are extremely easy to housebreak, and in many cases will housebreak themselves. They regard themselves as part of the family and do very well indoors, and they also love the freedom of the great outdoors. They are very clean, so grooming needs are minimal and there is little need for regular bathing. Their coat is naturally waterproof and they have a thick undercoat that can protect them from temperatures well below freezing. Shedding, also known as blowing their coat, can be a nuisance. Shedding is heaviest twice a year, during the seasonal change. Owners should never shave or cut the coat of a Shiba Inu, as the coat is needed to protect them from both cold and hot temperatures.
A Shiba's coat is generally red, red sesame, black and tan, or cream. Males will generally be between 15-17 inches tall at the withers; females between 14-16 inches. Males will weigh on average between 20-30 pounds; females between 15-25 pounds. Overall, the Shiba Inu is a healthy dog breed. Health conditions known to affect this breed are allergies, glaucoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, entropion, and luxating patella (slipped kneecap). The average life expectancy is from 12 to 16 years. The oldest known Shiba, Pusuke, died in December 2011 at the age of 26 and was the oldest dog alive at the time. Exercise, especially daily walks, can help your Shiba live a long and healthy life!
Originally, the Shiba Inu was bred to hunt and flush out small game, such as birds and rabbits. Being a natural born hunter, the Shiba should not be trusted alone with small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, and small birds. Be careful when taking them off leash as they like to chase. They adapt very well to traveling, and will also do well living in an apartment. The Shiba Inu is an undemanding dog that will adapt to your circumstances. Daily walks or having areas that they can run free is necessary. They are a very active dog and would be healthier and happier with regular exercise. This breed can walk for hours on end as it has tremendous endurance.
They are extremely easy to housebreak, and in many cases will housebreak themselves. They regard themselves as part of the family and do very well indoors, and they also love the freedom of the great outdoors. They are very clean, so grooming needs are minimal and there is little need for regular bathing. Their coat is naturally waterproof and they have a thick undercoat that can protect them from temperatures well below freezing. Shedding, also known as blowing their coat, can be a nuisance. Shedding is heaviest twice a year, during the seasonal change. Owners should never shave or cut the coat of a Shiba Inu, as the coat is needed to protect them from both cold and hot temperatures.
A Shiba's coat is generally red, red sesame, black and tan, or cream. Males will generally be between 15-17 inches tall at the withers; females between 14-16 inches. Males will weigh on average between 20-30 pounds; females between 15-25 pounds. Overall, the Shiba Inu is a healthy dog breed. Health conditions known to affect this breed are allergies, glaucoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, entropion, and luxating patella (slipped kneecap). The average life expectancy is from 12 to 16 years. The oldest known Shiba, Pusuke, died in December 2011 at the age of 26 and was the oldest dog alive at the time. Exercise, especially daily walks, can help your Shiba live a long and healthy life!