The Shiba Inu is a Japanese dog breed known for its history as a hunter and small but strong body. Everyone’s favorite Shibe dog is actually the most sought-after companion pup in Japan! People choose them because of their unique personality, which is a mix of confidence and loyalty to their owners.
These dogs are adorable. After they arrived in the USA 60 years ago, Americans fell in love with the Shiba Inu! Their popularity has a lot to do with their fox-like alertness, walk, and look. These foxy puppies can be white-and-red, white-and-sesame, or black-and-tan, and their smiling faces are the cutest thing ever!
Shiba Inu Dog Breed Pictures
Appearance
What Does A Shiba Inu Look Like
The puppies from the Shiba Inu breed are small, strong, and beautiful! They make a cute, alert face every time they’re playing or excited. Plus, they seem to smile all the time, whether running around the yard or chilling on the sofa!
The Shiba Inu coat is thick and double-layered, which is why they look like Teddy bears. In comparison to their soft and thick undercoat, the pup’s outer coat is straight and rigid. Although they shed moderately year-long, they do shed heavily twice a year.
These dogs usually have red, cream, sesame, and black coats with white patches on their legs, chests, and tails. Their eyes are dark and slanted, and their ears are pointy. Being super pretty, these dogs have won the hearts of many people throughout the years!
Temperament
The Shiba Inu are loyal to their owners and pretty well-natured. They do tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers, though! Although they are affectionate, they do like their independence, so don’t expect them to be too lovey-dovey.
Shiba dogs are also confident, bold, and alert. They aren’t usually aggressive unless when guarding their food, territory, or toys! These babies don’t like to share – that’s just how they are! They’ll also chase smaller animals that they consider prey.
Living Needs
Make sure that the yard your fluffy Shiba Inu plays in is fully fenced. These puppers are very talented escape artists! Aside from disliking the feeling of being restrained, they’ll quickly wander off once there’s a chance for it. That said, get your Shiba Inu a collar with tags, and never let them stay alone outdoor for too long!
Shiba Inu dogs are also very protective of their territories, and they’ll chase smaller animals away because of this instinct. More than that, they have a history as hunters, so they love chasing! Therefore, keep your Shiba Inu baby on a leash when they’re outside! Their agility and regalness, for which people call them cats of the dog world, won’t help them on the streets.
Shibas grow up to be lovely adults when they spend time with other animals from a young age. Socializing these pups early is a must! Sharing the yard with dogs or cats is easier for them when they’re used to having animal friends. However, they’ll still be cautious about sharing food and toys if they meet these animals after puppyhood.
Care
How To Take Care Of A Shiba Inu
Do the Shiba Inu shed? They definitely do, and this has to do with their double coats. Although these cute doggos lose some fur throughout the year, they shed especially heavily during spring and fall. Brushing or blow-drying them is a must!
You can also blow-dry them to check for fleas, dandruff, and dirt! Of course, regular grooming is important for your Shiba Inu pup’s health, and nail-trimming is part of it. However, if you’ve never done it before, a professional can help you!
How To Train A Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu owners should understand that these doggos will run away if they aren’t leashed or in a confined space. They’re skilled escapers, remember? No matter how much you train them, Shiba Inu puppies can dart after animals or interesting things on the street. This can be dangerous for their lives! Keep an eye on your doggy, and don’t leave the door open or the gate unlocked.
When it comes to training a Shiba Inu, they naturally understand how to behave inside a house. Once they turn four weeks, the pups begin to eliminate further from their sleeping space! At five weeks, these dogs wait to go outside to relieve themselves. However, it might take some time before your puppy can control their bladder! Your consistent effort and quick access to the outdoors will help with this.
Health
How Long Does A Shiba Inu Live
Shiba Inus have a lifespan of 13-16 years, and they’re generally healthy dogs that enjoy living life.
How Much Exercise Does A Shiba Inu Need
Shiba dogs need moderate exercise to stay in shape. Because of their hunting past and their thick fur, they’re naturally good at hiking. But don’t forget to leash-train your fluffy doggo before you start taking them on walks!
Shiba Inu Health Issues
The number one health problem that affects the Shiba Inu is allergies. When dogs get allergic to something, they itch and start to show signs of skin irritation. That said, it’s best if breeders don’t let pups with active allergies have puppies. However, most dogs with allergies can live normally with symptom-relieving products.
Most puppies don’t appear to be allergic before they turn six months. Unfortunately, these cute dogs are prone to some other disorders as well. Other conditions that affect them are eye problems, hip dysplasia, and patella luxation. However, every responsible breeder will examine their pups for these issues.
Feeding
How Much Should A Shiba Inu Eat
Shibas should eat 1/2 to 1.5 cups of great-quality dry food a day, split into two meals.
History
The history of the Shiba Inu dog dates back to 300 BC! They are ancient Japanese pups with a reddish coat and a hunting past – two things that inspired this puppies’ name. In Japanese, ‘Shiba’ means ‘brushwood,’ and ‘Inu’ means ‘dog.’ This means that the name of these puppies translates into ‘brushwood dog!’
The terrible consequences of the Second World War almost led to the extinction of Shibas. However, they survived and are very popular in Japan! Shiba doggos are growing in popularity in the US as well. A military family brought them to America in 1954, and people have been falling for the pups ever since!
Facts About Shiba Inu
- Shiba Inu dogs are smart, and they learn quickly. Still, they might not always listen to your commands! The process of training this doggie might be challenging for first-time and shy pup owners.
- These puppies are small in size, but they need a lot of room to jump around and be happy. They also need a fenced yard.