Shiba Inu
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General Description
(Japanese Shiba Inu, Japanese Small Size Dog, Shiba, Shiba Dog) The Shiba Inu is a medium sized, arctic-like dog. Their small, round heads end in short, square muzzle. Their large, round eyes and petite, triangular ears give them a friendly, yet alert appearance. The breed’s body suggests its strength: these dogs have thick necks, broad shoulders, and large chests to make hard work easier for them. Despite the look of their bodies, the dog’s legs are very thin and their feet are tiny. One of their most arctic-like features is their thick, furry tail which curls up on their back like an Akita’s. Their coat is thick and usually comes in red or red and black. The coat can also come in black and tan, as well as many other color variations. Regardless of the coat color, the dog’s cheeks and stomachs should be white or cream color.This breed comes in shades of red, tan, fawn, black, black with tan and white or tan and white. Their plush coat is very soft.
Character
The Shiba Inu is an affectionate and devoted dog. They love nothing more than being with their owner and getting attention. Children love them, and they are great companions for kids. Strangers should not fear this dog but will not be greeted in a sweet or loving way; they will just be ignored. Dogs and even cats can live with Shiba Inus, but the breed can sometimes be combative with same sex dogs. Around little animals like hamsters or rabbits they should never be trusted because of their strong hunting instincts. They have a tendency to bark a lot but are otherwise gentle natured. It's best to train and socialize this breed from birth or they may be aggressive and unpredictable with other animals. They are naturally dominate and require an alpha type owner. Again, a lot of training and socialization are needed. They are sweet, intelligent and loyal, but can also be stubborn and self thinking. They are not known to bark much but may bark when strangers are present. Sometimes they may not even bark at all but make a yodel or loud meow sound when they are happy. They may also scream when displeased. They will bark but it's rare. They are fairly quiet dogs for the most part.
Size
13-16 inches
Weight
18-30 pounds
General Health
The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed with only a small number of health concerns, such as CHD (canine hip dysplasia), patellar luxation, and PRA (progressive retinal atrophy). This small size breed can live to about 12 to 15 years of age.
History
The Shiba Inu’s ancestors were brought to Japan, where the breed officially originated, from China about two thousands years ago. Its ancestors spawned six other breeds of dog, including the Akita and the Shiba Inu. In Japanese, the dog’s name means either “small dog” or “brushwood dog.” The latter meaning may refer to the Shiba Inu’s job of chasing birds and other small game out of the brushwood for hunters. After World War II, the Shiba Inu almost became extinct but thankfully careful breeding saved this breed. Today, it is the most popular dog in Japan and has become increasingly common as a companion for U. S. pet owners as well.It is Japan's oldest breed.
Maintenance
The Shiba Inu needs little grooming to stay clean. Brushing should be done on a regular basis to remove dead hair. Bathing should not be done unless it is extremely needed because it can get rid of the coat’s natural water proofing. Exercise should be done frequently because they are quite energetic. Long walks or runs are very enjoyable for them. The breed likes to exercise every day but is fine if you skip a walk every now and then. Shibas are clean dogs but they do shed seasonally. Their under coat sheds during the spring season and requires daily brushing to keep the coat looking groomed.
Ideal Environment
The Shiba Inu is a great dog for the right family. Love and affection from their family is top priority for them, even though they seem independent. Children have fun playing with the dog, and the dog is great with the kids. Strangers do not get warm welcomes; they just get ignored by the Shiba Inu. The breed does well with dogs and cats if socialized well at an early age. However, their hunting instinct will come into play if they are around small animals, such as gerbils. Living in a house or an apartment is fine with this easy going dog, and their coat allows them to live in any climate. The breed is fairly calm in the house, especially if exercised regularly.
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shiba inu
I got Trojan when he was 6 months old. He didn't bark for the first few months. He rarely barks now. He is intelligent and good with other animals, though he doesn't live with any, except little crazy ones. I would recommend them for anyone
Pros: quiet with a Big Dog Nature, loves to please
Cons: grooming his nails
My First Shiba Inu
I really wanted another big dog, particularly an Ainu Dog, but in this region of the USA, even the more common Shiba Inu is quite rare. So when I found a family that was going through a hard time and needed to find a good home for their Shiba Inu, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Sun (pronounced "soon") bonded to me almost immediately! I took him home on a long four hour drive and by the time we got there, he was already following me around like a mama's boy. I've had him for many months now, and he's just over a year old. I have never had a Shiba Inu before, and I'm now only experienced with the puppyhood stage, but that still leaves me some good information for the most important stage of life. The number one thing that I had been having a problem with was Sun's desperate need to mark his territory on everything, indoors and out. As soon as I got him neutered, I had no problem at all. I didn't even need to train him, he just stopped wanting to. If you're not getting your Shiba Inu for breeding, then I strongly advise you to get him or her fixed as soon as possible. I also advise anyone thinking about getting a Shiba Inu puppy to make sure they can care for an extremely energetic and rambunctious dog. They are loving and loyal, but it's been tough sometimes when Sun runs around like a mad animal in the house (even after having a walk outside!) knocking things over and ruining the rugs! If you can deal with it though, they do calm down once the energy has been worked off. Another bit of advice is that if you have small pets, including cats, keep a very close eye on your Shiba Inu. We have three cats, and Sun seems to ignore them if they are acting calm or nonchalant, but if they get scared and run or hiss, he gets very excited and tries to chase them. He's also enchanted by our hamsters, but I never let them remotely near him, so we haven't had a problem. Those are the Shiba Inu characteristics I have noticed that any new owner might want to think about. I have had all kinds of dogs over my lifetime, so everything else you should know about a Shiba Inu seems to be general traits anyone should know before they become a dog owner.
Pros: Very loving, adorable, energetic, compact, easy to train with diligence, fun to play with, has a unique language
Cons: Often too energetic, a mind of their own, willful, loves chasing smaller animals (including other household pets), can be extremely nervous, shy, or even aggressive to strangers
Love my dog
I have a two year old male Shiba named Rupert. We got him when he was three months old. He was so cute and lovable, but he had this desire to eat everything. He ate a hold in our wall; he ate my husband's blackberry and glasses. Since then, we have learned to "Rupert proof" our house. He's a wonderful companion to our cat. We're expecting our first child and we have been taking Rupert around children. He loves kids and he gets so excited when he sees them. Overall, he is a wonderful dog! I would absolutely recommend this breed to people that have the patience and the desire to have such a wonderful animal in their homes.
Pros: Loyal, independent and lovable
Cons: Sheds all year long; our liked to chew everything to pieces.
My old dog
We got a dog 13 years ago at an Animal Shelter in Maryland. We were ignorant at the time and had no idea of the breed. We laugh now and have many pictures to prove that we are definitely the owners of a Shiba Inu. Foxie has been the most perfect dog ever. We took the time to take her to training classes. I think she would be very unruly if we had not done training. As a puppy, she chewed everything and got into the cat's litter box if left alone. She was crated for 18 months. They are willful dogs and need to have a job or be busy. She has been great with both of our children and she responds well to an invisible fence. I have read that they can live up to 16 years and she is getting close.
Pros: Loyal, energetic, lovable, great with kids
Cons: Puppyhood was tough
The Best Dog EVER!
I got Nikko just after Thanksgiving '09 and it's amazing how smart this dog is! She was potty trained the first day I brought her home, and I am amazed at how quickly she picks up other commands. I even taught her how to 'high five' in minutes! I live in an apartment and I have not had any concerns with the limited space, but I do walk her a lot. I am still trying to figure out her diet; she drinks A LOT of water which makes potty breaks very frequent. Unlike other posts, my dog is friendly to everyone - she seeks attention from everyone. Finally, has anyone noticed how much their Shiba Inu shakes themself off from head to toe? Nikko does it all the time!
Pros: Super easy to train, very friendly, energetic
Cons: Keeping her nails trimmed; drinks a lot of water
My 3 year old Shiba Girl
I adopted her at our local animal shelter (as an adult dog) with the idea of getting her to a Shiba rescue. I had never had one, but knew people who did who said the breed could be difficult--so I thought a rescue was the best way to go. I never thought I would keep her, as I have a cat (Shiba's have high prey drives) and my yard is not fenced. She was with me for 3 days and I called the rescue and told them I would be keeping her. If you keep them walked and they have company (even a cat) while you are at work, they are delightful. My girl (Ziva) wants to be with me all the time and is a great traveler--she loves the car. She is friendly to a point with other dogs, although she can quickly adapt if there are other dogs around for an extended period. If you are interested in this breed, I strongly recommend fostering an adult, because these dogs are individuals and do not necessarily conform to all of the "breed standards" for personality. Ziva loves to play with the cat and the cat loves her and enjoys the chasing--but another Shiba might not. Adopt--don't shop. I am very happy with my adult adoptee.
Pros: great temperament, very clean, great companion, manageable size, easy to train, energetic
Cons: bossy, territorial, but not agressive about it.