Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu

Noble, agile, and beautiful is one way to describe the Shiba Inu. Shiba Inu in Japanese means “brushwood dog.” It probably received its name due to what it was bred to do, lure and drive fowl out of the brushwood. The breed has its origins dating back thousands and thousands of years in Japan. The gorgeous Shiba Inu, which resembles a fox, is a very admired, and sought after breed in Japan. It has a lively, spry, and intelligent temperament not unlike other Spitz breeds, such as the Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, Chow Chow, etc. Strong and powerful they would not be a good breed for new dog owners due to their independent nature. Early training and socialization is very important for this breed because they can be quite headstrong. Shiba Inu can do well living in an apartment due to its quiet nature, but it needs its physical and mental exercise requirements met, at least an hour a day. Faithful and devoted, they are a good family dog, and can do well with children as long as the child knows how to handle the dog. Shiba Inus can be fierce with other dogs, especially males. The breed is a hunter by instinct so it is vital to keep them on a leash, and having a yard with a fence would be ideal. The Shiba Inu is most definitely a possessor of everything, its toys, treats, domain, and does not want anyone touching “their” belongings. They do well in cold weather due to having a double coat, the outer one is dense and straight, and the inner coat is silky and plush. Shiba Inu come in different colors, reddish-orange, ivory, tan and black, black, plus a varied array of other colors and markings. They are easy to groom, a simple brushing every week and a bath only when necessary. It is important to brush their teeth 2-3x/week, and trim their nails 1-2x/month. Handling the pup and especially their paws when young will be helpful for them as an adult to accept grooming without being traumatized. This breed is typically 13-17 inches high, and normally weighs 17-23 pounds, with a life span of 12-16 years. They are generally a healthy breed and with routine veterinary visits, and with love and care they should live long and happy lives.

Each dog breed can be prone to develop certain diseases or conditions, be sure to research your specific breed before making a purchase to ensure you´re prepared for any challenges that may arise. This information is only a generalization and we make no guarantees on any breed related to personality, appearance, or typical health characteristics.