SHIBA INU

Temperament: Alert, Active, Attentive

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 44 of 197

Height: 14.5-16.5 inches (male), 13.5-15.5 inches (female)

Weight: 23 pounds (male), 17 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 13-16 years

Group: Non-Sporting Group

ABOUT THE SHIBA INU

The Shiba Inu is small (about 20 pounds) and athletic. Like a ninja warrior, the Shiba Inu moves quickly, nimbly, effortlessly.

The Shiba Inu dog breed was originally bred to flush birds and small game, and was occasionally used to hunt wild boar.

The Shiba Inu is a wonderful companion, though his strong-willed personality can be too much for some people. Others are charmed by his pluck and loyalty, which is why enthusiasts say that owning a Shiba isn’t just owning a dog — it’s a way of life.

PERSONALITY

Shiba Inu is good-natured, alert, and bold. He is strong-willed and confident, and often has his own ideas about things. He is loyal and affectionate with his family, though tends to be suspicious of strangers.

The Shiba Inu doesn’t share well. He tends to guard, sometimes aggressively, his food, toys, or territory.

NUTRITION

The Shiba Inu should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval.

Some Shibas are picky, and others will eat anything in sight. Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level; you should be able to feel the dog’s ribs and backbone, but not see them..

HEALTH

Not all Shiba Inus will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.

• Allergies
• Chylothorax
• Glaucoma
• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Patellar Luxation
• Hypothyroidism
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Hip Dysplasia
• Tail Chasing/Spinning

CARE

Most Shibas are fairly energetic and love to go for walks. They are not so hyper that they will climb the walls if they don’t get daily exercise, but a Shiba owner should be dedicated to exercising the dog, especially if the dog doesn’t have an adequate yard in which to exercise himself.

In general, Shibas are not massively destructive if left alone once they reach maturity, but some can suffer separation anxiety and should be able to spend periods of time crated even when the owners are home and at night.

GROOMING

Shibas shed — a lot. It has been said that they shed twice a year, but some owners quip that it lasts for six months at a time. Unless a Shiba is a “long coat,” the coat does not mat, so infrequent brushing doesn’t hurt the dog, but brushing or combing during periods of heavy shedding will reduce the amount of hair around the house.

Shibas often object to nail trimming.

Source: dogtime, akc.