This is what you need to know about the shiba inu dog breed!
Table of Contents
Size
A fully grown Shiba Inu is between 13 to 16 inches in height.
Weight
Shiba Inus range in weight anywhere from 22lb to 18lb.
Color
Shiba Inus are in multiple colors: red, black, tan, cream, and sesame.
Coat
Having a double coat means having a top coat and an inner coat. One of the many breeds that sports a double coat is the Shiba Inu. A fantastic thing about the fur of a Shiba Inu is that it does not tangle or matte easily, so it’s not difficult to brush it and keep it looking great. There are some long-haired Shiba Inus out there. However, they are rare to find as their having long hair is seen as a mistake.
Shiba Inu Shedding
Shiba Inus are a dog breed that does, unfortunately, shed quite a lot. As dogs with a double coat, they tend to shed even more around springtime and autumn when the weather makes the most drastic changes. Daily brushing of their coats will be done to help reduce some of the shedding.
Brushing their hair regularly is a must, as well as having a standing appointment with your neighborhood pet groomer to keep them neat. While regular grooming is essential with this breed of dog, regular baths are unnecessary because their fur is waterproof. It is helpful that they do not need frequent baths as the species is not known to be big fans of water, so it would be beneficial to train them to be okay with getting wet when they are young so that when on the odd occasion, they need a bath it’s not a fight.
Shiba Inu Temperament
Shiba Inus comes across as a very independent creatures. They are proud animals and highly confident. They are well-natured, have nothing to hide, and can be peaceful creatures. They are attentive to their hygiene and can often be seen attending to this by licking themselves to maintain their coats.
As they are proud animals, Shiba Inu puppies are easy to house train and almost do it themselves with minimal effort from their owners. Shiba Inus are lively, alert, and loyal, and they are curious creatures as well. Shiba Inus can also be very playful, but there may be a better fit for a first-time dog owner.
Shiba Inus require more patience than other dog breeds, which can sometimes be pretty independent and stubborn. The Shiba Inu dog breed loves to be involved in all aspects of your home life, and they need you as their owner to set boundaries from when they are small since they have a dominant side to their nature and if they don’t know whose boss they will think that it’s them. Be sure to assert your dominance over them unaggressively to prevent them from becoming defensive.
Shiba Inu Health
The Shiba Inu dog breed is generally healthy, with some minor possible health issues. Shiba Inus are predisposed to multiple ailments involving their eyes, like glaucoma, entropion (when the eyelids fold in the wrong direction), and cataracts. One of the health issues that plague some Shiba Inus is referred to as a trick knee or, the correct term, luxating patella; this is when the knee randomly dislocates. Another issue that some Shiba Inus may have is hip dysplasia.
As a result of these two possible health complications that they have it is recommended that joint examinations are done every so often throughout their lives. Their annual vet check-ups should include a thorough eye test, as these conditions can develop quickly as the dog ages. If a Shiba Inu puppy reaches two years old and the vet has not found any joint issues, it is improbable that they will develop later as when they are two years old, their skeleton has finished growing.
Shiba Inu Lifespan
The Japanese dog Shiba Inu has a lifespan of around twelve to fifteen years, with the oldest recorded Shiba Inu reaching 26 years old. The oldest recorded Shiba Inu thus far passed away in 2011.
Best Diet for Shiba Inu
A Shiba Inu’s diet can be tricky as they struggle with allergies. The more they eat a particular food, the more likely they are to become allergic to it. Think of it like a human being stung by a swarm of bees, the person may not have been allergic to bees to start with, but after being exposed to the allergen so many times, the human may develop an allergy to it.
There are several types of food, mainly proteins like chicken, beef, corn, dairy, lamb, soy, or wheat. Two alternative options to these are fish or rabbit, which are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in a Shiba Inu. However, some of the only food types that are fool-proof against causing your Shiba Inu an allergic response is dog food made with insect-based protein specifically formulated to be hypoallergenic.
Origin of Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu dog breed came to be in Japan over 2000 years ago, and they were initially bred to be hunting partners fetching the birds and some of the minor game,
How to Adopt a Shiba Inu
If you’re seeking a companion who will challenge you and be loyal to a fault, then a Shiba Inu is the dog breed for you. Some rescue organizations specialize in Shiba Inu adoptions, and these rescue organizations are all over the world.
They ensure that the Shiba Inu goes to a good home that can afford medical care and special diets, to a home where they will be loved and well-cared for. Most rescue organizations conduct a home check to ensure the house and yard are safe for the Shiba Inu and charge an adoption fee. The adoption fee generally covers having them neutered or spayed, which is compulsory. The price also covers their vaccinations up to that point.
Fun Facts of Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is still to this day one of the most popular dog breeds in Japan.
Many years ago, before the second world war, there were three different types of Shibas. They were named after the areas they came from; the three types were the Shinshu, the Mino, and the Sanin. The Shiba Inus almost went extinct after the war due to multiple factors, including food shortages.
The original Shiba Inu was almost wiped out due to cross-breeding with western dogs. Between 1912 and 1926, the cross-breeding was so intense that there was virtually no original left to carry on the pure Japanese dog Shiba Inu. Thankfully, in 1928 an interest was taken in preserving the breed. Now more than ever, the popularity of Shiba Inu is growing globally, not just in Japan, thanks to the younger generations’ social media climate and culture. More and more Shiba Inus are seen as pets across different parts of the world.
Final Thoughts on Shiba Inu
If you’re considering getting a Shiba Inu as a pet and you deem yourself up for the challenge of an independent-minded dog who needs peaceful dominance from its master, please shelter for adopting a Shiba Inu. Too many dogs worldwide are being cast out for unfathomable reasons leaving the shelters overflowing with so many beautiful dogs just yearning for a loving home.
