White and red Shiba Inu in a snowy setting.

Shiba Inu

avatar Alanna Mallory, BS, LVT, VTS (SAIM)

Height13"-15"

Weight20-30 lbs

TypeNon-Sporting

Life Expectancy12-14 years

Area of OriginJapan

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

The Shiba Inu is a clever, independent, fearless, and agile companion dog. Although they can be stubborn and often standoffish with strangers, they are truly loyal and affectionate toward their owners. Due to their double coat, cooler environments may be optimal, and they always relish the exercise of a brisk run. However, a Shiba Inu should always be secured by a leash when outdoors, as they will most certainly outrun their owner. Their natural bravery and fierce agility make them extraordinary hunters and guardians. The Shiba Inu thrives in city, suburban, and country environments alike.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Did Shiba Inu Get Their Name?

There are many theories on how the Shiba Inu acquired its name. The first is that shiba means “small” in Japanese and the Shiba Inu is the smallest and most ancient of Japan’s dogs, being around for nearly 3,000 years. Another is that the breed was named for their unique ability to maneuver through brushwood bushes, as they are also referred to as Little Brushwood Dogs. Either way, they officially acquired their current moniker in 1920.

The ancestors of the modern day Shiba Inu were originally from Japan’s mountainous regions and had a larger boned and harsh-looking appearance. Their strong prey drive makes them magnificent hunters of small game and they are even capable of hunting larger game, including boar, deer, and bears. They are also outstanding watchdogs.

The Cultural Properties Act of 1936 gave official recognition to the Shiba Inu as a “precious natural product” of Japan. The population of Shiba’s dwindled during World War II and today’s Shiba is the result of the interbreeding from 3 different bloodlines (the Sanin Shiba, the Mino Shiba, and the Shin Shu Shiba) to preserve the breed. The Shin Shu Shiba is the most popular of the 3 bloodlines. In 1954, America saw its first Shiba Inu, since a military family brought their pet dog home from Japan. The Shiba was officially imported from Japan to the U.S. in the 1970s for breeding, with the first litter being born in 1979 to Julia Cadwell’s sire and dam. The Shiba Inu remains the top companion dog throughout Japan, and was officially recognized in 1992 by the American Kennel Club.

Where Did Shiba Inu Get Their Name?

Care

How Much Exercise Does a Shiba Inu Need?

Being a natural hunter with a strong prey drive, the Shiba Inu requires routine exercise and play. The independent Shiba can also be perfectly content playing alone, but make sure they have a variety of toys at their disposal to keep them occupied. Because of their double coat, use extreme caution when exercising in warmer climes. Always provide access to water and monitor breathing while outside. The Shiba thrives in cold climates and loves being outdoors. Running and agility are what Shiba are know for, so they will make an excellent jogging partner.

Shiba Inu Nutrition

The Shiba Inu is a very active dog with a strong prey drive. They were bred for their agility and hunting ability, so they may require a higher caloric intake than a more sedentary breed. Shiba are meant to be trim to maintain their quickness.

Do Shiba Inu Have Health Issues?

Shiba are generally healthy dogs, but are predisposed to a few health issues. Their thick coat makes them ideal for cooler temperatures and excessive exercise in warmer temperatures should be avoided. This Northern breed should be kept in the air conditioning (with plenty of activities to keep them occupied) while in warmer climates. As a small, agile dog, the Shiba is prone to orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia and luxating patellas. They are also prone to ocular diseases including progressive retinal atrophy, entropion, and cataracts. Routine orthopedic and eye examinations by a veterinarian are recommended to catch any health concerns early. Other diseases associated with the Shiba are hypothyroidism and Von Willebrand’s disease. Routine blood work can screen for these diseases. Their life span is 12 – 14 years.

Shiba are predisposed to: progressive retinal atrophy, entropion, hypothyroidism, cataracts, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and Von Willebrand’s disease.

How Do You Train a Shiba Inu?

The Shiba Inu is a very independent, stubborn breed. They do not take well to strangers or other dogs and proper training is recommended in the early stages of life. Because of their strong-willed nature, earning their respect early on is crucial to securing their loyalty and affection for years to come. This is achieved by firm and consistent training methods using positive reinforcement. Patience is essential when training a Shiba, as this head-strong breed may inspire frustration. Sticking with training will ensure a well-mannered pet. Shiba are not typically friendly with other animals, so use caution if training with other dogs. A leash is a must when walking, as they are swift and will likely chase any animal they deem as prey. Introducing your Shiba Inu to humans and other dogs at a very early age can help with socialization. When properly trained, the Shiba can be a wonderful companion and excellent watchdog for the entire family.

How Much Exercise Does a Shiba Inu Need?

Do Shiba Inu Have Health Issues?

Shiba are predisposed to: progressive retinal atrophy, entropion, hypothyroidism, cataracts, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and Von Willebrand’s disease.

How Do You Train a Shiba Inu?

How Much Exercise Does a Shiba Inu Need?

Caring for a Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu Nutrition

How Often Should I Groom My Shiba Inu?

Do Shiba Inu Have Health Issues?

How Do You Train a Shiba Inu?

How Much Exercise Does a Shiba Inu Need?

Shiba Inu Nutrition

What Are the Traits of a Shiba Inu?

The Shiba Inu has a compact build. The standard Shiba should look like a small Akita. They stand 13.5 – 15.5 inches tall and weigh 20 – 30 pounds.

The Shiba Inu head is moderately sized with deep set, dark brown eyes with black rims. Their ears are small, triangle shaped, and set apart, with a slight slant forward. The muzzle is round with a strong lower jaw and the lips are tight and black.

The Shiba’s body is muscular with a broad chest. Their abdomen is tucked up and back is quite strong.

Yes, the Shiba Inu’s tail is thick and curled up over the back. The tail extends to the hock when straight.

Shiba forelegs are straight and feet are feline with arched toes and thick paw pads.

Shiba have a thick, double coat with short fur on the legs, face, and ears. Their colors may be deep red, sesame (red and black hair, with red or black being predominant), black/tan, white, and lighter red.

The Shiba’s hindlegs are muscular, moderately angulated, equal in length, and parallel. Their stance is naturally wide.

Shiba Inu Facts

1

Archaeologists discovered bones that resemble the modern-day Shiba dating back to the Jōmon period in 500 B.C.

2

The Shiba Inu is known to have cat-like cleanliness, feet, and reflexes. They also share their aloofness with cats.

3

They're often humorously compared to a Japanese pepper, since they're spicy, but very small.

Other Breeds to Explore

Akita

Choosing a Finnish Spitz

Choosing an American Eskimo

References

Morris, Desmond. Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds. Trafalgar Square, 2002.
American Kennel Club. The Complete Dog Book. Random House Digital, Inc., 2006.
Wilcox, Bonnie and Chris Walkowicz. The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World. T.F.H. Publications, Inc., 1995.