Shiba Inu

15-20 lbs
13-15"
Japan
Brushwood Dog, Japanese Small-size Dog

The Shiba Inu, often mistaken for a fox due to their attractive reddish brown fur, is the oldest and smallest of Japan’s dogs. Their story may start with hunting in the Japanese mountains, but today they are a loving and playful breed – making them the perfect family pet and an ideal companion. 



Do you own a Shiba Inu? It’s quick and easy to compare pet insurance plans from top providers for a lifetime peace of mind that your dog is covered for any health issues.  



In this guide to the Shiba Inu, you’ll discover:

  • This is an ancient breed, dating right back to 300 B.C. 
  • It came close to extinction after World War II
  • The Shiba Inu has a naturally waterproof coat
  • A loving, playful breed, they don’t like being away from their pet parents for long


Shiba Inu breed overview

A Shiba Inu dog is relatively small compared with other dogs in the same family. They are known for their agility and recognised for their upright ears. 

Originally bred as a hunting dog in Japan’s mountainous regions, today’s Shiba Inu is still renowned for navigating tough terrain, as an alert watchdog, and for their bold, high-spirited nature. 

This revered breed is one of the oldest types of dogs native to Japan and the most popular companion dog in the country. 

The Shiba Inu’s lifespan is between 12 and 15 years, which is expected of a dog of their size. 

The price of a Shiba Inu from a reputable breeder is between $1,400 and $3,500, depending on the kennel and if the puppies come from champion stock. The cost of buying from a breeder may also include microchipping, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering

This is if you want a Shiba Inu puppy, of course. You could also look at rescuing the breed; Shiba Inus may be available for adoption from shelters. Average adoption fees are around $300, but can depend on the location of the shelter, the age of the dog and other factors.


purpose Purpose
Hunting, Flushing Small Game
history Date of Origin
Ancient Times
ancestry Ancestry
Spitz

Shiba Inu Health

Sketch of Shiba Inu
Average Size
Male Shiba Inu size stats
Height: 14-16 inches Weight: 20-26 lbs
Female Shiba Inu size stats
Height: 13-15 inches Weight: 15-20 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Usually A Very Healthy Breed
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Allergies
  • Hip Dysplasia
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Epilepsy
  • Glaucoma
Occasional Tests
  • Hip
  • Knee
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination
  • Allergy Tests

Shiba Inu Breed History

The Shiba Inu breed is an ancient one. It dates right back to 300 B.C. So, you might be surprised to hear that it only arrived in the United States in 1954 and the first litter was born here in 1979. The Shiba Inu may not have been here as long as you might think but they have grown in popularity very quickly, which is why you might find it hard to believe they haven’t been around much longer. 

The Shiba Inu of old was a hardy dog, able to traverse hills and mountainous terrain that men could not travel on. They had excellent senses and became proficient hunters. They were used to flush out birds and small game, but were also used to hunt wild boar. 

Their history as a hunting dog in the Japanese mountains gave them their descriptive name. “Shiba” means brushwood and “Inu” means dog. Although, some argue Shibu means small – literally translating to small dog. It’s believed they weren’t given this name until the 1920s. 

This sturdy dog was declared a natural product of Japan by the nation in 1936 under the Cultural Properties Act and is today one of the country’s nine monument dogs. However, this was nearly not the case. During and after World War II, the breed diminished almost to extinction. Distemper was a major cause of this decline in the dog’s population. 

Before the war there were three types — the Mino, the Sanin and the Shinsu. They were named after the location they originated in. All three contributed to the modern breed we now know as the Shibu Inu but the Shinsu was the most similar. 

Shiba Inu Breed Appearance

The Shiba Inu is a compact dog, with a head perfectly proportioned to its body. Lips and nose are black, ears are triangular-shaped. Its eyes have a slight triangular shape too.

The front legs are straight, and they normally have dewclaws, which can be removed at the discretion of the owner. 

This alert canine has a high-set tail which is thick at the base and curled and carried over the back. 

They have an attractive double coat with a soft undercoat and a stiff, straight outer coat. 

This breed is known for being red but you may see a black Shiba Inu and you could even see a white Shiba Inu - although these are quite rare. 

Typically, they are red, red with a little black overlay, black with tan markings, or sesame with red markings. The undercoat is usually cream, buff, or gray. Markings, if any, appear on the cheeks and sides of the muzzle, throat, underside, and chest. Occasionally, there is white on the legs, tip of the tail, and above the eyes.

Appearance of Shiba Inu
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Shiba Inu eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Shiba Inu nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Shiba Inu coat
Black
red Shiba Inu coat
Red
cream Shiba Inu coat
Cream
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Shiba Inu straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Shiba Inu Breed Maintenance

The Shiba Inu has a coarse, stiff, shorthaired coat that requires only minimal grooming. Use a firm brush to remove dead hair and skin weekly. 

Bathe them only when it is necessary; the coat is naturally waterproof – if you bathe them often, they will lose the natural waterproofing. 

Shiba Inu are known for shedding, so be prepared to put the vacuum round your home regularly. Although they don’t require it, brushing them during periods of heavy shedding may help with this. Weekly dental care is a necessity, as is a monthly trim of the nails. 

This energetic pooch requires only a daily walk where exercise is concerned. They are an active dog, so regular exercise is good for them. They can live well in an apartment. However, they need moderate exercise to be happy in that environment. Ideally, this dog needs an average-sized yard in order to receive adequate exercise. 

They can live outdoors due to the waterproof coat. However, you will need a fenced-in yard with sufficient shelter from extreme elements. They don’t like being left alone, whether in your home or outside, so having them stay in the home overnight is kindest. Shiba Inu thrive when close to their loving family. 


Shiba Inu health risks 

The Shiba Inu tends to be a very healthy breed. Although, like all dogs there are some conditions that they are more likely to suffer from. 

These include: 

There is also a chance of patellar luxation, hip dysplasia and epilepsy - although these are only minor concerns and occasionally diagnosed. 

Is your Shiba Inu covered for all of these on your pet insurance? Compare top pet insurance providers and make sure they are. 

Progressive retinal atrophy 

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary condition that affects many breeds. It progresses slowly but ultimately results in blindness. It will affect both of the dog’s eyes. It starts with their night vision – when they have lost this, they will begin to lose their entire vision. As this is so gradual you may not even realize that your dog is losing their vision, but eventually their eyes will become opaque and cataracts will form. 

Glaucoma 

Glaucoma is a condition that is caused when pressure increases in the eye.  This pressure causes damage to the optic nerve and retina, caused by too much or too little fluid. This can be very painful and lead to blindness if not treated quickly enough. 

Allergies 

The Shiba Inu is prone to very few health conditions which means allergies are one of the most common. There are several causes of allergies. This could be anything from the environment to their food. If you think your pet is showing signs of an allergy, you’ll have to determine the cause so you can resolve this. 


Feeding a Shiba Inu. What’s the best diet?

Shiba Inu’s can be quite fussy with their food and go off it quite quickly. This is why it’s best to mix it up; just ensure they are getting a good variety and lots of different flavors. Generally, they will like high-quality food and a good mix of wet and dry is beneficial. 

Watch your Shiba Inu’s weight and ensure you’re feeding them according to their age and level of activity. 

Treats are perfect for training. Again, feed them a good mixture but make sure you aren’t overfeeding and adjust their meals accordingly.

Make sure clean, fresh water is available at all times. 

Do you want to ensure your Shiba Inu has the best possible diet? Take a look at the advice from our trusted partner Dog Food Advisor, including the best dog food for small dogs as well as feeding small and medium breed puppies. 

Brushes for Shiba Inu
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Shiba Inu requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Shiba Inu Temperament

A Shiba Inu’s personality is spirited, bold and confident. But, they also tend to be loving and kind little dogs. 

They are not noisy dogs — in fact, they bark very little but do sometimes make a noise similar to a scream. The Shiba Inu’s temperament is alert but also incredibly playful, getting along well with both other dogs and children. 

That being said, they are known to be fairly shy — or perhaps aloof — around strangers and so training and socializing your Shiba Inu puppy will be especially beneficial for this breed. It’s important to start early — this breed is intelligent but their independence can make them a little harder to train then others.  

You may be pleased to hear that this breed is very clean and will avoid getting dirty — and Shiba inu puppies are very easily house trained.  

The Shiba Inu is primarily a hunter and therefore you need to be very careful around small animals, including other family pets, if you have them. You should be cautious when letting them off the leash as they are known to chase small animals and cars. 

It’s important to be firm and confident with your dog, ensuring they see you as the pack leader. If you aren’t, the Shiba Inu will attempt to become the alpha and be quick to take the pack leader position. This can result in behavioral problems.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Shiba Inu Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Shiba Inu Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Shiba Inu at six months
Male Shiba Inu size stats at six months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 12.0 lbs
Female Shiba Inu size stats at six months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 12.0 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Shiba Inu at 12 months
Male Shiba Inu size stats at 12 months
Height: 13.0 inches Weight: 16.5 lbs
Female Shiba Inu size stats at 12 months
Height: 13.0 inches Weight: 16.5 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Shiba Inu at 18 months
Male Shiba Inu size stats at 18 months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 23.0 lbs
Female Shiba Inu size stats at 18 months
Height: 14.0 inches Weight: 17.5 lbs

Top Shiba Inu Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Shiba Inu breeders of 2024.
Top Shiba Inu breeder Marma Farms
Marma Farms
Fruithurst, Alabama
Top Shiba Inu breeder Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu
Louisville, Kentucky
Top Shiba Inu breeder Anderson's Shiba Inus
Anderson's Shiba Inus
Miami, Oklahoma
Top Shiba Inu breeder Icewind Shibas
Icewind Shibas
Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Top Shiba Inu breeder Des Mar Shibas
Des Mar Shibas
Redding, California
Top Shiba Inu breeder Pendragon Shibas
Pendragon Shibas
Dodge City, Kansas
Top Shiba Inu breeder Innisfree Kennel
Innisfree Kennel
Welcome, Maryland
Top Shiba Inu breeder Tintown Shibas
Tintown Shibas
Dover, Ohio

Shiba Inu Owner Experiences

Apolo
3 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My Shiba basically house trained himself there was barely any effort there. He gets in a playfull mood but can also be very calm. He is very loving and great woth other dogs and kids. Everyone that meets him loves him. Grooming is minimal just brush every so often. He doesnt like the leasg but he's getting better with it.
7 years ago
Taz
2 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My best friend and he makes every day a little brighter.
7 years ago
4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Explore the city
sniff
Walk
This shiba inu was willful and confident, as the breed tends to be, but a quick study and easy to walk overall. She was quiet and seemed a little lost in thought, suddenly snapping to attention at odd things, as if she had just realized where she was. A quirky breed, too willful for good recall so they need to be on leash at all times.
6 years, 11 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Run
Hunt
One of the smartest and energetic dogs out there! One I walked was very alert and knew exactly what route to take. He was itching to run and get out his energy! But these dogs love to hut so I always make sure they aren't sniffing around bushes or trees too long :).
6 years, 11 months ago
4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Eating Snacks
Walk
Nap
I just love Shibas. They are the absolute sweetest but usually want nothing to do with you. They’re the ‘cats’ of dogs. They want to be left alone, until they don’t. If they want love they’ll let you know. They love to walk. They’re very inquisitive. I’m yet to meet one that really wants to run or move quick. For the most part they just want to mosey and sniff.
6 years, 11 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
playing with ball
jumping and climbing
This particular Shiba Inu was very independent. He's friendly, but didn't seem to care what I was doing. He did pee in the hallway (probably out of excitement). He enjoyed sniffing around at the park and to my surprise, would jump up on the benches. When we got back, he enjoyed playing with his ball.
6 years, 11 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Short walks
Rest
I had two Shiba Inu and each had a different personality. One of them didn't like long walks and the other didn't mind. The same dog would bark at other dogs and children. It's not too social because it didn't like another dog at the park. It seemed tense most of the time while the other dog was chill
6 years, 11 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
In addition to walking a Shiba Inu, I also have owned Shibas in the past. The particular Shiba that I walked for Wag was a great dog. Very calm and very obedient. A great walking partner.
6 years, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Groom
Run
meeting people
She was a little standoffish at first, barking a lot and refusing to accept a treat. However the walk itself was fun and she seemed to enjoy sniffing and briskly walking. We met a few people en route and she sniffed at them hesitantly but did not really want to be pet. She did accept some belly rubs after the walk and seemed to be warming up much more.
6 years, 11 months ago
14 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
My shiba lived to be 14 years old. He was a great companion. He was obedient and trainable. He enjoyed playing with kids and was very calm around them. When he was younger he was full of energy and loved to run. I was able to trust him off leash in his middle years but not in the beginning or end. He shed a lot but had a beautiful healthy full coat.
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Shake
Eating Snacks
Walk
Shibas are so cute, energetic, and quirky. However they are a little difficult to train and a little bit "headstrong"! This one was absolutely stubborn, but also very eager and sweet, which made up for it. Shibas also groom themselves and are content being little couch potatoes.
6 years, 11 months ago
9 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Sniffing
These dogs were beautiful with lots of thick fur. These two dogs were very different in other ways, though. One was a senior and very large. She walked quite slow. The other was a puppy and wanted to walk fast. It would have been more beneficial for both to walk separately. I could have walked the puppy faster and jogged a bit. I could have walked slower for the older one so she could take her time. They were both friendly and liked to walk. What they both liked the best was to stop and smell. They wanted to see who was in their neighborhood and leave their mark to show they were there. They were so soft and furry I just wanted to cuddle them! Too bad that's not part of the normal walking activities!
6 years, 11 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Walk
I walked a Shiba Inu in pouring rain and while dainty the dog didn’t care one bit he was soaking wet. He had playful energy and a 30 minute walk wasn’t suitable for his energy but he still listened going in his crate
6 years, 11 months ago
Two Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
It was an enjoyable walk/run. He had a lot of pent-up energy so he expelled it by jumping and running. He looked like an adorable fox. He enjoyed sniffing a lot too.
6 years, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Explore the city
Catch treats
Walk
I have had the pleasure of walking many Shiba Inus during my time as a Wag dog walker. You can not help but smile when you see a Shiba Inu - they are the cutest little fox faced dogs! They are adorable and very appealing to the eye. Another interesting thing about the Shiba Inu breed is the fact that they're virtually silent dogs! I have never heard a Shiba bark .. ever! I think this is what makes them perfect city apartment dogs. They're generally very easy to walk. They like to go outside on leisurely walks but don't require particularly intense exercise. They are pretty happy doing their own thing and quietly appreciating their surroundings. They are not the most "people-oriented" dogs and often won't beg for human attention. They are pretty self sufficient and are happy being on their own and having you a few feet away. I would say this breed is the most cat-like of the dog breeds.
6 years, 11 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Look out the window
Play
Hike
Play keep away
Tug-of-war
Fetch
Playing in the snow
My Shiba Inu is my best friend. She is super loyal to me and she defiantly fits the discription of a Shiba Inu. Everyone thinks she’s so pretty and thinks she is a fox
6 years, 11 months ago
8 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
sniff
Walk
Shiba Inus are smart, loyal, and love to hunt and go after animals. They will bolt after a squirrel or bird so be careful with them. Shibas can be protective so approach them carefully. Shibas are very smart and easy to train.
6 years, 11 months ago
4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
socializing
I have walked three of these dogs. One of them was so aggressive that it wouldn't even let me put on his leash without trying to bite my hand, I had to end up cancelling the walk. Completely different experience with the other two that I walked. They were very friendly to me and other people and dogs. Calm and don't seem to have a lot of excess energy they need to burn off.
6 years, 11 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
sniffin
Walking
The Shiba Inus I have encountered have all been very intelligent and independent. They can come off as aloof, especially to strangers. In my experience they have been very focused on the walk and not really too interested in being pet or human affection in general. On walks they can be quite focused on their surrounding and sniffing out the area. They can also be a little territorial with other dogs. They’re super cute and people always want to pet them, but a lot of times they aren’t too interested.
6 years, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Playing
Tug-of-war
Running
The Shibas I have walked have been almost cat-like. They’re not incredibly outgoing and needy for attention but we’re very interested in exploring and going on walks and little outdoor adventures.
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
eating
Sniffing
The shiba inu that I walked was a puppy, so he was full of energy and liked to run a lot. He liked to sniff pretty everything and anything, but he had a bad habit of trying to eat almost everything off the ground. Very fun walk though because I would run with him, and he was very playful!
6 years, 11 months ago
4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Play
I love Shiba Inus! This Shiba Inu was particularly friendly and energetic. I have heard that Shiba Inus are fiercely loyal and sometimes are not that friendly to people other than their family, but this Shiba Inu was very sweet. I think they need a lot of exercise and engagement. Shiba Inus are very, very smart. People love Shiba Inus (they look a bit like foxes) and Shiba Inus will get a lot of attention on the street. I did not come in contact with any other dogs on the walk, so I do not know how this Shiba Inu behaves around other dogs. I think that Shiba Inus like being busy/having something to keep them occupied. They are great problem solvers and seem to enjoy a challenge.
6 years, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
avoiding the walk
I was really excited to walk a Shiba Inu, but having done it I won't do it again unless I know the dog and owner. They're very strong willed, tend to be cold towards new people and incredibly smart, so it can be a challenge to take care of them without an existing relationship. I've mostly found them at least okay on leashes, as long as they want to walk in the first place and you can figure out where they want to go. I find they like to follow paths they approve of or come up with themselves, so if you can figure out what they want they become more agreeable.
6 years, 11 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Tug-of-war
Shias can be a little stand off-ish, but will warm up quickly. They are a little skittish around other dogs, but tend to work well with other humans. Not violent by any means, but just a little nervous.
6 years, 11 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I love Shiba Inus they are soooooo cute and loveable. The Shiba Inu I walked was very friendly and energetic. It loved to play around and have fun. I think they need a lot of exercise to keep them healthy. Shiba Inus are very, very smart pups. People love Shiba Inus because they look a bit like a fox and Shiba Inus will get a lot of attention on the street, they are a people lover. When walking past other dogs she was very friendly the other dogs did not seem to bother her at all. I think that Shiba Inus like all the attention ,they like getting petted and they are so soft. Overall this bread would make a great companion to have.
6 years, 11 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Play keep away
Play
The Shiba Inu that I walked was very particular about smells--if a walker had walked any previous dogs or had pets at home, he became rather difficult to get the leash on and convince to go anywhere. We were scheduled to walk for an hour, so we did have time for this challenge, but the beginning of the walk left me worried about whether we would be capable of making any distance at all. Typically I attempt to play games: tricks & treats, but, because Sophie wasn't interested in treats, this didn't get us far. Eventually she did move upon her own accord. We were instructed to head to the nearby dog park and let her run around. This clearly had been a common course of action: she led us directly there. She was fantastic with all the other dogs and happily spent her time running in very fast circles around the space and playing keep-away with the other dogs. When it was finally time for us to start heading back trouble ensued. No matter the technique I attempted, catching her to get her leash back on was nearly impossible. After calling the owner I was told that even he needed to, "Urge her over using a stick then sort of pounce on her while you attach the leash." I knew it was going to be difficult. I spent nearly a half hour trying to urge her over with a stick, sitting very still, attempting to use treats and other toys, convincing others to help, trying to play with other dogs to get her to come over, and anything else I could think up to no avail. Finally the park had completely cleared out barring one single dog companion. The other owner and I collaborated to get her dog into the pre-play-pen and romp together in there. The fun intrigued her finally and, within the enclosed space I was finally able to leash her up and take her back home. I urged the owner to either warn future walkers about her tendency or to suggest that they not bring her to the dog park anymore. As much fun as she had romping around and as good a companion she is with other dogs, her complacency toward her human companion makes it a very challenging situation. Sophie is a beautiful dog and a great walker, but most certainly a free spirit as well.
6 years, 11 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Sniffing
My experience with Shiba Inus has been great! The ones I walk have had a calm energy to them. They get very excited to greet you and do jump a little, but once they settle they are excellent walkers! They listened to commands very well and didn’t pull the leash much at all. Both dogs I walked had to stop and sniff just about everything in sight, but I didn’t have to worry much about them eating anything they weren’t supposed to. During our walks, they don’t easily trigger by other dogs, people, or vehicles. The one will even lay down when she sees another dog until they pass. Overall, I love spending time with these sweet little dogs and would love to have one of my own someday!
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Running
She was a good little dog. She was stand off-ish at first. The owner had to put her leash and harness on. She was fine after that. She pulled the whole walk and picked up random things with her mouth. She played with a tennis ball she found and got stubborn about leaving it behind when we continued our walk- she would drop it and then take a few steps and put the breaks on and want to go back for it. She also seemed fairly "sight motivated" the more a passing by dog or animal like a bird would move she really seemed to be agitated by it and wanted to chase it. She was a nice dog a lot of quirks.
6 years, 11 months ago
One Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I walked a Shiba Inu puppy named Piper Rose several times. She is very friendly and playful. Piper Rose listens very well to commands such as “sit” or “stay”. Piper Rose has a lot of energy and gets very excited around new people. On our walks she will try to chase small animals such as squirrels or cats. Piper Rose does not bark. You need to be firm and confident with Piper Rose or she will pull the leash and take you for a walk. I run with her sometimes because she has so much energy. Piper Rose likes to run and sometimes we race each other. When Piper Rose is calm enough I can pet her, and she loves the attention. When I take Piper Rose for walks she usually has so much energy that she cannot sit still for more than a second.
6 years, 11 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
digging
Listening to the music of street performers
kicking up leaves
scaling larger rocks
I have worked with two Shibas professionally, and both of them of course shared some commonalities, but overall their dispositions differed greatly. This reflection relates to the first Shiba, a highly anxious and young pup. Shiba's are both famously docile and playful. They are truly gentle and poised at all times and this showed through in a noticeable extreme with this first Shiba I have in mind. He would not enter the elevator and his owner, who he clearly loved intensely, had to join us briefly in the elevator just to get the little pup in and on his way. Once downstairs he was incredibly reluctant to use the revolving door, our only means of exit. I really felt for him, especially when we got outside. He stuck to his usual route like a normal dog, but after doing his business he relinquished any signs of comfort. We walked one block during our whole half hour appointment, which I don't mind because I prefer it when the dogs dictate certain things; their comfort is my top priority. I sat next to him on a street corner and kept close. By the end of our appointment I could tell he trusted me enough to accept some of my verbal commands, but overall his anxiety and paranoia were intense and constant. I think this is the sense of certainty the breed is famous for operating in conjunction with his very young age and his dedicated city lifestyle. Shiba's like to be sure of themselves and I was for the most part a total stranger, which I totally understand. Their sense for caution is to be admired and was merely heightened by his youth and preference for the company of his missing owner. As they age, they grow in independence and confidence like the intelligent dogs they are.
6 years, 11 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Say hello
Sniff out scents
digging in leave piles
pawing for treats
The following reflection is based off my time with the second Shiba Inu I have worked with professionally. This one in particular was roughly the same age as the first one I met, quite a youngster. The main difference was in overall demeanor. As opposed to the first Shiba I met, who was extremely anxious and incredulous of all interactions, this female Shiba I now have in mind was extremely comfortable and social. She had no problem trusting me outright, which is something that took a lot of effort with the other Shiba. The female Shiba understood commands like Sit, Go, her own name and overall, she seemed very skilled at interpreting my body language. These methods of communication can take some time to set in a dog's mindset, but overall, a Shiba Inu seemed naturally inclined to make the most out of a human connection. This is especially remarkable for having been noticed so consistently at such a young age. Likewise, many dogs tend to obsess over stains and the remnants of garbage. From my experience, this is not the case with Shibas. Their famous sense for consideration shows through, and they comprehensively sniff out all areas of interest, like all good dogs, but they tend to be less prone to fixation or an abandonment of respect for the social cues of their walkers. These are qualities of the breed that did not show through given the tension experienced by her male counterpart I have been referencing. Shiba Inus are famously playful, poised, and sincere animals. They are fun-loving but reserved. This young female understood the shifts of the surrounding traffic, and when pedestrians making their way began to crowd in around us, she was looking all around rapidly, to understand any possible courses of action. Here is where the understood companionship between a fresh face, the walker, and the dog, this Shiba, really stood out. She had a better understanding of city life than the male mentioned above. I believed she was very wise for her young age, and this showed through the consistent sense of maturity with which she carried herself. Some dogs need to have commands repeated or voices neutrally asserted over the din of city life: this is not necessarily the case with Shiba Inus. She clearly respected her environment and her circumstances, which included me (someone she just met). I was very appreciative of and I deeply respected the trust she showed me. She showed a great deal of reservation that served as a welcome balance to the very obvious joy she felt being an uninhibited puppy in the city.
6 years, 11 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
The Shiba Inu that I had the pleasure of walking was one of the more subdued dogs that I have walked during my time with Wag. She was very easy to get into her harness and hardly ever pulled on the leash. She did get excited around nice patches of grass and was very fond of rolling around in the grass. She was not one to smile very much in pictures, but was a great dog with a very sweet disposition. She played very well with other dogs and didn’t pay much attention to other humans that we passed by, or even other animals, such as squirrels, that passed by, and I never heard her bark once. All in all this was a very calm dog breed in my opinion.
6 years, 11 months ago
We have 3 .. Sonni , Yuki , Kuro
5 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase , hide and seek and fetch , they like to na
Hide & Seek
We have 3 females , they are loyal , fun , snugly and a bit snarky
6 years, 11 months ago
Layla
2 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Layla is the best dog I will probably ever own. I had black labs, Pomeranians, and a few other breed in my life. I am only 20 years old but Layla has by far been my best dog. She definitely is most attached to my dad. But she is so smart, and feels like having another human around. She is very good at knowing when I am sick or sad. She receives so much attention from friends and neighbors. She is extremely friendly and loving to the people she knows and trusts. But she is a dog that truly is a pack dog! She is so sweet to the people she knows, but is very timid and on guard about strangers. VERY quite breed. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!
6 years, 10 months ago
Zues
1 Year
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I love him to death! It does concern me though how he is not friendly towards small kids or males.. He tends to just always hide away and sleep all day. When people are over and they try to go near him he will bark. (He will not bite though). I believe he was abused by his breeder and his/her children. He also will never EVER let you go near him with a leash in hand or a harness; which, leads me more to the conclusion of him being abused and possibly with the leash/harness. He is absolutely loving to my mom, fiancé and I. From the moment I got him, he has been my little protector. Every night he wasn’t some bully rubs and then will cuddle my feet and patrol the house.
6 years, 9 months ago
Hachi
7 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walk
My shiba housetrained himself and only had a few accidents the first couple of months after brining him home at 7 weeks. He is smart and picks up tricks fast but will only do some when he feels like it/makes sense to him. He does not like to be held, get wet, cuddle, or when we touch his paws. We trained him early on to have his tail pulled on and he doesn't seem to mind it anymore. As a first time dog owner that was advised not to have a shiba as my first dog, I can say it's totally doable with patience and time. Crate training is an absolute must and don't be alarmed at the shiba scream (typically when cutting nails or when getting a bath).
6 years, 9 months ago
Apollo
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Napping
Car rides
Walks
I love him to death. Though I will admit I am glad I did research before getting him. He's very, very, VERY independent. He learns very quickly and sometimes without you realizing it (He learned shake and decided to show me at a random moment). He prefers people to dogs and dogs to children. An absolute drama queen and extremely food motivated. Also one of the best alarm systems ever (he lets me know when the delivery guy shows up). He really only listens to people he likes too. Regardless of how much of a butt he can be hes still a very good boy.
6 years, 5 months ago
Eddie
15 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Playing
Now before thinking about getting one of these dogs do take into consideration they are one of the hardest breeds to train in the world. Eddie was a cute little fella but very stubborn and self determined. He thought he ruled the roost. Always friendly with strangers and never barked but very aggressive towards other dogs and would want to fight. We think that was due to where we got him from but caused problems when walking him out obviously on a lead. He was a lover of food and would always welcome a nice bit of chicken. Did know basic commands but went deaf within his last 5 years so made him a bit more stubborn. He was still a lovely dog to have but I would still consider how much you are willing to give to your new shiba inu as they can be quite a bit of work.
6 years, 3 months ago
Roy
8 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
snuggling
High Five
Playing in the snow
Roy as a puppy was very independent, hated the crate, ate my heels and ate a hole in the wall right through his crate! He only had two accidents in the house, housebreaking was extremely easy! He was able to live completely outside of the crate once he turned 1 year old. Roy loves to play with toy balls, and he has sadly popped a lot of the neighborhood kids balls. I socialized him to many kids and other dogs since he was young. He's always been incredibly patient and excellent with kids. If he doesn't like a situation, he removes himself from it. He's very passive, but also expresses dominance whenever he can, but only dominance towards other dogs or animals. More recently in his older age he despises puppies, especially when they sniff his face (unless the puppy is a girl). Roy is a black and tan Shiba Inu with such a sweet baby face. He looks at you with precious moments eyes as if he isn't loved enough. He loves to snuggle and sleep under the covers. He loves his mommy and daddy most of all. We love his independence and almost cat-like demeanor. Roy is my pride and joy and I don't know what I would do without him. By far the best dog breed I ever known.
6 years, 3 months ago
Shogun
9 Years
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Sleeping
Shower
Play
Chase
kiss
Chatting
Shogun is my baby and friend. When he was a pup i only told him once where to go poop and he automatically go there by himself. He learned commands in 15 mins. Shogun has this gentleman in tuxedo personality. He eats and drinks gently like those high class english monarch during tea time. He is polite too. Sometimes i am amazed by His Royal Dogginess. He lick himself clean. He can be a drama king especially if something stuck on his butt and teeth. Cutting his nails is a struggle. He fights other male dogs bigger than him, he can be stubborn, doesnt like cuddle. Independent, barely barks. His health problem so far is skin problem, ear infection, and lately he got eye infection. He is one tough guy, never complains after a doggy fight, but can cry and scream over a grass that stuck on his teeth. He sleeps on top of the table, on top of the fridge like a cat, loves massage, licking my face, go in the car, he has good self control with food. He rather not eat the snack than being insulted. He would walk away head held high. The only way i find to work with him is by being respectful to his wishes and be gentle. If i am gentle he will relent and let me do what i want. If i am mocking him like: "If you want this snack, let me cut ur nails." Or "Go away, just now u wont let me hug u." He will really walk away lol. Dont expect Shogun to beg. He never begs. I love this dog. His personality is not like most dogs
5 years, 8 months ago
Reno
1 Year
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Belly rubs
Cuddling
Playing Ball
Walks
Reno is very affectionate but a great escape artist! His curiosity gets the better of him and once he's escaped he's quick and hard to catch. He is a fast learner and loves to play with our other dogs. He does however suffer from big dog syndrome. He thinks he is bigger and stronger then 13 pounds and nothing scares him
4 years, 10 months ago
Sakura
8 Years
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
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4 years, 10 months ago
Tyson
6 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Shibas are easily the best dog breed in the world. Our little Tyson is so smart and so attentive. We could not love him more.
4 years, 8 months ago
Copper
12 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Relaxing
Eating pizza
Temperamental and afraid of strangers as a pup. Now, he is more laid back. He never loved to exercise, and needs almost constant grooming. He was near impossible to train beyond sit and attention grabbers. He does have spurts of high energy where he runs about but mostly hangs out calmly. He occasionally will howl/bark/scream in the middle of the night, which is quite terrifying at first. He may be crazy, but hes a funny little dog.
4 years, 4 months ago
Maki
3 Years
1 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
So I felt like I should post here because I am very good with dogs. But never a shiba inu so this breed fascinated me because my natural ability to control dogs failed here at first with my friends (who i also walk for her). The first thing I noticed right away is that if you try to force these dogs (even nice force simply taking lead) this dog will nearly just shut down on you. Lose all trust and basically just want to go back home. Like someone said on this page you have to let them feel like they are doing their thing or else they lose trust instantly in you and think you are mistreating them. The second thing I learned is how food motivated these dogs are if you do it right. These dogs will do anything you want if you train them right with the food (cooked chicken or any cooked meat) The way it goes is they know u have the chicken. and you only get the chicken if you do what i say. you get 2 chances and if they act stubborn or do it wrong. Simply put the chicken away as if they failed and move on. This dog is so smart it knows it missed a chance for food because it didn't listen to you. if you wait an hour and do it again. they will instantly do what you wanted as if they still were thinking about how they messed up last time. You can't ever just give them the food if they don't do it right or they realize they are smarter than you and now they are scamming you. I really do love these dogs but it can be very frustrating how different they are from other dogs. But if you train them like above they will be very well behaved.
4 years, 2 months ago
Cali
4 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
she is over weight and takes forever to walk a short distance. She sniffs everything and will sit down on a walk if she doesn't want to go my way.
4 years ago
Parker, Sky, Ruby and Charlie
5 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
As one of the people who worked to gain recognition for the breed into AKC. I am here to correct your height statement. Shiba inu ( Means little dog nothing else) male 14 1/2 to 16 1/2 inches at the shoulder. female 13 1/2 to 15 1/2. not as you have stated. Also color, they do come on Sesame which is a combination of Black, Red, cream in that order from the top. also a few of your so called Top breeders have never stepped into a ring. they just breed the dogs to sell, not improve at all! please pay attention as to why you list these people.
3 years, 7 months ago
Haiku
3 Years
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Socks
Play
licking
Belly rubs
Hair dryer
eating
He is very affraid of unknown people. He is chill and independent but very friendly and playful when around people he is confident with. He hates getting his harness on when going for a walk. We are 3 people and 2 cats in the same house and we've never had any coexistence problems.
3 years, 6 months ago
Elon Mutt
2 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
very lovely profitable meme dog
3 years, 1 month ago
jackie
6 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
Fetch
Jackie is a very good boy who is very regal, but incredibly lazy. He will cuddle with you, but only on his terms. He will not come when called. He has always loved people (especially children!), but for a long time hated other dogs. Only until we got another Shiba puppy and slowly introduced them, did he realize that dogs can be friends, too! Now he is the sweetest big brother, who likes to break his sister free from her baby gate whenever she whines to come out.
1 year, 8 months ago
Appa
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play together
Walk
Sniffle mat
Fetch
Playdate
You must know how to train a dog to own a shiba. They are independent minded dogs. Appa has been nothing but an angel, except when chewing on things he shouldn't. Shibas need lots of toys, lots of stimulation, and in my experience they are prone to separation anxiety. Appa does not like to be away from us, and his little sister Yuki (also a shiba inu) does not like to be away from Appa. Over all amazing dogs. Theres a reason I have two of them :)
1 year, 3 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

How often should I take a Shiba Inu to the groomers

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
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