Last Updated on March 23, 2025 by Melanie Haynes
Playful, affectionate, protective — with traits like this, it’s no surprise that the Shiba Inu is one of the most popular dog breeds. If you’ve decided to adopt a new furry family member and narrowed down your choice to the loveable Shiba Inu, you may have a few additional questions about the breed.
At Space Coast Pet Services, we’re here to help you with everything pet-related, and that includes helping you learn everything you may need to know about this breed so that you’re fully prepared to bring your new fur-ever friend home.
Essential Characteristics of Shiba Inus
One of the most popular breeds in Japan, the Shiba Inus, can be traced back to ancient Japan. This small, compact breed sports a lot of muscle, a build representative of its role as a hunter.
Male Shiba Inus range from 14.5 to 16.5 inches in height, while females are just a bit shorter at 13.5 to 15.5 inches. If you’re looking for a smaller dog breed, you’re in luck: pet parents can expect their adult Shiba Inus to weigh anywhere from 17 to 23 pounds, with males often heavier than females.
Overall, Shiba Inus have a pleasant demeanor with welcoming but confident eyes. This breed is known to often make an expression similar to smiling! They have a short, thick double coat, which helps them stay warm (or cool) depending on the temperature. Shiba Inus can come in various colors, including black and tan, cream, red, and sesame.
Grooming and Shiba Varieties
That fluffy, soft double coat doesn’t come without consequences — shedding. Shiba Inus are considered heavy shedders, covering your home and belongings in a significant amount of hair year-round. However, there are ways to minimize shedding, especially during the spring and fall when it’s at its heaviest. Regularly brushing your pup will help to remove the shed hair before it ends up on your couch.
Overall, Shiba Inus require about average maintenance when it comes to grooming. Besides reducing shedding, their fur is short and doesn’t easily mat, so they won’t need to be brushed as often as other breeds. Aim to brush them at least once a week. Bathing can be scheduled as needed; try to wash them no more than once a week and no less than once every six weeks. If your dog suffers from dry skin or a different condition, your vet may recommend a different grooming routine for your canine companion.
When considering grooming, it’s also important to remember dental care and nails. Shiba Inus may be hesitant about having their nails trimmed at first. While it can be easier to help them adjust to this part of their routine as a puppy, if you adopt an older Shiba Inu, you may need to use positive reinforcement to help them become comfortable.
Temperament
Shiba Inus are alert, loyal, and affectionate with family members. They can be very patient and tolerant, but their strong-willed nature may make them better suited for families with older children.
The love these adorable pups have for their owners can also cause them to be protective and highly vigilant. As a result, it may take some coaxing for them to open up to strangers.
Shiba Inus are adaptable and can fall into your routine with relative ease. When it comes to their energy levels, they lean more toward being energetic, meaning they require a bit more exercise and playtime than aloof breeds. If you’re worried about fitting in enough activity while you’re away at work or tending to other responsibilities, a pet sitter can help check on your Shiba Inu and walk them during the day.
It’s important to note that the Shiba Inu’s characteristic strong will can make them a more challenging breed to train. It’s also not recommended to allow your Shiba Inu to roam off-leash, as their independent and lively nature makes them prone to escaping and running away. This breed often requires significant amounts of obedience and recall training.
Exercising Your Shiba Inu
Energetic, active, playful — these are just a few words to describe the Shiba Inu. As a result, you’ll want to spend at least an hour each day exercising this pup, whether with a game of fetch or a walk together.
Don’t worry; you can break this hour into different segments each day if needed. Because of their flexibility and adaptability, the Shiba Inu will be happy with any exercise you choose!
Shiba Inus are incredibly intelligent (which is part of why they may escape so easily when let off-leash). Because of this, you’ll want to ensure you focus on their mental health as much as their physical. These dogs enjoy having jobs or activities, so finding toys and games for them to play may be worthwhile. Keeping your Shiba Inu’s mind busy can also help reduce the likelihood of destructive behaviors because they’re bored.
Food Consumption for Shibas
Your Shiba Inu’s food consumption can vary depending on various factors. Activity level, age, and health conditions can affect how much food your dog needs and what kind of food they eat.
Overall, it’s recommended that you break up mealtime for your dog into two (or more) times: usually once in the morning and then again in the evening. If you’re unsure how much food you should feed your Shiba Inu, most dog food bags have recommendations based on your dog’s age and size. You can also speak to your vet to ensure your Shiba Inu gets the right food for their needs.
Health Problems
Shiba Inus are generally considered a healthy breed, with a 12 to 15 years lifespan. While they can live healthy lives, there are some common health problems to be aware of.
One of the biggest health concerns for nearly all breeds is allergies. Allergies in your Shiba Inu can look like your allergy symptoms: sneezing, coughing, and itchy. If you believe your pup may suffer from seasonal or year-round allergies, talking with your vet about solutions may be necessary.
Other health problems in Shiba Inu dogs include hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Being a highly active breed can damage your dog’s bones and joints. However, you can take steps, such as managing nutrition and weight, to help reduce the likelihood of complications.
Meet casey, age 14, living her best life with her mom and sister in florida’s panhandle.
Bringing Your New Shiba Inu Home
With the proper socialization and training, Shiba Inus can be a loving and loyal pet. Please note that this guide is meant to provide general information about the breed. Every dog, regardless of breed, is unique, and things like temperament or trainability can vary. Because of this, not every Shiba Inu may fit the descriptions above.
Shiba Inus are popular, but they require a specific environment and care to thrive. As a result, many breed-specific rescues are available, each dedicated to helping homeless dogs find their forever families. If you’re interested in adopting a Shiba Inu or any dog breed as your next furry family member, consider contacting a rescue organization to see which pups are available.
After you bring your new pet home, Space Coast Pet Services is here to help you with anything your dog may need. From pet-sitting to dog-walking to even in-home visits when you’re on vacation, our team in Viera, Suntree, Rockledge, and Melbourne is dedicated to helping you with all your pet’s needs!
Book online today or contact us for more info!
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