Webvet
Main Content
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu was originally bred to be a hunter in Japan.
It has a thick, waterproof coat and an independent mind.
Try out our new Dog Breed Chooser Tool to help you select a breed.
Breed Facts
Finding a Shiba Inu
Physical Characteristics
- Compact, muscular build
- Tapered muzzle with dark nose
- Triangular-shaped eyes and ears
- Thick tail carried in a curl
- Deep chest with muscular legs and thighs
- Coat: Clean, short, stiff hair, comes in a variety of colors with white markings throughout. Waterproof.
- Height: 13-16 inches
- Weight: 17-23 pounds
- Average lifespan: 12-13 years
Temperament
- Devoted, aware, energetic, brave, even-tempered, playful, quick, graceful
- Interaction with people: Good with children; affectionate with those whom it respects. Wary of strangers.
- Interaction with animals: Watch around small pets, especially birds. May be aggressive toward other dogs
- Training: Needs early socialization; becomes attached to its trainer. Easily housebroken.
Medical Conditions
- Allergies
- Cancers (including lymphoma)
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Obsessive behaviors (including spinning)
- Ophthalmic disorders (including glaucoma, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy)
- Patella Luxation
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
At Home
- OK for apartment living if given proper exercise
- Needs standard-sized yard
- Needs daily walks
Grooming
- Easy to groom
- Sheds heavily with the seasons
- Brush out dead hair regularly
Other Facts
- One of Japan's nine monument breeds
- Smallest, oldest Japanese dog breed
- Most popular companion dog in Japan, but can be used for hunting, guarding and tracking
Breed History
- Native to Japan
- Shiba Inu bones dating back 2,500 years have been discovered in the Sanin region of Japan
- Used as a small game hunter, especially birds
- Show Shiba Inus of the 1930s were brought down from the mountainous regions of Japan's Yamanashi and San In
- Almost became extinct during World War II
- "Shiba" means both "brushwood" and "small,' and "inu" means "dog"
- This breed originally hunted the brushwood regions of Japan, where the autumn leaves are said to be the same color as the Shiba Inu's coat
- First American litter born 1979
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the National Shiba Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit Shiba Inu Rescue Resource of America
Introducing Pet-Pods...
FREE downloadable PDF files providing a comprehensive review of some of the most timely pet health topics: Allergies, Fleas, Summer Safety Hazards, and Vomiting and Diarrhea.
Newsletter Signup
Featured Video
Featured Photo
Social Media Icons
Follow Us: