Shiba Inu - Price, Temperament, Lifespan, Diet and Care Guide
The Shiba Inu is a strong and independent dog which can withstand any conditions. It has characteristic ears and tail, short fur and a friendly appearance. Are you wondering why Shiba Inus are so popular? These dogs are incredibly brave and stubborn. If properly trained, they can become perfect companions. Check what you should know about this breed.
Origins of the Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu, or more precisely, Shiba, as inu means dog, is a breed originating in Japan. The first mentions of it come from the year 1900, when the breed started taking its current shape.
In 1934, the breed’s standard has been established. Despite many misfortunes, the Shiba dog quickly became popular. Currently, it’s a widely known dog breed - recognized everywhere in the world.
What does the Shiba Inu look like?
The Shiba dog is considered a medium-sized animal. Adult dogs, if properly fed, can weigh about 9-14 kilograms for males, and 8-13 kg for females. Their typical height is 37-40 cm at withers. The Shiba dog is quite muscular, and the triangular ears are its characteristic feature. Because of them, the animal is often compared to a fox.
The Shiba’s fur varies in length. The shortest hair grows on the head and the neck. The longest is on the back part of the body and tail - which looks stunning. The fur itself is quite stiff, and there is underfur underneath.
Golden is the most popular color of dogs of this breed. Some puppies are sesame, while black with characteristic tan marks are the rarest type. White fur in the front bottom parts of the body is very characteristic for this breed. It starts being apparent in one-year-old dogs. It appears on the cheeks, the stomach, inside parts of the thighs, under the chin and on both sides of the muzzle.
Shiba Inu - temperament and personality
Shiba Inu are dogs of a determined and strong character. They are also highly intelligent. Because of their primary hunting instincts, they are eager and curious to take on any challenge. In practice, it means the dog has to be controlled - especially during walks.
Is Shiba Inu a dog for everyone?
Because of the strong and often stubborn character, one should keep in mind that without a proper approach, the dog might do what it wants. If trained from the earliest years, it can become a perfect companion for everyone. Shiba Inus love spending time with children.
This breed requires attention and an adequate dose of exercise. Make sure to always keep the dog on a leash during walks, as it might interact with other animals. Small apartments are not a problem for these dogs. They don’t require a lot of space, provided that the owner takes care of their entertainment and takes them for a long walk every day.
The Shiba dog - training
Dogs of this breed are not only agile and alert, but also, most importantly, highly intelligent. This makes a perfect base for training, which is a long-term process. Note that this Japanese dog, just like many other animals originating in this region, is independent. For this reason, achieving a complete and absolute obedience is simply unrealistic.
Shiba Inu has to be trained from its earliest years. But even a well-trained dog should always be kept on a leash during walks. Being off leash, the dog might cause problems, mostly because of its need to dominate other dogs.
The Japanese Shiba Inu - diet
The stubborn character of the dog is visible even during feeding. The animal can be very picky when eating. If it doesn’t like a particular food, you probably won’t be able to persuade it to eat it. The food can remain in the bowl for a whole day, and the animal won’t touch it, despite its hunger. For this reason, purchase food in smaller bags and check what the pet likes.
The Shiba dog needs food with high meat content. Store-bought mixes are perfect for this purpose. The Shiba Inu prefers:
- beef,
- lamb,
- rabbit,
- veal.
Encouraging the animal to eat food with poultry might be difficult. Because of this, make sure to pick high-quality products, as there’s a lesser chance that the dog will reject them.
Shiba Inus sometimes suffer from food allergies. If you notice any signs of it, stop feeding the dog with a particular food, and consult the issue with a veterinarian to find the best diet for your dog.
Does the Shiba Inu need special grooming?
The thick, relatively short and easy to clean fur is a big advantage of this breed. The dog can be bathed, but only in situations when it’s very dirty and e.g. dried mud cannot be brushed off otherwise. Note that these dogs aren’t fond of water, so rare baths are a perfect solution for them.
The animal’s fur is stiff. It has no tendency to tangle. Regardless, the hair needs regular brushing. A soft brush is perfect for this purpose - use it at least twice a week. If the pet doesn’t like this form of brushing and avoids it, you can also try a special grooming glove.
The Shiba Inu - what are the most common diseases?
Shiba Inu dogs might suffer from genetic disorders. The most common issues affecting these dogs include:
- hypothyroidism,
- glaucoma,
- food allergies,
- retina degeneration.
Control your pet’s health and visit veterinary clinic regularly. Thanks to this, various diseases can be detected early, which allows for quick reaction.
The Shiba Inu - lifespan
Shiba Inus are dogs of a relatively long life expectancy. Individuals provided with good conditions live 15-16 years on average, which is a very good result for a domestic animal.
The Shiba Inu price - how much do Shiba dogs cost?
A puppy of this breed is considered one of the most expensive dogs. Depending on the breeder, small dogs with pedigrees and starter kits cost between $1,400 and $3,500. One can find cheaper puppies out there, but a lot depends on the current popularity of the breed, which can change.
📍 What does a Shiba Inu look like?
The Shiba Inu is a small dog that weighs up to 13 kg. The triangular ears and curled tail are its characteristic features. The dog has short hair and looks quite friendly.
📍 How much does a Shiba Inu cost?
A Shiba Inu puppy is quite expensive. If you want to buy a dog of this breed, prepare to spend about $1,500-$2,500. In some cases, Shiba puppies cost more than $3,000 - everything depends on the breeder.
📍 How much do Shiba Inus weigh?
Dogs of this breed are included in the group of medium animals. Males weigh up to 14 kilograms. Females are lighter, and their weight doesn't exceed 12-13 kilograms.
📍 What do Shiba dogs eat?
A Shiba Inu's diet should be well-balanced and adjusted to its needs. Make sure the dog receives mostly meat-based products. Vegetable and fruit treats might be used as a supplementation.
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