Shiba Inu Dog Breed Characteristics & Information

Shiba Inu means ‘small dog', and they are widely famous as the smaller version of the Japanese breed Akita. They are trendy for their bold personality, which makes them more attractive than other breeds. However, one of the disadvantages of this breed is its possessiveness about toys and food, which goes away with proper socialisation. 

This article revolves around all the details regarding Shiba Inu dogs, so scroll down to learn more!

The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the Japanese hunting dogs, which include the Akita, Shikoku, and Kai dogs. Shiba Inus were mainly bred to flush out small birds. There are many theories concerning the naming of this breed. Some say the name comes from the brushwood bushes where they hunted, and some say it refers to their size.  

After the Second World War, the Shiba Inu population nearly perished due to severe bombing. To counter this, the Shiba Inus were brought from remote areas for breeding programs. The remaining population was interbred, and the situation was controlled. They first came to the U.S. in 1954 and were recognised as a separate breed by the AKC in 1997. 

Some of the characteristics of Shiba Inu dogs are: 

• Lifespan: Shiba Inus live up to 12 to 16 years old. 
• Height: Male Shiba Inus stand 14.5 to 16.5 inches at the shoulder while the females stand between 13.5 to 15.5 inches. 
• Colour: Shiba Inus have four different coat colours: sesame, red and sesame, black and tan, and black sesame. 
• Weight: Males weigh nearly 23 to 27 pounds, whereas females weigh between 17 to 23 pounds on average. 
• Temperament: Besides being extremely good-natured, Shiba Inus are confident and bold.
• Energy Level: Shiba Inus are moderately active and need daily exercise. 

Shiba Inus are very possessive and might be unruly if not trained properly. Hence, here are a few tips to train your dog correctly: 

• Correct Bad Behaviour: Bad behaviours must be called out as they may stick to your Shiba Inu if not corrected. Hence, try to fix the destructive behaviours as soon as you spot one. Give a firm verbal command of ‘no’ and refrain your dog from repeating that behaviour. 
• Include Crate Training: Crate training ensures the safety of your Shiba Inu while staying indoors. This provides the safety and comfort of your dog, along with the enforcement of good behaviour. Although crate training is best if started at a young age, it also has a good impact on adult dogs. 
• Stay Consistent with Commands: Keep all your commands simple and use them every day as changing the commands daily tends to confuse and discourage your Shiba Inu. Also, tell all family members to use the same commands and cues to understand your dog better. 
• Socialise Your Dog: To reduce domineering behaviour and limit aggression, prioritise your dog's socialisation. Practice walking your dog on a leash around other dogs and animals in your neighbourhood. Observe your dog’s reaction and plan further encounters.

Some of the common health problems seen in Shiba Inus are: 

• Tail Chasing: It is a disorder when a Shiba Inu becomes obsessed with its tail and starts chasing it. As a result, the dog starts spinning in a circular motion. During this condition, the dog loses its appetite and thirst. Phenobarbital may help. 
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is characterised by less production of thyroid hormone that eventually results in other health problems in these dogs such as obesity, hair loss, epilepsy, and certain skin diseases. Treatment includes medication and a specific diet. 
• Chylothorax: Chylothorax refers to the fluid accumulation that occurs in the chest cavity of Shiba Inus. Due to this, the dog may suffer from breathlessness, decreased appetite, lethargy, and coughing. The fluid is removed for treatment, and a low-fat diet must be followed after that. 
• Cancer: Cancer is a prevalent disease in Shiba Inus that manifests clinically as abnormal swelling or a lump, delayed sore healing, unusual discharge from body openings, and breathing difficulties if the lungs are affected. Chemotherapy and surgery are the treatment options. 
• Allergies: Shiba Inus are mainly affected by three types of allergies: food allergy, contact allergy, and inhalant allergy. Contact with the triggering factors should be avoided; treatment includes specific medication and dietary restrictions.

A few tips to take care of your Shiba Inu is listed in the following section:

• Food and Nutrition: 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dog food divided into two meals is recommended for Shiba Inu. However, the size of your dog's meal depends on age, metabolism, and activity level, as every dog doesn’t need the same type of food. Make sure that your dog's food meets all its nutritional requirements. Also, keep an eye on the calorie intake. 
• Grooming: Shiba Inus have a thick double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. However, they also shed heavily twice a year. These dogs are relatively low-maintenance and must be brushed once or twice weekly to remove the loose hair. Brushing also ensures even circulation and proper distribution of natural oils.
• Exercise: Daily walks for 20 to 40 minutes, along with enough play time, will keep them healthy and happy. Let them play with other dogs in your neighbourhood. However, excessive exercise might make them destructive or barky. 

Thus, Shiba Inu is a brilliant dog breed. Owing to their bold personality, they may only sometimes like taking orders. You need to be firm and gentle when dealing with a Shiba Inu. Try to socialise your dog with others to reduce the possessiveness. Also, contact a reputable breeder if you want to buy one.