Brushwood Dog, Japanese Small-Size Dog, Japanese Shiba Inu, Shiba Ken, Shiba
Overview
The shiba inu is moderately compact, being slightly longer than it is tall. It has typical traits of dogs from Northern heritage: small erect ears, thick fur, powerful body and curled tail. Its expression is bold, spirited and good-natured. The gait is light, quick and agile, with an effortless, smooth stride. The double coat consists of a strong straight outer coat with a soft undercoat, imparting great insulation. These traits enabled the shiba to hunt small game through dense cover.
Bold, independent and headstrong, the shiba is brimming with self-confidence. It is lively outdoors, yet calm indoors, as long as it gets daily exercise. It may be aggressive with strange dogs of the same sex and may chase small animals. It is a hardy breed, ready for adventure. Some tend to be headstrong and domineering. It is territorial, alert and reserved with strangers — ingredients making for an excellent watchdog. It is quite vocal; some bark a lot.
| Size | Medium |
| Height | Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm) Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) |
| Weight | Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg) Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Colors | Black & Tan Cream Red Red Sesame |
| Origin | Japan |
| Classification | Purebred |
| Good Lapcat |
| Good In Apartments |
The Shiba will do okay in an apartment if is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. The Shiba's waterproof, all-weather coat protects it in both cold and hot conditions, so it can live outdoors if you have a secure yard of reasonable size. However, it does regard itself as part of the family and does not like to be left alone outside. This breed would be much happier living indoors with its family. |
| Good With Children |
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
| Good With Dogs |
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| Good With Cats |
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| Exercise Needs |
The Shiba Inu is an undemanding dog that will adapt to your circumstances, so long as it gets a daily walk. It is a very active dog and will be healthier and happier with regular exercise. This breed can walk for hours on end as it has tremendous endurance. |
| Trainability |
Moderately Easy Training: It is best to make training seem like playtime, because this dog is very independent and thinks for itself. |
| Affectionate |
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| Playfulness |
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| Grooming Requirements |
Moderate Maintenance: Grooming should be performed regularly to keep its fur in good shape. |
| Shedding |
Constant and Seasonal Shedding: Brush the coat weekly with a slicker brush to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils. Twice a year, in spring and fall, the coat sheds heavily for two to three weeks. During this time, you can expect to have piles of fur everywhere and a Shiba with a moth-eaten appearance. Don’t worry unless you see bald patches. A warm bath followed by more brushing and thorough blow drying until the dog is completely dry will help to loosen the hair and speed up the shed. |
| Vocalization/Barking |
Occassional |