Shiba Inu

Description

Brought to America from Japan as recently as 60 years ago, Shibas are growing in popularity in the
West and are already the most popular breed in their homeland. Their white markings combined
with their coloring (red, red sesame, or black and tan) and their alert expression and smooth stride
makes them almost foxlike. They’re sturdy, muscular dogs with a bold, confident personality to
match.
Weight: 17–23 pounds
Height: 13.5–16.5 inches
CLUBS, REGISTRIES & ASSOCIATIONS
American Canine Association Continental Kennel Club Universal Kennel Club International
American Kennel Club United All Breed Registry America’s Pet Registry, Inc. United Kennel Club
(Based on breed recognition. See store for details on this particular puppy.)
GROUP
Non-Sporting
HERITAGE
The Shiba Inu is one of Japan’s most popular breeds and is the smallest of six ancient Japanese
native breeds, dating back to 3000 BC. This breed was used to hunt wild game, bear, boar, rabbits
and birds. Today this breed excels in hunting, tracking, guarding, and agility.
DESCRIPTION
Small, 13-16” at the shoulders, weighing anywhere from 15-25 pounds. The Shiba Inu is solid and
muscular in a compact body with a weather-resistant double coat that comes in colors of red,
black and tan, and sesame which is a red with black-tipped hair. All colors have a cream, buff or
gray under coat. The outer coat is stiff and straight; the under coat is thick and soft.
HEALTH AWARENESS
The Shiba Inu has a life expectancy of 12-15 years and is prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation,
allergies, entropion, cataracts, glaucoma and PRA.
PERSONALITY
The Shiba Inu is an alert, bold, active, agile and fast-moving breed. If you open the front door, this
breed will bolt and sometimes be gone for days. They are quite adept at climbing a chain link
fence, too! They are spirited, brave, highly independent, and willful. Training will be both easy and
challenging. They learn quickly, but will question your authority. You need to be a calm,
knowledgeable, and humane owner giving consistent and committed leadership to your Shiba Inu
using only motivational training methods. This breed needs a lot of early socialization, cordial to
family and friends, but wary of unfamiliar people and some young children.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Grooming Requirements: Requires frequent and extensive brushing with bathing only when
necessary to not strip the weather-resistant oils from the coat. This breed doesn’t like to be held,
so it’s vital that you do continual body handling exercises starting when your Shiba Inu is a
puppy. Coat: Short and thick Shedding: Seasonally heavy shedding Hypoallergenic: No, due to
shedding Apartment Living: Good for apartment living if given sufficient exercise Lap Dog: No,
this breed may be small but does not like to sit on laps or be closely snuggled. Good With
Children: Good with children when well socialized at an early age, but are uncomfortable with the
movements of a toddler, as well as the running and squealing of any age child. This discomfort can
result in a fear bite. Good With Other Pets: Not trustworthy with small or non-canine pets. Can be
dog aggressive, so be sure to socialize, socialize, socialize your Shiba Inu as a puppy