Shiba Inu
Also known as Shiba
- Height at the withers
- 35 to 41 cm
- Weight
- 8 to 11 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Japan
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- being left alone for a few hours during the day
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a home with cats
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
An ancient Japanese spitz-type breed with a small, compact, well-muscled build and a distinctive fox-like look. Known for its spirited personality, its confident bearing and its nimble movement.
History and origins
One of the six oldest native Japanese breeds, originally developed to hunt small game in mountainous terrain. Nearly extinct after World War II, it was saved by dedicated breeding programs.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Allergies and atopic dermatitis
- Patellar luxation
- Glaucoma
- Hip dysplasia
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short double coat. Heavy shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- Well, 4 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Shiba Inu FAQ
How big does the Shiba Inu get?
The Shiba Inu stands 35 to 41 cm at the withers and weighs 8 to 11 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Shiba Inu shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs little care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Shiba Inu live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Shiba Inu need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Shiba Inu good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Shiba Inu live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are allergies and atopic dermatitis, as well as patellar luxation.
