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Japanese Shiba Inu Dogs
Breed Rating (3 Reviews)
| Appearance | |
| Friendliness | |
| Hardiness | |
| Garden |
History
The Shiba Inu, as it is known, originates from Japan and was used as a hunting dog to flush out small game for the hunters. During the Second World War, it was nearly wiped out due to an outbreak of distemper. A few years after the War ended, Shiba were found living in the countryside and a breeding programme began. The breed was registered with the Japanese Kennel Club in the late 1940's.
The word 'shiba' means brushwood in Japanese and it is believed that the dogs' coat resembled the autumn brushwood. They are a very popular breed in Japan and are becoming more so in the USA. It is the smallest of the Japanese Spitzes.
Behaviour
Shiba Inus are bold, confident and alert dogs, always ready for action, but loyal and affectionate to those around them. They get along well with family and pets and as long as children are respectful and don't tease them, they are child friendly. They can sometimes live with cats if raised together, but have a tendency to chase small animals. They have a natural suspicion of strangers and do need early socialisation to prevent them from becoming too protective of the family and house.
Rather than stubborn, Shiba Inus are seen as 'free thinkers' and can be funny about sharing food, territory and toys. Teaching them by taking food and toys away at a young age will prevent aggressive behaviour later in life and reinforce that you are in charge. It is best to put toys away when children are around to stop any issues.
Training can take a while, due to their nature. They are intelligent and can learn, but at their own pace. Trying to get them to think something is their own idea usually works and food can be a great motivator, but ultimately, patience is needed. They bond quickly with their owner and can be very playful, so using games to train them often works well. However, without a firm consistent owner, they will try and take over. A few minutes training a day, built in to a walk will reinforce their position and make for a well rounded dog. Shibas need this approach to training and it should continue throughout the dog's life.
With their chase instinct, recall is non existent and they will run off after squirrels and cats. They therefore need to be walked on a lead or in a secure area for their own safety. Shibas are undemanding dogs, but do need a fairly long walk every day to keep them fit and mentally stimulated. They are very active when out walking and a long walk will help them burn off enough energy to make them relaxed and content within the home. They make excellent hiking partners and can walk for miles without tiring.
The Shiba is a very clean breed and generally avoids getting too dirty. They need regular brushing to remove dead hair, but bathing is not usually needed; plus it removes the natural water proofing of the coat. When moulting they lose an awful lot of fur.
As a breed, they can be prone to Canine Hip Dysplasia and Patellar Luxation.
Temperament
Shiba Inus have a bold and headstrong temperament. These are not dogs for the inexperienced. Having a high prey drive as well as nimble agility the Shiba can certainly be more than a handful for most. They need a confident owner who can be utterly consistent in training and provide plenty of controlled exercise. Shibas can be very noisy but this does make the good watchdogs.
Health Problems
Health problems that may affect Shiba Inus include canine hip dysplasia (CHD), luxating patella (dislocation of the kneecap), elbow dysplasia, Legg Calvé Perthes disease (deformation of the femoral head which can cause lameness and joint swelling), cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA: degeneration of the retina which can lead to blindness), allergies and heart disease.
Breed Details
- Status: Common
- Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years
- Weight: 6.8 - 11 kg
- Height: 13 - 16"
- Rare: No
- Coat: Short - Double
- Grooming Requirements: Once a week
- Town or Country: Either
- Minimum Home Size: Small House
- Minimum Garden Size: Small to Medium Garden
- Breed Type: Companion Dog
- Size: Medium
- Energy Level: Medium
- Exercise Required: Up to 1 hour
More to love
Japanese Shiba Inu Pictures
Latest Reviews For Japanese Shiba Inu (3 of 3)
Jemma my shiba - Miranda,
I have a 10 year old shiba! She is great with kids, cats, but very aloof around other dogs! She is 10, still acts like she did when she was 3!
Good - An Omleteer,
Perfect dog
Japanese Shiba Inu - Karen,
I have had shiba Inus for 10yrs and find them a Quirky little head strong Breed ,I would Never recommend you take food or Toys away to show who is Boss as these dogs will resource Guard which you dont want , Shiba Males Love People But not other dogs with no manners who rush up to them They will react like a Samurai and tell the other dog off the Noise is worst than the Bight and Mine has Never bitten but will pin the other dog to tell it off ,Female shibas are the Boss over the male and I would advise only to get a Dog of the opposite sex if you are thinking of introducing another dog to the house hold ,Shibas have smaller litters 3/4 so it makes buying one expensive I would only buy a pup from the KC assured breeders as what you spend at the Breeders you save at the vets be ready to go on a waitlist and I find the Show kennels breed the best dogs as they take what they want from the Litter and sell others as pets as temperament's are important with this breed and must be socialized well ,I dont worry to Much about gardens for this breed as they are super clean and will not be using a garden as a toilet as its there Home and we dont dirt on our doorstep ,This is the Cat of the dog world ,Treat with Respect and you will get the same back