Shiba inu Puppy
Shiba Inu dog were first developed to flush out small animals and birds, however they were also infrequently employed to hunt wild boar. They are one of the six native breeds of Japan, along with the Akita (big), Kishu, Hokkaido, Kai, and Shikoku (medium) (small). Despite being purebred canines, you could find them at shelters or with rescue organizations. Don’t forget to adopt! If you want to bring a dog home, avoid shopping.
The smallest dog that is native to Japan is called a Shiba. In the country’s mountainous areas, he was bred as a hunting dog. The Shiba inu dog is regarded as a valuable natural commodity in his native country. Who could possibly disagree? He is an attentive watchdog and can go across difficult terrain like it’s nothing and He is brave and energetic.
Shiba’s are known for their liveliness, cat-like agility, and short, erect ears. In Japan and the US, they are largely used as companion animals nowadays. This dog bed is suggested by petlifehealth to ensure that your medium-sized Shiba Inu has a restful night’s sleep. For your long-haired dog, you should also get this dog brush and massager!
Shiba’s are energetic dogs who enjoy going on hikes, walks, and runs with their human family members, but once they are older, they are content with a few romps each week. Shiba’s are known escape artists, so make sure their yard is properly fenced and inspect it frequently for any possible exits. Maintain constant gate latching and door closure by keeping an eye on kids and construction workers. Give the Shiba a chance, and it will run away. This dog is extremely devoted to his human family and is unable to tolerate being separated from them. Your Shiba should never be kept in the garage or backyard since it will only encourage loud and destructive behavior.
For a complete list of Shiba Inu’s dog breed facts and information, see below!
Shiba Inu dog Breed More Things
This breed from the Land of the Rising Sun has prickly ears, squinty eyes, and a curling tail that resemble either a fox or a stuffed animal. Both describe him. He is one of six Japanese spritz dogs, the Shiba Inu being the smallest and maybe the oldest. Shiba inu dog are renowned for their brash, flamboyant personalities. Three Japanese words—kaani-i (spirited boldness), ryosei (good temperament), and soboku—describe the breed’s mental qualities (alertness). These characteristics work together to create the intriguing, perceptive, and independent temperament of this breed.
The Shiba inu dog is a tiny, athletic dog that weighs around 20 pounds. The Shiba inu dog moves swiftly, nimbly, and effortlessly, much like a ninja fighter. He is sharp and attentive. And superior, at least that’s what people who are familiar with and adore this breed say about him. The Shiba inu dog is sometimes regarded as being obstinate because of the quiet dignity with which he confronts the world.
The Shiba inu dog is not the simplest breed to teach due to his independence. To teach the Shiba inu dog correct canine behavior, socialization — the process by which pups or grown canines learn how to be sociable and get along with other dogs and people — and training should start early.
It’s critical to comprehend the Shiba Inu’s independence of thought so that you won’t become frustrated. Although the Shiba Inu is quite bright, he may not always want to do what you desire. You might need to convince him that obeying is his idea. It’s crucial to work with a trainer who is aware of the breed’s independence for the greatest outcomes. Possessiveness is another trait common to the breed. Shiba inu dog defend their possessions, whether they are food, toys, or their territory. It’s advisable to put away any of his favorite toys and treats when other dogs or kids are present so he isn’t tempted to fight over them, although proper socialization helps decrease this trait.
Despite all of this, the Shiba Inu makes a fantastic family dog because he is dedicated and loyal. He also gets along well with kids as long as he is properly socialized, trained, and treated with kindness and respect by the kids. When among other dogs and animals, the Shiba Inu is prone to display his fiery side. He has a history of being dog aggressive, especially around other intact males. Due to their inherent hunting instincts and love of the chase, most Shiba’s should never be left unattended. He’s quite likely to chase a cat, chipmunk, or squirrel. He is a terrific watchdog, letting you know if anything out of the ordinary happens and is often wary of strangers. A Shiba values getting outside for some playtime as well. He needs to get in a solid daily workout, whether it be a neighborhood stroll or a jog with his bicycle owner. He prefers a house with a yard that is completely fenced in because he likes to run free. Because of his prey drive and propensity for dog aggressiveness, he should always be kept on a leash when you’re not home.
Although the Shiba Inu makes a lovely friend, some individuals may find his independent nature to be too much. His tenacity and commitment endear him to others, which is why devotees claim that owning a Shiba is more than simply owning a dog; it’s a way of life.
Highlights
- The Shiba inu dog requires little grooming, yet he sheds significantly twice a year.
- The clever and quick-learner Shiba Inu breed. What matters more is whether he decides to follow your instructions. The difficulty of teaching this dog may frustrate inexperienced or hesitant owners.
- Despite being a little dog, he needs lots of space to run around. Shiba Inu’s require a house with a secure yard.
- With other dogs, the Shiba Inu may be violent, and he can hunt tiny creatures that he views as prey.
- The Shiba inu dog is known for being protective of his food, toys, and territory..
- Never purchase a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, a puppy mill, or a pet shop if you want a healthy dog. Find a reliable breeder that checks her breeding dogs to ensure that they are healthy and free of hereditary illnesses that they may pass on to the puppies.
Shiba Inu History
Along with other bigger breeds including the Akita, Shikoku, Kai Dog, Hokkaido, and Kishu, the Shiba Inu was developed in Japan. The Shiba Inu was primarily employed by hunters as a hunting dog to flush out small animals and birds.
The origin of the Shiba inu dog name is the subject of various hypotheses. Shiba, which means “brushwood,” is one possible reason. The dogs were given their name after the brushwood bushes in which they hunted. Another hypothesis holds that the Shiba inu flaming red color resembles the autumnal hue of brushwood leaves. Third: His little stature is implied by the term Shiba’s ancient definition of the word.
The Shiba almost perished in World War II, and the majority of the dogs who survived the air attacks died of distemper in the years after the war. Shiba’s from the isolated countryside were brought in after the war, and breeding programmers were developed. The Shiba as we know him now was created by interbreeding of the remnant population.
Nihon Ken Hosomaki created the Shiba Inu breed standard, which was later recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club and the Federation Cynologique International. The Japanese Kennel Club was established in 1948.
The first Shiba inu dog was brought into the country by an American service family in 1954, but nothing more is known about the breed until the 1970s. In 1979, the nation’s first litter was born. The Shiba Inu received full recognition with the Non-Sporting Group in 1997 after being recognized in the American Kennel Club’s Miscellaneous Class in 1993.
Shiba Inu Size
Males weigh around 23 pounds and are between 14.5 and 16.5 inches tall. Females weigh around 17 pounds and are between 13.5 and 15.5 inches tall.
Shiba Inu Personality
The well-bred Shiba inu dog is kind, perceptive, and courageous. He has his own opinions a lot and is self-assured and strong-willed. He tends to be wary of strangers yet is devoted to and loving with his family.
The Shiba inu dog is not a good sharer. He frequently defends his food, toys, or territory with aggression. And if he’s intact, he doesn’t always get along with other dogs. He won’t think twice about pursuing little creatures that he views as prey.
Although this breed is intelligent, teaching a Shiba inu dog is different than training a Golden Retriever. Unlike a Golden Retriever, who is happy to respond when called, a Shiba Inu will respond whether or not he feels like it. Although he has been called obstinate, a more flattering description of him would be freethinking.
Numerous elements, including training, socialization, and inheritance, have an impact on temperament. Puppies with good dispositions are interested and lively, approachable, and want to be cuddled. Select a puppy that is in the midst of the pack rather than one that is bullying its littermates or cowering in a corner.
Always meet at least one parent to make sure they are pleasant and comfortable with you. Usually, the mother is the one who is available. It’s also beneficial to meet the parents’ siblings or other family members to get a sense of what the puppy will be like as an adult.
The Shiba inu dog needs early socialization, or exposure to a wide variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences, while they are young, much like any other dog. In order to guarantee that your Shiba puppy develops into a well-rounded dog, socialization is important.
He should start by enrolling in a kindergarten class for puppies. Regularly hosting guests, taking him to crowded parks, dog-friendly shops, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will all help him hone his social skills.
Shiba Inu Health
Although Shiba inu dog are typically healthy, they are susceptible to some health issues like all breeds. Although not every Shiba inu dog may contract one or more of these illnesses, it’s vital to be aware of them if you’re thinking about getting one of these dogs.
Find a reputable breeder that will provide you with the health clearances for both of your dog’s parents if you are purchasing a puppy. Health certifications attest to a dog’s having undergone testing and been declared free of a certain ailment.
You may expect to find health certificates for von Willebrand’s disease, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and Thrombopathia in Shiba Inu’s, as well as certificates from Auburn University and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) stating that the eyes are healthy. You can visit the OFA website to validate health approvals (offa.org).
Allergies: The Shiba Inu can suffer from allergies, which are a frequent illness among canines. There are three main categories of allergies: inhalant allergies, which are brought on by airborne allergens like pollen, dust, and mildew, and which are treated by removing specific foods from the dog’s diet; contact allergies, which are brought on by a reaction to a topical substance like bedding, flea powder, dog shampoo, and other chemicals; and food allergies. The course of treatment depends on the underlying reason and may involve dietary changes, medication, and environmental modifications.
Glaucoma: Both dogs and people may get glaucoma. There are two types of it: primary, which is inherited, and secondary, which is brought on by decreasing fluid in the eye as a result of other eye conditions. Pain and visual loss are symptoms. Depending on the kind, the prognosis and treatment may differ. Eye drops or surgery are both used to treat glaucoma.
Chylothorax: A disorder known as chylothorax results in an accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. Lethargy, a reduction in appetite, coughing, and trouble breathing are all symptoms of this buildup. Chylothorax may result from an underlying illness. The fluid can be drained, a low-fat diet is recommended, or in extreme circumstances, surgery.
Cancer: Canine cancer symptoms include abnormal swelling of a lump or sore, wounds that don’t heal, bleeding from any bodily orifice, and trouble breathing or going to the bathroom. Chemotherapy, surgery, and prescription drugs are all cancer treatments.
Patellar Luxation: The kneecap is the patella. Anatomical portion dislocation is referred to as luxation (as a bone at a joint). Patellar luxation is a painful condition in which the knee joint (typically of the back leg) moves in and out of position. Despite the fact that it can be devastating, many dogs with this illness enjoy very normal lives.
Epilepsy: Seizures from epilepsy can range from mild to severe and are frequently hereditary. Unusual behavior, such as frenzied running as if being pursued, stumbling, or hiding, might be a sign of seizures. While watching a seizure can be terrifying, dogs with idiopathic epilepsy often have a fairly excellent long-term outlook. It’s crucial to keep in mind that seizures can be brought on by a variety of other conditions than idiopathic epilepsy, including metabolic problems, brain-affecting infectious illnesses, tumors, exposure to toxins, serious head traumas, and more.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): The progressive retinal degeneration associated with PRA is a family of eye conditions. Early on in the illness, dogs develop night blindness. They also lose their ability to see throughout the day as the illness worsens. As long as their circumstances don’t change, many dogs adjust to partial or total visual loss fairly well.
Hypothyroidism: This thyroid issue, which is considered to be the root of disorders including epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy, dark spots on the skin, and other skin conditions, affects the thyroid gland. Diet and medicine are used to treat it.
Tail Chasing/Spinning: The issue of tail chasing or spinning is rare and poorly understood. Usually, it starts around six months of age. The dog may circle for hours because he is fixated on his tail. Food and water no longer pique his attention. No matter what is done, the dog won’t change his behavior. The dog will occasionally yell while whirling and possibly try to bite. According to research, spinning might be a form of seizure. Phenobarbital can be used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat certain canines.
Hip Dysplasia: A heritable disorder known as hip dysplasia causes the thighbone to not fit tightly into the hip joint. Some dogs exhibit pain and lameness in one or both of their hind legs, but a dog with hip dysplasia may not exhibit any indications of discomfort. Arthritis may appear as the dog aged. The University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program or the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals both provide X-ray screening for hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia in dogs should prevent breeding. Ask the breeder for documentation showing the parents have had hip dysplasia testing and have been found to be healthy if you are purchasing a puppy.
Shiba Inu Care
Shiba inu dog do well in houses with fenced yards. He is a playful breed that enjoys playing, going for walks, or running beside you. Providing him with space to wander would enable him to express his ya-yes. The socialization of this breed is crucial. If he isn’t properly socialized, or introduced to a variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences, while he’s young, he might develop into a frightened or combative dog like any other. As a result of his mistrust of strangers and propensity for aggression against other dogs, your Shiba Inu puppy needs early socialization to ensure that he develops into a well-rounded dog.
He will also pursue tiny creatures that flee from him, like as cats or squirrels, invoking his prey drive. For this reason, whenever he is outside of his enclosed yard, he must always be on a leash. Although restraint is necessary for his survival, the Shiba Inu’s disdain of it is a personality quirk. He dislikes being restrained or wearing a collar. This breed must be trained to walk on a leash, which requires time and patience.
The Shiba inu dog is advised to enroll in puppy and obedience training, not only for the skills gained but also for the amount of excitement and socializing the dog receives. Consult a trainer who is familiar with this breed. If the Shiba Inu is a challenging and stubborn pupil, don’t be disappointed; it’s in his character. Consider it a challenge.
With this breed, housebreaking is quite simple. When your Shiba inu dog is aware of where he needs to go, he will make every effort to get there. Every dog can benefit from crate training, which is also a considerate method to prevent accidents in the home or your Shiba Inu from getting into things he shouldn’t.
He can even find refuge in a kennel for a snooze. Early crate training will help your dog adjust to confinement if he ever needs to stay at a boarding facility or be hospitalized. But never leave your Shiba inu dog inside a crate all day. He shouldn’t stay there for more than a few hours at a time, unless he’s sleeping at night, as it’s not a jail. Shiba inu dog aren’t designed to live their entire life confined in a kennel or box.
Shiba Inu Exercise
The majority of Shiba inu dog are fairly active people that like taking walks. The owner of a Shiba should be committed to exercising the dog every day, especially if the dog doesn’t have a sufficient yard in which to exercise himself. Shiba’s are not so energetic that they will scale the walls if they don’t get regular exercise. Once they reach adulthood, Shiba inu dog are generally not very destructive if left alone, but some of them might have separation anxiety and should be allowed to spend time in their crates even while their owners are there and during the day. Packing a house ensures its integrity.
Shiba inu dog can be seen competing in agility, flyball, competitive herding, tracking, and even lure coursing since some of them are dog sports enthusiasts! ! In fact, during lure coursing, some Shiba’s may achieve speeds of over 25 MPH.
It shouldn’t be too difficult to exercise your dog as long as they think it’s fun and their idea. If you’re not in a fenced-in location, just be sure to keep them on a leash as they have a tendency to run away. (Pro tip: When you’re fitting a Shiba Inu for a dog collar, their neck size ranges from 14 to 17 inches.)
The athletic, somewhat active, and energetic Shiba Inu breed has a typical amount of energy. They are not, however, couch potatoes because of this! They require at least an hour of exercise each day. Exercise can take the form of a game in a fenced-in yard or a leisurely stroll in a park or neighborhood.
Shiba Inu Puppy Training
The one thing that every Shiba owner has to understand is that unless in a small space, a Shiba can never, ever be considered dependable off leash. Training in obedience won’t ever be able to change it. Letting a Shiba off-leash—or any dog, for that matter—is equivalent to gambling with the animal’s life. The Shiba may be lost forever with only one open door, one unsecured fence, or a split second of inattention. On the plus side, Shiba’s are essentially housebroken from birth. By the age of 4 weeks, the puppy is attempting to urinate as far away from his sleeping spot as possible. By five weeks old, the dog can hold it all night and wait to go outdoors. It takes a bit longer to control the bladder, and it greatly depends on the owner’s attentiveness and rapid access to the outdoors.
Finding a motivator for your Shiba Inu puppy and using it as a tool for positive reinforcement training are two keys to successfully training your Shiba Inu puppy. This is crucial because Shiba Inu’s, although being very intelligent dogs, frequently exhibit aloofness, independence, and strong personalities. They only participate if they want to, in other words.
Shiba inu dog are without a doubt cute and make great friends, but they aren’t the world’s simplest breed to socialize or train. It’s preferable to begin on this task early on, but it could still require a professional dog trainer to help this puppy reach his full potential. Shiba’s have a complicated temperament and require a strong pup parent to guide them, thus they definitely aren’t the greatest breed for a first dog.
It’s critical to introduce your Shiba to being handled while they are puppies in addition to teaching them fundamental obedience commands like sit, stay, and come. When handled by groomers or vets, some Shiba inu dog can be demanding and even noisy (they have a distinctive cry), if they are not used to it. Similar to human socialization, Shiba inu dog need to socialize with both people and other animals in order to have a good time. (Keep those snacks close by!) Shiba Inu’s may be suspicious of strangers, so it’s best to first get them used to seeing humans and other animals from a distance before letting them come close.
Shiba Inu Food
Half to one and a 1/2 cups of premium dry food should be consumed every day, split between two meals.
Note: Your adult dog’s appetite is influenced by his size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of exercise. Like people, each dog is unique, thus they don’t all require the same quantity of food. A very active dog will require more than a couch potato dog, which should almost go without saying. The kind of dog food you purchase also matters; the better the food, the more effectively it will nourish your dog and the less you will need to shake into the bowl. Rather than putting food available all the time, keep your Shiba Inu in excellent form by feeding him twice a day and weighing out his food. Give him the hands-on and eye tests if you’re not sure if he’s obese.
Look down at him first. There should be a waist visible. After that, lay your hands on his back with your thumbs down his spine and your fingers stretched outward. Without exerting much pressure, you should be able to feel his ribs but not see them. He needs less food and more activity if you can’t.
Shiba Inu Grooming and Coat Color
The Shiba inu dog looks like a Teddy Bear because of his thick double coat. The undercoat is velvety and thick, while the outside coat is straight and hard. He sheds sometimes all year long and significantly twice a year when he “blows” his coat (picture a snowfall, but on your belongings).
Sesame, urajiro (cream to white ventral color), and orange-red are the available hues for the Shiba Inu coat (black-tipped hairs on a rich red background). The tail tip, the forelegs, and the hind legs may have white markings.
When it comes to grooming, the Shiba inu dog is pretty simple to maintain. He is a naturally odorless and clean dog. Once a week, or more frequently if he is heavily shedding, he does need to be brushed to remove dead hair and disperse oils. Occasionally taking a bath is also required, but not too frequently because doing so may dry up his skin and coat. Every three to four months, many owners give their Shiba inu dog a wash.
To get rid of tartar accumulation and the germs that live inside of it, brush your Shiba’s teeth at least twice or three times every week. Even better than twice-daily brushing is prevention of foul breath and gum disease.
If your dog doesn’t wear his nails down naturally, trim them once or twice a month to avoid unpleasant rips and other issues. They are too lengthy if you can hear them clicking on the floor. Because dog toenails include blood veins, cutting them too short might result in bleeding, which may make your dog uncooperative the next time the nail clippers are pulled out. Therefore, get advice from a veterinarian or groomer if you are unfamiliar with clipping dog nails.
Every week, you should examine his ears for redness or an unpleasant smell that might be an infection. To help avoid infections, clean your dog’s ears when you examine them using a cotton ball soaked with a mild, pH-balanced ear cleanser. Simply wipe the outer ear; avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.
As soon as your Shiba inu dog is old enough, start exposing him to brushing and examinations. Dogs are sensitive when it comes to their feet, so handle his paws regularly and examine his lips. Lay the framework for simple veterinarian checks and other handling when he’s an adult by making grooming a rewarding experience full with praise and incentives.
Check your pet’s feet, nose, mouth, eyes, and skin for sores, rashes, or infection-related symptoms including redness, soreness, or inflammation when you groom them. Clear eyes without any redness or discharge are ideal. You may identify any health issues early on thanks to your thorough weekly exam.
Children And Other Pets
As long as he is properly nurtured, receives training, and is appropriately socialized as a puppy, the Shiba inu dog makes a terrific family pet. He gets along with kids as long as they are courteous and respectful to him.
In order to prevent biting or ear or tail tugging on either party, you should always educate kids how to approach and touch dogs. You should also carefully monitor any interactions between young children and dogs. Teach your youngster to never try to steal a dog’s food or approach a dog when he or she is eating or resting. Regardless of how nice they are, dogs and children should never be left alone. A Shiba Inu’s ability to get along with other dogs and animals is greatly aided by early socialization and training, but it is not a certainty. He has the potential to be hostile with canines, and he will hunt creatures that he views as prey. The Shiba inu dog should be trained and kept on a leash while around other dogs and animals.