History

Shiba Inu translates to 'Brushwood Dog' in Japan, where they were bred to hunt boars, birds, and bears. In 1936, the Shiba Inu was declared a national treasure by the country, and the breed has flourished ever since.   

Is the Shiba Inu the best choice for me?

Shiba Inus are extremely loyal to their family They are very healthy Shiba Inus are incredibly affectionate and even-tempered dogs  They enjoy staying clean! Shiba Inus are perfect for those who suffer from fur allergy.  

Why is the Shiba Inu not the best choice for me?They are incredibly hard to train They are vocal about everything  They tend to roam/wander (must not be confused with disloyalty because they will eventually come back) Shiba Inus are known to be moderate shedders and prefer colder climates Shiba Inus don't take well to other pets in the household because of their high prey drive  

About the Breed

Nutrition

Shiba Inus are robust breeds that are happy with almost anything you feed them - as long as it is balanced, wholesome, and nutritious, you will have a healthy, long-lived pooch. You can also choose to supplement their diet with multivitamins so as to prevent health complications later in life. 

Grooming

Since this breed is a moderate shedder, they need a considerable amount of grooming to keep the fur from getting everywhere. A daily brushing and frequent trips to the groomers for de-shedding and coat clipping should help with all that fur. At home, remember to trim her nails and brush her teeth once a week.

ExerciseShiba Inus need a fair amount of exercise during the day. However, it is best to rotate activities to prevent boredom - fetch with toys, swim, hike, run and so on. Shiba Inus, in particular, enjoy scent work since they were bred to sniff out game. 

TrainingLet's set one thing straight - Shiba Inus do not like to listen and hate being told what to do. That said, they are not the best choice for novice pet parents or for those who do not want to spend time training. Being extremely sensitive and stubborn, Shiba Inus need someone with years of dog experience to handle their independent streak. 

Health

This is a department you don't have to worry about when you have a Shiba Inu. They are very healthy dogs with robust digestive systems and strong immunity. However, it is always best to have routine veterinary checkups to ensure that your Shiba stays in good health.

Temperament

Your child ain't met a friend like a Shiba! Shiba Inus are very gentle with children. In fact, like a few other breeds, they act as nannies to children. However, because of their high prey drive, Shiba Inus do not take well to other pets inside or outside the house.   

Conclusion

Overall, the Shiba Inu is an adaptable breed that can live almost anywhere as long as it is exercised. They are a very healthy breed but require some effort when it comes to grooming. Training is the hardest when it comes to a Shiba, but with patience, perseverance, and positive reinforcement, you and your Shiba are sure to find a middle ground!