Shiba Inu Breed Guide | Petbarn (2024)

Strong-willed, bold and incredibly alert, a Shiba Inu is an exciting and wonderful pet. Best suited to households with no children or pets, they make loyal companions who need daily vigorous exercise.

A Shiba Inu is a fox in looks, Einstein in brains and a toddler in needs. Their handsome looks, easy to groom coat, lack of smell and generally quiet and clean disposition make them wonderful pets, however they have a complex personality and may end up ruling the house. They are brilliant runners – the Usain Bolt of the canine world – and will take off after any moving object. Always keep your pet leashed. They need access to a yard and a fenced one at that. They are wonderful magicians and will find a way to escape no matter how secure it is. They are smart and very clever, which is great for training but are also strong-minded and independent. Shiba Inus are good dogs for those who have time to train but they are notorious for doing what they want, when they want. They are a primitive breed and tend to listen more to their instincts than their training. They are graceful, agile and full of energy. A vigorous run and time at the park is ideal. They are suited to families with older children, as Shiba Inus don’t have the patience to deal with young children.

Fun fact:They are one of the most popular dog breeds in

Japan and their personality is often summed up in three words:

kan-i refers to their alertness and bravery, ryosei to their good-natured,

loyal and obedient disposition and soboku describes their easy, natural good looks.

They are accomplished singers and are known to be loud and vocal when they want something. If they could say one word it would be ‘mine’. They are charming and loving pets that often convert people to being lifelong Shiba Inu owners. With the right owner, a Shiba Inu is a great pet. They are best in single-pet households and tend to be aggressive towards other cats and dogs due to their hunting instincts. Shiba Inus shed heavily and require minimal care, just brush their coat weekly. A Shiba Inu is not hypoallergenic.

Scheduled six monthly health checks and visits to the vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life-stages. It’s important that together with your veterinarian a preventative health care program is determined and maintained based on the individual needs of your canine companion. Shiba Inus are a relatively healthy breed but are susceptible to minor problems such as allergies, cataracts and patellar luxation (dislocating kneecaps).