Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (2024)

Get a Shiba Inu quote

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (1)
Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (2)

With its foxy features and alert, confident behaviour, Shibas are a popular choice for the experienced owner looking for a loyal companion.

Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Shiba Inu is among the world’s oldest breeds and one of six native to Japan. A smaller version of the Akita breed, the name Shiba Inu translates as ‘small dog’ in Japanese and it is a Spitz-type breed characterised by its thick coat, pointed ears and curly tail. Known to be a clean dog, Shiba Inu are very loyal and alert with a strong prey instinct and a knack for escaping from gardens. They make a good choice for the experienced dog owner.

Vital Stats

Size: Small to medium
Coat: Very thick, double coat
Exercise: 1 hour a day
Life span: 12-15 years
Breed group: Spitz
Temperament: Loyal, alert, independent, lively

Size 34cm
-
40cm
Coat short
coat
Exercise 2+ hrs Life span 12-15years

Shiba Inu Temperament & Personality

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (3)

A very confident dog, the Shiba Inu temperament is alert, loyal and lively and they tend to form strong bonds with their owners. However, they can also be quite independent and territorial with a strong hunting instinct.

  • Inquisitive, very playful and generally good-natured, a Shiba Inu will love being involved in everything around the home and will be a loyal and loving companion to any owner.
  • It’s important to set the boundaries early with any Shiba Inu as they have a dominant side to their nature that can become a problem if left unchecked. Owners should adopt an unaggressive alpha role so that their pet knows who is in charge.
  • Their strong prey drive and hunting instinct coupled with a stubborn, independent streak means that Shibas are best kept on a lead, particularly when in the presence of wildlife.
  • The Shiba Inu can be quite a vocal dog with some pretty peculiar forms of communication. Not necessarily a big barker, they have a tendency to yodel when they want attention and can sometimes be heard to make a purring sound when being stroked. They’re also known for a high-pitched scream they can often make when they become excited.
  • Although they’re not the best choice for first-time owners or families with young children who might test their impatient side, Shibas are a great choice for the more experienced dog owner looking for a loyal companion.
Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (4)

Shiba Inu Temperament & Personality

A very confident dog, the Shiba Inu temperament is alert, loyal and lively and they tend to form strong bonds with their owners. However, they can also be quite independent and territorial with a strong hunting instinct.

Shiba Inu Training & Exercise

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (5)

Plenty of exercise and lots of mental stimulation is very important for any Shiba Inu – not only to avoid boredom but also to help maintain a healthy weight.

Training tips

  • As a highly intelligent breed, Shiba Inus are relatively easy to train. However, their strong-willed nature means that training can sometimes be a challenge as they tend to lose focus and test the boundaries of what they can get away with.
  • All of this means that recall training is an essential part of any Shiba’s training and development. A hunting instinct means that they will often chase anything that moves.

Keeping them happy

  • A Shiba will need plenty of mental simulation to avoid boredom. They have the potential for destructive behaviour around the home if they become too bored and inactive. Indulge their playful side with toys and games and make sure you exercise their minds as well as their bodies.
  • Although they can be very happy on their own, Shibas like nothing more than receiving lots of affection and attention. Involve them in anything and everything going on around the home and they’ll be very happy.

Exercise

  • Shiba Inu need between 40 and 60 minutes of exercise every day to satisfy their energetic, active personalities. Make sure this includes plenty of off-lead activity but be careful to do this in a safe, enclosed area. A long, interesting walk with time to explore a secure garden or open space is ideal. But make sure there are no holes in fences or open gates as these dogs are expert escape artists.

Game ideas

  • Shibas were born to hunt and their inquisitive nature means they love problem-solving games that bring out their cunning side. Add to this a strong food motivation and games that involve finding and working for their food will always go down well. Try hiding food treats around the garden so they have to hunt them out.
  • A lively and attentive personality makes for a great ball game partner. Including ball games into your training can help improve their recall training without boring them.
  • In the summer months, a garden water hose can often be a great source of fun for any dog. A Shiba’s love for chasing means they’ll enjoy trying to catch the water from a hosepipe and it will help cool them down too.
Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (6)

Shiba Inu Training & Exercise

Plenty of exercise and lots of mental stimulation is very important for any Shiba Inu – not only to avoid boredom but also to help maintain a healthy weight.


Shiba Inu Grooming

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (7)

Shibas have a very thick, high shedding coat that requires regular attention.

  • With a thick, double coat consisting of a soft, dense undercoat covered by a harder, straight topcoat, the Shiba Inu needs weekly brushing to keep its coat tangle free and healthy.
  • Their coats come in four recognised colours: red, white, sesame and black and tan.
  • Shibas are a heavy shedding, non-hypoallergenic breed so be prepared for lots of hair around the home. They tend to shed year-round but more heavily in the spring and autumn so regular brushing is needed to remove dead hair.
  • Considered a very clean breed, Shibas are often known to self-groom in a similar way to a cat.
  • Oral hygiene should be consistent to prevent tooth or gum issues and ears should be checked regularly for any build up of wax that could lead to infection.
Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (8)

Shiba Inu Grooming

Shibas have a very thick, high shedding coat that requires regular attention.

Shiba Inu Nutrition

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (9)

Your Shiba Inu’s nutrition plan should be appropriate for a small but active dog and help them maintain a healthy weight.

  • All dogs love mealtimes, but Shibas are known to be very food motivated. As a small breed, it’s important to choose good quality food in the right sized portions so it’s best to measure out your pet’s food to avoid overfeeding and maintain both a healthy weight and a Shiba’s characteristic compact body shape.
  • Like most dogs, Shibas will thrive on a balanced diet of good quality, dry dog food that contains all the necessary minerals and proteins.
Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (10)

Shiba Inu Nutrition

Your Shiba Inu’s nutrition plan should be appropriate for a small but active dog and help them maintain a healthy weight.

What to know before you buy or rehome a Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (11)

A Shiba Inu will make a great canine companion for the right owner. If you’re thinking about welcoming one into your home, here are a few important things to keep in mind.

  • Loyal and loving, Shibas form a strong bond with their owners and love being part of everything that goes on around the home.
  • However, they are notoriously independent and have a stubborn nature. This means they are best suited to experienced owners and families with older children.
  • Between 40-60 minutes of exercise is recommend each day with lots of opportunity for mental stimulation to avoid boredom.
  • These expert escape artists will test your boundaries, so it’s important to establish an alpha role early in your relationship and make sure that any gardens are fully secure.
  • With a thick, double coat that sheds throughout the year, be prepared for regular grooming and cleaning up excess hair around your home.
  • Always be fussy about the breeder you choose. ‘Lucy’s Law’ dictates that new puppies must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue. Third party sellers are illegal.
  • There are many things to consider before getting a dog. Always find out whether a canine friend is the best pet for you before you make the leap from dog lover to dog owner.
Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (12)

What to know before you buy or rehome a Shiba Inu

A Shiba Inu will make a great canine companion for the right owner. If you’re thinking about welcoming one into your home, here are a few important things to keep in mind.

FAQs

FAQs

Discover some of the most popular dog breeds

Beagle
Bichon Frise
Border Collie
Border Terrier
Boxer
English Bulldog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavapoo
Chihuahua
Chow Chow
co*ckapoo
co*cker Spaniel
Dachshund
Dobermann
English Springer Spaniel
French Bulldog
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Greyhound
Husky
Jack Russell
Labradoodle
Labrador
Lhasa Apso
Miniature Schnauzer
Pomeranian
Poodle
Pug
Rottweiler
Shiba Inu
Shih Tzu
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

Find out more about some of the UK's most popular dog breeds and discover which breed could be your ideal canine companion with our breed selector quiz.

Shiba Inu insurance considerations

Shiba Inus sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan dog insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (47) i

Physical & online
consultations

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (48) i

Diagnostic
tests

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (49)

i

Prescription
medicine

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (50)

i

Surgery &
specialised care

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (51) i

Physiotherapy &
pet therapies

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (52) i

Hereditary
conditions

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (53) i

Behavioural
conditions

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (54) i

Congenital
conditions

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (55) i

Dental illness
& injury

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (56) i

Cancer
treatments

Get a Shiba Inu quote

Related Articles

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (2024)

FAQs

Shiba Inu: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training? ›

The Shiba Inu does require regular bathing and brushing. This bright and dignified dog can be bathed as frequently as weekly up to no longer than every 6 weeks. With this double coated breed, proper bathing and drying techniques lays the groundwork for achieving a beautiful coat.

Do Shibas need to go to the groomers? ›

The Shiba Inu does require regular bathing and brushing. This bright and dignified dog can be bathed as frequently as weekly up to no longer than every 6 weeks. With this double coated breed, proper bathing and drying techniques lays the groundwork for achieving a beautiful coat.

Can Shiba Inus get haircuts? ›

Should You Give Shiba Inus a Haircut? No! From corgis to French bulldogs, there are some breeds of dogs that simply don't need haircuts as others do. Not only because their hair doesn't grow past a certain length, but because trims are unhealthy for the dog.

Why do Shibas groom themselves? ›

Like to Keep Themselves Clean

Similar to a cat, the Shiba Inu are actually a breed that really like to clean and groom themselves. They'll lick their paws and clean their eyes.

Are Shiba Inus high maintenance? ›

Are Shibas High-Maintenance Dogs? Shiba Inus shed heavily and require a good deal of training and exercise. Nonetheless, they don't require a huge amount of care. They're extremely independent and can be left alone for fairly long periods.

How often should Shibas be groomed? ›

In the case of a Shiba Inu, they are double-coated breeds. This means they can be bathed as frequently as once a week to up to every six weeks. After bathing, use proper drying techniques. A lot of pet owners make the common mistake of recklessly drying their dog's fur.

Are Shiba Inus hard to groom? ›

Shiba Inu Grooming

Shibas have a very thick, high shedding coat that requires regular attention. With a thick, double coat consisting of a soft, dense undercoat covered by a harder, straight topcoat, the Shiba Inu needs weekly brushing to keep its coat tangle free and healthy.

How to properly groom a Shiba Inu? ›

So, to maintain your Japanese Shiba Inu in Tip Top condition we recommend the following. A thorough weekly brushing with, a Comb Rake, Wide Pin Head Brush and then comb through with a wide tooth comb, and during the heavy shed periods you will need to groom daily and also use a Slicker Brush.

How to deshed Shiba? ›

How do you reduce Shiba Inu shedding? A surefire way to keep shedding under control is to brush your Shiba Inu's fur on a consistent basis. Throughout the year, regularly groom and brush your Shiba Inu about twice a month.

Why do Shiba Inus curl their tails? ›

Their tails help to protect them from the harsh winter weather. When they sleep, Shiba Inus curl up and use their tails to shield their face and nose in order to protect their sensitive areas from the cold. The cream color is considered a "major fault" by both the Japan Kennel Club and American Kennel Club.

Why don't Shibas cuddle? ›

Shibas happen to be one of the most ancient canine breeds. Because of this fact, they exhibit a trace of their wild ancestry in their temperament. And believe it or not, this dash of “wild” often presents a no-cuddle zone. It's true—Shiba Inus are not so open to free cuddles.

Are Shibas clingy? ›

Shibas are independent. If you're looking for an affectionate dog that loves to cuddle and craves attention, shibas are not it. Hoju pretty much follows us around everywhere, but he'd much rather be a few feet away than in our laps. He only likes being pet on his terms.

Do Shiba Inus hate water? ›

While the Shiba Inu's instinct is to avoid water, if they are introduced to it at an early age slowly and positively, they may become accustomed to it. They are also a social breed, so if socializing over swimming is an option, they may adapt quickly and start to enjoy the water.

Do Shiba Inus sleep with you? ›

Further, they tend to be stubborn and set in their ways, much like cats, and they also have a tendency to be a bit more aloof than other breeds their size. While some dogs can't bear to be more than a few feet away from their owners, you can often find a Shiba Inu sleeping contentedly in another room on their own.

What are the cons of having a Shiba Inu? ›

Shiba Inus are extremely intelligent, and that can make them extremely stubborn. In many cases, Shiba Inus will simply refuse to do anything that they don't want to. That can be very frustrating. In order to circumnavigate the stubborn attitude of many Shiba Inus, you will have to bribe them with food.

Do Shiba Inus like to swim? ›

While Shibas are not known for their swimming abilities, dogs are generally fond of water. Additionally, Shiba Inus are obedient and can stay still as you sail through a lake or river together. Kayaking is a fun and special way to introduce new sights and surroundings to your dog.

Why are Shibas not recommended for first time owners? ›

Shiba Inus are typically not recommended for first-time dog owners as they have strong hunting instincts and can be quite stubborn if not trained properly. While loyal and affectionate with their families, these dogs tend to be a little suspicious of strangers. Shiba Inus are also expert escape artists!

Do dogs need to go to the groomer? ›

According to Clavarino, dogs with long, thick, or curly coats benefit from professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks to prevent matting and maintain a healthy coat. Wire-coated breeds stand to benefit from a similar schedule.

Do all dogs need to go to the groomer? ›

It's a common misconception that only dogs with a longer coat, or show dogs need to be professionally groomed. This couldn't be farther from the truth. In fact, each and every dog should get groomed by a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks. This will not only help them look their best, but also to feel their best.

Can you leave Shibas alone? ›

While Shiba Inu are independent dogs who don't require constant attention, they need plenty of exercise if they will be left alone during the day. Shiba Inu may be left home alone for eight hours at a time. Crate training may be necessary for the dog's safety as bored Shiba Inu may chew dangerous items.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Last Updated:

Views: 6109

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Birthday: 1993-01-10

Address: Suite 391 6963 Ullrich Shore, Bellefort, WI 01350-7893

Phone: +6806610432415

Job: Dynamic Manufacturing Assistant

Hobby: amateur radio, Taekwondo, Wood carving, Parkour, Skateboarding, Running, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.