Shiba Inu

A Shiba Inu
Photo: Takashiba at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Non-Sporting Group
AKC RecognizedCan suit apartment life
📏 Size
Small
⚖️ Weight
8 - 10 kg
🕐 Lifespan
13 - 16 years
🌍 Origin
Japan
🐕 Shedding
Moderate
✂️ Grooming
Every few weeks
Energy Level
moderate
Exercise: About 1 hr a day
A guide for a healthy adult. Puppies, older dogs and flat-faced breeds in the heat need less.

Good to know

  • Mountain hunter: one of Japan's native breeds, the Shiba was bred to hunt in rugged, brushy mountain terrain.
  • Never trust off leash: a Shiba can't be considered reliable off lead outside a secure area, no matter how much training it has had.
  • Big sheds: they shed heavily, especially during seasonal sheds, when brushing or a dog blower helps keep hair under control.
  • Easy to housebreak: Shiba puppies are naturally clean and often try to keep their sleeping area spotless from a very young age.
  • Independent spirit: bold and confident, they aren't the most eager-to-please trainees, and many dislike having their nails trimmed.

Getting out with a Shiba Inu

Daily walks and some play keep them content. A mix of park time and easy trails suits them.

Explore more breeds in the Non-Sporting group

Browse Non-Sporting Breeds
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