Shiba Inu Puppies – 10 Facts For The Cute Japanese Dog Breeds

If you’re looking for an energetic, friendly, and intelligent pet to join your family, then the Shiba Inu can be a perfect match for you. 

This cute Shiba Inu breed has been around in the USA since the 19th century, originally developed as hunting dogs in Japan. Today they’re one of the most popular dog breeds thanks to that viral Internet meme that has taken the world by storm. 

Shiba Inu puppies are known for their lively temperament, tiny upright ears, and feline agility. They’re sturdy, muscular canines with a strong, self-assured attitude.

In this article, we will discuss the Shiba Inu breed basics – information about this dog’s appearance, temperament, and main characteristics. After that, we will tell you the most interesting factors about the Shiba Inu puppy, so make sure to read all the way to the end.

Shiba Inu Puppy – Breed Info And Characteristics

Shiba Inu puppies are curious, fearless, and busy dogs. With their goofy personality, they always keep their owners on their toes and never get tired of playing games together with them. They are always ready for an adventure, and their sharp mind requires a lot of physical activity in order to be satisfied.

shiba inu puppy

They’re small in size but mighty in spirit. That’s why they can’t live their whole lives cooped up inside the house, especially during hot days when owners are away at work all day long. They need to go out and play from time to time, or else they might start developing some behavioral problems such as barking excessively, digging holes on your garden lawn, etc. In order to keep them happy you should take them for a walk regularly throughout the whole year! 

Shiba Inu Puppies have a very distinctive character that has been passed down through generations of this breed. Shibas tend to be quite sensitive (especially the females) despite what their foxy-like look. So you should never yell at these dogs since they will perceive it as if something bad is happening. They’re very perceptive and aware of the environment they live in since this breed tends to be more alert than others.

Shiba Inu Puppies Appearance

This Japanese dog breed has a very distinct appearance that will allow you to identify it from other dog breeds. Their coats come in three different colors: red, orange, and white with tan markings around their eyes and mouth area.

There is a visual distinction between a male and a female Shiba Inu puppy. Females are often smaller than males with softer facial features, while males are bigger with a broader face.

They have small furry tails which stand up – this helps them express their mood through body language:

  • When they’re happy – Shibas wag their tail hard.
  • When they’re anxious or nervous – Shiba Inu puppies hold both of their tails between their legs.
  • When scared – the tail is tucked under their belly.

Their fur is very thick and layered, with the insulating undercoat covered by a top coat of longer straight hairs. This helps them remain warm during colder days when they’re outside for too long or if it’s snowing – this breed can handle weather conditions like no other!

Shiba Inu Puppies Temperament & Personality

Shiba Inu puppies are by nature very friendly and social dogs. They love to be around people no matter what their ages or gender might be – they’re always happy to greet everyone with a wagging tail!

This breed gets along great with children, but it’s also important to teach them how to properly behave when in the presence of your Shiba puppy since these canines tend to get quite aggressive if provoked (especially when their family is threatened). 

It takes time for Shibas to warm up towards strangers (especially the timid females). Even though they may seem like calm and obedient pets at first, don’t expect too much from them until you know each other better. This dog has an independent personality that sometimes makes him act aloof – it won’t come to you unless it wants something from you.

You should be very patient and consistent when it comes to training your Shiba Inu pup – make sure that all of his basic needs are met before starting the process (such as potty training, feeding schedule, etc). If not addressed right away – this breed can develop some behavioral problems such as stubbornness or excessive barking.

Shiba Inu Puppies Size

This dog breed is very small in size:

  • The males stand up to 16 inches tall and weigh around 23 pounds. 
  • The females stand up to 14 inches tall and weigh around 17 pounds. 

Don’t let their size fool you – Shiba Inu’s personality traits are much larger than other breeds!

These Japanese hunting dogs have a unique body structure that allows them to run fast and leap high into the air – this helps them catch prey or escape from potential predators that want to harm them. Shibas were bred for hunting purposes, but today, most of them work as show dogs due to their beautiful appearance.

Due to their small size, Shiba Inus are not recommended for families who live in small apartments or homes with very little space – they need a lot of room to run around freely! They’re also known as one of the best dog breeds that will bark less than other breeds if you provide them with enough exercise daily.

Shiba Inu Puppies Health

petting a shiba inu

Shiba Inu dogs are generally very healthy, but this doesn’t mean they can’t suffer from any health conditions. The most common ailments seen in Shiba canines include:

  • obesity
  • hip dysplasia
  • eye problems
  • dental disease
  • patellar luxation
  • parasites and fleas
  • allergies and infections

To help lower your pet’s risk of developing these diseases – you should always provide it with premium dog food containing omega fatty acids and antioxidants (vitamins A and E).

If the symptoms of these illnesses appear, it’s important to visit a veterinarian immediately. The vet will prescribe some medications depending on the severity of your furry friend’s condition. Early detection and treatment can help prolong Shiba Inu’s life span (which is around 12 – 15 years) and keep him active and healthy for many more years.

Obesity

Shiba Inu is a very active canine breed that loves to run around outside – but you shouldn’t forget about their calorie intake! Their metabolism allows them to eat only small amounts of food throughout the day.

If you love your Shiba Inu puppy, make sure it doesn’t get overweight because this can lead to serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The best way to prevent this from happening is by measuring his food portions and feeding your pup with high-quality dog food that contains lean proteins (turkey, lamb, or chicken) and complex carbohydrates (like sweet potatoes).

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a skeletal disorder that affects dogs, and it can cause moderate to severe lameness and arthritis. In the Shiba Inu dog breed, this disease usually develops during the growth period of a puppy. So as they grow older their bones tend to grow faster than muscles which can cause abnormal development in hip joints over time.

Your veterinarian will run some tests on Shiba’s hips (x-rays) to confirm whether he has hip dysplasia or not. Then depending on the results, the vet may prescribe some medications.

Note that the Shibas with hip dysplasia shouldn’t be bred. In case you are buying this puppy, ask the breeder for more parents’ info to ensure that they don’t have hip dysplasia.

Eye Problems

Shiba Inu eye problems are mostly caused by allergies, bad nutrition, or sometimes they can be hereditary. If your Shiba suffers from runny eyes, crusty eyelids, and other kinds of discharge – make sure to take him to the vet as soon as possible because these symptoms might indicate an infection. The vet may prescribe eye drops or sometimes – surgical treatment.

If you notice any signs such as cloudy cornea, redness around the eyes, or a swollen eyelid – it’s important to keep your pets away from bright lights and loud noises at all times in order not to stress them out too much. 

Early detection of eye problems is the key here if you want your Shiba Inu puppy to live a long and happy life.

Dental Disease

Shiba Inus can be prone to dental problems. However, you can keep your pet’s teeth healthy by watching their development closely. You as an owner need to be extra careful when it comes down to keeping these dogs’ pearly whites clean – you should brush them at least two times a week in order to prevent tartar formation and bad breath.

If you notice certain teeth abnormalities such as misaligned teeth, you can ask your vet for a dog’s braces (yes they can wear braces too).

You can also invest in some special dog toothpaste, chew toys, or bones that will help scrape off food particles stuck between your pet’s gums without being too harsh on the delicate gum tissue layers. 

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position. Although this may seem like just another dog disease it can actually cause Shiba Inu health problems such as limping, difficulty standing up, and running around for prolonged periods of time.

Since there are different grades of patellar luxation depending on the severity of your pup’s case – treatment will vary accordingly. An X-ray might be needed to confirm the diagnosis but most cases require surgery. 

Parasites And Fleas

The most common Shiba Inu parasites include roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm. The fleas and ticks are also known as regular intruders in Shiba’s skin. 

These little creatures can be very dangerous if left untreated – which is why it’s important for owners to give their dogs monthly preventative treatments as soon as the first symptoms appear!

Allergies

Shiba Inu allergies can be triggered by food, the environment, or something as simple as pollen. The allergies can make their skin itchy, but the good news is that there are many treatments available. 

The best way to prevent Shiba from getting sick is by taking him for a long walk first thing in the morning and the last thing at night – this will help to strengthen his immune system and keep it healthy throughout the day!

Infections

Shiba Inus are mostly free of common dog health problems, but this doesn’t mean that they’re immune to all kinds of infections (viral or bacterial). Some of the most popular Shiba illnesses include canine distemper (parvovirus), rabies, or leptospirosis.

These conditions can be very dangerous if not treated on time – which is why your pet needs to go to the vet immediately once he shows symptoms. Some possible symptoms can include nasal congestion or eye discharge, which indicate a serious infection! The sooner you take action – the higher chances your dog will have at making a full recovery!

When it comes down to preventing these diseases from happening in the first place – always keep an eye out for any vaccine updates provided by your veterinarian, and be sure to give your Shiba Inu a good monthly flea treatment. This way, you will ensure that your pet’s immune system is strong enough in order to fight infections when they appear!

Shiba Inu Puppies Care

Shiba Inu puppies are very popular among the dog community, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to care for or handle! This breed needs a family who is patient, responsible, and ready to invest time into training their pet from day one. If you properly take care of it and train it accordingly, your Shiba puppy will become an amazing member of your family.

Shiba Inu puppies care starts with a proper diet, regular grooming, and a safe environment. To ensure that your Shiba stays healthy from within, make sure to give him high-quality dog food! Always stick to the same brand in order for his body to get used to it slowly over time so you don’t have any issues later on when changing his meal plan all of a sudden.

Shiba Inu Puppies Grooming

Shiba Inu puppies grooming is quite different from that of other dog breeds because they have a thick double coat that requires weekly brushing in order to prevent fur from becoming matted and tangled. Aim for once or twice per week depending on how much your Shiba sheds, but never go overboard with the amount of hair you’re removing!

Start off by grooming it while it’s still young so it becomes part of its daily routine. This way your dog can get used to being groomed without getting nervous or afraid. If properly trained, chances are your pet will enjoy regular combing sessions throughout its lifetime!

When grooming, sometimes you can use a blow dryer to remove loose hair, fleas, dandruff, dirt, etc. Also, even though nail-trimming can be an unpleasant experience for the Shiba Inu puppies, you should always keep their nails short.

Shiba Inu Puppies Nutrition & Feeding

Shiba Inu puppy’s feeding schedule might differ from one dog to another, but the most common thing is that they’re used to eating twice a day (half to one and a half cups). Most owners feed their pets dry, high-quality food before going out for work and when coming home in order not to leave them hungry throughout the whole day! 

Just remember to not overfeed your puppy in order to avoid obesity.
Also, keep your Shiba Inu pet in shape with proper training.

Shiba Inu Puppies Training

Shiba Inu training is mostly done through positive reinforcement of good behavior such as praising your dog for sitting still or staying in one place without moving around too much. It’s important to keep Shiba motivated by rewarding him with small treats or playtime. This way you will ensure that your pet understands what it means when you say “no” and doesn’t get himself into trouble out of ignorance!

A strong-willed dog like the Shiba Inu needs an equally dominant owner who can show authority from time to time and make sure that Shibas don’t feel threatened by their surroundings. Otherwise, they might lash out at other people, dogs, or animals whenever they sense danger which could lead to unfortunate circumstances.

Another important step in Shiba’s training is teaching it the proper way to greet people. Shibas are fast learners, so you should be able to teach him right away even without using treats as rewards. Just make sure not to go overboard with praising since it can get confused and will not understand what he’s supposed to do next!

You should always keep an eye on your Shiba puppy when it goes outside for training or walking because this breed tends to wander off easily if it smells something interesting such as a cat sitting by the fence nearby. If you don’t pay attention – your puppy can escape from your yard and get lost.

Shiba Inu Puppies History

The Shiba Inu breed history goes back to the year 300 BC in Japan.

These dogs were used for hunting by their owners, so it’s no wonder they have traits such as agility and endurance, which helped them catch up with rabbits or other small animals at a fast pace! 

The popularity of these cute animals has been on the rise in the United States for the past 50 years.

Top 10 Facts About the Shiba Inu Puppy

The Shiba Inu is considered as one of the most popular dog breeds, thanks to that viral meme that set the flame to an international scale. Even though they are relatively new to other countries including the United States, they have easily captured the hearts of dog fanatics. 

shiba inu sitting

If you are planning to have one for yourself, it would be helpful to know everything about this dog, including these 10 interesting facts:

Fact 1: They Are Known For Their Versatility In Hunting

Shiba Inus are tenacious hunters. They were bred with the purpose of hunting birds, boars, and even bears. An advantage to their hunting game is their dense undercoats, allowing them to withstand and tolerate even cold temperatures. 

Fact 2: “Brushwood dog” Is The Meaning Of Their Name

The name of this breed in Japanese is quite mysterious. When translated roughly, it could suggest ‘brushwood dog’. It is often believed that this name came from their tendency to enjoy running around thick grass or reddish brush as they hunt. 

Other people think that the reason for this is because the plant and dog are similar in having a fiery red hue. Another possible reason is that the name Shiba literally means ‘small’, rather than a ‘brushwood’. 

Fact 3: This Is An Ancient Breed

There are six original Japanese dogs, including the Akita Inu, Kishu Inu, Shikoku Inu, Kai Ken, and Hokkaido. These breeds go way back in terms of history and origins. Shiba Inus are no doubt the smallest among them all. 

They are a breed that is closely similar to wolves in terms of genetics. For this reason, it has also been suggested that they are among the oldest breeds that are domesticated since all others have been bred prior to the 19th century. They belong to the spitz family, exhibiting a thick coat and pointed ears. 

Fact 4: There Was A Time When They Were Almost Extinct

It was during World War II when the attention of the people in Japan was diverted, thus neglecting the breeding of dogs. This results in a decrease in the number of the Shiba breed. 

After becoming almost extinct, their number was revived from the three remaining lines – the Mino Shiba, San In Shiba, and the Shiba Shu Shiba. 

Fact 5: They Are Newcomers In America

It was in 1954 when the very first Shiba Inu came to the United States. However, it was only in 1979 when the first litter was actually born in the country. 

In 1992, the American Kennel Club recognized this breed finally, and today, it is considered as the 46th in terms of being a popular dog in the US.

Fact 6: Reliable Personality

This breed is described by the three Japanese words – Kan-I, Ryosei, and Sobuku. Kan-I is a description of the bravery and alertness of this breed, making them a wonderful watchdog. Ryoei means that they are loyal, good-natured, and obedient. On the other hand, Soboku means that they have natural good looks. 

This breed could be somewhat alert and shy around strangers, but they are amazingly close and loyal to their human families. The story of Mari the Shiba Inu made some rounds, telling the story that happened during the Chuetsu earthquake in 2004. The dog alternated from taking care of his old owner who was trapped inside his home, as well as her newborn puppies. Eventually, the man was rescued, but the dogs were left behind. They survived, however. This canine selflessness captured the hearts of many people, to the point that there was a movie adaptation of the story entitled A Tale of Mari and Three Puppies. 

Fact 7: They Do Not Require Regular Baths

This breed is known because of their overall cleanliness. In fact, they are often observed to groom themselves by licking their paws. They do so in a similar way as cats do. They are also very careful in getting dirty, avoiding puddles when they walk around. 

Their bodies are also designed with self-cleaning coats which work in repelling dirt, which means that they do not require frequent washing like with other breeds. 

Fact 8: They Have An Interesting Reaction To Surprises And Stress

When they are upset, Shibas are known to wail, like a human. Among their sources of stress include cutting of their nails and even getting baths. With their unique cries, it is quite easy to observe that they are oftentimes described as the drama queens in the canine world. 

Fact 9: They Shed A Lot

It is normal for dogs to shed. However, if you have a Shiba Inu, shedding is taken to a higher level. Because of this characteristic, they have become a favored choice among those who love spinning dog fur. 

The reason for this is because they shed twice a year, though the overall amount of fur, including the duration of this season makes it even longer. 

Fact 10: They Come In Different Colors

Even though the general color of most Shibas are red, they are also available in several other colors, including sesame, tan, black, and a combination of white and red, with some black-tipped fur. 

Having a cream dog is regarded as a fault among breeders. Aside from the red-coated ones, some also have a softer and orange-ish shade than others.

Shiba Inu Puppies FAQ

How Much Is A Shiba Inu Dog?

The price of a Shiba Inu puppy depends on the breeder, location, and gender. However, due to their recent Internet popularity, they are more expensive to buy. 

– Male Shibas are usually more expensive than females ranging from $1500 to $3000.
– Female Shiba Inu puppies can cost from $1400 to $2200.

What Is The Best Dog Food For A Shiba Inu?

As a rule of thumb, buy high-quality dog food that contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals your pet needs to stay healthy throughout the years. 

If you’re not sure what brand or type to get, ask around from other Shiba Inu owners. They should be able to recommend something based on their experience with certain products because every breed is different as far as nutrition requirements go. Also, your vet can provide some recommendations about the best food for your Shiba puppy.

What’s The Average Lifespan Of A Shiba Inu?

On average, Shibas can live 12 to 15 years, depending on their general well-being and whether the owner is willing to pay for annual checkups, vaccines, etc. 

If not, then chances are high your Shiba will fall ill at some point during his lifetime, so you need good pet health insurance if something happens!

Does Shiba Inu Bark A Lot?

Yes, Shibas are barkers, they love to bark for the sake of barking, so there’s no wonder you will hear them more or less every day.

Are Shiba Inu Good Family Dogs?

Shibas can be great family dogs as long as they’re properly trained and socialized at an early age. As puppies, it’s advisable to keep them away from small children because of their fast movements and quick reactions, which might lead to accidents if not supervised around the clock!

Do Shiba Inu Puppies Like To Cuddle?

Shibas are very independent dogs, they love to explore new things and be active all the time! As a result of that it’s no wonder why cuddling is not their cup of tea. Shiba Inu puppies LOVE attention, but only when you have enough time for them during the day. Otherwise, your puppy might get sad because he didn’t get the love and attention he needed.

Are Shiba Inu Puppies Hard To Train?

Even though Shiba Inu’s are very intelligent dogs they can be hard to train depending on the owner. If you’re unwilling to put in a lot of effort, time, and patience your Shiba will quickly learn how to outsmart his owner by doing things he shouldn’t, which might lead to more trouble.

Can You Walk A Shiba Inu Off Leash?

Not really. Shibas are hunting dogs which means they can get distracted by small animals and run away from you if not kept on a leash.

Is A Shiba Inu A Good Indoor Dog?

Yes, Shibas can be great indoor dogs since they can express calm and relaxed behavior inside your home.

However, Shiba Inu’s are known for being very active dogs, which is why they’re not recommended to live in too small spaces. They need a lot of room where they can run around during the day and play with their owner. Otherwise, Shibas might get depressed because they don’t have enough activity or exercise.

But you can still manage to keep them calm in a small apartment as long as they are getting their daily exercise and playtime.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a dog that is great with kids, other pets, and has an independent personality then the Shiba Inu breed may be perfect for your home. The article provided information on the appearance of this breed, their temperament, and some main characteristics to help in making a decision about whether or not they would fit into your lifestyle. 

This is one of those rare breeds that seem to have been bred only with kindness in mind. They are very friendly animals who want nothing more than to please their owners and make them happy. Plus, they look adorable all the time! 

Have any experience owning a Shiba Inu puppy? Let us know what it was like by commenting below! 

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Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

2 thoughts on “Shiba Inu Puppies – 10 Facts For The Cute Japanese Dog Breeds”

  1. I’ve always had Shiba Inu dogs at one time I had all three colors! They are excellent guard dogs and when left home alone they are excellent dogs ! I usually leave the radio on they lobe music ! None i oh f them ever peed it popped in the house !

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  2. I now have my 2nd Shiba. The first one was hit.and killed by a truck. They are not for everyone. One must understand their character. I describe them to be a cross between a cat,a dog and a goat. To me my little girl is the greatest. I could not love her more.

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