Shiba Inu: temperament, size, care and health

About the Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the native Japanese spitz breeds, a compact dog with a wedge-shaped face, erect triangular ears, a curled tail carried over the back and a fox-like expression. Adults stand roughly 13.5 to 16.5 inches at the shoulder and are sturdy and well balanced beneath their coat. Common colors are red, sesame, black and tan, and cream, often with the pale markings called urajiro on the cheeks, chest and belly.

It was developed for hunting small game and birds in the mountainous country of Japan, and it still moves with the quick, light confidence of a dog bred for rough ground. Owners are drawn to its cat-like cleanliness, its bold personality and the way it seems to make its own decisions.

Temperament and family life

A Shiba is loyal to its family but not clingy. Many are aloof with strangers and may ignore visitors altogether, while a few are openly suspicious. Expect a dog that wants to be near people on its own terms, rather than one that follows every command with enthusiasm.

With children, the breed varies. Older children who respect a dog's space usually do well, but a Shiba may guard food, toys or a resting place, and it will not tolerate rough handling. Many Shibas are dominant or intolerant with other dogs of the same sex, and the strong prey drive makes small pets and neighborhood cats a risk. The breed is also known for a high-pitched scream when it is unhappy, for instance during nail trims or when it is restrained.

Exercise and training

A Shiba needs a good daily walk and some free play, but it is not an endurance athlete. The central rule is safety: this breed has a strong tendency to bolt, and it cannot be trusted off leash in an unfenced area, no matter how well it comes when called indoors. Fences should be secure and checked regularly, since many Shibas climb and dig.

Training takes patience. The breed learns quickly and then decides whether a command is worth following. Short, varied sessions with food rewards work better than repetition or force, and harsh methods usually produce a stubborn dog. Early socialization and a puppy class are strongly recommended. Without enough activity and mental work, a Shiba may become destructive or begin escaping.

Grooming and shedding

The Shiba keeps itself very clean and has little doggy odor, so baths are needed only occasionally. The shedding is another matter. A thick undercoat is lost in heavy bursts, typically twice a year, and during these weeks tufts of hair come away in handfuls. A weekly brush with an undercoat rake is enough most of the year, and daily brushing during the blow-out helps keep hair off the furniture. The coat should never be shaved, since it protects against both cold and sun. Trim the nails regularly and brush the teeth.

Health

Shibas are generally sturdy but are known for allergies that cause itchy skin, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts. Responsible breeders screen hips, knees and eyes and avoid breeding dogs with a family history of these conditions.

This is general information about the breed. A veterinarian is the person to ask about any particular dog.

History

The Shiba is one of the oldest dog types in Japan, generally traced back to hunting dogs of the mountain regions. The breed nearly vanished in the mid twentieth century because of wartime hardship and distemper outbreaks, and breeders rebuilt it from surviving regional lines. It was designated a Japanese natural monument in the 1930s, and it arrived in the United States in the 1950s.

Is the Shiba Inu right for you?

A Shiba suits an experienced owner who values independence, can be patient through training and is prepared for a great deal of hair twice a year. It fits an apartment well provided it gets daily outings, and it makes an excellent choice for tidy, calm households. It is a poor match for a person who wants a dog that comes reliably when called or one that welcomes every guest.

Related breeds to compare include the larger Akita, the barking-prone Finnish Spitz and the quiet, cat-like Basenji. For a friendlier and more trainable small spitz, look at the American Eskimo Dog.