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Japan•non-sporting
Shiba Inu
popularApartment FriendlyGood with Kids
Alert, attentive, and bold. Japan's most popular companion dog. Cat-like in their cleanliness and independence. Made famous by the 'doge' internet meme.
Weight8-11 kg17.5-24.5 lbs
Height34-41 cm13.5-16"
Lifespan13-16 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
AlertAttentiveBoldConfidentGood-natured
Height
34-41 cm13.5-16"
Weight
8-11 kg17.5-24.5 lbs
Lifespan
13-16 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Small - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Active - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Trainability
Independent thinker - requires patience and creativity
Grooming
Regular grooming - weekly brushing
Barking
Barks when necessary
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Shiba34-41 cm13.5-16"Compatibility
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Good Fit
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Shiba Inu
high energy60-90 min/day
The Shiba Inu is energetic and requires substantial daily exercise. Plan for dedicated activity time to prevent behavioral issues from pent-up energy.
1 hour daily of moderate to vigorous exercise
Recommended Activities
Moderate intensity
Long Walks/Hikes
Extended walks or hiking adventures to burn energy.
45-60 min
Moderate intensity
Swimming
Low-impact but excellent full-body workout.
20-30 min
High intensity
Running/Jogging
Running alongside you for cardiovascular exercise.
20-30 min
High intensity
Active Play Sessions
High-energy games like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war.
20-30 min
High intensity
dog Sports
Agility, flyball, or other organized activities.
30-45 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Shiba Inu
Moderate Carefur coat
Shiba Inus need regular grooming attention to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Establish a consistent routine.
Regular Brushing
Brush 2-3 times per week to prevent tangles, remove dead hair, and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Increase to daily during seasonal shedding.
2-3 times per week
Bathing as Needed
Bathe every 1-2 months or as needed. Over-bathing can strip natural protective oils from the coat.
Every 1-2 months
Optional Professional Grooming
Professional grooming is optional for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and deshedding treatments. Many owners handle grooming at home.
As needed
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Shiba Inu
Independent Thinker
The Shiba Inu thinks for itself and may question why they should follow commands. Training requires creativity and understanding their motivation.
Best Approach
Understand that independence isn't disobedience - it's how they're wired. Find what motivates them (often not just treats) and make training feel like their idea.
Training Tips
Essential
Find Their Motivation
Discover what truly motivates them - it might be play, specific treats, or simply their own curiosity.
Essential
Keep It Interesting
Vary your training approaches and keep sessions unpredictable to maintain their interest.
Essential
Build Relationship First
A strong bond makes them more willing to cooperate. Focus on relationship before commands.
Recommended
Respect Their Nature
Don't expect robot-like obedience. Appreciate their unique personality while establishing boundaries.
Common Challenges
- May ignore commands they find pointless
- Can be selectively obedient
- May need 'what's in it for me' motivation
- Recall can be challenging
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Shiba Inu
Small Breed2-3 meals$19-48/month
Small breeds have higher metabolisms than larger dogs and benefit from multiple meals per day with appropriately sized portions.
Feeding Tips
Careful Portion Control
Small breeds are prone to obesity. Measure food carefully and adjust based on activity level.
Small Breed Formula
Choose foods formulated for small breeds with appropriate kibble size and nutrient density.
Watch Treat Calories
Treats add up quickly for small dogs. Keep treats to 10% or less of daily calories.
Always Fresh Water
Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water. Small dogs can dehydrate quickly.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Shiba Inu
0
High Risk
4
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Shiba Inu
Monthly costs
Food
$19-48
Insurance
$27-63
Supplies
$13-26
Monthly total
$59-137
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$384-648/yr
Parasite prevention
$288/yr
Annual total
$672-936/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Shiba Inu's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
5 references for Shiba Inu
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Canine Health Information Center - Shiba Inu
Health·OFA-CHIC
Dog Allergies
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Glaucoma in Dogs
Veterinary·VCA Animal Hospitals
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research