The Shiba Inu is a breed of dog that is compact, and are slightly longer compared to how tall they are. Most of us will be familiar with Shiba Inu as the adorable breed which is an internet sensation of sorts, thanks to funnily sweet meme worthy expressions. In this article you will find everything you need to know about the Shiba Inu, in order to figure out whether or not the breed is perfect to become your companion.
Is The Shiba Inu Popular In India?
The Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed which usually comes in small to medium sizes. It is extremely popular in East and South Asian countries for its charming look. The Shiba Inu has a very confident and fearless personality, which makes them popular in India.
The Shiba Inu is known as the smallest dog breed that has its origin in Japan. It certainly is popular in India, as it is in the Eastern and Southern parts of Asia, especially for its charming look. Shiba Inu’s confident and fearless personality are some of the things that make them so popular.
Shiba Inu Availability
Unfortunately, the breed of Shiba Inu dogs are rare to find. In big cosmopolitan cities like Delhi or Bangalore, there are certain well known pet stores where you can find one. But it won’t always be available in these bigger pet stores either. Otherwise, it is advised to import them.
Shiba Inu Price in India
The price of the Shiba Inu in India varies depending on several factors such as gender, the colour of the fur coat, the quality of the dog, and so on. The price also varies from one breeder or pet store to another. The Shiba Inu rates start at around ₹55,000, and go up as the quality and health of the dog gets better depending on the variations.
The variations of the Shiba Inu is the factor that determines the price of the canine the most. These variations are available at different breeders’ or sellers’ places and stores. They are divided into three categories: the basic Shiba Inu, the KCI registered Shiba Inu and the show quality Shiba Inu.
As we go from basic to show quality variant, the price of the Shiba Inu increases. A basic Shiba Inu puppy may be available in the range from ₹55,000 to ₹75,000. The KCI registered variant of the Shiba Inu costs between ₹75,000 to ₹1,00,000. Lastly, the show variant of the Shiba Inu ranges from ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,50,000. The price range determines the quality of the health conditions, the fur coat, as well as the overall appearance of the puppy.
Also Read: Different Dog Breeds Price in India
Monthly Maintenance Cost Of A Shiba Inu
The maintenance of a Shiba Inu is fairly easy but expensive. Shiba Inus are dogs that naturally tend to remain clean and odorless. It is always quite an easy job to groom a Shiba Inu. However, it is necessary to brush your Shiba Inu puppy once a week, so that the dead hair is removed, and to distribute oils. It could be done more than once a week when necessary, but over bathing your Shiba Inu is harmful for them because it dries out the fur coat of the canine. So the monthly maintenance of a Shiba Inu could cost anywhere between 8,000 to 12,000 INR.
History and Popularity Of Shiba Inu Dog Breed
The native breeds of Japan have been divided into six groups. Of all these breeds, the Shiba Inu is the oldest and the smallest. The etymology of the name perhaps comes from “Shiba”, meaning small, or it could also mean brushwood, says another theory. The reference is to the colour of the brushwood trees, which is in fact very close to the colour texture variants of the fur coat of the Shiba Inu. Due to these reasons, the breed has been nicknamed as the little brushwood dog.
Although the origin of the breed remains unclear, the Shiba Inu is believed to have come from the Spitz heritage and have been around in the 300 B.C. as one of the most popular hunter dogs in the central regions of Japan. The Shiba Inu comes from the northern heritage of dogs and has the typical northern traits, including erect and small ears, curled tail and thick fur.
There are three types of the Shiba Inu that existed, and were named depending on the region they originated from. The Shinshu Shiba that came from the Nagano Prefecture, the Sanin Shiba came from the northeast mainland, and the Mini Shiba from the Gifu Prefecture. At the end of World War II, the breed had almost disappeared, and was decimated by distemper in and around 1952.
The different types of Shiba Inu had to be crossbred in order to save the Shiba Inu from getting lost forever. It was during this time that the heavy boned mountainous Shibas were crossbred with the light boned variants. At the end of this project, the Shiba at last survived. The popularity of the Shiba Inu has remained since then, and continues to grow.
Characteristics
The Shiba Inu is a dog that is very adaptable in nature. It weighs between six to eleven kilograms and is between thirteen to sixteen inches tall. The Shiba Inu can comfortably live in small homes and apartments. The breed has tolerance levels for both cold and hot weather conditions and thus can live in different parts of India.
The grooming requirements of the Shiba Inu are not very high. The breed has an amazing watchdog ability, and is awesome around small children. However, the Shiba Inu is not friendly around cats. This breed is not so easy to train, but an owner with experience should be able to train then without any hurdles.
The appearance of the Shiba Inu is very powerful and beautiful, and it is a good natured, kind, bold breed of dogs. Their gait is effortless, agile and quick, and they tend to have a smooth stride. The double coat of fur on the Shiba Inu makes them look extremely cute, and it comes with a soft undercoat that helps in imparting great insulation.
The colour variations or combinations of the Shiba Inu are golden and black, tan and blac, cream, red and sesame, sesame and blac, sesame.
Temperament Of A Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is an independent, bold and headstrong breed. The dog is full of self confidence, and remains alert under all circumstances. They need their daily exercise to balance their liveliness and calmness, as required, outdoors as well as indoors. The Shiba Inu is always ready to go on adventures. It also tends to remain a little reserved when around complete strangers, but become friendly once they are comfortable enough.
Lifespan Of A Shiba Inu
A Shiba Inu on average lives up to between twelve to fifteen years.
Are They Hypoallergenic
Shiba Inus are likely to get skin allergy called ‘atopy’. Their ear, feet, belly and folds of the skin are generally to be affected. The symptoms appear from the age of one to three and get worse each year. The most common signs are ear infections, rubbing their face, and licking the paws.
Read Also: List of Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Average Litter Size
The litter size of the Shiba Inu is generally two to four puppies.
What Is The Shiba Inu Like As A Puppy
A Shiba Inu puppy needs to be raised with proper care and love, and be given training. A Shiba Inu puppy grows up to be an extremely good family dog if he is given proper socialization sessions when he is small. A Shiba Inu puppy is loveable and gets along very well with children, but only if they are treated with respect and kindness.
See also: Dog Age Calculator
Good Diet For Shiba Inu
A good diet for the Shiba Inu would be any diet plan that is supervised and approved by the veterinarian. The Shiba Inu does well on both commercially manufactured dog food as well as food prepared at home. A diet plan for a dog depends on the age and developmental growth of the canine. Shiba Inus are prone to becoming overweight, so it is important for you to be careful about the calorie consumption of your pet. While treats are fun during training sessions and play-time, they can cause obesity if not given in a controlled amount.
Health Concerns
Some of the most common health concerns for a Shiba Inu are patellar luxation, allergies and cataract. Apart from that, health conditions such as distichiasis, PRA and PPM are occasionally found in the breed. It is suggested that tests are taken for the knee and hip joints for a Shiba Inu, and regular eye check-ups as well.
Here are the details of the major as well as minor health concerns associated with the Shiba Inu:
1. Patellar Luxation: This is basically the dislocation of the knee cap. The kneecap that sits underneath a ligament is known as the patellar ligament. Patellar luxation can range from mild to severe cases. If you notice that your dog has a skip while putting its step forward, or if your dog is walking or running on three legs, it is suggested that you go for a health check-up to the veterinarian. Depending upon the stages of the condition, there are various methods of treatment, including surgery, in case the dog has persistent or recurrent lameness.
2. Cataract: A Shiba Inu, or any other dog for that matter, develops a cataract as a result of the clouding of the lens of their eyes. This is caused due to change in the balance of water in the lens, or a change in the proteins. When the lens is clouded, light does not reach the retina, thus causing blindness. A cataract looks like a small white disc placed right behind the iris.
A visit to the veterinarian is suggested as there may be other minor issues such as uveitis or inflammation, glaucoma or increased eye pressure, or nuclear sclerosis, which is basically haziness caused due to the hardening of the lens, which can be treated with time and medication.
3. Pyometra: Caused in female dogs every time they go through their heat cycle. Pyometra happens due to the hormones creating a nourishing cell through the uterus line. Bacterial infection can be caused due to this. It is best to neuter your Shiba Inu if you want your companion to remain healthy.
4. Chronic Heart Disease: The Shiba Inu is a breed that may be born with different kinds of defects in the heart. Most of these conditions affect the diving wall or the vessels of the dog’s heart, and may also cause the heartbeat or the functioning of the valve. It is suggested that you take your pet to the vet if you notice abnormal coughing, unusual swollen belly or fainting.
Things To Take Care Of
Shiba Inu is a sensitive breed and needs proper care. If you want to get a Shiba Inu puppy home, remember that regular health check-ups and training and/or socializing sessions are vital during the Shiba Inu’s growing years.
See also: Shiba Inu vs Akita
Frequently Asked Questions about Shiba Inu
Can Shiba Inu live in India?
The answer is yes! This breed of dog can adapt to new environments and climates with ease. In addition, they’re not too picky about their grooming requirements, so they’ll be able to fit right into any Indian household.
Why is Shiba Inu so expensive?
Shiba Inu dogs are cherished by many for their loving and playful personalities. Unfortunately, these pups have become so expensive because people want them as pets, which has caused breeders to lower the number of puppies I produce each year to maintain a higher quality dog with fewer health defects.
Is Shiba Inu dangerous?
The Shiba Inu is one of the most loyal and affectionate dog breeds. His fiery side only comes out when he interacts with other dogs or animals, especially males who can be aggressive to him in return because they are also natural hunters that love chasing things down (like small critters). As long as Shibas have enough space for their hunting instincts, off-leash playtime outside should allow them plenty of opportunities to release energy through safe exercise.
Why are Shiba Inus so angry?
Shiba Inu’s can have the problem of being too aggressive because sometimes it might just be due to them having far more energy than what they’re able or allowed to use up. It could drive any person nuts as well, so make sure you help find ways for their excessiveness to go somewhere – such as group playtime where everyone will get some excellent exercise out of it!
Do Shiba Inus bite a lot?
Shiba Inus may be yipping and growling because they’re so full of energy. Give them plenty of exercise by taking them for long walks every day or throwing balls as you go on their walk together!
Why do Shibas smile?
The Shiba Inu is a breed that tends to be somewhat antisocial and timid, but they have been known in recent years for their big smiles. Though nobody knows exactly why this dog’s smile tends to make people happy, there are some guesses about what may cause them: it could be because of its furry little face or maybe how it seems so pleased with itself when flaunting an impressive trick! Whatever reason you choose, though…I am sure we all know who loves those grins on these cute faces most – us owners!
Why does Shiba Inu scream?
The answer to the question is usually that they’re experiencing fear, anxiety, or general displeasure. As a more primitive dog breed, they don’t enjoy excessive handling and are sensitive when it comes from strangers – like during nail trimming sessions or vet visits. So next time your pup starts screaming in pain as you try to take care of them for their well-being? You’ll know what’s up!
Do Shiba Inus love their owners?
Shiba Inus are in a class of their own. These little dogs have an unmatched loyalty and territorial nature that can’t be matched by any other breed out there. Shibas tend to love their owners but not care so much for anyone else—and this is what makes them such fantastic guard animals! They worry about protecting you all the time, which means they’re very territorial too.
Why does my Shiba Inu stare at me?
Shiba Inus are known for their saucer eyes and perpetual puppy dog look. As a breed, they have one of the most human-like expressions in all dogs. They often use this expression to communicate with you by looking for cues about what is coming next or asking if they can play outside!
At what age is a Shiba Inu full grown?
A 12-month old can be seen as a fully developed adult. Unfortunately, this is also the time frame that most people expect to have their newly adopted puppy or kitten spayed/neutered and attend obedience classes for basic training.
Can Shiba Inu bark?
Many people think that Shiba Inus are little firecrackers – it’s true they don’t bark much, but if you want a pup with personality, then the Shibas might be for you. This is because they tend to let out shrill yips and barks as well as growls when playing or scent-marking territory!
Are Shiba Inus hard to train?
Shiba Inus are known to be some of the most challenging breeds to train. They’ll only respond if they think it makes sense and will always have their own opinion on what should happen next in a training session, making for an exciting experience!
How do I know if my Shiba Inu is happy?
You’re probably wondering how to tell if your Shiba Inu is happy. Well, it’s easy! If they have pointy ears, then you’ll know that their “airplane” or “Yoda ear,” as we call them around these parts – will be pinned down on either side when they are feeling good and having a pleasant time with friends. A smile usually accompanies this happiness indicator of sorts – the Shiba may squint eyes while forming an upside-down grin at just about anything (I think he likes my socks).
Are Shiba Inus cuddly?
One of the unique dog breeds is the Shiba Inu. These small dogs are known for their independent personality, but they can also be very affectionate when it suits them! Most Shibas won’t sit on your lap or snuggle up to you like other pups might – instead, they’ll only show love and attention if they feel so inclined that day.
How strong is Shiba Inu bite?
With a bite strength of 235 psi, it’s not surprising that Shiba Inus are frequently thought of and bred as fighting dogs. They can be very friendly if trained right, though! The powerful jaws of the loyal yet playful breed also make them great companions for children or adults alike when they’re adequately trained.
Are Shiba Inu good pets?
The Shiba Inu is a beautiful family pet as long as he has proper care, training, and socialization. He gets along with children who are kind to him and respectful of his space. However, training the dog while they’re young will go far when it comes to managing an out-of-control Shiba Inu around other dogs or animals that may not get along well together!
How intelligent is a Shiba Inu?
A Shiba Inu is just one of a few breeds ranked in the top 10% for both working and obedience intelligence. They’re intelligent dogs, but they have an extra-special talent: adapting to any situation! That’s why they rank so well on adaptive intelligence tests – while still retaining their instincts as excellent hunters or guard animals.
Why do Shibas lick so much?
Dogs have a natural tendency to lick their young so that they stay clean and safe. So if your Shiba is licking you often, it likely means they care about keeping you protected! This is very uncommon in Shibas, though – be sure not to take them for granted.
Why shouldn’t you get a Shiba Inu?
Shiba Inu dog breed is not for everyone. They are a difficult breed to own and need a lot of care and patience because they can be aggressive with other dogs if not properly socialized early in their lives. You will need to be more diligent than most dog owners about things like brushing, exercising, feeding, cleaning up after them so that you don’t have fleas or ticks coming into your home and ruining the experience for us both. Regular vet visits are also necessary for this breed to make sure your Shiba is healthy.
How do you discipline a Shiba Inu?
Shiba Inus are known for being playful and feisty. Different breeds of dogs, such as Pitbulls, learn to fear humans, but Shibas don’t understand the same concept, so they react differently when confronted with humans. If you want your dog to be obedient, you should take control over his attention by using treats or other rewards, not to let him think he’s winning anything when playing rough games with these types of personalities.
Do Shibas love their owners?
Shibas are brilliant dogs, and they love to please their owners. However, Shibas need a lot of attention from time to time because they have strong hunting instincts, and if there’s nothing more enjoyable for them to do, then it can be challenging for them not to get into trouble! I’m so glad my Shiba has such a fantastic personality – she is always by our side when we’re working in the garden or walking around town together. Plus…she loves cuddles too 🙂
Are male or female Shiba Inu better?
Male Shiba Inu’s are the best choice for first-time owners. Male Shibas tend to be more outgoing, affectionate, and playful than females, making training a lot easier. In addition, these males can quickly learn tricks from their handlers, while female dogs often have trouble understanding commands without repetition. So if you’re looking for an active companion who will manage your household with minimal direction or effort on your part, then go ahead – decide that male pup is the right one!
Can Shibas be left alone?
Shiba Inu is one of the most independent dogs on earth. They can be left alone for eight hours at a time, but they need plenty of exercise to stay happy and out of trouble when no one is home! Shiba puppies should always have access to potty pads so that accidents don’t happen while you’re away from your pup. Crate training may also help keep them safe if they get bored or lonely during those long days by themselves – it’s much better than coming back after 8 hours only to find all your shoes chewed up into tiny pieces (and quite frankly kinder too)!
Can Shibas be off-leash?
Shibas are the perfect companion for an active lifestyle. They can go on long hikes, bike rides, or hang out at home with you! It’s not as complicated as it may seem, and most owners find that training a Shibas is pretty straightforward. Of course, you’ll need to gradually transition from leashed walks in your yard up to going completely unbridled around town if they’re still puppies, but once this process has been completed, there will be no stopping them!
Does Shiba hate water?
Shibas are not explicitly bred as aquatic dogs and will often never take naturally to it without some socialization – which most owners don’t have time for! But with patience and persistence, you’ll get there if your pup doesn’t mind being dragged into the pool every day.
Why does my Shiba lick my feet?
Masters should be proud of their puppy’s loyalty and devotion. They know that you are in charge, just like they want to be! Dogs lick your toes because it is a sign of proper respect for the pet owner and can mean many other things, too, such as wanting attention, food, or even walks.
Why does my Shiba lick my hair?
The reasons why your dog might be licking the top of your head are that it has learned from other dogs or previous owners, been rewarded for this behavior in some way before, and is now trying to get more attention. It could also want to show affection by showing how much they love you! Sometimes when a pup gets excited, he’ll try licking his owner’s face because it feels good on their tongue.
Which is better, Akita or Shiba?
The Akita is known as the “fighting dog of Japan.” For this reason, it can be aggressive with other dogs. On the other hand, the Shiba Inu has a tolerant personality and does well in small spaces or shared environments such as apartment buildings.
Is a Shiba Inu an excellent first dog?
Shibas are the most primitive of all breeds, meaning they have intense hunting and herding instincts. They’re also stubborn and independent – not for everyone! However, if you know what you’re getting into before getting one of these little dogs as your pet (and can offer them plenty of time to run around), then it’s possible that this could be the perfect breed for newbies like yourself who want a challenge when training their pup.
Are Shiba Inus easy to potty train?
Shiba Inus indeed require patience and observation to train them. However, one of the big difficulties in potty training a Shiba Inu dog is their fussiness with themselves. It might be because they want to sniff out everything when on walks or just inspecting objects around you, but either way, it can make for some frustrating moments during training time!
Do Shibas have separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a common issue among Shibas. For many Shiba Inus, fear leads to unsafe behaviors that can harm the dog and its owners. However, some of these fears may be irrational and lead to stress in both your Shiba and yourself due to excessive scratching or biting when stressed out about something as simple as being left alone for too long.
Why do Shiba Inus act like cats?
No one knows why Shiba Inus act like cats. But we know they’re independent and aloof, just as their cat counterparts are! Just look at how much these little critters enjoy spending time with themselves over human attention; it’s not uncommon for them to give you the “Shiba Snub.”
How do you make a Shiba Inu happy?
You can make your Shiba Inu happy with lots of good quality time together, playtime in the backyard or inside, and some puzzle toys. Engaging your dog with training and play is two of the best ways to mentally stimulate them and strengthen the bond between owner and pet.
How long can Shiba Inu hold pee?
Shiba Inu puppies are small and cute, but they can still hold pee for up to three hours. As in if your Shiba puppy is a month old, then it should be able to maintain its bladder for one hour or so, while at the same time being very active; whereas by three months of age, this pup will also know better when he needs potty breaks because his ability lasts longer than before!
Will my Shiba run away?
It can be challenging to know if your Shiba will stay or not. They are known for being wilder than domesticated dogs, which means it’s important that you spend as much time with them and give them the attention they crave to keep their spirits up when there isn’t anything else around outside of you.
Why do Shibas refuse to walk?
If your Shiba refuses to walk, there’s a good reason for that! They’re communicating their unhappiness with you. So, when they refuse, it’s time to go out again and work on your bond with them until the subsequent refusal. It may seem like an inconvenience at first. Still, there is some logic behind this behavior as they’ll eventually communicate how unhappy or frustrated he/she feels without words while refusing walks instead of just whining about it from afar.
At what age do Shiba Inus calm down?
Shiba Inus are a breed of dog that is often considered to have the most energy. However, the average Shiba Inu will calm down at around 5-6 months old when they reach adolescence, usually around puberty for humans.
Why is my Shiba not fluffy?
The Shiba Inu’s coat should be plush and soft, especially if you are showing in conformation. Genetics account for most cases where your dog isn’t as fluffy as it could be because their hair doesn’t meet breed standards! Poor breeding practices can also lead to dogs who have coats shorter than 1.5 inches long with no undercoat at all-that means there will never be any way around it, so make sure he always gets groomed regularly.
Do Shibas sleep a lot?
As your Shiba gets older, it will start to sleep more than play. You’ll notice this when you see them snoozing all day long and not being as energetic or cheerful anymore like they were in their puppy days! So be sure to take your pup out for a nice walk now and then so that he stays active- don’t forget about the water hose either because your tired little guy might need some cooling down after his stroll around the neighborhood.
Do Shiba Inus like to be picked up?
Do you know the answer is yes! They love being held close and petted. But that doesn’t mean they don’t care about anyone else in the family, either. Humans often match personality types with breeds of dogs. So chances are your Shiba will pick a favorite person who has similar energy levels as themself or chooses their human by paying attention to how much time each member spends loving on it.
Are Shiba’s high maintenance?
We all know that pets require a lot of upkeep, but what about their coat! One thing I’ve found to be most important is brushing. A Shiba Inu’s fur changes texture during the different seasons: in winter, it can become wiry and slightly coarse for insulation; in the summertime, they have short hair, which allows them to cool quickly. And when it’s time for shedding season (which happens twice per year), you’ll need brushes specifically designed just for this purpose!
Can a Shiba Inu handle cold weather?
The great thing about these Shibas is that they are built for cold weather, so it doesn’t take long to make a tolerance. Just remember, though – just because the dog can handle being outside in really low temps for short periods, don’t let them be out there too long!
Can Shiba eat raw meat?
There are many negatives with feeding your pup some uncooked food- especially if he doesn’t have any teeth or his stomach isn’t used to digesting this type of meal yet – however, don’t worry too hard about what food you’re giving him because dogs are very adaptive animals who love the variety on their menu! Instead, try mixing cooked meats with fruits and veggies to their meals for a healthy diet.
How long does a Shiba Inu shed?
They will go through periods of heavy shedding about every six months. You’ll know when this is happening because your clothes, furniture, and home, in general, are going to be covered with their loose fur for a few weeks at least. Be prepared!
Do Shibas need baths?
Regular bathing is a great way to make them feel good and keep their coat shiny. A Shiba Inu can be bathed as frequently as every week up to no longer than once every six weeks, but it’s best not to wait for any more than that, or they’ll get too dirty for me!
Do Shibas like snow?
Shibas probably don’t mind. These dogs are always confident and vocal, so be ready for a lot of chatter when you take them outside! They’re also not bothered by the snow, thanks to their double coat’s incredibly thick fur. On that note, they’ll want to explore everything outdoors – but luckily, this doesn’t bother them because it means more fun adventures with these fluffy friends!
How do I get my Shiba to like water?
For many dogs, the water is a fear that needs to be conquered. The best way for them to get accustomed and learn how enjoyable swimming can be is by starting in shallow waters up to their ankles. You don’t want your Shiba getting too scared of it! Once they become more comfortable with being around the water, start engaging them – play fetch or have some fun splashing about if you’re at an appropriate place as long as there’s no risk of injury (i.e., not near any rocks). When eventually gaining enough confidence on dry land, take baby steps towards deeper waters while supporting your pet, so they can be completely submerged before letting go- this will give both parties time to adjust without feeling uncomfortable during movements.
Why does my Shiba Inu hide under the bed?
Shiba Inus may hide when they are scared or want a little privacy. Look for other things that might be different, like if they have an illness and symptoms of pain, before deciding what to do next.
How to potty train a Shiba Inu?
When they’re young, it’s common for them to go every hour. So make sure you take your puppy out frequently after eating and drinking to accommodate this need!
