Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus have a double coat with a layer of thicker hair over the softer inner coat. As a result, Shibas shed quite considerably twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall. While that’s happening, you’ll probably want to brush your Shiba Inu twice a week with a rake brush. Shiba Inus are very good at handling cold weather, but they aren’t as well adapted to heat, so removing loose hair when they’re shedding can help keep them from overheating in warm weather. When your pet isn’t shedding, you can brush them once a week with a slicker brush.

Bathing shouldn’t be overdone. Some experts recommend bathing your dog every few weeks, while others suggest doing it only when necessary (like after fun in the mud). Fortunately, Shiba Inus are also excellent at self-grooming (they like to be hygienic, rather like cats), so you’ll have them on your side to help.

Brush their teeth daily. Start when your Shiba’s a puppy to help get them used to it. Don’t forget to schedule their annual professional dental cleaning by your veterinarian, too.

Your Shiba Inu’s nails should be clipped about once a month. (Get step-by-step instructions from a pro groomer.) You’ll know it’s time when you hear them tapping on hard surfaces.

Shiba Inus are undeniably adorable and are awesome companions, but they aren’t the easiest breed in the world to train or socialize. It’s best to tackle this job early on, but it may still take an experienced dog trainer to bring out the full potential of this pup. The Shiba’s temperament is complex, and they need a confident pup parent to lead the way (which means they probably aren’t the best choice for your first dog).

One key to training your Shiba Inu puppy is to find something that motivates them—like a favorite treat or toy—and use that as a positive reinforcement training aid. This is important because Shiba Inus, although they’re very intelligent dogs, tend to be rather aloof, independent and strong-willed. Translation: They only participate if they want to.

In addition to basic obedience skills like sit, stay and come, it’s important to introduce your Shiba to being handled while they’re a puppy. Some Shiba can be difficult with groomers or veterinarians and may even be vocal (that Shiba scream) or reactive if not used to being handled. Socialization is similar; it’s important to interact with people and other animals to give your Shiba a fun, positive experience. (Keep those treats handy!) Shiba Inus might be wary of strangers, so it’s wise to get them comfortable seeing people and animals at a distance before allowing them to approach.

Shiba Inus typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior). Dry or wet dog food can be chosen based on the preference of your Shiba, as well as your own lifestyle needs. (Wet food can’t be left out for long, while dry kibble may not be as interesting to some dogs.)

Their nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. Shibas don’t have special food or diet needs. Your vet can help you choose the best food for your dog based on their individual needs and lifestyle.

But wait! screams your Shiba. What about treats?! Look for healthy dog treats like Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats. Healthy dog-safe human foods, like pieces of carrots or bananas, make great snacks, too. Whichever type you choose, be sure to include these in your overall mealtime plan; treat calories count, too!

The Shiba Inu breed is an athletic and fairly active dog with average energy levels. But this doesn’t mean they’re couch potatoes! They need about an hour or more of exercise a day. Exercise can be a fun game in a fenced-in yard, or it might be a leisurely walk around the park or neighborhood.

Some Shibas absolutely love dog sports, and you’ll find Shiba Inus performing agility, flyball, competitive herding, tracking and even lure coursing! In fact, some Shibas can reach speeds over 25 MPH while lure coursing.

As long as your Shiba feels like it’s fun and their idea, exercising your dog shouldn’t present much of an issue. Just be sure to leash up if you’re not in a fenced-in area because they are prone to escape. (Pro tip: A Shiba Inu’s neck size is about 14 to 17 inches, when you’re fitting them for a dog collar.)

Live in the suburbs? Shiba Inus will happily reside there. House in the country? No problem! Tiny house, condo or apartment? A Shiba Inu will love the minimalist lifestyle, too.

Their outdoor environment is another story entirely. Shiba Inus are not trustworthy off-leash and are sometimes called “escape artists.” This is partly because of their bold nature and partly because of their strong hunting instincts. (Their motto is,“If it moves, I’ll chase it!”) They need a secure, fenced-in yard to enjoy off-leash play since they can’t always be trusted to come back when you call. If you don’t have a fenced-in area, you’ll be taking lots of leashed walks and maybe even a jog or bicycle ride if those types of exercise appeal to you.

What about Shiba Inus with kids? They can be a fine family dog as long as early socialization takes place and the kids in their lives are taught how to respectfully interact with them. Shiba Inus—in their own cute, feisty way—can have a definite selfish streak and may not like it if children (or other dogs) try to share their toys!

Likewise, Shiba Inus and cats may not be the best fit; both can be a bit bossy and neither enjoy being told what to do. Also, Shibas are hunters, and a cat may trigger their desire to chase. If your cat and Shiba were raised together since they were babies and both are properly socialized, they might get along just fine.

Shiba Inus are well adapted to cold climates thanks to that double-coat, so if you live in a region with cold winters, your Shiba will likely say, “Bring it on!” Conversely, they aren’t as well-adapted to hot summers but should be fine as long as you protect them from overheating and keep exercise and training to the cooler parts of the day.