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Shiba Inu Puppy Facts
Did you just bring home a new Shiba Inu puppy and want to learn more about the breed? Or maybe you are thinking about buying a puppy and want to know if this
is the right breed for you?
No matter what your situation may be, you will find the answers to your questions right here!
History
The breed, also known as Shiba Ken, is the oldest and smallest of the six original Japanese breeds. It dates back to the third century B.C.
Originally bred to hunt small animals, the breed is now kept mostly for companionship.
Like Akita, another Japanese breed, it came close to extinction right after World War II. It recovered and today it's not only the most popular breed in Japan, but it's also one of seven breeds designated as a national monument.
The breed was introduced to the United States in 1954 and has been gaining popularity ever since.
Physical Characteristics of Shiba Inu Puppies
This is a medium sized breed. It has a muscular body that is slightly longer than it is tall, a wide head with dark eyes, dark nose and small, triangular ears. The tail is thick and curls over its back.
Though much smaller, it closely resembles Akita.
The double coat consists of a straight outer coat and a dense undercoat. The outer coat can be red, black and tan or red with black-tipped hairs. The undercoat is usually cream, buff or grey.
| Height | Weight | ||
| Male | 14 to 17 inches | 18 to 25 pounds | |
| Female | 13 to 16 inches | 15 to 20 pounds |
Temperament
This is an alert and intelligent dog. It's also strong, fearless and independent, making dog obedience training difficult for an inexperienced owner.
They bond well with their owners but can be reserved with strangers.
Shiba Inu has a very strong prey drive and loves to wander, so when outside, always keep your pet on a leash.
Though it can't be trusted with smaller animals such as birds and rodents, after puppy socialization training, it will do well with other dogs and even cats.
When unhappy or excited, the dog may produce a loud and high pitched sound, commonly called "shiba scream".
Best Owner
This is an active breed and requires an active owner. It's very adaptable and will do well in any setting - city, suburban or rural.
Because of its love of independence, Shiba Inu will do better with an experienced owner.
Some Shiba Inu breeders will even interview prospective owners to make sure they are qualified.
Activity and Exercise
This is a breed that loves to roam.
If you have a fenced yard, let your pet run off-leash. Otherwise, walk him on lead for at least one hour each day (it doesn't have to be all at once).
Grooming
The Shiba Inu completely replaces its undercoat twice a year. Even between heavy shedding seasons, it will still shed, but in much smaller quantities. Regular brushing will remove dead hair and speed up shedding.
Because this is a very clean breed and because heavy shedding removes most of the dirt, bathe only when necessary.
Health Concerns
Though it's a healthy breed, some of the known health concerns include hip dysplasia and eye problems.
To avoid the above and many other problems, buy only from reputable Shiba Inu breeders.
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy is around 12 years.
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