Shiba Inu
Cat-like and independent
Shibas 101
Non-SportingThe Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed of a type thought to be centuries old. They are confident, intelligent and independent, often called “cat like” by their fans. Shibas love their families, but they are generally disinterested in people they don’t know.
What we love about Shibas
Great dog for cat-lovers, neat and independent
Because of their independent nature, training a Shiba requires patience and consistency, and is best accomplished with an early start. Starting socialization early will also help, teaching young Shibas to better tolerate the sights, smells and sounds of modern life. Some have a high prey drive that may make them incompatible with smaller family pets.
Very vocal
Talkative
As needed
My pet’s health plannerSM
Mature adult Shiba
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Seizures
Skin allergies
Luxated patella
Senior Shiba
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Hypothyroid disease
Seizures
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Shiba puppy
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Gastritis
Foreign body ingestion
Skin allergies
Young adult Shiba
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Toxicity
Skin allergies
Gastritis
Mature adult Shiba
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Seizures
Skin allergies
Luxated patella
Senior Shiba
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Hypothyroid disease
Seizures
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Shiba puppy
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Gastritis
Foreign body ingestion
Skin allergies
Young adult Shiba
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Toxicity
Skin allergies
Gastritis
Nationwide can help you save on your Shiba Inu's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
Get your Shiba Inu’s health information in a free report
The Shiba Inu is an internet star with large followings on social media and a famous meme. It’s also one of the oldest of dog breeds. The versatile hunter goes back thousands of years, and once was recognized in three varieties named for the region they came from. The Mino, the Sanin, and the Shinshu were all used in the modern breed, but after World War II the three varieties became one.
Shiba Inu coat care and colors
The Shiba Inu has a soft, downy undercoat and stiff overcoat of medium length. Combing down to the skin helps shedding. A heavy seasonal shedder, the Shiba benefits from professional bathing and a “blowout” a couple of times a year. The breed comes in four recognized colors, harkening back to the regional varieties that became a single breed.
Avoid wrestling matches in adult dogs at nail trim time by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails attended to. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming.
Should I cut my Shiba Inu’s hair?
The Shiba's thick, short coat does not need trimming. Regular brushing and bathing as needed will help keep the coat looking great.
What helps control shedding in dogs?
The best way to manage your Shiba Inu's shedding is to be proactive about it: Brush and comb your Shiba down to the skin a couple of times a week, and use a shedding rake to pull out any loose fur. In spring and fall, a warm bath can speed up the seasonal shed. Many groomers use high-velocity pet dryers, but if you don't have one, you can towel-dry your pet (outside if it's warm) or use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting to further get rid of loose fur. If the job is too daunting, make an appointment with a groomer.
How often should I bathe my Shiba Inu?
There’s no need to wait until your Shiba Inu is filthy or stinky to bathe them. Healthy Shibas do well with 1 to 3 baths monthly, though may be bathed as often as weekly, or as little as a few times a year depending on the dog. You can extend the time between baths with regular brushing and combing.
Shiba exercise & training
Shiba fun facts
Top girl names for Shibas
of Shibas are female
of Shibas are male
Top boy names for Shibas
Nationwide loves Shiba Inus of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
Other breeds like Shibas
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