Medium breed
Shiba Inu Puppies
Playful and spirited companion for your family
We do not have Shiba Inu puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well.
- Adult weight 17–23 lbs
- Height 14–17 in
- Lifespan 12–15 years
- Exercise 60 min a day
About the Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu, a breed with ancient roots in Japan, brings a delightful blend of spirited personality and intriguing history to your home. Once used for hunting small game in the mountainous regions of Japan, this medium-sized dog has captivated hearts around the world with its fox-like appearance and confident demeanor. As a future owner of a Shiba Inu, you can expect a playful yet independent companion that carries an air of dignity, making them the perfect addition to an active family.
Read more about the Shiba Inu Show less
This breed boasts a vibrant energy level combined with a keen intellect, making them a joy to train, although they can sometimes exhibit a bit of stubbornness. While Shibas can be good with other dogs, their interactions with young children and cats might require careful supervision to ensure harmonious relationships. With their charming personalities, Shiba Inus are quite affectionate and enjoy engaging with their families, but they may also appreciate some personal space. They can adapt well to apartment living, provided they receive daily exercise to keep their active minds and bodies stimulated.
While grooming is relatively simple with weekly brushing to manage the shedding, be prepared for the seasonal fur explosion that occurs twice a year. Their striking, fluffy coats and charming expressions make them a showstopper, and maintaining their appearance can strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. As you embark on this exciting journey with a Shiba Inu, ensure you embrace their spirited personality and give them the love and patience they deserve. If you are seeking a Shiba Inu in Furrylicious®, you’re in for a wonderful experience filled with playful moments and heartwarming companionship.
Shiba Inu breed profile
Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.
Temperament
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Affection Affectionate
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Playfulness Very playful
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With strangers Cautious
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Territorial Territorial
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Prey drive High
Family & other pets
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Young children Older kids only
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Older children Good
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Other dogs Usually fine
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Cats Needs care
Energy & exercise
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Energy High
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Mental stimulation High
Training
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Trainability Willing learner
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Intelligence Very bright
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Stubbornness Stubborn
Care & upkeep
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Shedding Heavy
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Drooling None to speak of
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Barking Moderate
Home life
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Apartment living Good
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Time alone Most of a day
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Cold weather Comfortable
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Warm weather Average
A good match for
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First-time owners Manageable
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Senior owners Suitable
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Running partner Good
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Hiking Good
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Therapy work Unlikely
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Guarding Alert
Living with a Shiba Inu
Temperament & Family Fit
The Shiba Inu is known for its spirited and confident personality, making them a delightful companion for the right family. While they can be somewhat reserved with strangers, they often form strong bonds with their families and can be affectionate when they feel comfortable. However, their independent nature may not make them the best fit for households with very young children or pets, as they have a bit of a stubborn streak.
Energy & Exercise
This medium-sized breed has a moderate energy level, making them suitable for an active lifestyle without requiring excessive exercise. Daily walks and playtime will keep your Shiba Inu happy and healthy. They are quite adaptable, so living in an apartment in Furrylicious® shouldn't be an issue as long as they have enough time to release their energy outdoors.
Care & Grooming
Shiba Inus do shed quite a bit, which means regular grooming is essential to keep their coat in check. Grooming once a week usually does the trick to keep their double coat looking sharp. Although they are relatively low maintenance overall, your Shiba Inu will appreciate the extra attention during shedding seasons.
Training Notes
When it comes to training, Shiba Inus are quite intelligent but can also be a little headstrong. Consistent and positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed. Socialization and early training are important to help them develop into well-mannered companions, especially when interacting with other dogs or pets.
Caring for a Shiba Inu
- Grooming
- Weekly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Average
- Monthly food
- Average
- Outdoor space
- A yard is recommended
- Allergy friendly
- Not considered hypoallergenic
Shiba Inu Video
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the temperament of a Shiba Inu?
Shiba Inus are known for their spirited and confident temperament. They tend to be independent and can sometimes display a bit of stubbornness. This breed is often affectionate with their families, but they are also known for being a bit reserved with strangers.
Are Shiba Inus good with kids?
While Shiba Inus can be playful, they are not always the best choice for families with very young children. Their independent nature means they may not appreciate rough play or handling. However, they can get along with kids who understand how to approach dogs respectfully.
How much exercise do Shiba Inus need?
Shiba Inus have an energy level that requires regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks and playtime are essential to burn off their energy. Keep in mind that they are quite agile and enjoy activities like running and exploring.
Do Shiba Inus shed a lot?
Yes, Shiba Inus are known to shed moderately, so regular grooming is essential. They typically require weekly grooming to manage loose fur and keep their coat looking its best. It is helpful to have a good vacuum on hand to keep your home fur-free.
Are Shiba Inus apartment-friendly?
Shiba Inus can adapt well to apartment living, especially if they receive adequate exercise daily. Their size and moderate energy level make them suitable for smaller living spaces. Just be sure to engage them in plenty of physical and mental activities to keep them stimulated.
