The Shiba Inu is considered the most popular dog in Japan. But these dogs are equally popular around the world.
Shiba Inus are very fox-like due to their alert and watchful facial expressions, as well as the coloring and markings on their coat (especially the white markings on red or brown coats).
They are often confused with other Japanese breeds such as the Hokkaido or Akita Inu due to their appearance, but they are very different from these breeds in temperament and size.
Shiba Inus are also very adaptable dogs. They are comfortable in all weather conditions and are also very suitable for apartment living.
Shiba Inus are not very fond of being around other dogs and can sometimes show signs of aggression, especially towards dogs of the same sex.
They need a lot of obedience training as they tend to be a bit stubborn and bold. But they also prove to be quite functional and resourceful thanks to their watchdog instincts and watchdog abilities.
Shiba Inu frequently asked questions
01. Are Shiba Inus hypoallergenic?
Answer: No! Shiba Inu is not a hypoallergenic breed. These dogs are known to shed a lot of hair and shed a decent amount of dander.
02. Are Shiba Inus friendly with children?
Answer: A properly trained and well socialized Shiba is quite friendly and good with children.
These dogs are happy to spend time with a playful, cheerful child, and are therefore considered an appropriate breed for families that have a small child.
03. Are Shiba Inus friends with other dogs?
Answer: Untrained Shiba Inus can be a bit aggressive with other dogs which they find strange, especially if they are of the same sex.
This is why it is very important for Shiba Inu owners to properly introduce their dogs to many different dogs at a young age so that they can become a bit more outgoing and friendly with other dogs as they grow up.
04. Are Shiba Inus good friends with cats?
Answer: Typically, Shiba Inus hunt other small pets, including cats.
But with proper socialization and training, these dogs can learn to get along with other animals, and gradually the Shiba can become quite warm and cordial around cats as well.
05. Do Shiba Inus make good watchdogs?
Answer: Their guarding ability is fairly average, but Shiba Inus make excellent watchdogs.
They can effectively take care of their home and property, and can alert their owners with their barking to any intruders, intruders, or burglars.
06. Are Shiba Inus suitable for an apartment?
Answer: Yes! The Shiba Inu is an excellent apartment dog. This dog adapts very well to an apartment lifestyle and generally stays quite relaxed and content in their home.
07. Does Shiba Inu lose a lot of hair?
Answer: Shiba – loses a lot. These dogs can shed all year round, but during the shedding season, which can occur at least once or twice a year.
The number and frequency of shedding increases even more, and during this period regular brushing of their coat is essential, as this can be somewhat helpful in controlling the shedding process.
08. Are Shiba Inus suitable for beginners?
Answer: Shiba Inu needs guidance from an experienced and knowledgeable owner to become more social with others. These dogs are also not so easy to train.
Their owners must be very patient and tolerant with them in teaching them new things and only a knowledgeable owner will know how to properly control and handle these dogs, so this breed is not recommended for beginners or beginners.
09. Does the Shiba Inu bark a lot?
Answer: Some Shiba Inus bark a lot, but with proper training this habit can be easily eliminated.
These dogs mostly bark when they want attention from loved ones or when guarding or tending to their home, but other than that, most of these dogs shouldn’t bark as much.
10. How much exercise does a Shiba In need daily?
Answer: Shiba Inus need moderate exercise. They should take short daily walks to the park or garden where they can roam freely.
Carefree play and fun activities are also very beneficial for the Shiba Inu and should therefore also be included in their training.
Meeting a Shiba Inu’s training needs isn’t that big of a deal and should be easy to manage for most people.
11. Can Shiba Inu be left alone for long?
Answer: A properly trained Shiba Inu, whose basic needs (exercise, diet, etc.) are met, can live alone in a house for quite a long time.
These dogs mostly loll around in their beds when their owners are away from home and spend time alone or away from loved ones with little to no problem.
But it’s important to meet all their needs in the bathroom and make sure they have enough food and water before leaving them alone, and it’s also a good idea to leave their favorite toy by their side so they don’t get bored or upset.
12. Is it easy to train a Shiba Inu?
Answer: No! Shiba Inus are naturally a little stubborn and independent. They are known to be quite easily distracted during training and therefore require an experienced owner who understands the dog’s psyche and can handle these dogs properly.
It is also important to start obedience training at an early age so that they will listen more carefully to their owner’s commands as they grow.
Finally, patience and gentleness are very important when training a Shiba Inu, as this dog’s feelings can easily be hurt if their owner decides to use harsh training methods.
13. What kind of care does a Shiba Inu need?
Answer: The care needs of the Shiba Inu are not that high. His coat only needs brushing once a week to prevent matting and matting. But the frequency of brushing should be increased to 2-3 times a week during the shedding season.
These dogs only need the occasional bath to keep them cool.
Their nails should also be trimmed whenever necessary, as too long nails can cause a dog a lot of pain when walking and running.
And finally, their teeth also need to be brushed regularly to maintain good dental health.
14. How does a Shiba Inu tolerate heat?
Answer: Shiba Inus have a medium heat tolerance. These dogs can live comfortably in warm temperate regions, but they need a lot of protection and care from their owners.
And these dogs should not be exposed to direct sunlight, especially during the summer months, as it can be very harmful to their health.
15. How does a Shiba Inu tolerate the cold?
Answer: Shiba Inu perfectly tolerate low temperatures and cold. These dogs are happy to live in cold, snowy regions and are therefore a good option for people who want to keep a pet in cold, wintery regions.
16. Is the Shiba Inu an intelligent dog breed?
Answer: The Shiba Inu is quite an intelligent dog, with the decent thinking and decision-making skills a dog needs to live and grow effectively in this world.
The Shiba Inu comes in at place 49 on Stanley Coren’s list of the smartest dogs.
17. How do Shiba Inus treat strangers?
Answer: Generally, Shiba Inus are known to be rather reserved and calm around strangers.
These dogs take their time to trust a new person, and they also remain quite alert and aware when around someone new.
But with time and proper socialization, these dogs gradually become warmer and more cordial when meeting a stranger or new person.
18. Does a Shiba Inu drool a lot?
Answer: No! Shiba Inu mostly drools when he has just eaten or drank water, but other than that he does not drool or drool much.
19. Are Shiba Inus expensive and demanding dogs?
Answer: Yes! Shiba Inus are very expensive dogs that are not easily acquired by most people.
But their maintenance needs are average at best. They don’t need a lot of grooming to look good, their exercise needs are quite manageable, and they don’t need the constant attention and presence of loved ones to stay happy.
But these dogs need plenty of training and guidance from their owners to become well-behaved, outgoing, less stubborn, and a better version of themselves. This dog can therefore be considered quite difficult to maintain in this regard.
20. Do Shiba Inus like to swim?
Answer: Most Shiba Inus are known not to like swimming in the pool or getting wet at all, but there are a few exceptions and some of these dogs like to play in the water.
Therefore, if your Shiba Inu is comfortable in water and likes to swim in it, be sure to take this dog to the pool or the beach (with proper safety precautions).
21. What color are Shiba Inus?
Answer: Shiba Inus are available in different colors which are listed below:
- Black and gold
- Black and beige
- Cream
- Sesame
- Red sesame
- Black sesame
22. How long does the Shiba Inu live?
Answer: The life expectancy of a Shiba Inu is pretty decent – around 12-15 years. Some of these dogs can live even longer if they receive proper care, nutrition, exercise and protection at all times.
23. What are the diseases of the Shiba Inu?
Answer: The most common health problems encountered by Shiba Inu are skin allergies, hip dysplasia, glaucoma, cataracts, entropion and patellar luxation.