Last Updated: 07/05/2025

Shiba Inu Complete Breed Guide

Are you thinking of getting a Shiba Inu? Take a look at our breed guide with facts and care tips.

Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)

Reading Time: 37 minutes - long read

A complete breed guide for Shiba Inu dogs

Contents:

1. Facts about the Shiba Inu

2. History

3. Personality

4. Distinguishing Features

5. Nutritional Requirements

5. Health Issues

6. Fun Facts

7. Related Breeds

Facts About the Shiba Inu

Breed size:	Place of origin:	Other names:
Small	Japan	Translates from Japanese to "Small Brushwood Dog"
Breed group:	Energy level:	Activity Needs:
Non Sporting/Utility	High	Requires daily walks and vigorous playtime to keep them mentally and physically fit
Life expectancy:	Tendency to bark:	Weight range:
12 to 15 years	Low to Moderate	Female: 6.8 - 9kg, Male: 8 - 11kg
Height range:	Coat length:	Coat Type:
34 - 42cm at shoulder	Short to medium length with a double coat	The outer coat is naturally waterproof and their thick undercoat protects them from the cold. Coat colour varies from orange-red, white, black and tan to sesame. Those described as 'red sesame' are red in colour with an even overlay of black guard hairs.
Shedding factor:	Drool factor:	Overall grooming needs:
High	Low	Low to medium maintenance. The Shiba Inu is generally a clean, low odour breed with low bathing requirements. They are however, heavy shedders during seasonal changes and have increased grooming requirements during this time.

How much does a Shiba Inu cost?

The cost of a Shiba Inu will vary based on the source and pedigree of the parents. For a pedigree puppy, you can expect to pay up to $3500.

Do Shiba Inu's shed?

The Shiba Inu sheds heavily during seasonal changes and require grooming up to twice a week with a deshedding brush such as a Furminator during these times. At other times of the year, they require minimal grooming. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary, as this will strip the coat of it's natural waterproofing. Being heavy shedders at certain times, they are not considered a hypoallergenic breed.

Are Shiba Inu's good family dogs?

Shiba Inu's are loyal and good-natured dogs who regard themselves as part of the family. They are smart, alert and independent, but can be difficult to train. They are well-known escape artists as they can climb and dog easily. They are best suited to single pet households and families with older children.

How long do Shiba Inu's live?

The average life expectancy of a Shiba Inu is 12-15 years.

How big do Shiba Inu's get?

The Shiba Inu is a small dog, weighing in a 6.8-9kg for an adult female, and 8-11kg for an adult male. They stand 34-42cm at the shoulder.

Are Shiba Inu's barkers?

Shiba Inu's have a low tendency to bark. While they are not known to be particularly vocal, Shiba Inu's have a high energy level and barking can become problematic if they are not afforded the physical and mental stimulation they need. Daily walks and vigorous exercise are essential, as well as games and interactive toys. Being a highly active breed, they do best with a well-secured yard of reasonable size, but may be suited to apartment living if they get plenty of daily exercise. For more information, take a look at our Tips for Keeping Your Dog in an Apartment. For help on managing excessive barking, take a look at How to Stop Your Dog Barking.

How do I know which Shiba Inu Breeder to choose?

Choosing a reputable breeder is a crucial initial step in bringing home a healthy, happy dog. Take a look at How to find a good breeder for questions you should be asking of any breeder. Responsible breeders should be committed advancing the health of the Shiba Inu breed, pairing dogs to breed away from inheritable diseases and conformation issues, and selecting for good temperaments.

Shiba Inu History

Native to Japan, the Shiba Inu is the smallest of the Japanese breeds which also includes the Akita, Shikoku, Kai Ken, Hokkaido and the Kishu. In the 19th century, the Shiba was initially bred as a hunting dog to flush out birds and rabbits in the dense Japanese mountainous areas. By World War II, a combination of food shortages and a fatal viral infection known as Distemper had nearly eradicated the breed entirely. Three surviving bloodlines remained and formed the common ancestors of the Shiba Inu breed today.

There is some debate as to the origin of the word Shiba however a few theories have been suggested. Some believe that the mountainous areas in which the Shiba hunted had a high density of brushwood bushes. It is believed that the word Shiba means 'brushwood' in reference to these bushes whose leaves reportedly turn red during the autumn months. Others believe that the fiery red coat of the Shiba is akin to the autumn leaves of the brushwood bush. There is also a suggestion that the word Shiba means 'small' which is why the Shiba Inu is sometimes translated to 'Little Brushwood Dog'.

Shiba Inu Personality

The Shiba Inu is often described as independent, alert, aloof and with a 'spirited boldness'.

Shiba's make loyal and affectionate pets and are a fantastic companion for the active pet parent. They do best when housed in a large yard which is fully fenced as they are notorious escape artists, particularly if a small cat or rabbit runs by! They are agile and full of energy, and require at least one hour of exercise or playtime each day to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Shiba Inu's are very intelligent but can be stubborn during training. If you choose to add a Shiba puppy to your family, make sure to be diligent with socialisation, puppy preschool and training, and always practice positive reinforcement with high value dog training treats. They are best suited to single pet households and families with older children.

Shiba's are also known for their complex personalities and can sometimes show aggression towards smaller animals due to their strong prey drive and hunting instincts. Consistent training from a young age and early socialisation can make all the difference and teach this confident and independent breed to trust strangers.

Shiba Inu Distinguishing features

Resembling a cross between a fox and a teddy bear, the Shiba Inu has pricked ears, squinty eyes, a curly tail and is traditionally known for its fiery red coat.

Top Products Recommendations for the Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu Diet and Nutrition

Shiba Inu Puppies

As Shiba Inu's are small breed dogs, a premium, complete and balanced small breed puppy food is the best way to ensure that Shiba Inu puppy's receive all the nutrients they need for their intense growth period.

As for any puppy, the first few weeks after bringing an Shiba Inu into your home are an exciting time, and often a steep learning curve. Socialisation in the first 12 weeks of a puppy's life is crucial to ensure they become confident and well-behaved canine citizens. Exposing them in a positive way to new people, animals, environments, sounds and situations will help to prevent fear and anxiety in later life. We recommend puppy preschools as a great way to introduce these new things in a safe way.

These first few weeks will also involve your puppy's vaccinations, flea and worming control, toilet training and the start of obedience training. For detailed tips and advice in these areas and more, take a look through our New Puppy Guide. For tips on combatting those problematic puppy behaviours that might occur, like digging and chewing, check out our Puppy Training Guide.

Best food for Shiba Inu Puppies

Our Vet Squad recommend the following premium diets for Shiba Inu puppies, to ensure they thrive during puppyhood. Premium diets contain consistent, highly digestible ingredients, and often contain additional beneficial ingredients such as omega fatty acids and antioxidants for skin, coat and immune health.

Best food for adult Shiba Inu's

Once they have reached adulthood, a small breed dry food or a diet marketed for 'all breeds' combined with occasional wet food is a great diet for the Shiba Inu.

Made locally in Australia, this super premium kibble contains antioxidants, zinc and linoleic acif to support the immune system, skin and coat health.

This premium dry food contains omega 6 fatty acids, vitamin E and other nutrients to support healthy skin and a shiny coat as well as high quality proteins to support muscle strength.

Ziwi Peak is a protein rich diet made from the highest quality ingredients from New Zealand.

Pro Plan is Purina's premium range of foods, made with high quality, highly digestible proteins and ingredients.

For more information, take a read through our guide to the Best Food for Small Dogs

Shiba Inu Health Issues

The Shiba Inu is considered a generally robust and healthy breed, with few common health conditions. They can be affected by conditions which commonly impact small breed dogs, such as:

Skin allergies

Skin allergies such as atopic dermatitis (also called atopy) can be common in Shiba Inu's. Atopic dermatitis is a generalised allergy caused by items in the environment such as pollen, dustmites or grasses. It usually results in itching, hairloss and red, inflamed skin. Often affected dogs may lick their paws excessively and have recurrent ear infections. Contact allergies can cause similar symptoms in dogs however the reaction is limited to areas where the dog has come into direct contact with the allergen (usually plants). Diagnosis of allergic skin disease in dogs can take some time as the underlying cause needs to be discovered, usually through a process of elimination. Management involves reducing or eliminating the allergen from the environment if possible, alongside potentially desensitisation and medication, dietary changes and topical therapies to manage symptoms.

For more information on allergy management, read our veterinarian's Guide to Managing Allergies in Dogs.

Luxating patella

Patellar luxation occurs when the dog's kneecap does not fit in its groove properly, leading to it popping in out and out of place. This can cause pain and changes to the dog's gait. Mild cases typically do not require treatment however surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia occurs when the femur and the hip joint do not sit together properly. It can also occur due to excessive growth, exercise, nutrition and/or genetic factors. These problems lead to joint inflammation and pain, and lameness is the most common sign, particularly after exercise. Less severe cases can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication, however surgery may be required for serious cases.

As with any type of joint disease such as patellar luxation or hip dysplasia, arthritis can be a concern. Take a look at our article Arthritis Care in Dogs for tips on managing arthritis if it should occur.

Progressive retinal atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy is a condition that gradually results in the loss of vision through deterioration of the retina. First observed as a night vision loss (night blindness) it eventually progresses to full blindness. No treatment exists however as with any changes to vision a veterinarian should always be consulted.

Fun facts about the Shiba Inu

They are known to be vocal and loud when they want something and will produce a characteristic sound called the 'shiba scream'.

Their characteristic tails traditionally helped to protect them from the harsh winter weather by shielding their face and nose while they slept.

In December 1936, the Shiba Inu was recognised as a Natural Monument of Japan, largely due to the efforts of the Association for the Preservation of the Japanese Dog.

Shiba's are alert and agile dogs, making them excellent watchdogs and companions.

Related Breeds

Shiba Inu's are closely related to other Japanese Spitz breeds such as:

Akita

The Akita is the largest of the Japanese Spitz breeds, weighing in at 38-50kg. It is an excellent watch dog, with a muscular body.

Shikoku

The Shikoku weighs 15-25kg, who's coat colours range from black, tan and red through to sesame.

Kai Ken

The Kai Ken is considered very rare, even in Japan. It is a medium sized dog, with a distinctive brindle coat.

Hokkaido

The Hokkaido is a larger Spitz breed, weighing in at 20-30kg. It is an excellent watchdog who is eager to please.

Kishu Ken

Highly affectionate, intelligent and alert, the Kishu Ken is a medium breed dog weighing between 13-26kg.

Shiba Inu Complete Breed Guide

A complete breed guide for Shiba Inu dogs