Shiba Inu
All the drama, none of the apologies.
- Weight
- 17–23 lbs
- Height
- 13–16 in
- Lifespan
- 13–16 yrs
In short
The Shiba Inu is a small spitz-type breed from Japan, developed to hunt in mountain brush. Adults weigh 17–23 lbs and live 13–16 years. Bold, independent and fastidious, Shibas are clean and quiet but famously hard to recall, so they need a secure fence and a leash.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a clean, quiet, independent dog
- like a dog with a strong personality
- live in an apartment and walk daily
Think twice if you…
- want off-leash hikes
- have small pets or same-sex dogs
- want an affectionate lap dog
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Training
- 2–3 × 5–10 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 55–65 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityQuick study8.0/10
EnergyActive6.0/10
Calm at homeLively indoors3.0/10
SheddingHeavy shedder8.0/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Curled tail
Carried over the back, a spitz trait that shows mood clearly.
-
02
Thick double coat
Sheds heavily twice a year in a blowout.
-
03
Fox-like face
Alert, sharp expression; Shibas watch everything.
Size & coat
| Specification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 20–23 lbs | 17–20 lbs |
| Height | 14–16 in | 13–15 in |
| Lifespan | 13–16 yrs | |
| Coat | Thick double coat | |
Personality
Shibas are bold, alert and self-possessed. They like you on their terms and dislike being restrained. They are clean, quiet and often cat-like, but famous for the "Shiba scream" when upset.
With kids
Best with older, respectful kids; many dislike being grabbed or held.
With other pets
Can be aggressive with other dogs, especially of the same sex; small pets may be seen as prey.
With strangers
Aloof and reserved; not usually friendly with strangers.
Alone time
Usually handle time alone well once adult, if exercised.
Training
Shibas are smart but independent and only cooperate when it's worth their while. Keep training short and rewarding.
-
How often
2–3 short sessions a day of 5–10 minutes each.
-
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
From 8–16 weeks, focus on handling (paws, nails, mouth), other dogs and calm strangers. Shibas that aren't handled young often fight nail trims and vet visits.
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Self-control
Build recall on a long line and never trust it off leash. Practice calm handling and restraint with food rewards.
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What it works for
Food works best. Use small, high-value pieces such as freeze-dried liver, kept within 10% of daily calories.
Exercise
Shibas need daily walks and play in a secure area. They are quick and agile, and love exploring.
Exercise a day
60–90 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Long leashed walks
- Play in a secure yard
- Hiking on leash
Brain work
- Food puzzles
- Scent games
- Trick training
Best home
Fine in apartments with daily walks; needs a secure fence and leash.
Watch for Never off leash in unfenced areas, since recall is unreliable and prey drive is strong.
Feeding
Adult maintenance for a typical Shiba Inu (17–23 lbs) lands around 525–650 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.
Puppy (to 12 mo)
- Daily calories
- 650–825 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 16–20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 65–85 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 3–4 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 525–650 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 14–18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 55–65 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- about 3 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 725–900 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 18–22%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 75–90 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 4–5 pieces a day
Senior
- Daily calories
- 450–575 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 12–16%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 45–60 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 2–3 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (to 12 mo) | 650–825 kcal | 26–30% | 16–20% | 65–85 kcal | 3–4 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 525–650 kcal | 24–28% | 14–18% | 55–65 kcal | about 3 pieces |
| Active / Working | 725–900 kcal | 26–30% | 18–22% | 75–90 kcal | 4–5 pieces |
| Senior | 450–575 kcal | 24–28% | 12–16% | 45–60 kcal | 2–3 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
Shibas are generally healthy but can have allergies, hip and knee problems, eye disease and GM1 gangliosidosis. Choose a breeder who screens.
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | OFA or PennHIP hip evaluation | Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder) |
| Luxating kneecaps | OFA patella evaluation | Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder) |
| Inherited eye disease | Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist (CAER) | Yearly in breeding dogs (ask the breeder) |
| GM1 gangliosidosis | GM1 DNA test | Once, in both parents (ask the breeder) |
Official health tests for breeding dogs
The OFA's CHIC program asks Shiba Inu breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.
- Hip evaluation
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Kneecap (patella) check
Grooming Heavy, with big seasonal blowouts
Brush weekly, daily during the twice-yearly blowout. No haircuts. Trim nails monthly (start young), check ears weekly and brush teeth several times a week.
History
Ancient
Ancient hunter
Small dogs similar to the Shiba hunted in the mountains of Japan for centuries.
1940s
Near extinction
After World War II, the breed was nearly lost; it was rebuilt from three surviving bloodlines.
1954 on
Arrival in the US
The first Shibas came to the US in the 1950s; the AKC recognized the breed in 1992.
Questions owners ask
Are Shiba Inus easy to train?
No. They are smart but independent and cooperate only when it's worth it. Short, food-rewarded sessions work best.
Are Shiba Inus good with kids and other pets?
With care. They suit older, respectful kids; many dislike being grabbed. They can be aggressive with other dogs, and small pets may be seen as prey.
How much exercise does a Shiba Inu need?
About 60–90 minutes a day of walks and play in a secure area. Never off leash in the open.
Do Shiba Inus shed?
Yes, heavily, with big blowouts twice a year. Brush weekly and daily during the blowout.
What health problems do Shiba Inus have, and how long do they live?
Shibas live 13–16 years. Watch for allergies, hip and knee problems, eye disease and GM1 gangliosidosis. Ask for hip, patella, eye and GM1 results.
Is a Shiba Inu good for apartments or first-time owners?
For apartments, yes. For first-timers, often not; their independence and handling sensitivity suit experienced owners.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Shiba Inu needs only about 3 pieces a day, well inside the 55–65 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Shiba Inu ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Shiba Inu
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
