Shiba Inu FAQ's

Yes. Shibas are a double-coated breed like the Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute. Twice a year, they "blow" their undercoat which is made up of very soft, wispy fur. Their shedding period can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months depending on the Shiba and the climate it lives in. Many people are under the impression that Shibas do NOT shed and as you can see by the picture below, that simply isn't true. You can expect several months of no shedding, but when they are blowing coat, things can get a little hairy.

Not at all. I brush my Shibas often during their shedding cycles and I bathe them every 2 or 3 months, but they require little grooming other than that. Their prick ears are not prone to ear infections because air is able to freely circulate and keep the ears dry. It's a good idea to brush their teeth occasionally and their nails need to be trimmed regularly.

No. Shibas are an independent breed and as such, they actually think they could get along without us! They often don’t like to be held, and they’re not going to sit in your lap for long.

No. Shibas are not “yappy” dogs. Some Shibas seem quite reluctant to bark and when they do, it sounds more like a soft “chuff” than a bark. Other Shibas are more vocal (I’ve known a couple of females whose shrieks could make your ears ring). Many Shibas make funny, yodeling-type noises which are very unique and endearing.

Fortunately, Shibas are not prone to many breed-specific diseases. Small breeds sometimes develop luxating patellas which is a condition where the kneecap occasionally pops out of place. Mild cases do not require medical attention, but the more serious cases may require surgery. The most common health problem afflicting Shibas is allergies. Some are quite sensitive to various allergens including outdoor pollens, fleas, and even certain foods.

Most Shibas are aloof and reserved around people they don’t know. They don’t display the typical wagging tail and “pet me! pet me!” behaviors you see in some other breeds. However, they are quite friendly and loving once they get to know you.

Sometimes. It depends on that particular Shiba’s personality. Male/female pairings are recommended over same sex pairings. Neutering male dogs when they are young helps to curb or reduce aggression. Often, Shibas will get along with other Shibas even if they don’t get along with other breeds of dogs. It is fairly common to see food aggression among Shibas, but crating them at mealtimes is a simple solution.

Yes and no. They might learn a command quickly, but you can’t count on them to perform it reliably unless there’s something in it for them. They may respond to the “come” command beautifully at home with a treat for a reward, but if they manage to get loose, a treat will not be enough to persuade them to give up their freedom. For this reason, they should never be offleash except in a securely fenced area. Shibas are not a breed who live to please their owners and, in fact, they are convinced that their owners live to please them.

Some Shibas have excelled in agility and other sports due to their natural grace and superb coordination. It just depends on the particular Shiba, as they don’t always respond well to commands and they don’t always appreciate the company of other dogs.

Gone. Letting a Shiba run leash-free is a very bad idea. They will not stay by your side and they will not come when called. They are intense little dogs and they love to chase birds and small animals; after all, that is what they were bred to do - flush small game out of the brush. Your Shiba will only be focused on that animal and will not notice oncoming traffic or your cries. Many a Shiba has been hit by a car doing just this sort of thing. If letting your dog run off-leash is important to you, then you need to consider another breed.

Young Shibas are non-stop bundles of energy who need lots and lots of exercise. They aren’t called fiery fuzzballs from hell for nothing. Adults are more laid back and manageable, but they can still do the Shiba 500 as well as anyone. My Shibas (ages 4, 5 and 6) are the perfect combination – they are content to lie around the house (as long as they can get in a few laps around the yard), but they also have plenty of stamina and love to go hiking with us for hours.

Shibas are indoor dogs, but they can withstand the blazing heat of Texas summers for short periods of time. Make sure they have access to shade and water if they are to spend lengthy periods of time outdoors. Their double coat actually protects them from both heat and cold and they should never be shaved.

Yes. Shibas are easily housetrained and they are very clean, odorless dogs. They groom themselves similar to a cat and their natural aversion to water keeps them from getting muddy and dirty.

Surprisingly, most Shibas do get along with cats. It's surprising because Shibas have high prey drives and if given the opportunity, will chase and kill small animals such as wild rabbits, squirrels, etc. It helps if the Shiba is exposed to cats at a young age. It also helps if the cat is okay around dogs and doesn’t run away which only encourages a dog to chase it.

The Shiba standard allows for three colors: Red (varying shades of red), Red Sesame (rich red coat with black tips), and Black and Tan. All Shibas have urajiro (white) markings on their cheeks, muzzle, throat and chest. Shibas also come in cream which is a recessive gene carried by some black and tans. They cannot be shown, but they have no genetic problems associated with the color as in some other white breeds of dogs. Occasionaly you'll see a Shiba with pinto markings (large white spots on the coat), saddleback markings (a black saddle on their back similar to a German Shepherd), or red-headed black and tans.