All breeds › Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu
A small, fox-like Japanese breed bred for hunting in mountain country.
♥ Swipe on the Shiba InuQuick facts
- Origin
- Japan
- Size
- Small
- Energy
- Medium
- Bred for
- Hunting small game
- Lifespan
- 13–16 years
- Temperament
- Alert, bold, independent
- Exercise
- 60 min/day
- Grooming
- Medium
- Shedding
- High
- Training
- Challenging
- With children
- Good
- Apartment
- Maybe
Where the Shiba Inu comes from
The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the Japanese native breeds, used to flush birds and small game in mountain country. The breed was nearly lost after World War II and rebuilt from a few dogs.
Personality and daily life
Alert, bold and independent. Shibas are clean, cat-like and strong-willed, and don't always come when called.
Shibas are cat-like and strong-willed. They need training, a secure fence and plenty of patience.
Exercise, grooming and health
An hour of daily exercise on a secure lead or fence. The double coat sheds heavily twice a year. Allergies and knee problems occur.
Is a Shiba Inu right for you?
Owners who like independent dogs and can train patiently.
- Can be stubborn, better for experienced owners
- Sheds a lot
Similar breeds
Profiles are general guides. Individual dogs vary, so always meet the dog and talk to a breeder, shelter or vet.