What Is a Shiba Inu?

The Shiba Inu is the smallest of six original and distinct breeds from Japan.  It is also considered a very ancient breed as its ancestors have been dated as far back as 300-400B.C. even before there was record of their much more known cousin, the Akita.  The Shiba Inu is not a miniaturized version of the Akita by any means.  The first Shiba Inu came to the United States in 1954 and it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1993.

Description and Size

The breed is known for its "foxy" face and curly tail.  Males tend to have slightly larger, more squared off heads and slightly wider chests and females tend to have a very dainty, deer-like look to them with their smaller features.  Males should weigh between 22 and 27 pounds and females usually range between 17 and 22 pounds.  Commonly we see poorly bred Shibas that came from pet stores or puppy mills that are either too small (10-15 pounds) or too tall/large (30-40 pounds) at adulthood.  Some breeders will even purposely breed smaller Shiba Inu parents and advertise their smaller pups as "toy", "miniature" or "imperial" Shibas--NO SUCH THING EXISTS!  There is no recognition by the breed standard for a "miniature" Shiba Inu.  It is just a way for an irresponsible breeder to get more money, sometimes a good couple thousand, out of the buyer.  We also tend to see more genetic health issues tied in with Shibas that are poorly bred in their size, such as luxated patellas, hip dysplasia, juvenile glaucoma, and we even adopted out a Shiba that later was diagnosed with a condition termed, "meta-esophagus", where the esophagus was too large and by the age of 2 years old, the dog could not keep any food down and would continue to regurgitate food.  This particular Shiba had no previous warning signs, but the veterinarian said that the condition is a genetic defect from poor breeding.  Sadly the dog had to be euthanized as there is no cure or surgical fix and there was no way to keep food in the dog's stomach.

Colors

The most common color that is seen in Shiba Inus is a bright fox red color with cream around the face, chest and feet.  There are, however, four color categories when it comes to Shibas; Red, Black and Tan, Sesame (red coat with slight black tips to the ends of the hairs uniformly over the entire body), and Cream.  Some sites or breeders will mention black or red sesames, black and creams or tri-colored Shiba Inus, among a few variations.  There is no such thing.  The dogs only come in the four color categories and you should watch out for anyone stating otherwise.  Black and tans all tend to have some cream with them, but some dogs may have more than others, but regardless the dogs are not then referred to as black and creams or tri-coloreds.  Some Black and tans can also fade as the dog ages, which is where the "black sesame" supposedly gets its name. 

Also, many Shibas that we have seen that come from pet stores (owner surrenders that have told us where they obtained the dog originally) will have white socks on their feet or a white tip to their tail.  The white socks may also tend to have ticking spots on them, similar to the spots that can be found on the legs of Beagles or Basset Hounds.  These are NOT coat characteristics that a Shiba should have!  This a a perfect example of what can come from irresponsible breeders or puppy mills that do not care about breeding towards the AKC breed standard.  They just stick a male and female together and get puppies. 

It may seem silly to focus on the coat color flaws but when you start breeding away from the breed standard, other issues will tend to arise as well.  Several of the Shibas that we see with these varied coat patterns tend to have other issues including but not limited to underbites, congenital glaucoma, luxated patellas, hip dysplasia, and/or reproductive conditions.  We have seen male Shiba Inus or Shiba Inu/American Eskimo mixes that have been cryptochid, which is when one or both of the testicles fail to descend.  We have also seen a young female Shiba puppy that during her spay it was noticed that the entire right side of her uterus and right ovary were fused with her intestines!  This particular female puppy was also born without a vulva and just had an open hole to urinate from.  She also has severely luxated patellas, or knee caps, that are not even ever in their sockets, which will take extensive surgery to repair.

Do extensive research when interested in any breed and if something doesn't sound right, it probably isn't. 

Below are pictures of Shiba Inus in each color category.

Kuma (Right) is an example of a Black and Tan Shiba Inu.  Although he does seem to have more cream than tan coloration, he is still considered a Black and Tan.  There is no such thing as a Black and Cream or Tri-Colored Shiba Inu.  It is a way for irresponsible or uneducated breeders or pet stores to lure buyers in with something that appears to be unique and special.  If you do your research and it seems that you know more about the breed than a local breeder does, something isn't right. 

Sushi (Left), who now goes by Nico, is the typical color seen in "Red" Shiba Inus.  The body is a fox red color with cream around the cheeks and also a splash of cream on the chest, usually outlining the dog's collar bone and expanding out towards their shoulders.  Reds may also have cream on the insides of their legs , at the bottoms of their feet, and above their eyes.

Shuuki (Left) is a Sesame colored Shiba Inu.  Sesames are EXTREMELY RARE!  Of the nearly 100 Shibas we have taken into rescue, Shuuki is the first and only Sesame we have ever had.  Sesames have a red or even mahogany undercoat with a black top coat and guard hairs.  This look has to be completely even throughout the entire body.  If there is just black guard hairs in one location such as down the back, on the shoulder blades, or around the chest, they are still considered Red.  Many breeders and pet stores will try and sell "Red Sesames"--there is NO SUCH THING!  They are either Red or they are Sesame.  If you're not sure, it's probably a Red Shiba.

Kaya (Right) is a Cream colored Shiba Inu.  Creams are also a bit harder to come by, but are not as rare as Sesames.  Cream Shibas can be practically white in the body but will still have buff or red tips to their ears and possibly on the back of the tail and on the back of the legs.  Non-reputable breeders and pet stores may also try and sell "Rare All White Shiba Inus"--again, there is NO SUCH THING!  The color is cream, no matter how lightly colored the Shiba is.

What were Shiba Inus Bred for?

Shiba Inus were used as hunting dogs.  They would run up to bushes, trees and undergrowth and flush out small game, birds, even wild boar.  However it was never the job of the Shiba Inu to actually grab a hold of the animal and bring it back to their master, just to chase it out of hiding.  Although some Shibas may enjoy the game of fetch, most will enjoy chasing toys but will almost look dumbfounded when you expect them to bring it back.  The truth of it is that the Shiba is doing exactly what it was bred to do, chase the item, and is waiting for you, the actual hunter, to finish the job and find the next item to chase.  And chase they will!  Leaves, birds, squirrels, things that are invisible to our own eyes, and since they are not retrievers, coming back to you is the most difficult thing for a Shiba to do.  A Shiba Inu should NEVER EVER EVER BE TAKEN OFF LEASH!!!  They will easily take off, ignoring their owner's voice. 

Why are Shiba Inus NOT an off-leash breed?

The Shiba Inu is a natural hunting dog, and when it sees a bird or squirrel, will want to run off in pursuit. There doesn't even have to be another animal around; just a slip of the leash falling on the ground and your beloved Shiba will be gone!  A strong and fast dog, its intelligence, determination, curiosity, and highly developed hunting instincts can sometimes lead it into trouble. Once it sets sight or scent on something, it is not easily discouraged or distracted. The Shiba fears nothing and once loose, pays little attention to anything around it, including its owner or dangers in its path, such as cars.

The Shiba Inu is also an expert escape artist that can dart out of an opened door quicker than you can react and many can climb or jump chain link fencing. A solid (wood or block type) fence with a sturdy gate that can be locked is a must in order to prevent children or service people from letting your Shiba get out of the yard. 

Electronic fencing is highly discouraged as there can be many adversive effects. Keep in mind that the dog receives a shock for crossing the boundary coming home as well as leaving so If your Shiba leaves he may be hesitant to come back! Also it doesn't keep other dogs from coming into your yard and enticing your dog to run loose.  It also does not keep your Shiba safe from other people; collars have been found cut and left on the ground, the dog stolen from its home.  For some dogs a shock is no big deal if the stimulus (rabbit, cat) is great enough!  On the other hand, some dogs will become afraid of their own backyard after receiving their first shock.  And it is exactly that, an electric shock.  It is painful and if you don't think it is, try it out yourself on your neck first. 

Regardless of type of fencing, it is highly discouraged to leave your Shiba ever out in the yard unattended, especially if you are not home.  Most Shibas that get loose are killed or injured by cars. Some cars will not even stop after hitting a Shiba or report a Shiba that is running loose because how strongly they resemble foxes.  Also, it is important to teach your Shiba to come to you for a treat every time it is called. This simple training might someday save its life.

What is their Temperment Like?

Shiba Inus are very intelligent and very independent.  They will learn what you ask of them faster than most other breeds but then they will figure out a way to get around it.  They are not being stubborn or spiteful (in fact research shows that dogs are not cognitive enough to think like that), nor are they trying to be "dominant" which is a "4-letter word" that gets thrown around WAY too often and completely out of context; rather they just usually find that what they are currently doing is more rewarding than what you are asking of them.  In this respect they are commonly compared with cats in personality. 

Shiba Inus are not the type of dog that must be in your face all the time with constant energy to burn, nor are they a small, yappy lap dog.  They will bond with their owners but also enjoy their alone time and do not NEED their person all of the time.  Some will play ball or chew at squeaky toys but they are not fetch-aholics.  Most of the time Shibas will prefer to take their toys and various treasures and "ferret" them into little hidden stashes.  They enjoy attention and being petted but usually are not so cuddly as to enjoy being held and restrained unless they have been trained to tolerate it at a young age.  They need lots of consistent and positive socialization and training at a young age or they can become very aloof and nervous with strangers and may not tolerate other animals in their domain.

Are Shiba Inus Affectionate?

Shiba Inus are very sweet dogs, but most often it is only with people that they know and are comfortable with.  That independant nature can make most Shiba Inus aloof or distant with strangers if not socialized properly as a young puppy.  Shibas are not like Labradors or Golden Retrievers or even Boxers that think everyone is their best friend though there are a few that we see every now and then that apparently didn't read the "Shiba Manual" and are quite the social butterflies. 

Although Shibas are affectionate with their own people, you must first EARN that affection.  Once a Shiba knows who is the provider of food, water, walks, potty breaks, toys and treats, you have truely become "their person" and trust me, you will know it.  However, just because a Shiba is bonded to you doesn't mean that they are a loyal Lassie that will do whatever you ask of them.  They are still independant and smart enough to figure you out and inadvertantly train you on your best day if you aren't careful, which is why we highly recommend training with a Shiba Inu of any age, and especially that which is soley positive reinforcement. 

Shiba Inus, no matter how affectionate, are usually not lap dogs.  They would love to get their head or back rubbed all day long, or even cozy up on the couch next to you, but they do not generally like to sit in your actual lap.  They also do not like to be held or restrained.  When a Shiba Inu is picked up, they will actually push out all their legs or "put out their landing gear" as we Shiba people commonly refer to it.  It takes a little work to be able to teach a Shiba not to fuss when being picked up or restrained but if you ignore their temper tantrum and wait them out they quickly learn that it won't get them anywhere and they will relax.  They should never be pinned down or "alpha rolled" onto their back or side as this will teach them to fear you and can lead to very negative behavior problems down the road.

Are Shiba Inus Good With....?

Children

Shiba Inus tend to do well with whatever they are socialized with at a young age so it really depends.  They tend not to like the top of their head rubbed and actually most dogs find this to be scary as it is considered a threat or challenge in the rest of the canine world to do such a behavior to each other.  Small children that may run at dogs with their hands out can look scary to most dogs so it is important that the children be trained (so to speak) as well, no matter what the breed of dog.  If children are taught to be calm, sit to the side of a dog and not directly in front of them, let the dog come to them first and pet them on the side or under the chest rather than over the head, a Shiba Inu of any age can learn that children are a source of good, calm energy.

Other Dogs

Shiba Inus do better with other dogs if they are given plenty of time to socialize with them from a young age.  They do prefer to have their own "bubble" of space around them and usually do not like large, energetic, in your face dogs like Labs, Boxers, Golden Retrieves, etc.  If a dog comes running up to them without a pause in their step and bops them on the head with their paws, a Shiba is very likely to give a verbal warning paired with a mild snap.  They are by no means aggressive and prefer not to fight, but they will tell another dog when he/she has gone too far. 

Cats

Shiba Inus seem to do very well with cats for the most part.  Since Shibas and felines tend to have the same independent nature about them, they seem to appreciate each other's space and leave one another alone.  If you have a Shiba that is more active and a cat that is not used to dogs and runs, you may risk the dog's prey drive kicking in and giving chase to the cat.  Again, these dogs are good with whatever they are socialized with at a young age but their high intelligence paired with training can also show them their boundaries when it comes to other animals of all shapes and sizes.

Do Shiba Inus Shed?

Yes!  But it can be easily managed.  Shiba Inus have a dense undercoat which they will literally blow out in chunks as the seasons change.  If you bring them in to a groomer when you notice them begin to shed or say every other month and have them do a bath and extensive brushing then you should be fine.  Better yet, consider investing in a special brush called a Furminator.  Look it up...you will be amazed!  It does not cut the coat, it just pulls out all of the dead and loose undercoat when the dog is shedding.  They can be in the $30.00-60.00 range but they are worth every penny! 

 Here Yoshi, a Black and Tan Shiba, and a blurry Red Deshou, demonstrate what it means for a Shiba Inu to "blow their coat".

Technically, the ONLY dog that NEVER sheds is the Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorky.  All of the other "hypo-allergenic" breeds, still shed, just not nearly as often.  The Yorky has hair, not fur, similar to that of a human being in the respects that it only has one hair growing out of each follicle, just like us.  Other "hypo-allergenic" breeds have 2-3 hairs growing out of each follicle and they do not have any undercoat.  Everyone else, whether they be Labs, Saint Bernards, Pugs or Shiba Inus have anywhere from 5-7 hairs per follicle. 

NEVER SHAVE A SHIBA!  Actually, it isn't good to shave most breeds of dogs.  The top coat of a dog, whether it is a short coated Shiba, or a long coated Saint Bernard, actually protects them from the elements.  Even if it is 100 degrees outside, the top coat helps to protect the dog from the heat and the sun, even if the coat is black.  By shaving a dog you will actually make him/her hotter and risk them getting sun burned!

Do Shiba Inus Bark?

Shiba Inus for the most part are a fairly quiet breed, however they do make some very interesting noises!  They do not generally have a loud bark like a Lab, nor are they high pitched like most other small breed dogs.  When they do bark, which is seldom, it tends to be more of a "huff" in sound.  They can also make some pretty entertaining mumbles and moans when they are playing or are quietly protesting.

The Shiba Inu breed does have a sound all their own...the "shiba scream".  The "shiba scream" is a very high pitched, will make your ears ring, comes from the throat of a banshee scream, that they will emit whenever they are upset, usually during a bath or nail trim, or when they are excited, say when you come home. 

Shiba Inus are also known for being little drama queens, whether the dog is male or female, and may "shiba scream" for the tiniest indignity on their part.  You may think that they are dying and that it is the end of the world, but 9 times out of 10, it is purely drama.

How much exercise do they need?

Shiba Inus may have been bred for hunting but that doesn't mean they need to run for miles and miles every day or be given a "job" to do like other working, sporting or herding breeds.  The ideal exercise program would be a good 30-45 minute walk or trip to the local dog park each day, regardless as to whether or not a back yard is being provided.  Even if the yard is huge, it can easily become a fish tank for a dog.  A dog needs to travel; it is in their nature.  The walk provides new smells, sights, and sounds that stimulate any dog's brain. 

Regardless of the size of the yard, dogs can become bored with the same old same old day in and day out.  This is actually where most of a dog's destructive habits will arise.  Excessive digging, chewing, or barking are all a form of boredom.  Most of these will cease to exist if a dog is not only properly exercised but also given limited freedom when not supervised. 

Although Shiba Inus can tolerate a variety of weather conditions, they should not be left outside all day long.  If that boredom kicks in, they could not only dig, bark or chew their day away but they could also discover ways to escape their yard and get out.