Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a plush and perky dog, perfect for any family looking for a loyal companion.

Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a plush and perky dog, perfect for any family looking for a loyal companion.

Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a plush and perky dog, perfect for any family looking for a loyal companion.

Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a plush and perky dog, perfect for any family looking for a loyal companion.

Other Names
Shiba, Japanese Shiba Inu, Shiba Ken.
Other Names
Shiba, Japanese Shiba Inu, Shiba Ken.
Other Names
Shiba, Japanese Shiba Inu, Shiba Ken.
Recognized By
AKC, FCI, UKC, KC.
Recognized By
AKC, FCI, UKC, KC.
Recognized By
AKC, FCI, UKC, KC.
Country of Origin
Japan
Country of Origin
Japan
Country of Origin
Japan
Popularity in the UAE
Moderately popular
Popularity in the UAE
Moderately popular
Popularity in the UAE
Moderately popular
Primary Use
Companion dog, hunting dog.
Primary Use
Companion dog, hunting dog.
Primary Use
Companion dog, hunting dog.
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu
Breed History
The Shiba Inu is a famous dog breed from Japan with a long history that dates back thousands of years. They were bred to hunt birds and rabbits, where they became trusted companions for Japanese hunters.
During WWII, the Shiba population drastically decreased, and several efforts were made to revive the breed. The dogs used were selectively bred to craft the Shiba Inus we now know and love.
The Japanese Government officially declared the Shiba Inu as a national treasure in 1936. From this point on, these dogs have garnered a huge following outside of Japan. Today, these perky dogs have become highly sought after, bringing their unique personality to every home.
The Shiba Inu is a famous dog breed from Japan with a long history that dates back thousands of years. They were bred to hunt birds and rabbits, where they became trusted companions for Japanese hunters.
During WWII, the Shiba population drastically decreased, and several efforts were made to revive the breed. The dogs used were selectively bred to craft the Shiba Inus we now know and love.
The Japanese Government officially declared the Shiba Inu as a national treasure in 1936. From this point on, these dogs have garnered a huge following outside of Japan. Today, these perky dogs have become highly sought after, bringing their unique personality to every home.



Schedule their first vet visit today!
Schedule their first vet visit today!
Schedule their first vet visit today!
Health and Medical Concerns
Cancerology
Cardiology
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Hematology & Immune System
Infectious Diseases
Neurology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pulmonology
Reproduction
Mast Cell Tumors
MCTs are a common type of skin cancer in Shiba Inu dogs. They look like small lumps or inflamed sores. (Maeda, K. et al., 2024).
Soft Tissue Sarcomas
This type of cancer grows mainly in the dog's connective tissues. These lumps feel firm and grow slowly. (Kok MK et al., 2019)
Cancerology
Cardiology
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Hematology & Immune System
Infectious Diseases
Neurology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pulmonology
Reproduction
Mast Cell Tumors
MCTs are a common type of skin cancer in Shiba Inu dogs. They look like small lumps or inflamed sores. (Maeda, K. et al., 2024).
Soft Tissue Sarcomas
This type of cancer grows mainly in the dog's connective tissues. These lumps feel firm and grow slowly. (Kok MK et al., 2019)
Health and Medical Concerns
Cancerology
Cancerology
Cancerology
Cardiology
Cardiology
Cardiology
Dermatology
Dermatology
Dermatology
Endocrinology
Endocrinology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
Hematology & Immune System
Hematology & Immune System
Hematology & Immune System
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases
Neurology
Neurology
Neurology
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Orthopedics
Orthopedics
Pulmonology
Pulmonology
Pulmonology
Reproduction
Reproduction
Reproduction
Temperament and Common Traits




Personality
Shiba Inus are known for their intelligent and independent nature. People often describe them as cat-like since they appear more aloof than affectionate. However, they are deeply loyal to their families.
Shiba Inus are known for their intelligent and independent nature. People often describe them as cat-like since they appear more aloof than affectionate. However, they are deeply loyal to their families.




Distinct Habits
Shibas don't bark excessively. To express themselves, they often use body language and a "Shiba scream." Also, these dogs tend to groom themselves like cats.
Shibas don't bark excessively. To express themselves, they often use body language and a "Shiba scream." Also, these dogs tend to groom themselves like cats.




Suitability for Work
These dogs were initially bred to hunt rabbits and birds. They also made great companions and watchdogs.
These dogs were initially bred to hunt rabbits and birds. They also made great companions and watchdogs.
Lifespan
Shibas Inus live an average of 10 to 15 years.
A healthy Shiba Inu can live anywhere between 10 to 17 years. The oldest Shiba, Pusuke, was able to live 26 years old.
A healthy Shiba Inu can live anywhere between 10 to 17 years. The oldest Shiba, Pusuke, was able to live 26 years old.
Training and Care



Trainability
Shiba Inu puppies are intelligent but known to be independent. Training them is challenging, but with positive reinforcement and consistency, they can be great companions.
Exercise Requirements
Grooming Needs
Living Conditions
Trainability
Shiba Inu puppies are intelligent but known to be independent. Training them is challenging, but with positive reinforcement and consistency, they can be great companions.
Exercise Requirements
Grooming Needs
Living Conditions
Trainability
Shiba Inu puppies are intelligent but known to be independent. Training them is challenging, but with positive reinforcement and consistency, they can be great companions.
Exercise Requirements
Grooming Needs
Living Conditions
Trainability
Shiba Inu puppies are intelligent but known to be independent. Training them is challenging, but with positive reinforcement and consistency, they can be great companions.
Exercise Requirements
Grooming Needs
Living Conditions
Breed Info in the UAE
Adaptability
Legalities
Availability
Heat Sensitivity
Shiba Inu dogs have a thick double coat that can't handle extreme heat. They can be prone to overheating if left under the sun for long periods.
Precautions
Early mornings and evenings are the best times to bring your Shiba out for its daily exercise. Provide fresh water and paw pads if necessary.
Breed Info in the UAE
Adaptability
Legalities
Availability
Heat Sensitivity
Shiba Inu dogs have a thick double coat that can't handle extreme heat. They can be prone to overheating if left under the sun for long periods.
Precautions
Early mornings and evenings are the best times to bring your Shiba out for its daily exercise. Provide fresh water and paw pads if necessary.
Breed Info in the UAE
Adaptability
Legalities
Availability
Heat Sensitivity
Shiba Inu dogs have a thick double coat that can't handle extreme heat. They can be prone to overheating if left under the sun for long periods.
Precautions
Early mornings and evenings are the best times to bring your Shiba out for its daily exercise. Provide fresh water and paw pads if necessary.
Breed Info in the UAE
Adaptability
Legalities
Availability
Heat Sensitivity
Shiba Inu dogs have a thick double coat that can't handle extreme heat. They can be prone to overheating if left under the sun for long periods.
Precautions
Early mornings and evenings are the best times to bring your Shiba out for its daily exercise. Provide fresh water and paw pads if necessary.
Diet & Nutrition
Dietary Needs
The best diet for a Shiba Inu is a naturally balanced meal. This should consist of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Sensitivities
Food Types
Portion Sizes
Dietary Needs
The best diet for a Shiba Inu is a naturally balanced meal. This should consist of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Sensitivities
Food Types
Portion Sizes
Dietary Needs
The best diet for a Shiba Inu is a naturally balanced meal. This should consist of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Sensitivities
Food Types
Portion Sizes
Dietary Needs
The best diet for a Shiba Inu is a naturally balanced meal. This should consist of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Sensitivities
Food Types
Portion Sizes



Suitability as a Pet
Ideal Owners
Shiba Inu dogs need experienced owners who can give the time and energy for training and mental enrichment.
Shiba Inu dogs need experienced owners who can give the time and energy for training and mental enrichment.
They aren't great for younger kids and other pets in the house. However, they can be great for older kids.
They aren't great for younger kids and other pets in the house. However, they can be great for older kids.
Compatibility with Children & Pets
First-Time Owner Friendly
Shiba Inu puppies are not good options for first-time dog owners since these dogs can be stubborn and hard to train.
Shiba Inu puppies are not good options for first-time dog owners since these dogs can be stubborn and hard to train.
Physical Characteristics



Head
Shiba Inus have a well-proportioned head with a fox-like appearance. They have tight lips and a black nose. They have tight lips and a black nose.
Shiba Inus have a well-proportioned head with a fox-like appearance. They have tight lips and a black nose. They have tight lips and a black nose.
Eyes
Their eyes are small, almond-shaped, and dark brown.
Their eyes are small, almond-shaped, and dark brown.
Ears
Shiba Inu ears are set high on the head in a triangular shape. This gives that alert and attentive look.
Shiba Inu ears are set high on the head in a triangular shape. This gives that alert and attentive look.
Body
The Shiba Inu dog’s body is sturdy and broad. Their chest is deep.
The Shiba Inu dog’s body is sturdy and broad. Their chest is deep.
Limbs
Their legs are straight and proportionate to their body, with well-developed muscles for agility and endurance. Their paws are small, round, and cat-like.
Their legs are straight and proportionate to their body, with well-developed muscles for agility and endurance. Their paws are small, round, and cat-like.
Tail
The Shiba Inu’s tail is thick and covered in dense fur. It is also curled tightly over the back.
The Shiba Inu’s tail is thick and covered in dense fur. It is also curled tightly over the back.
Coat
Shiba Inus sport a double coat consisting of a soft undercoat as well as a coarse, straight outer coat.
Shiba Inus sport a double coat consisting of a soft undercoat as well as a coarse, straight outer coat.
Size
Males: 37 to 42 cm (14 to 17 inches), Females: 34 to 40 cm (13 to 16 inches).
Males: 37 to 42 cm (14 to 17 inches), Females: 34 to 40 cm (13 to 16 inches).
Weight
Males: Around 10 kg (22 lb), Females: Around 8 kg (18 lb).
Males: Around 10 kg (22 lb), Females: Around 8 kg (18 lb).



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Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
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Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics
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Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Services
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics
Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.
Services
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics