Dog Breeds

Shiba Inu

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

Shiba Inu: A Smart and Loyal Companion

Dog Breeds

Shiba Inu

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

Shiba Inu: A Smart and Loyal Companion

Dog Breeds

Shiba Inu

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

Shiba Inu: A Smart and Loyal Companion

Dog Breeds

Shiba Inu

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

Shiba Inu: A Smart and 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.

Shiba Inu History
Shiba Inu History
Shiba Inu History
Just welcomed a Shiba Inu?
Just welcomed a Shiba Inu?
Just welcomed a Shiba Inu?
Just welcomed a Shiba Inu?

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

Shiba Inu Personality
Shiba Inu Personality
Shiba Inu Personality
Shiba Inu Personality

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.

Shiba Inu Distinct Habits
Shiba Inu Distinct Habits
Shiba Inu Distinct Habits
Shiba Inu Distinct Habits

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. 

Shiba Inu Work Suitability
Shiba Inu Work Suitability
Shiba Inu Work Suitability
Shiba Inu Work Suitability

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

Shiba Inu Training
Shiba Inu Training
Shiba Inu Training

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

Shiba Inu Diet and Nutrition
Shiba Inu Diet and Nutrition
Shiba Inu Diet and Nutrition

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

Shina Inu Physical Characterisitics
Shina Inu Physical Characterisitics
Shina Inu Physical Characterisitics

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).

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

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Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics