Shiba Inu
Also called Japanese Shiba Inu and Shiba
- Apartment friendly
- Sheds a lot
- Hard to train
The Shiba Inu is a small and agile breed of dog that was originally bred in Japan for hunting small game. They are intelligent, independent, and alert, and make excellent companion dogs.
- Weight
- 15–24 lb (7–11 kg)
- Height at the shoulder
- 13–17 in (34–42 cm)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Exercise
- About 45 minutes a day
- Coat
- Short, Double
- Origin
- Mountainous regions of central Japan, Japan
Traits
Family and friends
- Children: OK with children
- Other dogs: Wary of other dogs
- Strangers: Reserved with strangers
Home and activity
- Energy: Moderately active
- Apartment living: Good in an apartment
- Barking: Barks sometimes
- Training: Hard to train
Care
- Grooming: Little grooming
- Shedding: Sheds a lot
- Drooling: Hardly drools
Temperament
Alert
Bold
Good-natured
Independent
Reserved with strangers
Spirited
Coat colours
Black and tan, cream, red and sesame
Males and females
| Measure | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 18–24 lb (8–11 kg) | 15–20 lb (7–9 kg) |
| Height | 15–17 in (37–42 cm) | 13–15 in (34–39 cm) |
Recognized by
American Kennel Club (AKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), The Kennel Club (UK) (KC) and United Kennel Club (UKC)
Caring for a Shiba Inu
Find pet services near you that suit this breed.
Breeds of a similar size
All small breeds
Sources
- Official Standard of the Shiba Inu (AKC) (opens in a new tab)
- Shiba Inu Dog Breed: Traits, Care, Cost & Photos (opens in a new tab)
- Shiba Inu Dimensions & Drawings (opens in a new tab)
- Shiba Inu Dog Breed and Characteristics (opens in a new tab)
Breed details from The Dog API (opens in a new tab).