Shiba Inu puppies – Cute Fox-like Japanese Dog Breed

Shiba Inu puppies are popular Japanese-bred dogs with a fluffy double coat that sheds heavily each year.  Being a small to medium-sized dog, the Inu puppy is becoming a popular companion with dog lovers in the West. 

Since you are young, Shiba puppies make intelligent and great family pets with proper care and potty training to accompany you with memorable moments. 

This article will help you make a decision and take some notes on health testing standards for a lovely boy of this breed!

Where Is Shiba Inu From?

Unlike most common dog breeds like long-haired dalmatians having their ancestors coming from Western regions, Shiba Inu is a type of dog breed from Japan. 

Initially, this dog breed’s ancestors were raised for hunting purposes, among six other Japanese native dogs’ hunting breeds.

Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu

Although it can be easily mistaken for other dog breeds of the same ancestors like Akita Inu or Hokkaido, Shiba Inu belongs to a distinct line, having utterly different breed characteristics and owning a much smaller size in comparison with the rest.

These puppies own impressive personal traits that are what many people prefer. The Japanese ascribe the independent dog breeds to boldness, good nature, and alertness to describe its characters.

This breed is also a good family dog with loyalty and devotion. When receiving potty training and proper guidelines, it is also a lovey-dovey friend to households with small children.

What does Shiba Inu look like?

Shiba Inu’s striking appearance makes you think of a fluffy yellow ball with a thick double coat that sheds heavily. With a stiff straight outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat, the dog offers great sensation for owners when petting. 

The famous Shiba’s image of yellowish fur color may remind you of an English golden retriever. However, this thick fur layer sheds twice a year, leaving a fur storm on your belongings and furniture.

Daily brushing would save you from the worry of cleaning their fur.

The fluffy coat comes in different orange-like, cream-white, and sesame color shades. We also see white markings on the sickle tail’s tip, forelegs, and hind legs in some individuals. 

Shiba Inu in different colors

Shiba Inu in different colors

The breed’s male often acquires a standard height of 14.5 to 16.5 inches, while it’s 13.5 to 15.5 inches for the female. The females usually weigh around 17 pounds, while the intact males weigh about 23 pounds.

Are Shiba Inu good pets?

This is a good-natured dog with alertness and boldness being the main breed characteristics, which motivate it to have its way of thinking. 

Although spirited, good-natured Shiba may remain calm and affectionate around its guardian, the dog can become suspicious and maintain an alert expression towards strangers.

Related post: Is Miniature Dachshund A Good Pet? 

Are Shiba Inu aggressive?

The little but well-muscled dog always tends to guard things and mark its territory. Sometimes it can be aggressive for Inu puppies to protect their toys, food, and even surrounding space.

The Japanese native breeds also remain a certain distance from other dogs as they don’t enjoy having fun with other dogs. Inu may chase around any smaller animals or moving objects that it considers prey.

Most Shiba Inu shouldn’t be trusted when letting off-leash, for its instilled hunting instinct. You’d better have it in a fenced yard in case it may run away.

Although having a lovely look as samoyed puppies, it is a part of the dog’s breed characteristics to behave aggressively to some extent.

Do Shiba Inus fancy cuddling?

These tiny friends don’t follow well with your instruction as much as the golden retriever does. The dog will come along whenever it is in the mood for it. 

If your puppy doesn’t have an attitude for it, you must give it some time! You may think of it as a spirited boldness, while it’s just one of the breed characteristics when being around humans. 

Spirited, good-natured Shiba does have affection for its owners but only when it wants to express it. Most of these native breed individuals won’t sit on your lap or come at you for hugging, but they become affectionate when they are in the mood.

Do Shibas love their owners?

Being territorial and protective are among the most prominent breed characteristics. Therefore, they tend to express their love for only their guardians. That results in their independent nature and territorial behaviors.

How to pick a matching Shiba Inu?

Temperament is what to look for in a Shiba Inu for it to vibe with you. Several factors will decide whether or not the puppy you pick will be the right match you need!

Heredity, training, and proper socialization are the key factors that shape a well-rounded dog. As puppies, they tend to be playful, curious, and open toward people approaching them. 

Therefore, when picking a young one, you should look for a confident personality that comes at you, not the one hiding in the corner or coming into a fight with their mates.

Shiba Inu puppies

Shiba Inu puppies

Meeting the dog’s wonderful mom is also essential to determine how it will likely behave when it grows up. The whole meeting process ensures the puppy has such a lovely temperament that you will be comfortable around.

Young Shiba also needs early socialization and potty training to cultivate the dog into a more open version over periods. Exposure to the surroundings and obedience training will help it become a less aggressive dog. Therefore, taking a stroll around the neighborhood is ideal for Shiba Inu to be a well-rounded dog.

What are the most common health issues?

This dog breed is a healthy breed with a minor number of possible health conditions. However, they are also susceptible to diseases that can harm their health. It is essential to note these health problems if your puppy can come down with them someday. 

Allergies

Active allergies are a common health condition in dogs. Several factors cause this ailment, including food intake, contact with objects, and inhaled dirt or flower pollen. Treatment varies from diet restriction, medication intake, and environmental changes. 

Some of the most common allergies may include Chylothorax and Glaucoma. 

Chylothorax involves fluid accumulation in the chest captivity. Dogs with allergies may encounter problems like heavy breathing, decreased taste, coughing, skin irritation, and lethargy. Treatment may include removing the fluid through strict diets or requiring surgery in more severe cases.

Glaucoma can happen in primary (hereditary) and secondary (decreasing fluid in the eyes). It may cause vision loss and eye disorders. Treatment will focus on eye drops or surgery for more severe symptoms.

Cancer

Cancer may develop from a sore bump that causes no bleeding but doesn’t seem to heal. Painful bumps may result in abnormal swelling and breathing difficulties. Cancer treatment involves chemotherapy, surgery, and medications.

Epilepsy

The disease is an inherited illness that may cause mild or severe seizures. The attacks’ symptoms include unusual behaviors such as frantic running, staggering, and hiding.

However, remember that seizures can also result from underlying causes other than epilepsy. It’s essential to keep an eye on your dog and have it checked up regularly to maintain your puppy’s optimal health conditions.

Patellar Luxation

This health issue involves the kneecap’s dislocation when the knee joint (often the one in the hind legs) displaces by sliding in and out of place. The disease may cause pain and walking problems, but most Shiba Inu lead everyday lives with this condition.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a disorder that causes several related issues, such as epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy, and dark skin patches. Treatments include strict diets and skin medication.

How to care for my Shiba Inu?

Cute shiba inu puppy sitting in a box of yarn

Cute Shiba Inu puppy sitting in a box of yarn

It is an active dog that loves a spacious yard to roam around. Smaller creatures, especially ones on the run, also trigger the dog breed’s hunting instinct and prey drive. 

Hence having the dog in a fenced yard would be ideal as the dog can run away without notice.

To Shiba Inu, socialization requires a different puppy schedule, especially as a kid. It can become sad or quarrelsome if it doesn’t have a fair chance to access proper socialization. Without an opportunity to explore its surroundings, the dog will become timid and sometimes have depression.

Potty training with Shiba Inu is worth considering since the dog dislikes being restrained. You will have to be extra patient and spend considerable time with him.

You also should take them for regular health tests to avoid potential health risks.

Should I adopt a Shiba Inu?

Although purebred, many Shiba Inu are abandoned by heartless owners. They have to seek shelter in many Inu Rescue. Therefore it is best to adopt a dog that needs care in rescue organizations.

One note to take is to have a health check-up and go for reliable service providers that take good care of those abandoned dogs. Then the adoption process should be easy for you.

Another option for you is to look for breeding programs with breed-standard qualifications. Acquiring this Japanese breed from such places will save you the worry of diseases your dog may have.

Last words

Playful and loyal at the same time, the popular breed Shiba will offer any dog owner great moments and relaxing times after a long working day. Shiba Inu puppies will give you a deep bonding like no other type of dog can. Having such a dog is ideal for those who look for great companionship and loyalty from a pet.

We hope that you understand your baby better with the information provided in this article. If you haven’t adopted one yet, you will have your decision by choosing rescue organizations for one now!

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