He looks just like a fox!
You have probably seen this foxy little dog, walking his little walk around your neighborhood. Or perhaps you saw him at the dog park, strutting his stuff,… or maybe it was at the dog show.
These little foxes are striking. They act like they are on show all of the time, and they stand out wherever they go.
What are they?
Sounds like Sheba Inu, Shibu Inu, Shiba Enu … the one and only Shiba Inu.
The Shiba Inu – What’s That?!
The Shiba Inu is a Japanese dog breed. There are six original distinct breeds of dog from Japan, and the Shiba Inu is the smallest one.
The largest in the group is the Akita. There aren’t many red and white Akitas in the United States, but the few that I have seen, look just like larger versions of the red Shiba Inu. And not in the Schwarzenegger-DeVito sort of way.
Between the Akita Inu and the Shiba Inu, are the medium sized Japanese dog breeds, including the Shikoku, Kai, Ainu, and Kishu. These six Japanese dog breeds have very similar appearance and temperaments. They all belong to the Spitz dog family.
Shiba Inu – What Does It Mean?
The Kanji or Japanese character for ‘dog‘, can be pronounced as ‘Inu‘ or ‘Ken‘. Therefore, Shiba Inu simply means Shiba dog. Sometimes, you will also hear the Shiba dog being referred to as Shiba Ken.
The exact interpretation of ‘Shiba‘, is less clear. It could mean ‘red shrub‘, for the red bushes that grow in the region, where Shibas come from. Alternatively, it could also mean ‘small‘.
The Shiba Inu is certainly a cheeky little red shrub, so both interpretations work out well.
Shiba Inu – What Does It Truly Mean?
I know that discussions of red shrubs are truly riveting, but you probably want to move on to what it truly means to be Shiba, am I right?
Well, you know what they say about red-heads and their fiery temper.
The same is also true of the red-headed Shiba Inu. You may think that you can get around this thorny issue, by getting a Shiba of another color, such as the red-sesame, black and tan, or cream colored versions. However, the Shiba God is indeed one step ahead of you.
Shiba Inus of all colors, have the same fiery red personality.
That is why they are also known as –
- The ‘devil dog’,
- The ‘not for everyone dog’, and
- The ‘honey, why the hell did you get this thing?! dog’.
Indeed, the Shiba Inu is not recommended for first time dog owners.
However, figuring I was smarter than everyone else, or mainly because of lack of research, I decided to get a Shiba as my first dog anyway. It was not an easy first dog experience, but after over a year, Shiba Inu Sephy and I reached a somewhat peaceful state of cohabitation.
My little red shrub still has some thorns, but he is growing some beautiful flowers as well.
Mame Shiba
Standard sized male Shiba Inus tend to range between 20-25 pounds, for an average weight of around 23 pounds. Female Shiba Inus are slightly smaller, and have an average weight of 17 pounds. There are always outliers though.
My male Shiba is a big boy, and comes in at around 30 pounds. He is not an overweight dog, just big-boned.
Recently, some breeders in Japan and the United States have started breeding Mame Shibas, which are essentially smaller sized Shibas. ‘Mame‘ means ‘bean‘ in Japanese, so these are bean-sized Shibas.
Mame Shibas are not recognized by any of the kennel clubs in Japan, or in the United States. As a result, the breeding of Mame Shibas is not regulated, and many of the breeders who sell them, do not breed for health or temperament.
Since the Shiba Inu is already a difficult dog breed to begin with, we want to try and get one that has a balanced temperament. Therefore, it is best to get a Shiba from an accredited club breeder, who has to follow strict breeding guidelines.
Jomon Shiba
The Jomon period is the time in Japanese history from around 14,000 B.C. to 400 B.C. The Jomon inhabitants reared hunting dogs that were a big part of their culture.
Archaeological sites have uncovered well-preserved skeletons of the Jomon dogs, which show that they have prick ears and a sickle tail. Scientists believe these dogs to be the ancient ancestors of the Shiba Inu, and the other five original Japanese dog breeds.
Some breeders in Japan have founded the Shibaho association, to breed dogs with physical characteristics that conform to the Jomon dogs of old.
The Jomon Shiba is a more feral looking Shiba, with a narrower head, and larger teeth. True to their even more primitive roots, Jomon Shibas are more stubborn and less obedient, than their domesticated Shiba Inu brothers.
Given the already high level of stubbornness and willfulness in a regular Shiba, it may be best to stay away from these Jomon dogs.
Shiba Inu – Why Not?
Truthfully, there are many easier and friendlier dog breeds than the Shiba Inu.
The Shiba Inu is independent and aloof. If we want a lap dog who likes to cuddle with us, then the Shiba is not for us.
The Shiba Inu is feisty and active. If we want a calm dog that just lies at the end of our bed, and warms our feet, then the Shiba is not for us.
The Shiba Inu is a dog rebel. If we want an obedient dog that follows our every command, and only lives to please us, then the Shiba is not for us.
Why Do People Get Shiba Inus?
Yeah, they are a bit nuts. Maybe more than a bit nuts. However, once we get beneath that fiery red temper, we will find a rich and deep Shiba soul.
The Shiba Inu is a trickster. He likes to play tricks, and he likes breaking rules. We will never be bored if we live with a Shiba, because he will always be up to something. Sometimes, it is even something good.
The Shiba Inu is a clown. He likes being the center of attention, and he will do much to get to that coveted spot. What he does, will be original, funny, and very entertaining. In fact, Shibas remind me of stand-up comedians. They can easily make others laugh with their crazy hi-jinks, but they have a very sensitive and fragile soul.
The Shiba Inu is a charmer. He can charm birds from the trees, if he wants to. Most of the time, he may not want to, but when he does, look out! It is simply not possible to resist those deep dark eyes, his infectious grin, or roguish charm.
The Shiba Inu is one of a kind. He is not like a regular dog. In fact, many people describe the Shiba as a dog that is more like a cat.
If we want a dog that is a bit different, a dog that will challenge us and grow with us, a dog that will surprise us in both delightful and sometimes non-delightful ways, a trickster, a prankster, and a rogue, but sensitive, deep, and surprising – then the Shiba Inu is the dog for us.
He is like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, except with more fur and without the hat!
Getting a Shiba Inu
Should we get a Shiba Inu puppy?
That would depend on our temperament, lifestyle, and the amount of time we can devote to a new puppy. The Shiba Inu is a challenging dog breed, because he is extremely stubborn, dominant, and smart.
Shiba Inu training is a must, and it can be a very time consuming and frustrating process, especially in the beginning.
Patience and time are two key ingredients, that we will need in abundance.
Shibas are inside dogs, that need the company of their people. A Shiba puppy that is constantly left in his own company, will become stressed, unhappy, destructive, and aggressive.
If you still want a Shiba Inu after all this – then get a puppy from an accredited breeder, or from a Shiba Inu rescue.
Hello Dillon,
It is great that you are doing so much research and thinking carefully about this.
As you already know, Shibas can be very difficult dogs and they need a lot of attention. I spent a lot of time with Sephy and did a lot of training with him but did not notice a big change until after over 1 year. Shiba Sephy just turned 3, and I noticed another big mellowing out around this time. I think it takes time for a Shiba to learn, bond, and mature.
Personally, I think you can enjoy the college experience a lot more without having to worry about a dog at the same time. I had a great time in college, and don’t think I would have had the same types of freedoms and experiences if I had to be responsible for a dog. A dog can place a lot of constraints on your time and schedule, and they can also be very expensive with their yearly shots, teeth cleaning, and sometimes unexpected vet visits.
There will be plenty of time to get a Shiba later on, but now is the time to enjoy college, enjoy new people, and enjoy new experiences. This time in college only comes around once š
HI, I think shiba are are really cute and for the past couple weeks I am really considering getting one. I have contacted most of the local kennels for their opinion and now I am asking yours.
Here is the thing, I am a college student. I would assume by me saying this your first reaction is no, but I have read on many sites, including yours, so I know what I will be getting into. I guess the hardest part would be when I go to school, though If I get one over the summer and push and get as much training in before school starts is there some chance that it will work out?
When I first saw them I wanted one (based on looks), then I thought, that If I got one he/she will force me to play and even get out side, be a better person, and even keeping me away from things that I shouldn’t be doing (i.e. video games).
Even though everyone says shiba are hard to train, I have seen videos on youtube of shibas even off collar! Im going to be very optimistic and shoot for this (thought they are expensive so I most likely not do this).
I study traditional martial arts so I know patients and all of that. PLEASE if you still think this would be a bad Idea let me know I want an honest answer, even If that means I end up not getting one š
Thank you very much!
Hi,
I have a 3 year old shiba inu who has lived with us since he was 8 weeks old. Now I am thinking about adopting a 6 year old female shiba, who has recently been retired from breeding. I really like the idea of giving this older dog a new home, and a new life. My only concern is that she won’t bond with our dog, who is the current lord and master of our house. Any advice or suggestions would really be appreciated!
Thanks,
Hi Mina,
Kudos to you for adopting an older dog.
Some things that may help –
1. First let them meet on neutral ground (e.g. a quiet park or school field)
2. Go for a walk in the park and see how they act while walking with each other.
3. Female Shibas tend to be a lot more dominant than the males, so it is important to supervise all their interactions in the beginning to make sure that nobody is getting bullied. It is best when both dogs learn that it is the humans who set the rules, and do the disciplining.
4. Consistency and fairness are key. Usually when I reward my dogs I reward them both. I also do obedience with them together so they learn to work together. They get better rewarded when they work together š
5. I also make sure that each dog gets quiet time when they want it. My Siberian is a ball of energy, so I will stop her from bothering my Shiba when he has had enough and just wants to rest.
Hope this helps. Congratulations on your new Shiba! Let us know how it goes.
Greetings!
I have been looking forward to getting a shiba for a long time but I’m not sure what is the right timing to get one. I’m moving into a new apartment in June and then starting a new job in July, so I’ll have a good month of free time. Would this be a good time to get a puppy so I can train and bond with it before I start work or would it be better to be settled in the working routine (8am-4pm) first?
Thanks!
Hello Andrew,
Sounds exciting! Congratulations and good luck on your new job.
Personally, I would wait until things have settled down to a regular routine. If you spend a lot of time with the puppy initially, and then suddenly change to a different routine, the puppy may get stressed and anxious because of the big change.
My Shiba really wants to have a fixed routine or he starts to worry and becomes unhappy.
You deserve a holiday first anyway – once you get your Shiba there will be little time left for yourself š
Mine was a holy terror for the first 6 months, and a regular terror for the 6 months after that. š
Hi there. We have a rabbit problem in our backyard and Reptar goes crazy eating the rabbit poop. I would like to use some sort of deterrent to try to get the rabbits out of our yard however am having a hard time finding something that is safe for my Shiba in case he ingests it as he loves to put everything in his mouth. Blood meal is often used to deter rabbits and is also safe for the gardens. I have read mixed reviews on if it is safe for household pets. Do you have any information on Blood meal or any recommendations to get rid of the rabbits.
Hi Colleen,
We had some problems with earth critters (voles and their other rodent friends) when we moved in. After we just put in a new lawn, it looked like it was about to get eaten š
We tried Shake Away – which only had natural ingredients. Supposedly the smell will keep away the critters – but it didn’t really work very well. They would stay away from one hole for a small bit, but then another hole would sprout out close to it.
It really looked kindda bleak, but then – suddenly – they all disappeared. It was because my Siberian started spending a lot of time outside and she would keep the critters out, as well as mark all over the lawn. She is great at keeping the backyard clear. Shiba Sephy is pretty lame because he doesn’t like marking at all in the backyard, is to lazy to chase after the critters, and even if he did magically find one, he wouldn’t really want to touch it.
I have not tried blood meal so I don’t know much about it.
Try posting on the nihonken forum, maybe other Shiba owners have tried it and can give you more information.
http://www.shibainuforum.org/forum/
Hello again,
Seem like our puppy is growing out of her crate .. She has doubled her weight at the 4 months mark . she is now 8 lbs and doesn’t seem to fit her crate very well. Does anyone know what the best size crate will be at adult age ?
Hi Eric,
I have the medium sized crate (36 inches long) for my Shiba. But he is a big Shiba and weighs about 32 pounds. Females will probably be smaller than that.
Most Shiba owners that I know of go with 30 or 36, and use dividers if necessary.
Shibas grow really fast in the first few months as you have noticed, but things really trailed off for Sephy after about 5-6 months. Just to be sure – you mean 18 pounds right? š
My male shiba, Kai, is 4 years old, and had been well behaved till about 3 months ago when he became more resistance to our command. he does not want to go for a walk, he sleeps all day, and he relieve himself in the house for no good reasons. you website is very educational and i learned a lot. But I wonder if you have dealt problems like these. Thanks,
Hello Shuan,
I would take him to the vet as soon as possible. Shibas generally hate relieving themselves in their living space – so it could be something physical. A vet will be able to tell and give you peace of mind.
Hope your Shiba is ok- let us know what the vet says.
I really want a shiba inu, but I don’t know where to buy/adopt one! I want it to be healthy, a orangeor red female puppy,not named, 11 weeks or under and not a SCAM! I have no clue where to get one in New York! Please HELP ME!!!
Hello Angelina,
If you are looking to adopt a Shiba Inu, here is a list of Shiba Rescue organizations. There is a great Shiba rescue in NYC –
http://nycshibarescue.org/
You can get a lot of information from the people who run Shiba rescues. They all have great love for the Shiba breed, and have had a lot of experience with Shiba Inus.
If you are looking to buy a Shiba puppy I would only get one from an accredited AKC breeder. Here is the breeder list –
http://www.shibas.org/breeders.html
They also have a useful article on how to choose a breeder.
Here is an article I wrote on where to get a puppy.
Please let me know if you have more questions.
I have a black and tan shiba inu. she is one year old,very friendly, and well trained. although, when I leave her alone at home she always ends up chewing somthing up, shoes,rolls and rolls of toilet paper,the legs of chairs. I have tried locking her up in a kennel,i have bought her chew toys, she just doesnt want to listen. any suggestions on what i can do?
Hello ShibaGirl,
What you describe sounds like separation anxiety. My Shiba really likes routine, and can get very stressed when I leave him alone unexpectedly, or for longer periods than expected. When my Shiba gets stressed, he starts chewing on things to relieve stress.
Do you only leave your Shiba alone when you go to work? Is it always at the same time? Is it always for the same period of time? When did this behavior start, or has it always been that way?
If it is separation anxiety, then you want to try and desensitize your Shiba to being alone for short periods of time at first, and then slowly lengthen the duration. Hiring a dog walker or doing dog daycare may also help.
Hello Toni, Yeah Shibas are great fun to live with. Never a dull moment because they have so much personality and are always doing something new and unexpected. š I always tell people – depends on what you want from your dog. If you want an obedient type, then don’t get a Shiba! lol
PARTY ON, DUDES!!! š