At first glance, the Shiba Inu's fluffy coat and small size make him an ideal companion dog for many animal friends. However, sharing th...
At first glance, the Shiba Inu's fluffy coat and small size make him an ideal companion dog for many animal friends. However, sharing the life of an Asian Spitz such as this Japanese dog requires knowledge of the basics of dog education and dog sports.
Shiba Inu Dog Contents
- Original appearance of the Shiba Inu: a fox dog
- Origin
- A clever dog with a strong character
- Shiba Inu Dog Education
- Shiba Inu Puppy: a dog with an iron constitution
- Feeding the Shiba Inu Dog
- Shiba Inu care: did you say hairy?!
- Spending time outdoors with Shiba Inu Puppy
- Would a Shiba Inu suit me?
- Adopt a Shiba Inu Dog
Original appearance of the Shiba Inu: a fox dog
In Japanese, "Shiba Inu" simply means "little dog". Indeed, the Shiba Inu, weighing up to 13 kilos, is the smallest Japanese dog breed among the six recognized by the ICF (International Cynological Federation ). The Shiba Inu's triangular ears, pointing forward, represent its main physical characteristic and underline the attentive expression of its face. According to the breed standard, the Shiba Inu's tail must be dense in hair, curled and resting on its back. The short coat of these dogs may be red, black and tan, or sesame. Sesame means a mixture of red and black hair. All coat colours should have " Urajiro ", white hairs found around the mouth, on the neck, chest, belly and on the underside of the tail and on the inside of the hind legs. Overall, the Shiba Inu has a primitive appearance, reminiscent of foxes, especially in red Shiba Inu dogs.
Origin shiba inu dog
The Shibas Inu find their origins in the mountainous regions of central Japan, where their ancestors served as guard dogs and hunting dogs for small game and birds such as pheasants. During all these years, the breed was not influenced by any outside influences, as there was no breed with which to cross it.
When at the end of the 19th century the British took other four-legged companions to Japan, there were crosses with English Setters and Pointers. Within a few decades, purebred Shiba Inu became rare. In 1928, Shiba Inu lovers began targeted breeding of the breed. A few years later, in 1934, the Shiba Inu breed standard was born. Compared to its ancestors, the Shiba Inu as we know it today is larger and stronger. In 1937, the Shiba Inu breed was designated as a "natural monument" in Japan, which had positive consequences for its development and popularity.
Alongside the Akita Inu, the Shiba Inu is now one of the most popular dog breeds in Japan. But outside its country of origin, this dog remains rare.
A clever dog with a strong character
The Shiba Inu have a strong character! Indeed, these independent dogs find it difficult to submit to orders. Add to this a territorial behaviour, a passion for hunting and a distrust of strangers, be they humans or other dogs.
The Shiba Inu is a good guard dog, rarely barking without good reason. If he has been properly socialized from an early age, he will also be able to integrate well into a group and enjoy being around other dogs.
Provided they have been used to their presence at a very young age, the Shiba Inu befriends mainly the animals that belong to its family. Those who befriend a Shiba Inu can be sure to always have a faithful companion at their side, who scores points for his vigilant yet curious character. Even when overwhelmed by his busy schedule, a Shiba Inu will always remain calm and vigilant, without getting angry.
Shiba Inu Dog Education
Do you have a soul for leadership? Only then will you be able to successfully train a dog of this breed. Because this independent companion almost never shows the will to satisfy his master and considers himself the best leader of the herd, unless you can prove him otherwise!
This is why training the Shiba Inu requires a lot of empathy, experience, consistency and last but not least: a lot of patience. Uncertainty, inconsistency or bad treatment? The Shiba Inu remembers all this and will no longer want to obey you if you behave like this. You will then have to face his particularly dominant behavior. However, if you meet these requirements and you can guide your Shiba Inu clearly, you will have no problem with his education.
Intensive socialization is particularly important for this breed, at puppy and young dog age, so that adult Shiba Inu dogs can tolerate other dogs. Due to their developed hunting instinct, it is not always possible to let your dog walk without a leash. You must be able to regain control of your dog at all times, which requires extensive training.
Shiba Inu Puppy: a dog with an iron constitution
These enterprising Japanese dogs have no predisposition to disease, as long as there has been no incest in the kennel. Even if the risk is low, a robust Shiba Inu is not immune to diseases such as hip dysplasia or conditions such as cataract or glaucoma. If your Shiba Inu comes from a particularly serious breeding, the risks are even lower. Make sure that your dog is not overweight and feed him high quality food with a high proportion of meat. Don't forget that your Shiba Inu must exercise physically! In this way, your companion will be able to reach the age of 15 years.
In very high temperatures, give up any form of sports training with your companion. His dense and warm coat makes life more difficult for him in summer.
Feeding the Shiba Inu Dog
As in other dogs, the teeth and digestive tract of the Shiba Inu clearly prove its carnivorous nature. Whether you opt for canned food or kibble, please ensure that the meat is at the top of the list of ingredients and that the proportion of cereal is low. Kibbles are an easy and relatively affordable option for feeding your Shiba. But if your dog only eats food, monitor the water level in his bowl and make sure he drinks enough throughout the day. Canned wet food is made up of about 80% moisture. Because of its appetizing smell, it is often a favorite with dogs. Naturally, you can alternate between kibble and canned food.
Have you decided to feed your dog according to the BARF diet ("Biologically Appropriate Raw Food" or "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food", raw meat-based dog food) and thus prepare his meals yourself? Make sure you find out about this type of food beforehand, because in addition to raw meat, Shiba Inu dogs need to eat a limited amount of vegetables, vegetable oils, bones and herbs in order to prevent any deficiencies.
As a treat, you can offer your Shiba Inu chewing strips to your Shiba Inu to take care of his dental hygiene.
If you decide to change your dog's diet, proceed in stages. Be aware that an abrupt change of food, at all, can cause indigestion or even episodes of diarrhoea in the most sensitive dogs. Mix your dog's new food with his usual food and gradually increase the quantities of the former. Young dogs need several meals a day: about 3 or 4, depending on their age. The adult Shiba Inu, on the other hand, is satisfied with 2 meals a day.
Do not feed your puppy or adult dog always at the same time of the day, so that he does not get used to these times and is not tempted to bark in the kitchen while waiting for his meal. Always serve your Shiba Inu's meal in the same place, in a quiet and easy-to-clean area. After his meal, your Shiba Inu should be able to rest. It is therefore advisable to feed him after walks.
Shiba Inu Dog care: did you say hairy?!
The fluffy coat of the Shiba Inu consists of very fine top and undercoat hairs. Occasional brushing is more than enough for coat care, as the Shiba Inu's short coat is not prone to tangling. During the two annual molting periods, you will need to brush your dog more often and thoroughly. Four-legged companions shed a lot of hair during these two to three weeks.
In rainy weather or after swimming, the Shiba Inu does not have the typical wet dog smell: a real plus for owners who are sensitive to odors.
A tip for taking care of the Shiba Inu's dental hygiene: in addition to the dried treats you offer your dog, contribute to his good oral hygiene by regularly brushing his teeth. Get your dog used to the toothbrush and toothpaste from a very young age.
Spending time outdoors with shiba inu puppy
In nature, in all weathers: this is the motto of the Shiba Inu. Not surprisingly, long walks are the favorite activity of this Japanese dog. Even in rainy weather, he won't hesitate to go outside. Adult Shibas Inu can also accompany you on a jogging or cycling trip. Set up little by little the right conditions and, above all, keep an eye on his hunting instinct.
A Shiba Inu wants to do exercises that make sense to him, that's why the classic throwing and dragging games are not very suitable for him.
Some dogs of the breed will take great pleasure in practicing disciplines such as dog agility, others will find it of no interest. With your four-legged companion, try out the activities that give you and your dog the most fun!
Would a Shiba Inu Dog suit me?
If you wish to share your life with a Shiba Inu, you should preferably have had some previous experience with dogs, knowing that the breed is not suitable for beginners. Training a Shiba Inu requires time, patience and strong nerves. Moreover, if you are interested in the Shiba Inu, you must be prepared to walk in the wild in all weather conditions, whether it is windy or snowing. If you give your Shiba Inu a good education and enough opportunities to let off steam, he will be able to live in a flat.
Dogs of this breed can get along with children (who are not young) as long as they respect him and give him the opportunity to leave. Some pets only accept Shibas Inu dog when they have been socialised from a very young age. However, this does not mean that you can leave your Shiba Inu alone with your guinea pig! The Shiba Inu is a hunting dog with hunting in its blood.
Think about the possibilities of looking after your dog during your holidays and taking care of him if you fall ill. Nowadays, many hotels indicate that pets are welcome in their establishments. It is therefore perfectly possible to take your dog with you on holiday, provided it has been properly trained. However, do not subject your Shiba Inu to the stifling temperatures of hot countries. He could suffer from the heat. If you have your Shiba Inu kept, make sure it is in the hands of experienced people, so that it does not develop bad habits while you are away. In particular, find out about boarding houses and dugites in your area.
Before you decide to adopt a Shiba Inu, think about the monthly fees in addition to the one-time expenses you will have to pay when you adopt your puppy (the purchase price of the puppy, basic equipment such as bowls, bedding, a leash, harness or collar, grooming and transportation accessories, as well as various toys). Expenses can quickly accumulate in case of illness, inflating the final bill.
Adopt a Shiba Inu Dog
If you have fallen in love with the breed and you meet all the prerequisites for the adoption of these Japanese dogs, start looking for a breeder of the breed.
Make a cross on the offers of puppies without pedigree, because only this document will assure you a purebred dog. Make sure the breeder is a member of an association, which is usually a guarantee of seriousness. The breeding dogs in the kennel must then meet the mandatory criteria to be part of the kennel, such as health criteria and breed specific characteristics.
In addition, the breeder should offer you the opportunity to get to know the puppies and their parents in their environment. All animals should appear balanced and lively to you. The socialization period for Shiba Inu puppies is particularly important and breeders should place great emphasis on this, so that the puppies will later be well integrated and have already encountered many different situations.
If you wish to socialize your dog with cats, it would be ideal to find a breeder who owns felines. As soon as your Shiba Inu is nine weeks old, you can adopt your vaccinated and dewormed Shiba Inu, and his breeder will provide you with a certificate of origin, a European passport and small accessories that will make it easier for him to adapt to his new environment, such as a blanket that carries the scent he knows and a few portions of the food he is used to eating. After the acquisition of your puppy, a serious breeder will be available for any request for advice or information regarding your companion's growth or health.
If you are looking to give a new home to an adult dog, there are several possibilities. Certainly, the probability of finding a purebred Shiba Inu in your city's shelter is low, knowing that the breed is not very widespread. But on the internet, you will surely find Shiba Inu dogs that, for various reasons, have been separated from their families.
We wish you many happy moments with your Shiba Inu Dog!
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