Shiba Inu | Overview, Description, Temperament, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

Shiba Inu | Overview, Description, Temperament, & Facts? ›

Shiba Inu are intelligent and good-natured with family, but tend to be reserved or standoffish with strangers. They are always alert and often protective. While affectionate, they aren't a cuddly dog who needs constant attention.

Shiba Inu's are generally clean dogs which can make them relatively low maintenance. However, Shiba's are capable of large amounts of shedding, predominantly during Spring and Autumn, while their coat does not require trimming. It is recommended to brush your Shiba once a week to remove the extra hair.

Temperament and personality

Typically, the temperament of a Shibu Inu is confident, bold, and good-natured, though they can be slightly stubborn and occasionally affectionate (on the off-chance they feel like it). In general, females tend to be shyer than males, especially around strangers.

They Have Bold, Confident Personalities

The spirited Shiba is a self-assured and versatile breed suited for a variety of activities, from hunting to dog sports. They can be reserved toward strangers but are typically affectionate with family members and people they're familiar with.

Are Shiba Inus Good Guard Dogs? While Shiba Inus have the traits necessary to make fantastic watchdogs, they're less likely to be effective guard dogs.

An adult Shiba Inu can be left alone for up to 8 hours per day. However, some may develop separation anxiety when you leave, which can lead to unwanted destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking, chewing, digging, and even going potty inside the house.

Shiba Inus are extremely intelligent, and that can make them extremely stubborn. In many cases, Shiba Inus will simply refuse to do anything that they don't want to. That can be very frustrating. In order to circumnavigate the stubborn attitude of many Shiba Inus, you will have to motivate them with food.

Because of this fact, they exhibit a trace of their wild ancestry in their temperament. And believe it or not, this dash of “wild” often presents a no-cuddle zone. It's true—Shiba Inus are not so open to free cuddles. This revered breed often maintains a level of distance from unfamiliar faces.

These Japanese dogs are highly intelligent, which can make them pick up on training cues easily. That said, Shiba Inu can be independent-minded and opinionated.

Shibas are relatively quiet dogs and only tend to bark when it's necessary or when they're in a happy, playful mood.

What is the attitude of a Shiba Inu dog? ›

A very confident dog, the Shiba Inu temperament is alert, loyal and lively and they tend to form strong bonds with their owners. However, they can also be quite independent and territorial with a strong hunting instinct.

Shiba Inus can develop anxiety issues and fear, which can eventually lead to biting, scratching, or clawing. If you love your dog, it's easy to feel anxious about your Shiba Inu's anxiety. Fortunately, there are many ways to help your Shibi Inu's anxiety.

Shibas are acutely aware of their environment, including everything and everyone in it, at all times. They are are highly sensitive to loud or strange noises and changes in their environment. They can be quite skittish around new people and environments.

If you're looking for an affectionate dog that loves to cuddle and craves attention, shibas are not it. Hoju pretty much follows us around everywhere, but he'd much rather be a few feet away than in our laps. He only likes being pet on his terms. Shibas are loyal and territorial.

Licking can show affection, empathy, a need for attention and more. Excessive licking could be a sign your dog is anxious or has OCD.

They are dominant with other dogs and do not usually get along well with other "bossy" dogs of the same sex. Many Shibas will, however, get along great with another dog or cat that agrees the Shiba is boss. Shibas can be runners. The Shiba Inu is a natural hunter.

Consistency and a positive approach are key to training a Shiba Inu to do anything--including go potty! The trick will be getting your Shiba Inu to understand what bathroom habits you want him to pick up and to understand where you want him to relieve himself, and to reinforce desirable behaviors and location.

While loyal and affectionate with their families, these dogs tend to be a little suspicious of strangers. Shiba Inus are also expert escape artists!

This can be a challenging breed to take care of so a bit of prior experience can go a long way. Due to their intelligent and independent nature, Shiba Inus can sometimes be quite stubborn. Prospective pet parents should therefore be ready to commit to consistent training which is firm yet gentle in its approach.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Shiba Inu

So, between the durable toys, pet insurance, and more, you can expect to shell out between $67 and $603 a month to keep your Shiba Inu Puppy healthy and happy. If your dog is healthy and active, you shouldn't have to pay over $100 monthly.

Do Shiba Inus have a lot of health issues? ›

Shibas are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes.

They're also known for a high-pitched scream they can often make when they become excited. Although they're not the best choice for first-time owners or families with young children who might test their impatient side, Shibas are a great choice for the more experienced dog owner looking for a loyal companion.