Shiba Inu hail from Japan — archaeologists have unearthed evidence of the Shiba’s ancestors from 7,000 BC. But the specific Shiba Inu breed are thought to have origins around 300 BC. They were used as hunters for game from fowl to game to boar. In World War II, a distemper epidemic greatly reduced the Shiba Inu numbers in Japan, but since then an effort to revitalize the bloodlines to create the modern Shiba Inu breed we know today: highly independent and intelligent.
Apart from color variation, there is just one type of Shiba Inu. The Shiba Inu are the smallest of 6 types of indigenous Japanese dogs.
Shiba Inu live about 12-15 years.
Shiba Inu are small medium-sized dogs, most weighing 15-24 lbs and standing around 13-16 inches tall.
Shiba Inu come in a variety of colors including red, black, black and tan, cream, and brindle.
Shiba Inu shed heavily twice a year, but the rest of the year they shed lightly or moderately.
Shiba Inu need regular brushing with raking-type brushes to keep their coats soft and to help ease shedding. They are very clean dogs, with dirt-repellant coats and a penchant for avoiding puddles while out for a walk.
Your Shiba Inu may be vocal, but not with “barking,” per se. They are more likely to use their patented, fairly hilarious Shiba Inu high-pitched yell/squeal. As with any dog, they can be discouraged from “barking” with proper training and exercise.
Shiba Inu are a fairly healthy breed with a relatively long lifespan. The oldest living Shiba reached 26 years of age!
You can adopt a Shiba Inu at a much lower cost than buying one from a breeder. The cost to adopt a Shiba Inu is around $300 in order to cover the expenses of caring for the dog before adoption. In contrast, buying Shiba Inu from breeders can be prohibitively expensive. Depending on their breeding, they usually cost anywhere from $1,500-$3,500.
There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Shiba Inu puppies. Browse the list of Shiba Inu rescues and shelters near you, below.