Shiba Inu
Cat-like and independent
Shibas 101
Non-SportingThe Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed of a type thought to be centuries old. They are confident, intelligent and independent, often called “cat like” by their fans. Shibas love their families, but they are generally disinterested in people they don’t know.
What we love about Shibas
Great dog for cat-lovers, neat and independent
Because of their independent nature, training a Shiba requires patience and consistency, and is best accomplished with an early start. Starting socialization early will also help, teaching young Shibas to better tolerate the sights, smells and sounds of modern life. Some have a high prey drive that may make them incompatible with smaller family pets.
Energy level
Energy level: 75% (High)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively
Size
Size: 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall. This is a Small sized Dog.
- Energy level
- High (75%)
- Bark level
- Talkative
- Height
- 13.5 to 16.5 inches
- Lifespan
- 13 to 15 years
- Weight
- 17 to 23 lbs
The Shiba Inu stands 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall and weighs 17 to 23 lbs. Shiba Inus have a lifespan of 13 to 15 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a talkative bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Shiba Inus get?
- Shiba Inus stand 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall and typically weigh between 17 and 23 pounds.
- How long do Shiba Inus live?
- The average lifespan of a Shiba Inu is 13 to 15 years.
- Are Shiba Inus good for first-time dog owners?
- Shiba Inus are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do Shiba Inus bark a lot?
- Shiba Inus are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This Shiba Inu health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Shiba
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Mid-life Shiba Inus should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Seizures is at moderate risk.
- Seizures
- Moderate Risk
- Skin allergies
- Above Average Risk
- Luxated patella
- Above Average Risk
60% on risk scaleSenior Shiba
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Senior Shiba Inus face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Hypothyroid disease and Seizures are at moderate risk.
- Hypothyroid disease
- Moderate Risk
- Seizures
- Moderate Risk
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- Above Average Risk
Shiba puppy
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Shiba Inu puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastritis and Foreign body ingestion pose very high risk.
- Gastritis
- Very High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Very High Risk
- Skin allergies
- Above Average Risk
Young adult Shiba
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
As Shiba Inus grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Toxicity is at moderate risk.
- Toxicity
- Moderate Risk
- Skin allergies
- Above Average Risk
- Gastritis
- Above Average Risk
Mature adult Shiba
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Mid-life Shiba Inus should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Seizures is at moderate risk.
- Seizures
- Moderate Risk
- Skin allergies
- Above Average Risk
- Luxated patella
- Above Average Risk
Senior Shiba
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Senior Shiba Inus face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Hypothyroid disease and Seizures are at moderate risk.
- Hypothyroid disease
- Moderate Risk
- Seizures
- Moderate Risk
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- Above Average Risk
Shiba puppy
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
Shiba Inu puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastritis and Foreign body ingestion pose very high risk.
- Gastritis
- Very High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Very High Risk
- Skin allergies
- Above Average Risk
Young adult Shiba
Risk level for common Shiba conditions
As Shiba Inus grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Toxicity is at moderate risk.
- Toxicity
- Moderate Risk
- Skin allergies
- Above Average Risk
- Gastritis
- Above Average Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your Shiba Inu's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 6 months)
- Gastritis: Very High Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Very High Risk, Skin allergies: Above Average Risk
- Young Adult (7 months to 3 years)
- Toxicity: Moderate Risk, Skin allergies: Above Average Risk, Gastritis: Above Average Risk
- Mature Adult (4 years to 5 years)
- Seizures: Moderate Risk, Skin allergies: Above Average Risk, Luxated patella: Above Average Risk
- Senior (6+ years)
- Hypothyroid disease: Moderate Risk, Seizures: Moderate Risk, Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Above Average Risk
The Shiba Inu is an internet star with large followings on social media and a famous meme. It’s also one of the oldest of dog breeds. The versatile hunter goes back thousands of years, and once was recognized in three varieties named for the region they came from. The Mino, the Sanin, and the Shinshu were all used in the modern breed, but after World War II the three varieties became one.
Shiba Inu coat care and colors
The Shiba Inu has a soft, downy undercoat and stiff overcoat of medium length. Combing down to the skin helps shedding. A heavy seasonal shedder, the Shiba benefits from professional bathing and a “blowout” a couple of times a year. The breed comes in four recognized colors, harkening back to the regional varieties that became a single breed.
Avoid wrestling matches in adult dogs at nail trim time by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails attended to. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming.
Should I cut my Shiba Inu’s hair?
Should I cut my Shiba Inu’s hair?
What helps control shedding in dogs?
What helps control shedding in dogs?
How often should I bathe my Shiba Inu?
How often should I bathe my Shiba Inu?
Shiba exercise & training
Shiba fun facts
Top girl names for Shibas
of Shibas are female
of Shibas are male
Top boy names for Shibas
Nationwide loves Shiba Inus of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among Shiba Inus insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
Shiba Inu statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Shibas
Best. Shiba Inu insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free