Shiba Inu Dog Breed Information Including Average Size, Age and Country of Origin

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Physical attributes

  1. Height: ranges from 33cm / 13 inches up to 41cm / 16 inches.
  2. Weight: ranges from 7kg / 15lbs up to 14kg / 30lbs.
  3. Typical fur colours: red, black & tan, cream.
  4. Eye colour: brown.
  5. Size category: small.

Health attributes

  1. Common health problems: hip dysplasia, eye problems and allergies.
  2. Usual longevity: 12 to 15 years.
  3. Hypoallergenic? No.

Shiba Inu breed behavioural traits

  1. Character traits of a Shiba Inu: The Shiba Inu usually exhibits character traits that include alert, keen, confident and faithful.
  2. Shiba Inu obey scale: In percentage terms, the Shiba Inu typically scores around 50% on the obey scale.
  3. Trick repetitions required: In terms of how many times the Shiba Inu needs to learn new tricks, expect between 26 and 40 repetitions before they pick things up.
  4. Intelligence category: The Shiba Inu sites in the above average category when it comes to intelligence.
  5. Suitability for children: If you have kids, it’s worth knowing that the Shiba Inu is moderately suitable for children.

The Fascinating Background and History of Your Shiba Inu

These spirited, fox-like dogs have quite a story to tell! The Shiba Inu’s history stretches back over 2,500 years to the mountainous regions of Japan, where they earned their reputation as fearless hunting companions. Despite their current classification as a non-sporting breed, these clever canines were originally bred to flush out small game and birds from dense undergrowth.

Back in ancient Japan, Shibas worked alongside hunters to track and pursue prey through challenging terrain. Their compact size, agile nature, and keen senses made them perfect for navigating the brushy hillsides and forests of their homeland. These traits remain evident in modern Shiba Inus, who often display their natural hunting instincts during playtime or walks.

While they’re now beloved family companions, Shiba Inus possess moderate working abilities and intelligence that reflect their hunting heritage. They’re known for having an independent streak that can make obedience training interesting – but don’t let that fool you. These dogs are quite capable of learning and excelling in various activities when properly motivated. Their intelligence level sits comfortably in the middle range, making them neither too challenging nor too simple to train.

The breed faced near extinction during World War II, but dedicated Japanese breeders worked tirelessly to preserve these special dogs. Today’s Shiba Inus are testament to their success, maintaining the same alert temperament and distinctive features that made them valuable hunting partners centuries ago. While they may not be chasing game birds anymore, they’ve adapted wonderfully to modern family life while keeping their spirited personality intact.

Their evolution from skilled hunting dogs to cherished household pets showcases the breed’s adaptability. Though they’re now categorized in the non-sporting group by major kennel clubs, these dogs haven’t lost their sharp minds and athletic abilities. Many Shiba owners find their pets excel in agility courses and other dog sports that tap into their natural capabilities.

Typical costs for buying and owning a Shiba Inu

  1. Typical purchase price: £703. (Ranges from £514 to £1,106).
  2. Expected lifetime cost: £14,789.
  3. Food costs per year: £973.


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