How big do Shibas get?

They usually range from 13 1/2 to 15 1/2 for girls and 14 1/2 to 16 1/2 for the boys. The measurement is made at the withers or just behind the shoulder blades.  Weight can be anywhere from 15 to 30 lb.   However, it is not uncommon for pets to be smaller or larger than this

 What colors do they come in?

Most breeders only breed for the 3 recognized colors here in the States. Red, Sesame (red with black tips), and Black and Tan. You can also find Creams/Whites, Pintos, and Blacks, but these are not preferred. You lose the expression of the Shiba with these colors and the eye and nose pigment on the Cream color is usually not correct. These colors should not be considered RARE and thus desirable, they are considered serious faults by reputable breeders. Creams are quite common; so don't be fooled by back yard breeders, puppy mills, or pet shops saying they have something special.  Go to COLORS For photo examples.

Will a Shiba run off if allowed off leash?

YES, most likely they will, Shibas were bred to hunt game in Japan and thus their hunting instinct is highly developed. They cannot be trusted off leash EVER because a bird or other animal might catch their eye and ZOOM, your Shiba is gone! Will they come back? It depends on the dog. Most of the time, yes... that is, if they are not hit by a car or killed some other way. It is not worth the risk to ever let them off leash.

I want a dog that I can take to the park and play ball with. Is a Shiba right for me?

Taking any dog to an open park involves some risk unless you have absolute voice control over you dog. That is very uncommon with a shiba.  Even then they are unprotected from other strange dogs.  In the confines your own securely fenced yard you have much less risk and can enjoy playtime outdoors. Shibas do love to play.  That being said, Not all shibas will fetch. It will depend on your shiba.   Some will fetch , about half will bring you back a ball or a toy once or twice, Some will just watch you throw the ball and give you a look as if to say "you go get it, you threw it away" or they will go get it and refuse to give it back or initiate a game of keep away instead with that merry shiba grin.   Shibas love to run and zip around the yard, or house, something shiba lovers affectionately call the Shiba 500. (As in the race, Indy 500)

Remember, a Shibas cannot be allowed off leash, so unless it is a fenced in dog park, no go.  It is very hard to play ball on a leash.  

I want a dog to go hiking, camping, or other outdoor sports. Should I get a Shiba?

That depends; Shibas go camping and hiking all the time. However, they cannot be taken off leash reliably. Many people like to hike without a leash because it gets in the way or is just plain tiring. If you do a lot of hiking, swimming, camping and you want a dog that will just hang around the camp off leash, I really could not recommend a Shiba.  If you don't mind a leashed dog, go for it!

 Do Shibas bark a lot?

Each Shiba is different.  Shibas range from almost silent to alarm barkers.  However, Shibas, in general, are not barkers. They will bark if something is different or strange, or if they feel as though they or their loved ones are threatened.  But, Shibas can make other noises such as screams, screeches, “yodels”, etc. These noises can be made for a variety of reasons: happy, scared, hurt, anxious and while some get their nails trimmed. If can be blood curdling at times and comical at others, depending on the trigger.

 I have a Bird. Will a Shiba get along?

Again, it depends on the bird and the Shiba. If it is a small bird (small parrots and below) I would be very weary of getting a Shiba. I have known too many of these dogs that find their way into a cage and have a nice tasty lunch while you are gone.  I would never leave them together in a room without supervision.   

I have small critters (rodents, ferrets, sugar gliders, etc). Will a Shiba get along?

Most of the time, NO!  Unless you can keep your Shiba separated from your critter, they will seek out and kill them.   They were bred to hunt small game and in their doggie minds, your sweet Guinea Pig is food for Shiba!   Now, there are the rare dogs that show no interest in this, but you would need to get an adult to know for sure how the dog will take to critters.  I have placed There are a few Shibas in homes with several critters, however that is rare.  Most Shibas would sooner eat them than anything else.   

I live in an apartment. Do Shibas do O.K. in apartments?

Overall, YES. As long as they get 2 good walks a day they will be fine. You will need to make sure they have time to run a bit (maybe get a 50-foot leash and take them to the park. This will allow them to run but you still have control). If your apartment is very small and you work long hours, more exercise might be needed. Destructive behavior can occur from boredom also, mental stimulation is equally important.  Toys such as Kongs and Buster Cubes will help a bit, but please make sure you have the time to devote to a dog before getting one!

 Do Shibas Shed?

YES! Two times a year a Shiba will "Blow Coat". By this, I mean a Shiba will loose its undercoat (the soft cotton-like hair under the course guard hairs) and then the guard hairs. It will come out in LARGE amounts and you will swear you have enough hair to stuff several good size pillows! After losing this hair, a Shiba will usually not shed a substantial amount of undercoat again for approximately 6 months but it can vary by dog.

Are Shibas difficult to housetrain?

No, they are exceptionally clean animals who would rather do anything than mess in their bed area. This makes crate training and housetraining easy! However, boys generally do take longer than girls.

Are Shibas very destructive?

Generally, No. As pups, you have the usual puppy chewing but that is it. Shibas do not typically suffer from separation anxiety. Yes, they are very happy you are home, but they don't tear your house apart just because you left them. That being said, I have heard of some Shibas being destructive. I have heard of chewing of drywall, tile, carpet and other horror stories. But, I do find it is because they were either bored or did have separation anxiety. So it does vary by dog and there are exceptions to every rule.  A good deterrent would be to crate train your Shiba or have a Shiba safe area.

Are Shibas Diggers?

Well, It depends on the dog.  Overall, not really.  However, they do dig if there is a reason to dig, such as a critter to get, like a mole.  If you do not, they will only dig because of boredom or to make a nice cool spot to lounge in.  

Do Shibas make good Obedience dogs?

Depends on what you are looking for.   Shibas do not take well to repetitive behaviors. They know what you are talking about and decide whether or not it is worth their while to do it. If sitting means they get a cookie, they will sit instantly! If sitting means they get some praise, well, they might sit and they might not depending on their mood or the situation at hand.    Overall, if you want a dog that obeys each command when you speak it, DON'T get a Shiba!!! If you want a dog that thinks for itself and obeys because it wants to, not because it has to, you are a GREAT candidate for a Shiba.

What health problems should I be aware of when looking for a Shiba?

Shibas, fortunately, are a healthy breed. There are cases of Hip Dysphasia, several different eye disorders, and Luxating Patella (knees slipping out of socket). Less frequently you will find Heart Murmurs and Thyroid Imbalance. Look for a breeder that checks Hips (OFA certification), Patellas (Knees-checked by vet) and Eyes (CERF). Heart and Thyroid would be a bonus, but not always necessary.

What are some things I should know about a Shiba?

Dog Aggressive-

They can be dog aggressive especially to same sex dogs.  That being said many shibas live together in groups with little or no conflict, just be aware that it could be a potential issue.

Socialization is key-

You have to get your Shiba out and about to keep them social. Take them many places and expose them to different people, dogs and situations.  They can become protective of you and whatever they feel is theirs.

Prey Drive-

Must be considered if you have other critters as pets or want a dog who is reliable off leash.  You may also need to watch for dominant or guarding behavior (hovering over a toy and they wont let you have it). You, as a strong but fair leader is paramount.

Education-

Shibas need formal classes.  You really should keep your Shiba puppy in obedience or some form of training class until they are over a year old. This will keep you in control. They are very smart and will manipulate you if given the chance.

Temper Tantrums-

 If a Shiba does not want to do something, they can throw a fit   Anything new or strange can be a challenge for a Shiba. Toe nail cutting, baths, or leash training, can all lead to screaming and flailing. Your neighbors will think you are killing that cute puppy when you first put a collar on him. Shiba owners call it "The Shiba Scream

What do you love about Shibas?

Independent nature-

They are not a dog that hangs on their owners every word, but a dog that thinks for itself.  They like attention, but are not in your face all day long. I love the way they Strut around the house like they own it.

Cleanliness-

They are clean and easy to housetrain.

Security-

Shibas will bark if something is wrong. However, they do not bark at every noise like many spitz breeds.

Size-

They are not to big and not to small. They come in more than one color!

Personality-

How they smile when they are happy to see you and do the "Shiba Dance". They are huge clowns that do things just to make you laugh. They are a challenge to own and easy to love!

Who can resist that foxy face and that curly tail!