Shiba FAQs – Colorado Shiba Inu Rescue (2024)

FAQs

At what age do Shiba Inus calm down? ›

Shibas mature around age 2, and that's when their true “Shibaness” comes out. Shibas often are not good family dogs. Unless a Shiba is raised with kids from puppyhood, they often do not like kids. Shibas are very hand-shy and skittish, so kids, who are very handsy, rambunctious and unpredictable freak them out.

The Shiba Inu does require regular bathing and brushing. This bright and dignified dog can be bathed as frequently as weekly up to no longer than every 6 weeks. With this double coated breed, proper bathing and drying techniques lays the groundwork for achieving a beautiful coat.

Shiba Inu are alert, active, and sometimes anxious dogs. Adequate exercise and mental stimulation can help manage their anxiety. The use of food puzzles or toys stuffed with food can provide good mental stimulation for Shiba Inu dogs.

Yes, a Shiba Inu can be left alone for up to eight hours a day, but they would have to be trained for this as they are usually very active and need plenty of exercise.

Shibas happen to be one of the most ancient canine breeds. 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.

Are Shibas High-Maintenance Dogs? Shiba Inus shed heavily and require a good deal of training and exercise. Nonetheless, they don't require a huge amount of care. They're extremely independent and can be left alone for fairly long periods.

Shiba Inus generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! She's a smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or she'll get bored.

While Shibas are not known for their swimming abilities, dogs are generally fond of water. Additionally, Shiba Inus are obedient and can stay still as you sail through a lake or river together.

Most Shiba Inu have curled tails, but the dog may have a less common tail type called a sickle tail. Both tail types curl towards the dog's back, but the sickle tail is less curled. Curled tails, or "ringed tails," are more commonly seen in purebred dogs such as the Shiba Inu.

Shiba Inus dogs stop growing around one year old. If your canine companion is less than a year old, expect them to continue filling out. Most breed members finish their biggest growth spurts by eight months of age and will gradually taper off growth anywhere from 12 to 18 months of age until they are fully mature.

Are Shiba Inus good inside dogs? ›

Indoor. While energetic, Shiba Inu also know how to relax. Shiba Inu love to be clean, and because of this they tend to be easy to housetrain. If given enough physical exercise and mental stimulation, Shiba Inu may do well in an apartment—but if they're bored, they may become destructive.

Shiba Inus are famous for two unusual behaviors: the Shiba Shake and the Shiba Scream. Shibas thoroughly shake themselves all the time from nose to tail tip. The Shake seems to be just business as usual for the breed. They don't do it because they are afraid or as a response to aggression.

Lack of Stimulation

Hyperactivity in dogs causes them to have a lot of physical and mental energy. Thus, the stimulation they need is twofold. They need to get exercise, and a lot of it.

Most Shibas are fairly energetic and love to go for walks. They are not so hyper that they will climb the walls if they don't get daily exercise, but a Shiba owner should be dedicated to exercising the dog, especially if the dog doesn't have an adequate yard in which to exercise himself.

As a highly intelligent breed, Shiba Inus are relatively easy to train. However, their strong-willed nature means that training can sometimes be a challenge as they tend to lose focus and test the boundaries of what they can get away with.

Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Shiba Inu with Calming Herbs Like Chamomile, Passion Flower, Ginger Root or Valerian Root. Many calming supplements exist for dogs that are palatable for dogs, easy-to-feed, and can help quickly relieve your shiba inu's stress and give a sense of safety and calm.