Shiba Inu Facts - Wisdom Panel™ Dog Breeds (2024)

A double-coated breed, the Shiba Inu has a soft, thick undercoat and straight, stiff outer coat. Its hair stands up to two inches at the withers, with the tail hair being longer and fanning out in a brush.

Shiba Inus come in three colors: bright orange-red, black with tan points, and sesame. The undercoat is cream, buff, or gray. For show competition, Shiba Inus that are black with tan points must have a brownish cast, and borders between the black and tan areas should be well-defined. Shiba Inus with sesame coloring (a rich red background with black-tipped hairs) should have no significant concentrations of black, and sesame areas must be at least half red.

On all three color patterns, "urajiro" is required for show. This cream-to-white undersurface coloring must be present on the sides of the muzzle, cheeks, underjaw, upper throat, abdomen, insides of the ears and legs, and around the ventral side of the tail.

Shibas are independent and reserved with strangers. But with family, the breed is affectionate and loyal. These active, energetic dogs appreciate plenty of activity. And when they get it, they tend to be calm and well-mannered at home.

An adaptable breed, the Shiba Inu, will enjoy hiking in the backwoods as much as walking down crowded urban sidewalks—as long as it's with its people. Shibas can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Shiba Inus have sharp senses, and they're often eager to follow their noses. So, be sure to keep your Shiba on a leash unless there is a secure fence.

A Japanese breed from 300 B.C., the Shiba Inu served hunters by flushing out birds and tracking game—including wild boar. (In Japanese, "shiba" means brushwood, and "inu" means dog.) But the breed's faithful, affectionate personality earned it a spot as a prized domestic dog.

Though once nearly extinct, Shiba Inus bounced back to become the most popular dog breed in Japan. The 1936 Cultural Properties Act declared the Shiba Inu a precious natural product of Japan. The Shiba Inu came to the United States in the 1950s, where it also quickly gained popularity.

Some Shiba Inus are indiscriminate eaters. But others can be picky. It might take some experimentation to find a food your dog likes. Look for a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior). And consider a food formulated specifically for medium-sized dogs.

It's always wise to monitor how much your pup eats to keep their weight in a healthy range. Measuring out meals can help prevent accidental overfeeding. And don't forget to account for treats. As a general rule, they should make up no more than 10% of a dog's calories.

Be prepared to deal with shedding. The Shiba Inu requires regular brushing to remove excess hair. Some owners even use a shop vacuum to remove all the loose hair that seems to fall out in clumps!

Professional grooming is not required (and trimming the coat is prohibited according to the breed standard). But it might be worthwhile to have a pro cut your dog's nails—a necessary task that the breed seems to hate. You should also prioritize regular dental care—including at-home teeth brushing and professional cleanings.