If you’re searching for a new Shiba Inu friend to add to your family, be sure to check this list of things to take note of before you bring one back home!
History of Shiba Inus
Shiba Inus are one of the oldest Japanese dog breeds, and are said to have been around since 300 B.C. ‘Shiba’ means brushwood, referring to either the brushwood bushes of the forests or the dog’s reddish-brown coat, while ‘Inu’ means dog.
This adorable dog was also once a hunter back in the day, and is now the number one dog companion in Japan!
Photo by ttrex on Freepik.com.
Health & Build
Shiba Inus are average-sized dogs, reaching up to around 14.5 to 16.5 inches for males and 13.5 to 15.5 inches for females. Even so, they are generally healthy and quite agile and active. As such, they’ll need plenty of walks and exercise to release all their pent up energy!
As with most dogs, you should still look out for any allergies they might have. Health issues such as hip dysplasia (where the ball and socket of your dog’s hip bone don’t fit correctly, leading to joint deterioration over time) should also be looked out for to ensure that your fluffy friend gets the best treatment they deserve!
Photo by bignai on Freepik.com.
Behaviour
Active and eager, Shiba Inus definitely don’t shy away from showing their affections and loyalties to their owner! Exposing them to socialisation early is a good way to make sure they can extend their boundless energy and care to the people and things around them, and not be overwhelmed by strangers in the future.
Shiba Inus can also be rather possessive, intensely guarding their food and toys, and can also be rather stubborn when it comes to training. So be ready to stay patient when playing and training your fluffy friend!
Photo by alexander132 on Freepik.com.
Shiba Inu care
They have thick double coats and are known to shed quite often, thus combing and brushing them frequently will help to reduce the amount of fur around your house. Bathing is also necessary, but bathing them too often might dry out their skin and coat, so take note of their bath times!
Be sure to trim their nails and brush their teeth regularly as well! Get them accustomed to these sensations from an early age so that they can associate these routines as positive emotions.
Photo by trumronnarong on Freepik.com.
Not HDB-approved in Singapore
The Shiba Inu breed is not one of the HDB-approved breeds, which limits those eligible to own a Shiba Inu breed.
Every breed is unique, and each Shiba Inu also varies in terms of personalities and health, so be sure to do your due research before bringing one to their forever home! Once you know that a Shiba Inu is the best fit for you and your lifestyle, be ready to have a new fluffy pal in your family!
References:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shiba-inu/
https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/shiba-inu#/slide/1
