| The Shiba Inu is a fearless and bold dog. Originally from | | | | slower than the toenails of the front feet. |
| Japan, this smaller dog keeps herself clean, almost like | | | | Life Span |
| a cat. She may not be trustable with other pets and | | | | The Shiba Inu can live between 13 and 16 years with |
| dogs. She does well with older children, especially if | | | | proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living |
| socialized when young. She needs plenty of exercise | | | | conditions. |
| but can live in an apartment with frequent walks. | | | | History |
| Known as an escape artist, she can tend to roam | | | | The Shiba Inu come from Japan where they were |
| once free. As a reminder, never leave a child | | | | used as a hunting dog. They were first registered by |
| unsupervised with a puppy or dog. | | | | the American Kennel Association in 1997. |
| Approximate Adult Size | | | | Some Registries |
| The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of | | | | - National Shiba Club of America |
| the male boxer is to inches to the withers (highest | | | | - UKC United Kennel Club |
| point of the shoulder) and to pounds. The female | | | | - NKC National Kennel Club |
| ranges from to inches to the withers and to pounds. | | | | - CKC Continental Kennel Club |
| Special Health Considerations | | | | - APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. |
| Most dog breeds have certain inherited health | | | | - AKC American Kennel Club |
| problems associated with that specific breed and the | | | | - FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale |
| Shiba Inu is no exception. Be on the look out for teeth | | | | - NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club |
| problems, patella luxation and Canine Hip Dysplasia | | | | - KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain |
| (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead | | | | - ANKC Australian National Kennel Club |
| to arthritis pain and lameness). This disease list is an | | | | - ACR American Canine Registry |
| informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be | | | | Litter Size |
| significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for | | | | 2 to 3 Shiba Inu puppies |
| a complete list. | | | | Category |
| She should visit the veterinarian several times in the | | | | Non-Sporting |
| first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as | | | | Terms To Describe |
| an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for | | | | Compact, muscular, bold, good nature, dignity, |
| shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and | | | | independent, loyal, affectionate, lively, alert, clean, |
| on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for | | | | fearless |
| check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your | | | | SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| dog sweets. | | | | - Not a barker |
| Grooming | | | | - Keeps itself clean. |
| The Shiba Inu has a double coat. The inner coat is thick | | | | - Easy to housebreak. |
| and soft. The outer coat is straight, short and coarse. | | | | - Good watch dog. |
| She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her | | | | - Good guard dog. |
| maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you | | | | SPECIAL BAD POINTS |
| keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your | | | | - May not get along well with other dogs. |
| emotional bond with her. | | | | - Tends to roam. |
| Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week | | | | - Can be aggressive. |
| with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. | | | | - Some say not a childrens pet. |
| Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and | | | | - Can be an escape artist. |
| tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal | | | | Other Names Known By |
| disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss | | | | Brushwood Dog |
| of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. | | | | Every dog is an individual so not everything in this |
| Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and | | | | information may be correct for your dog. This |
| clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow | | | | information is meant as a good faith guideline only. |