How to Choose a Shiba Inu Puppy

Co-authored by Shawn Riley

Last Updated: March 13, 2023 References Approved

The Shiba Inu is a breed of dog native to Japan. The dogs were originally bred to hunt in mountainous areas of the country for wild game like boar. Despite their smaller size, these confident dogs were also known for hunting bears. The breed has a reputation for being loyal and affectionate. However, like other breeds of dogs, the Shiba Inu also has temperament issues that need to be considered. If you are considering a puppy, you should make a considered decision about whether a Shiba will be right for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Deciding if a Shiba Inu Is Right for You

1
Consider the breed's hunting instinct. Shiba Inus were originally bred as hunting dogs who flushed out small game (birds) and occasionally larger, more dangerous game (wild boars).^{[1]
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Research source} However, today, they are primarily owned as loyal companion animals, not hunting partners. Still, despite the Shiba Inu's small size (Shibas weigh in at between 17 and 23 lbs.), it is a strong and bold dog with a strong prey instinct.^{[2]
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Research source} Shibas are known to escape fencing or run away off-leash if they see something they want to chase. They are agile and stronger than they look, so they will need obedience training.
2
Be aware that training can be a challenge.^{[3]
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Research source} Shibas are highly intelligent dogs, but unlike other breeds, they often use their intelligence to their own ends, to get one up on their owner. Some owners report that their dog seems to "plot" and devise ways to outwit them or to overcome restrictions or training. In short, the Shiba Inu is not always an easy dog to train. However, if you have experience with dogs and are looking for a challenge, training a Shiba can be a fulfilling experience. Watching how they put their sharp minds to use can be a delight.
- The ideal Shiba owner has a lot of patience and plenty of time to devote to training. The breed has working origins, and this energy is often directed in destructive ways by bored dogs. Be ready to train the dog not to chew through possessions or escape from enclosed yards.
- Keep in mind that, just like people, there are always individual dogs that break generalizations. Some Shibas are compliant and fit in easily.
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3
Know that this is an independent breed.^{[4]
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Research source}^{[5]
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Research source} Shiba Inus have a reputation for being more like a cat than a dog. They are content in their own company and independent minded. This lack of motivation to please people can also make training more challenging, as they don't need the reward of human attention as much as some other breeds.
- The breed's independent spirit is a beloved trait among Shiba owners. These are not slavish dogs who fawn over people, but dogs who project an aura of dignity and composure.^{[6]
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  Research source}
4
Reconsider the breed if you want a cuddly dog.^{[7]
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Research source} Most Shiba Inus are very particular about their bodies. They can be "drama queens," in that they overreact to minor health problems. Even with minor pain, they can release a particularly piercing scream. Beyond a pain response, though, many Shibas don't like being touched or lifted up, and most won't curl up on the couch with you to cuddle like some breeds will.
- Shibas are a good option for owners who don't want the constant body contact you might get from cuddlier breeds. A Shiba Inu will be loyal and loving without crowding your physical space.
5
Beware the Shiba Inu's reputation for aggressive reactions. As stated, Shibas prefer to be left alone physically, and they have a tendency to be aggressive and bite if their personal boundaries are overstepped. Thus, they are not the best breed to have with young children. They also tend not to tolerate other pets well, and are known to chase and herd dogs they perceive as weaker than they are.^{[8]
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Research source} They tend to be possessive with their belongings and food, and will need to be monitored, especially if other pets or small children are in the household.
6
Consider whether you want a male or female. Anecdotally, male Shiba Inus are typically more playful and interactive than females. Females tend to be more laid back and less attention seeking than their male counterparts. Choose the sex that aligns more closely with what you want from your pet.
7
Be prepared for coat maintenance.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} While most Shiba Inus don't shed year-round, they shed consistently in the spring and fall for a couple of months at a time. Be prepared for a snowstorm of hair at these times. They have a dense double coat; you'll want to brush weekly in order to spread its natural oils and keep the top coat in good order. If you're willing to put in a little effort and put up with some shedding, you can enjoy a Shiba's gorgeous coat.
8
Think about the breed's predicted life span and health concerns. Shiba Inus have a general lifespan of about 12 to 15 years.^{[10]
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Research source} One of the biggest health concerns for Shiba Inus is chronic allergies, which result in extreme itchiness. There is no cure for allergic conditions, but they can be controlled. Treatments, however, can be costly. They also are prone to develop hypothyroidism and cataracts. While Shibas have been known to have hip dysplasia, they aren't as subject to this as some larger breeds. It is also thought that the Shiba Inu has a higher incidence of seizures and epilepsy that the average dog. If you're considering the breed, make sure you can afford to care for your pet should these problems develop.
9
Don’t overlook their character strengths. The list of traits gathered here might look negative, but they are only intended to warn the uninformed about potential problems. Shiba Inus have strong personalities, and are extremely loyal companions when they bond with their owners. Fans of the breed are completely smitten with them.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing a Healthy Puppy

1
Look for a trustworthy breeder. A good breeder will allow you to see all puppies and dogs at any time. They should be happy to have you look round, and indeed be proud of their facilities. They should also have a return policy — a breeder who won't let you return a puppy for any reason isn't taking responsibility for the animals they breed. A responsible breeder also won't breed an excessive amount of litters in a year's time.
- Make sure the mother is up to date with her vaccinations, and that the puppies started their routine parasite treatments at 4 weeks of age.^{[11]
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  Research source
  In Defence of Dogs. John Bradshaw. Publisher: Penguin.}
- Search the American Kennel Club's "classifieds" for Shiba Inus available from AKC-approved breeders near you.^{[12]
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2
Know the hallmarks of untrustworthy Shiba Inu breeders. In general, you should stay away from breeders who adopt out puppies before 8 weeks of age. Puppies under this age are too young to be safely weaned from their mothers, and no responsible breeder would attempt it.^{[13]
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Research source} Kennel conditions that are dirty or too crowded can also be signs of poor breeding practices and standards.
- Rule out a breeder who can't provide you with health check information on his puppies.
- Likewise, if you are not able to see the mother, walk away. No matter how legitimate an explanation they furnish about why she's not available, don't get taken in. This is a classic ploy of shifty breeders and puppy mills. Buying a puppy from them only encourages their immoral trade.
3
Assess each puppy's health. Even if you're dealing with a reputable breeder, you need to be on the lookout for sickly or otherwise unhealthy puppies. The main physical characteristics you need to assess are:^{[14]
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Trustworthy Source
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty
Go to source}
- Energy: the puppy should not appear sluggish, but alert and high-energy
- Clear eyes and nostrils: there should be no discharge or crust around them
- Breathing: the puppy should not cough or sneeze excessively, and breathing should be quiet
- Cleanliness: the puppy should have a clean genital area, with no fecal matter or pus visible or smell
- Weight: the puppy should be rounded with baby fat over the ribcage
- Coat: the coat should be clean and glossy, with no dullness or dandruff. Greasiness or bald patches are a warning sign.
- Hearing: clap your hands behind the puppies head to make sure it reacts and turns toward the sound
- Vision: roll a ball slowly near the puppy (within its field of vision) to make sure it notices the movement
- Legs: observe the puppy's walking and running for signs of limping, stiffness, or soreness
4
Evaluate the parents' appearance. Especially if you're choosing a puppy you plan to show, it's important your puppy adhere to breed standards. It can be hard to tell how a puppy will develop as it grows, but its parents will give you an idea of what the puppy will look like as an adult. A partial summary of AKC standards for Shiba Inus includes:^{[15]
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Research source}
- Size: Males stand 14.5-16.5" at the withers and weigh about 23 lbs. Females stand 13.5-15.5" and weigh about 17 lbs.
- Head: Shibas should have a confident gaze with dark brown irises rimmed with black. The forehead is broad, flat, and slightly furrowed, and the muzzle's bridge is straight. There should be no over- or underbite in the teeth.
- Body: The back is level from the base of the neck to the tail. The body is well-muscled, with a chest depth (from withers to lowest point of the sternum) of half or slightly less than the dog's height from withers to the ground. The tail should have a single, not a double, curl.
- Coat: the only acceptable colors are red, sesame, or black.^{[16]
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  Research source} The outer coat is stiff and straight, while the undercoat is soft and thick.
- Dogs with over or underbites, males over 16.5" or under 14.5", and females over 15.5" or under 13.5" are disqualified from showing.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Assessing the Puppy's Personality

1
Examine the litter as a whole.^{[17]
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Trustworthy Source
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty
Go to source} When picking out a puppy, it's important to see the whole litter and assess how the puppies interact with each other. Shiba Inu puppies should be curious and unafraid of people. Look, too, for good play interaction between puppies, and avoid considering puppies that are shy and skittish. In general, a puppy with a temperament that is neither too aggressive nor too shy is a good pick.
- In particular for the Shiba Inu breed, aggressive, bullying puppies have the potential to become aggressive adults.
2
Don't get distracted by how cute the puppy is. Baby Shiba Inus can look like little teddy bears. However, don't let their appearance distract you from the task of assessing personality.
3
Look for a puppy who is naturally curious about people. Make a mental note of whether he approaches you of his own accord, and how long he then spends with you. This helps you know how friendly he is and how much he enjoys human company.
4
Make sure the puppy is well-socialized.^{[19]
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Research source
Canine Behaviour: A guide for Veterinarians. Bonnie Beaver. Publisher: Saunders.} Socialization is the process of exposing puppies to all manner of different experiences from 3 weeks of age up to 18 weeks. What the puppy encounters at this age, he learns to accept, and this makes a well-adjusted, confident puppy. Socialization is critical for any puppy, but more so for Shibas. They have a strong personality and are prone to expressing their own opinion. The last thing you want is a fearful or anxious dog that may use its nervous energy for destruction.
- Puppies should have, at minimum, 1.5 hours of human interaction per day.
- Ideally, choose a puppy that’s been raised within the home/ house, rather than in a kennel. This is beneficial because the puppies are exposed to the regular sights, sounds, and smells of domestic life from the beginning of their lives.
- Puppies raised in outdoor kennels are more isolated from normal life. Given the Shiba Inu's tendency to be independent, the breeder must work hard to make sure the puppies are well socialized.
5
Test his trainability. Though it's hard to tell how a dog is going to be when it grows up, you can get a little sense of it even at this young age. Offer him a toy to play with, then see how easy or hard it is to take it back. Perhaps try offering him a treat in exchange for the toy. This helps you know how he might respond to training, or whether you'd have a battle on your hands.
6
Perform a simple test for aggression.^{[20]
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Research source
In Defence of Dogs. John Bradshaw. Publisher: Penguin.} Roll the puppy onto his back and gently hold him in that position. While there's some disagreement about the usefulness of this test, many experts have used it as a predictor of how aggressive the puppy will be as an adult. If the dog growls and tries to fight you off, it's possible he's more likely to become aggressive. If he lays there completely passive, (unlikely in a Shiba!) then he's likely to be overly submissive. A healthy reaction is somewhere in between, where the puppy wriggles trying to right himself but doesn't growl or snap.

Expert Q&A

Question

Is it common for shibas to have short tails?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

I believe the breed standard is that trademark 360 curl in the tail, like carrying a furry donut on the back! When uncurled, the tail should reach to the dog's hock (the ankle joint.) It is a recognised trait (although not necessarily desirable from a showing point of view) to have shorter tails.