Shiba Inus are cute and adorable, but they are also very energetic and playful. They love to play and get along well with other animals.
If you want a dog that is friendly, intelligent, and loyal, then a Shiba Inu might be the perfect fit for you.
Shiba Inus are medium-sized dogs that weigh between 30 and 40 pounds.
They come from Japan and are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature.
A Shiba Inu is a great choice for anyone who wants a dog that is smart, loving, and fun.
These dogs are excellent family pets and make wonderful companions. Are they suitable for apartments though?
We took a closer look and put together the ultimate guide to help you make your choice.
Breed Standard
The breed standard for the Shiba Inu was written by the Japanese Kennel Club in 2007. It describes the characteristics of the breed as follows:
Appearance
Shiba Inus have short legs and long bodies, and typically weigh from 25 to 35 kilograms and stand at least 30 centimeters tall.
Their heads are triangular, with wide foreheads and rounded ears, with dark brown eyes, and black noses.
Their coats come in various colors, including red, white, black, tan, blue, chocolate, and sable, and they may have a single coat or two different colored coats.
Temperament And Personality
Shiba Inus are lively, energetic, playful, and active dogs.
They love running around and playing games, and are always up for something new, and they get along well with other dogs, as well as being good with kids and older people, provided that they have been trained and socialized properly.
They are also very sensitive and will react badly if they feel threatened or scared.
Shiba Inus are also very social and friendly dogs, so they will enjoy being around other animals.
They are super curious – especially around other dogs, cats, and small children.
And while supervision is important, it should be noted that their curiosity usually remains pretty curious – these are not dogs with a reputation for being aggressive towards other dogs, cats, or small children.
These dogs are also very loyal and protective, and will defend their owners fiercely against any threat, but are also very gentle when there is no imminent threat of danger.
They are very affectionate and will give lots of kisses and cuddles when they see their owner.
History
The first Shiba Inu was born in Japan in 1879, and the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1990.
Today, there are more than 1 million Shiba Inus living in Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and elsewhere.
Size
As far as size goes, Shiba Inus are usually smaller than many other breeds of dog.
Their height ranges between 30 and 40 inches, while their weight varies between 30 and 40 pounds, depending on the individual.
The average life expectancy of a Shiba Inu ranges between 12 and 15 years, although some individuals live longer than others.
Health
As far as health goes, Shiba Inus are generally very healthy dogs.
They tend to develop problems such as hip dysplasia, which is common among all breeds of dog, and allergies, which are often triggered by environmental factors such as dust mites or pollen.
However, these problems are rarely severe, and most Shiba Inus are able to lead full lives without having to undergo surgery or medication.
Training
Shiba Inus can be trained easily, and are highly intelligent dogs.
If you want a dog that is easy to train, has a strong sense of loyalty, and is eager to please, then this is definitely one of the best breeds of dog for you.
These dogs are extremely smart and learn quickly. They are also very obedient and respond well to training.
As soon as they understand what you want them to do, they will follow your instructions automatically.
Are Shiba Inus Good Indoor Dogs?
The first thing you need to know about living with a Shiba Inu is that these dogs can be quite active.
They love playing and getting exercise, so if you don’t have much space in your apartment or yard, or the time to enjoy long, active walks each day, then this may not be the best breed of dog for you – Shiba Inus will require daily walks and plenty of time outside.
While these dogs are quite good at getting exercise on their own – provided that they have plenty of space – they do like to play with people too and need a lot of stimulation to remain happy, healthy, and content.
If you live in an urban area, they will probably need more room than most breeds of dogs.
This means you should consider buying a house with a garden or large outdoor space or be prepared for plenty of walking, instead of renting an apartment.
In the event that you do choose to bring them into an apartment, you will need to provide them with enough space to run around and play.
A fenced-in backyard would be ideal, as it provides them with a safe place to play and exercise.
Is A Shiba Inu A Good Family Dog?
A Shiba Inu is a great family dog if you are looking for a dog that is both loving and playful.
They make wonderful companions because they are very sociable, and love to spend time with people.
They are also very active and like to get out and about every day.
Because of their inquisitive nature, they will always want to know what’s going on around them, and will never stop asking questions and investigating their environment.
They are also very good at learning new things and have a natural curiosity about everything that surrounds them, so will require plenty of stimulation to remain happy and satisfied.
If you’re looking for a pooch that is both fun and energetic, then a Shiba Inu is perfect for you.
They are very athletic and love nothing better than running around outside and playing fetch.
They are also very intelligent and will delight in learning new tricks and games.
They are also very good-natured and will be willing to play with just about anyone who wants to interact with them.
The best thing about a Shiba Inu though is that they are incredibly friendly, and will become friends with almost everyone they meet.
They are very social animals and enjoy spending time with people.
They will want to be near their families, and will naturally bond with children.
This makes them excellent pets for kids, but they are also very affectionate towards adults and will enjoy being part of the family.
Can Shiba Inus Be Left Alone During The Day?
Although Shiba Inus are very sociable dogs, they are not necessarily needy creatures. They are very independent, and will usually manage perfectly fine on their own.
However, it is important to remember that they need regular exercise, especially when they are puppies, and should therefore be taken out regularly.
They don’t particularly enjoy long walks, but they will happily run around the park for hours on end.
Are Shiba Inus Low Maintenance Dogs?
This is a breed known for being very clean, and so tends to be low-maintenance with regard to grooming, especially when compared to other breeds.
They shed quite a lot, and so may need some brushing from time to time.
It is recommended that you brush them daily during shedding season, and once or twice a week otherwise to remove excess hair and ensure that the oils are distributed evenly through the coat.
Their coats tend to grow thick and dense, making them ideal for keeping warm in cold weather.
They will need occasional baths, but these can often be done without any problems.
Do Shiba Inus Shed?
Yes, although Shibas do shed less than some other breeds. They tend to shed more during the colder months and should be brushed daily to remove loose hair.
Where Can I Find A Shiba Inu Puppy?
You can find a Shiba Inu puppy from any reputable breeder.
The best way to ensure that you are getting a healthy puppy is to visit the breeder and see his/her other litters before choosing one.
It is also advisable to ask the breeder about the health history of the parents, and whether or not there have been any problems with the litter.
How Much Does A Shiba Inu Cost?
Shibas are generally quite expensive and can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500 depending on the quality of the breeders’ stock.
Most puppies start life in an incubator, which costs approximately $100 per week, and most breeders charge extra for this service.
Shibas are considered medium-sized breeds and typically weigh between 25kg and 35kg.
Their height ranges from 20cm to 24cm, making them slightly smaller than standard poodles.
Do Shiba Inus Like To Sleep With Their Owners?
Shiba Inus love to snuggle up close to their owners at night, and will sleep next to them if possible – these are sociable dogs who adore their humans!
If your dog does like to sleep with you, make sure that he has plenty of room to stretch out, as he will probably try to curl up against you.
If you’re worried about him rolling over onto you, then consider buying a bed specifically designed for dogs, which can be placed close to you but still allow you to both have your space.
Are Shiba Inus Hard To Potty Train?
It’s always difficult to train a dog, and Shibas are no exception.
They are intelligent animals who learn quickly, however, and most people find that they respond well to training.
As with all dogs, it is wise to start potty training early and to reward good behavior with treats and praise.
Is It Cruel To Have Shiba Inus In An Apartment?
Shibu Inus are lively, active dogs who require plenty of exercise and stimulation to remain healthy and happy.
Apartment living, therefore, is not the best option for them, as there will be no space to play, run and roam.
The exception is if you have a secure yard or garden which they can use, or if you are willing to offer daily walks and plenty of chances for your pooch to stretch their legs.
It is important that your dog gets at least two walks a day, each of which should be for between 45 minutes and an hour – this not only helps to burn and release energy but also helps with boredom and mental stimulation.
If you live in an apartment, you may be able to get by without a full-time walker, however, you should still make sure that your dog has somewhere safe to go every day.
If you’re planning on having a Shiba Inu, then you’ll probably want to consider buying a large enough enclosure so that he doesn’t feel confined.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a pet that’s both intelligent and loyal, then a Shiba Inu could well be the perfect companion for you.
However, it is important to ensure that you have the space and time to provide them with the exercise and stimulation that they need, and the ability to meet their high energy level.
With proper training, plenty of attention, and daily exercise, this popular dog breed can find itself content with apartment life and offer you lifelong friendship and love.
