Shiba Inu Puppies

Shiba Inus are a delightful breed and are full of spunk and energy. They're fairly independent and tend to be reserved toward strangers, but loyal and affectionate to those who earn their respect. Shibas can be aggressive and territorial with dogs they do not know, so socialization during puppyhood is essential. These dogs are known to be somewhat stubborn, so training may prove to be a bit of a challenge. It's important to establish firm boundaries with a Shiba Inu as early as possible so they don't grow up believing that they're "top dog" of the house. When properly trained and socialized, Shiba Inus make loyal and good-natured family pets.

Shiba Inus are a sturdy breed, but they do commonly suffer from allergies. There is no way to test for allergies but experienced breeders won't breed Shiba Inus that suffer from allergies. Most Shibas with allergies live completely normal lives, and treat symptoms in similar ways to humans. 

They make great household companions, but they do need a moderate amount of exercise to excel physically and mentally. A home with a yard is highly encouraged so they can excercise themselves, and they love going on regular walks and hikes with their family. 

Shiba Inus shed moderately, but their coat doesn't require much maintenance to stay healthy and looking its best. Their coat is naturally waterproof, and should only be bathed when absolutely necessary. Daily brushings during their heavy shedding seasons will remove loose hair and lessen the amount of hair you find on your floor and furniture. 

You should expect your Shiba Inu to shed moderately throughout the year, and heavily during the spring or fall. 

Shiba Inus are a compact dog and tend to be fairly muscular. Their double coat has a fluffy appearance, with the most common coloring being red with a cream undercoat. Their ears sit high on their head and point when they are alert, and their fluffy tail curls high on their back. 

The Shiba Inu originated in Japan during ancient times, along with the Akita, Kai Dog, and Kishu. The Shiba is the smallest, and likely oldest, dog out of these Japanese dogs, and was used primarily as a hunting dog. While the breed existed for centuries, it wasn't until 1920 that it received the name "Shiba," but there are several theories for how the Shiba Inu got its name. Like many dogs, the Shiba almost disappeared due to World War II, and there were only three remaining lines of Shiba Inus by the war's end. Luckily, several breeding programs were established shortly after the war, and the breed was revived. The first Shiba Inu didn't appear in the United States until 1954, and the first American Shiba litter was born in 1979. The breed gained American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition 1997 under the Non-Sporting group.