Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu At a Glance
Recognized By
AKC
Country of Origin
Japan
Life Expectancy
12 - 15 yrs
Height Range
14.5 - 16.5 in (m) 13.5 - 15.5 (f)
Weight Range
20 - 30 lbs (m) 15 - 25 lbs (f)
Colors
Red, Sesame, Black & Tan, and Cream (cream is fault in AKC shows but not in most other registries). Urajiro (cream to white) reqd on sides of muzzle, cheeks, inside ears, underjaw and upper throat, inside legs, around vent, and ventral tail
Trainability
Medium to low; very intelligent and stubborn
With Children
Good if properly socialized; can be wary of strangers
With Animals
Known to be same-sex aggressive. Require socialization
Climate
Tolerates cold well, but not extreme heat
Indoor/Outdoor
Does well indoors with adequate exercise; does best with some indoor and some outdoor time (in fenced yard... known to dig, climb, run)
Exercise Reqd
Needs daily exercise; must be on leash or fenced yard
Grooming Reqd
Weekly brushing when not shedding. Daily when shedding (2x per year)