Shiba Inu Puppies for Sale

History of the Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a small to medium sized dog breed of Japanese origin. This dog is the smallest Spitz breed of Japanese origin, where it was bred in the mountains for hunting of game such as birds, fish, and even wild boar. The Japanese word "Shiba" means "brushwood", perhaps a reference to the breed's ability to hunt in these shrubs, or to the orange-red color of brushwood leaves in the fall.

While the breed looks similar to other breeds of Japanese origin, such as the Akita or the Hokkaido, it is entirely distinct in origin and pedigree. Shiba Inus are much smaller in size, and have distinct color patterns.

After World War II, the Shiba Inu was nearly driven extinct. Bombings over Japan killed most Shiba dogs, and many other died from distemper, a contagious viral dog infection that spread after the war. Shiba are the most popular companion dog breed in Japan, and have been gaining in popularity in the United States and Europe since their introduction to the west. This breed is a favorite of many given its unique, almost foxlike look, and also alert, intelligent and friendly personality.

Size, Color, and Temperament of Shiba Inus

Shiba Inus are a small to medium sized breed. According to the American Kennel Club's breed standard, the Shiba Inu stands 13-17 inches tall and weighs 17-23 pounds. Though small in size, this dog's well-developed muscles speak to its active hunting origins.

Shiba Inus can be found in four standard coat colors: Black & Tan, Cream, Red, and Red Sesame. These colors should be paired with white markings that cover the dog's belly, chest, neck, and cheeks. The unique white patterns are called Urajiro in Japanese. A similar pattern can be seen on some other breeds, such as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

While Shiba Inus come in a standard size and weight, the demand for smaller puppies has been increasing. This has led some Shiba breeders to develop a smaller variety that is better fit for city life. In Japan, the smaller Shiba Inu variety is called Mame Shiba Inu, which is simply a Miniature Shiba Inu.

According to the Kennel Club of Japan, Mame Shibas are 35-50% smaller than standard Shiba Inus, but retain other visual, physical, and personality types.

How Much Does a Shiba Inu Puppy Cost?

Shiba Inu puppies for sale typically cost between $1,000 and $2,500. The exact price varies depending on the location and experience of the breeder and the breeding parents' pedigrees and bloodlines. Mame Shiba Inus can be on the higher end of this price range, sometimes exceeding $2,500 in price.

Do Shiba Inus Make Good Family Pets?

Shiba Inus make excellent family companions if given the right training and early socialization. This breed is alert, independent, and lively, and requires early socialization to channel its energy constructively and prevent unruly behavior.

Given the breed's alert and agile senses, the Shiba Inu can make an excellent watchdog. This may be surprising to some who dismiss this breed's guarding abilities because of its small size. But their keen senses, energy, alertness, and confidence make Shibas a great dog for alerting owners to strangers or intruders.

Shiba Inus have a thick double coat and shed frequently in the fall and spring, and more mildly throughout the year. As such, Shiba Inus are not the best match for allergy-sensitive families. Shiba Inus are well-behaved with children if socialized and trained. A lack of socialization can lead to destructive behaviors, where your pup can misunderstand and aggressively respond to human interactions.

What Health Issues Do Shiba Inus Have?

Shiba Inus can suffer from some common dog health conditions. The most common conditions in Shibas include musculoskeletal issues such as hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, which results in misaligned kneecaps. These conditions can be diagnosed easily if your pup is regularly taken to the veterinarian, and can also be screened for by ethical breeders who conduct genetic testing of their breeding parents.

Shiba Inus can also suffer from hypothyroidism, cataracts, and atopy. Atopy in particular is a type of allergy which can result in skin and ear infections, and requires careful monitoring to prevent and address.