About the Shiba Inu

The Shiba weighs approximately 20-28 lbs.  It has prick ears, and a curled or sickle tail.  Shibas have a double coat made up of coarse outer guard hairs, and fine thick undercoat which it sheds twice a year.  There are three "Nippo" recognized coat colors: red, black, and sesame.  White (or cream) Shiba are also born on occasion, but are non-standard for show purposes.

The Shiba is intelligent, and like all Nihon Ken, is a very independent thinker.  They are an alert and energetic breed.  They are rarely cuddly and often do not like being handled as "lap" dogs.  Obedience training can be challenging with most Shibas and require a very patient master to work and gain the respect of this intelligent spitfire.  "Come" is a word that the Shiba detests and will ignore at all costs.

Most Shibas are healthy, sturdy dogs that enjoy outdoor activities such as running, hiking and going out for walks.  Daily exercise of at least 2 miles is necessary for this breed as boredom frequently brings about bad habits such as digging, escaping and chewing.

Some Shibas have been known to have some hereditary defects: food allergies, luxating patellas, glaucoma, and thyroid conditions.

A fully fenced-in yard is a requirement for a Shiba Inu.  They are escape artists and bolters; regardless of the amount of training you do, once they are free (and they realize it), they will run from you.  For their safety and your mental well-being, we cannot stress the importance of a fully fenced-in yard.

Shibas are relatively easy to potty-train and do well on a "reward system" training, otherwise known as "NILF" (Nothing in Life is Free) training.  Each Shiba that comes into rescue is different, so we will assist in identifying training needs.