The Japanese Shiba Inu dog breed is a charming “cat dog”

Shiba Inu is one of the popular Japanese dog breeds, the smallest. Although it became famous in the world only towards the end of the 20th century. This is an ancient hunting breed, considered a national treasure of Japan. Now these dogs are kept as pets and companions. But they have a complex character, they obey only the owner who can gain authority. The breed is not suitable for everyone, so before getting one, you need to study the description, main characteristics, pros and cons, as well as reviews from the owners.

Breed traits

Breed traits (on a 5-point scale)

This breed is often compared to the following dog breeds: Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Akita Inu, Basenji, Beagle, Jack Russell Terrier.

Photos of Shiba Inu dogs show what they look like:

What does a Shiba Inu look like?

Appearance

Shiba Inu smile

Shiba Inu

Shiba Ina look

Feeding

To keep your pet healthy and active, you need to choose the right, balanced diet and strictly adhere to it. For example, if you feed your dog dry food, veterinarians do not recommend pampering the animal with food from your table, or, conversely, when eating natural food, it is better not to add dry food to the diet, since the digestive system may not be able to cope with such loads, which will lead to stomach upset .

As for food from the master's table, it must be excluded completely, unless, of course, we are talking about unleavened steamed vegetables - such products will even be useful for the dog. But most often people eat sweet, salty or spicy foods, which are very harmful to our four-legged friends.

Natural diet

If you decide to feed your Akita Inu natural food, you must first familiarize yourself with the list of permitted products, which includes:

• dairy products;
• lean meats and offal;
• fiber and proper carbohydrates contained in rice, buckwheat and millet porridge;
• vegetables;
• fruits (can be included in the diet from 4–5 months);
• eggs.

It is necessary to control the volume of the dog’s portions, which should be calculated approximately in this way: for every 30 kilograms of the dog’s weight, there is a portion of food weighing 400 grams. In addition, it is necessary to control the protein content in the diet, since excessive consumption can cause an allergic reaction in the animal.

Dry food

When it comes to choosing dry food, some dog owners think that they are all the same, so you can choose the cheaper option. This is an erroneous opinion, since the low cost of the feed indicates only one thing - the composition contains low-quality raw materials. And this will not bring any benefit to your pet’s body.

It is best to use high-quality food for feeding your Akita Inu.

Many veterinarians recommend paying attention to some proven brands

• DukesFarm is a British food with a high content of natural meat products. In addition, the good thing about the food is that no chemical additives or flavor enhancers are used in its production.
• Eukanuba is a food that is produced both in European countries and in Russia. It can rightfully be classified as a dietary food, since the main protein components in it are chicken meat, lean lamb meat and lean fish fillet. There is a special line of veterinary diets, as well as medicinal foods. In addition, the composition does not contain various additives of artificial origin.
• BritCare is an excellent Czech food with natural ingredients. A large amount of meat goes well with the carbohydrate component in the form of cereals, allowing the food to be quickly absorbed and have a supporting and healing effect on the joints and bones of the animal. In addition, this food is one of the best nutrition options for neutered animals.

There are also many other brands that produce high-quality food, so every owner can easily choose an option that is suitable for the health and taste preferences of his pet.

General characteristics of the Shiba Inu breed

The Shiba Inu is an amazing companion dog with an independent, willful character. She is very smart, active and curious. She immediately attracts attention with her charming fox-like appearance and the unusual structure of her muzzle, thanks to which she seems to be smiling. But despite this and its small size, it will not become a cute, obedient pet.

It’s not easy to cope with a dog; the dog constantly strives to dominate and is difficult to train. Puppies need early socialization, otherwise they become unmanageable. This dog is independent, stubborn and hyperactive. But if you manage to gain authority from her and raise her correctly, she will become an intelligent and cheerful companion, her best friend.

pros

It is not for nothing that the Shiba Inu breed has become popular all over the world, and in Japan it is a national treasure of the country. There are many advantages to owning this dog:

• has an attractive appearance;
• due to its small size it can be kept in an apartment;
• very clean, does not get into the dirt, licks itself like a cat, quickly learns to use the toilet outside;
• smart, easily learns different tricks;
• does not make noise, rarely barks;
• chooses one owner and becomes strongly attached to him;
• strong, resilient and efficient;
• inquisitive, can become an excellent companion;
• unpretentious in maintenance, not picky in nutrition;
• is in good health and gets sick infrequently;
• unobtrusive, senses when it is better not to touch the owner.

Cons of content

But this breed has disadvantages that make it not suitable for everyone:

• dogs are highly active and require a lot of physical activity;
• at a young age you should not be left alone - they can destroy the apartment, chew furniture and walls;
• the coat is thick and sheds heavily;
• wayward character, difficult to force to obey, as they strive to dominate;
• cunning, touchy, do not like to share toys or treats;
• tend to show their dissatisfaction with unusual sounds;
• often run away;
• have a habit of biting.

The video will tell you about the pros and cons of the Shiba Inu:

Video: Shiba Inu description of the breed Pros and cons of the breed!

Interesting Facts

Despite the fact that the breed became known only in the 20th century, many interesting facts about it have accumulated.

• Shiba or Shiba Inu is also called Shiba-ken in Japan. Translated as mini dog or Japanese dwarf. This is the smallest among Japanese breeds.
• This dog is a symbol of Japan, a national treasure of the country. In honor of them, festivals are organized, toys and clothes with their image are produced.
• These dogs have become popular recently due to the spread of videos and memes on the Internet. They often become the heroes of blogs.
• They are smart, dexterous, jumping. They can learn to open latches on doors and furniture doors. They often climb trees, fences, closets.
• Shiba Inus often panic and can actively show fear or dissatisfaction. They make unusual sounds that do not sound like barking or howling. That's what they call it - the cry of a Shiba Inu.
• They do not like to hug, and do not tolerate annoying caresses. But the Shiba Inu is one of the few dogs that can smile, as reflected in numerous memes on the Internet. The sly expression of the muzzle appears due to the special structure of the jaw.
• In the famous film "Hachiko" an Akita Inu was filmed, but the puppy was played by a Shiba Inu. Externally, the breeds are very similar, the differences are visible mainly in size.
• These dogs are smart and efficient. Previously used as hunting. Now they can be companions, watchmen, rescuers.

Popular memes and pictures with these dogs:

Meme

Shiba at the festive table

Muzzle

Belly up

Diseases

Common diseases to which the breed is prone:

1. Glaucoma. This is a disease that slowly destroys the optic nerve of the eye. Most often, it is associated with a buildup of fluid that creates an obstruction in the front of the eye. Although the different types of glaucoma vary in severity, they are almost always treatable. If left untreated, the disease causes partial loss of vision or complete blindness. However, various eye drops can help stop the fluid from accumulating. There are also several types of operations that successfully solve the problem.
2. Progressive retinal atrophy. This is another disease that affects the eyes. It is often associated with genetics. The photoreceptors in the back of the eye begin to fail, making it difficult to see in the dark. As the disease progresses, vision deteriorates. Dogs begin to see poorly even in bright daylight. Unfortunately, without treatment, complete blindness occurs. The best option is to diagnose a predisposition to the disease at an early age.
3. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. With this disease, the ligament in the knee is weak and the dislocation leads to the displacement of the kneecap. Shiba Inu may be genetically predisposed to this condition, or may acquire it as a result of various injuries. The severity of patellar luxation varies greatly. In some cases it is minor, and in other cases correction is required. Symptoms include abnormal gait, pain when walking, lameness in the leg(s) and, in the worst cases, immobility. Depending on the severity, there are many different ways to treat a luxated cup. It is never life threatening. But without specific treatment, the dog will constantly suffer.
4. Hypothyroidism. This condition occurs when a dog's thyroid gland does not develop properly. Symptoms: the animal becomes lethargic, obese, and hair falls out. In some cases, there is an excessive need to urinate. If you suspect something is wrong with your pet, it is important to have him tested for hypothyroidism. Without treatment, this can lead to very serious consequences. However, once the diagnosis is made, the dog's life can be improved with the help of medications.
5. Cramps. Convulsions in animals are completely different from those in humans. The pet can run non-stop, hide in corners in complete confusion, bark, and not notice anything. Seizures are usually not life-threatening in dogs, but they can also indicate a more serious problem. Therefore, it is important to take your friend to the vet. This condition can often be treated with medication.
6. Allergies. Symptoms: runny nose, swollen eyes, dog sneezes excessively. Allergies can be to food, certain substances (such as shampoos or cleaning products), air pollution, and more. Your veterinarian should diagnose the cause of the allergy and then prescribe the recommended treatment.
7. Hydrothorax. This condition occurs when fluid accumulates in the chest. It can cause loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, coughing and shortness of breath, and weakness. It is usually treated by removing fluids and introducing a low-fat diet. In more severe cases, surgery is required.

History of the origin of the Shiba Inu breed

Shiba is one of the oldest Asian breeds, one of the original hunting dogs found on the islands of Japan 3 thousand years ago. Belongs to the group of Spitz-like animals, its closest relatives are Akita Inu, Chow Chow, Shar Pei.

Figurines and remains of similar mini dogs were found in tombs dating back to the 3rd century BC. e. Experts believe that the ancestors of modern Shibas were brought to Japan by immigrants from Korea or China. It was crossed with the original Japanese hunting dogs.

The breed was bred on the island of Honshu; until the 19th century there was no uniform standard. External signs from antiquity have been preserved due to the fact that Japan was isolated. But in the 19th century the country became open to foreigners. In cities, these dogs were crossed with setters and pointers. Therefore, purebred Shiba Inu almost disappeared by the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1928, a decision was made to preserve and restore the indigenous Japanese dog breeds, which survived only in rural areas. The Shiba Inu population began to recover. By 1936, a standard was formed and the breed was made a national treasure. There were several dozen varieties back then.

Due to the Second World War and the distemper epidemic that broke out in the remaining nurseries after it, the breed was again on the verge of extinction. Breeders managed to preserve only three subtypes from which modern dogs emerged. From Mino, the Japanese Shiba Inu took erect triangular ears and a ringed tail. From the Shin-shu they got thick fluffy fur of a reddish color. From san-in - strong bones and muscular physique.

The result was a dog with an attractive appearance, which quickly became popular in Japan. Among all aboriginal dogs, 80% are Shibas. There is a mini variety up to 30 cm in height, as well as a Jomon Shiba with a slimmer build and a different muzzle structure. They are not recognized as a standard.

By the end of the 20th century, other countries became interested in the breed. Dogs began to be exported to Europe and the USA. Due to their unusual exterior qualities, endurance and inquisitive nature, breeders became interested in them. In 1992, the Shiba Inu breed was recognized by the American Canine Association and the International Film Festival. It is now one of the most popular, albeit rare, companion dogs.

Nicknames

For boy

Popular Japanese boy names with meaning:

• Akira - bright.
• Daiki - great glory, nobility.
• Haruki is the shining sun.
• Hinata is a sunflower, facing the sun.
• Hiro is generous.
• Ichiro is the first son.
• Itsuki - forest trees.
• Jiro is the second son.
• Kichiro is a happy son.
• Kiyoshi – purity.
• Kuta is a great world.
• Masaki is a big tree.
• Masato is a righteous man.
• Masumi – true clarity.
• Nao - honestly.
• Nori - edit.
• Osamu – disciplined, diligent.
• Riku is earth.
• Shinobu – endurance.
• Takahiro – valuable, noble.
• Takashi is prosperous.
• Toshi is wise.
• Yasushi – peaceful.

For girl

Popular Japanese nicknames for girls with meaning:

• Akemi is a bright beauty.
• Asami - morning beauty.
• Haru - spring.
• Hideko is a child of perfection.
• Hikari – light, radiance.
• Hiro is generous.
• Hiroko is a generous child.
• Hoshi is a star.
• Kimi is noble.
• Kiyomi is pure beauty.
• May - dance.
• Maiko is a child of dance.
• Maki is true hope.
• Mika is a wonderful scent.
• Miku is a beautiful sky.
• Mio is a beautiful cherry color.
• Misaki is a beautiful flower.
• Natsuki is the summer hope.
• "Peekaboo" is a women's hairstyle.
• Rio - Sakura Village.
• Satoko is a wise child.
• Shinju is a gem.
• Shiori is a poem.
• Sora is the sky.
• Yoshi is a lucky guy.
• "Foxy" is a fox.
• Yuki is happiness.

Description of the Shiba Inu breed

Characteristic features of the appearance of the Shiba Inu are a compact build, a sharp smiling face, triangular ears and a tightly curled tail. They are clearly visible in the photographs.

Smiling face

Triangular ears

Shiba Inu standard

The modern breed standard was adopted in 1964. The description used in the Japanese organization “Nippo” was taken as a basis. According to him, this is a harmoniously built dog with a strong muscular body and an expressive muzzle. Shiba Inu males and females differ from each other in size and have distinct sexual characteristics. In a male, the height at the withers is 39-40 cm, weight – 10-14 kg. Shiba Inu females are smaller - their height is 35-37 cm, weight - 7-10 kg.

Head structure

The head is triangular, shaped like a fox. The forehead is flat, the stop is clearly defined. The muzzle is wide at the base, tapering towards the nose, and the cheekbones are well defined. The eyes are set close to each other, slightly askew. They are small, almond-shaped, dark. The ears are triangular in shape, erect, dense, turned forward. Scissor bite, teeth very sharp. The bridge of the nose is straight, medium-sized, black.

Body type

The physique is proportional and muscular. The neck is strong and flows smoothly into a straight back. The chest is moderately wide, but deep, the stomach is tucked. The tail is long and set high. It is thick and covered with thick fur. A characteristic feature of the Shiba Inu is that the tail curls into a tight ring and lies on the back.

Limbs

The limbs are of medium length, proportional to the body, muscular and strong. Elbows tucked in, hips elongated. The hind limbs are slightly longer than the forelimbs. The hock joints are strongly pronounced. The paw pads are elastic, large, the toes are pressed against each other. The claws are dark and clearly visible. The dog's movements are dexterous, elastic, they jump high.

Pictures complement the description of appearance:

Tail curled tightly

Shiba Inu

In the snow

Features of wool

The coat is dense, thick, and not very long. It has a clearly defined soft and dense undercoat. The guard hair is hard, straight, adjacent to the body. Longer hair on the neck and tail. The dog does not get wet and does not freeze in cold weather.

Shiba Inu colors

The color of these dogs is interesting. The upper surface of their body is dark, the bottom of the muzzle, chest, neck, belly, paws and the inner surface of the tail are white. This color is called urajiro.

The standard recognizes three colors. The most common are red dogs, they can be darker or lighter, from golden to red. Black Shiba Inus with silver or tan markings are often found. A rare beautiful color is called sesame. This is a zone color consisting of three colors, one of which is white. It comes in three varieties:

• red hairs with a black edge;
• black sesame – dark hairs with a small amount of light ones;
• sesame - equal number of black and light hairs.

Differences in the colors of dogs are visible in the photo:

Varieties of Shiba Inu colors

Black and red shiba inu

Red, brown and black color

Disqualifying defects

Light colored, especially white, Shiba Inus are not allowed to show. The color is clearly stated in the standard. In addition to rich primary colors, urajiro is a must. Other defects in appearance include the following:

• drooping ears;
• short tail;
• absence of a ring on the tail;
• deviations from height and weight limits;
• undershot or overshot;
• shaved on the face.

Differences between Shiba Inu and Akita Inu

Sometimes the Shibaina is confused with another Japanese breed, the Akita Inu. Outwardly they are really similar. But the Shiba is a smaller dog than the Akita, its muzzle is sharper, and its hair is shorter. Differences are also visible in character and behavior. Akita is affectionate, calm, and more suitable for protection. The Shiba Inu is naughty and loves to play even as an adult. This is a very active, independent dog that can exhibit destructive behavior.

The difference with the Akita is clearly visible in the photo:

Akita Inu on the left. Shiba Inu on the right.

Akita Inu is taller

Shiba Inu is smaller in size than Akita Inu

Similarities between the Akita Inu and Shiba Inu breeds

Interesting Facts

Not every breed has a lot of interesting facts about itself , which cannot be said about the Shiba Inu.
There are simply a huge number of incredible, interesting and surprising facts associated with them; the most famous ones are presented in our list. Dogs can smile .
She is also called the “Smiling Dog”. In reality, they don't smile. Due to the special structure of the skull, a smiling grimace on a dog’s face occurs when the dog’s facial muscles are tense, when it blows through the sinuses. A dog named Ken-Ken is a well-known successful businessman in Japan on the island of Hokaido. Anyone can come up and buy delicious French fries or cookies from him, although the counter is self-service, but this does not prevent Ken from receiving good tips in the form of delicacies.

In the 2009 film “Hachiko, My Best Friend,” the Shiba Inu played the puppy Hachiko , while the adult dog was an Akita Inu.

Shiba Inu character

The Shiba Inu has a willful character. This is a headstrong, independent dog that requires a firm hand. She is prone to dominance, constantly trying to take the place of leader. This is a primitive breed, the ancestors of the Shiba were wolves and ancient hunting dogs. They recently became pets, so their character is dominated by the instincts and traits of wild animals.

• Shiba Inus are distrustful of strangers and do not allow themselves to be touched. They are devoted to only one owner, and even treat other family members, although well, but coolly. They vigilantly defend their territory, although they are not prone to conflicts.
• Shibas are independent and will not fawn or violently express their emotions when their owner returns. They do not like to hug and protect their personal space.
• Smart, cunning, quick-witted. They are able to make their own decisions and are independent. They can open doors, climb into cabinets and drawers. They easily find a way to outwit and deceive the owner in order to achieve their goal.
• Wayward and stubborn. This dog is easy to teach different commands and tricks, and it quickly remembers words. But he doesn’t always do what the owner requires. Young pets especially often ignore commands.
• Very active, curious and resilient. On the street they will run after birds and small animals and love to dig. Due to hunting instincts, even a well-mannered Shiba can run away, not paying attention to the owner’s call. Therefore, you only need to walk on a leash.
• Among other breeds it stands out for its strong possessive instincts. Their place, bowl, toys, and even their owner and territory in the yard are forbidden to others. They try in every way to protect them, often entering into conflicts.

The Shiba Inu is an unusual dog and is often compared to a cat. Some call her "catdog". In addition to their independent character, cats are similar in their dexterity and cleanliness. They can climb trees and climb onto tables and cabinets. Already from puppyhood, they lick themselves like cats, avoid dirt, and do not like water.

It is not recommended to own a Shiba Inu for families with children. With proper upbringing, this dog can become a loyal friend and playmate for teenagers, but it does not like kids. This is an owner, so if there is an attempt on his personal space, toys or food, he can show aggression and even bite.

For the same reason, Shibas do not get along well with other pets. Birds, rodents, and often cats are perceived as prey. They often conflict with other dogs, especially if they are of the same sex. But with the right approach, you can teach them to coexist with children and other pets. To do this, the puppy must grow up with them.

But despite such features, the Shiba is a kind and sociable dog. She becomes attached to her owner, faithful and devoted. If she recognizes him as the leader, she will respect and obey.

Training and education of the Shiba Inu

This dog will only obey a person who has been able to gain authority from it. But she will still constantly check him, defend her independence. Therefore, it is important to immediately find an approach to your pet. Aggression and violence must be eliminated. Physical punishment is unacceptable; you need to be able to come to an agreement with the dog. Shibas love to play pranks, but they do it because of their natural curiosity and hyperactivity.

Raising and training such a pet requires patience. You need to become a dog's friend, partner. Even experienced dog breeders are advised to contact a dog handler who has experience with such dogs. They use their natural characteristics, curiosity and intelligence. The training process should turn into a game. Due to its unusual stubbornness, it is difficult to bribe the Shibu with a treat.

It is very important to start socializing your dog from an early age. Adult Shibas are not at all trainable. The puppy must be immediately taught to respond to its nickname; to do this, call its name every time before feeding. It is important to teach not to be distracted on the street, not to pick up from the ground, not to chase birds and to react correctly to other dogs.

Interesting about the education and training of these dogs in the video:

Video: Shiba Inu training, place, use hockey goal

Video: First rules for a Shiba Inu puppy (Shiba Inu)

Video: Curious Shiba Inu Yoshi - an addicting nature

Who can start

The Shiba Inu is not suitable as a first dog for beginners. It is suitable for experienced dog breeders and dog handlers. The owner must be active, as the pet is very energetic and needs high physical activity. Shiba will be happy to practice freestyle, agility, and frisbee with his owner. He will be a wonderful companion when playing sports or walking in nature. This dog is suitable for strong, self-confident people.

A weak-willed owner will not be able to cope with this cunning dog. She has amazing acting skills and facial expressions. She is ready to achieve what she wants by all means, so you need to be able to firmly say “no” without giving any concessions. You should not get a Shiba in the following cases:

• if you don’t have time to take care of your pet;
• there is no opportunity to walk or run for a long time;
• lacks strength of character;
• small children or small pets live in the house;
• You cannot give such a puppy as a gift.

Pictures and memes from the Internet characterize the behavior of these dogs:

It's time to sleep…

Shiba opened his mouth

Here's your tongue

This smile...

Always ready to have some fun

I want to relax...

Education and training

Dog training should begin from an early age, then serious problems with socialization will not arise in the future. When training a pet, it requires treating it with respect, but with rigor. Physical punishment and moral pressure on the dog are not required, they will only lead to nervous disorders. General techniques for training, socializing and raising a dog are no different from those used for most hunting breeds. If the dog begins to show excessive aggression that does not correspond to the situation, such attempts must be stopped immediately.

Shiba Inu care

Caring for these pets is easy. Shibas are healthy, clean dogs. They are unpretentious in nutrition. They can live both in an apartment and in an enclosure.

Content Features

These dogs can be kept in a house, city apartment or in the yard. They are unpretentious, but you need to take into account their characteristics. At home, such a pet can exhibit destructive behavior. Shibas, especially at a young age, chew on everything: wallpaper, walls, floors, furniture, shoes.

When keeping them on the property, you need to remember that these dogs do not like collars and should not be put on a chain. The pet constantly needs attention. Starting to get bored, the Shiba can dig up the entire garden and dig under the fence. These dogs can climb trees and jump high, so they often run away.

Hygiene

Bathing this dog is often not recommended. 3-4 times a year is enough, after a walk you can wash your paws. Adult Shibas are very clean; they not only avoid dirt, but also lick themselves. Coat care involves brushing it every week; during shedding, it is recommended to do this twice a day. You will need a brush with coarse bristles, a slicker brush, and a metal comb with fine teeth.

The hair between the toes should be shortened so that it does not interfere with walking. If the claws do not grind down, they need to be trimmed. After walking, it is recommended to inspect the pads; cracks may appear on them. To soften them, lubricate them with special oil. You will need to regularly examine and clean your pet's eyes and ears. To prevent tartar, teeth should be brushed with veterinary paste.

Nutrition

These dogs are unpretentious eaters. But the diet must be balanced, be sure to include fish, lamb or rabbit meat, seafood, rice, and vegetables in the diet. Food for your Shiba Inu must be chosen carefully; it should not contain soy, corn, wheat, or chicken. Dogs often have allergic reactions to these products.

It is better to choose food designed specifically for this breed: ABBA Premium Grain Free, Farmina Fun Dog, Monge Dog Specialty Hypoallergenic, Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Moderate Calorie HME23.

An incorrectly selected diet can cause hair loss, skin diseases, and allergies. It is forbidden to give your pet eggs, chocolate, cheese, bones, or nuts. You cannot feed dishes from your own table, fried, salty, spicy foods, or smoked meats. The dog should eat at the same time, from 6 months, 2 times a day. You can’t overfeed; food that the dog hasn’t finished eating must be removed after 15 minutes.

Health

The Shiba Inu is in good health. Genetic abnormalities or hereditary diseases are uncommon in puppies. But sometimes they are characterized by the following pathologies:

• hypothyroidism;
• pigmentation disorder;
• decreased blood clotting;
• hip dysplasia;
• shortened spine;
• retinal atrophy, uevitis, cataracts and other eye diseases;
• renal failure.

Due to their thick, dense coat, these dogs often have parasites. In the warm season, regular antiparasitic treatment is necessary. Every three months you need to give your pet anthelmintic medications.

Nutrition

Owners know that the breed is very independent and prone to bouts of “activity.” Dogs that do not receive adequate nutrition may become lethargic and anxious due to lack of nutrients. The right food supports their brain and motor functions.

What to feed your Shiba Inu?

Be careful about how much and what you feed your Great Dane.

The main necessary substances for the breed:

1. Protein. It contains amino acids that are essential for creating healthy muscles, tissues and cells. Protein, found in proteins, helps with development during puppyhood and adulthood. The ideal source of protein for the species is whole animal meat.
2. Fiber is needed for two main purposes. It helps produce the energy needed to stay active and also promotes a healthy digestive system.
3. Carbohydrates. They are a source of quick energy. Large amounts of carbohydrates can be harmful to your pet. High-quality dog ​​food formulas already take care of the ratio of protein to fat and carbohydrates. Therefore, you just need to make sure that you follow the feeding instructions.
4. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and vitamins. They are important components that contribute to the health of your pet's skin and coat. The coat will shine when the dog gets enough Omega 3 and 6.
5. Fat. It is needed to process nutrients and produce hormones. Contrary to popular belief, fat does not cause weight gain. Rather, it helps provide sustained energy so your pup can enjoy walks and play without becoming prematurely tired. If you notice that your friend is showing signs of lethargy, he may not be getting enough fat or other nutrients in his diet. Discuss these symptoms with your veterinarian.

How much to feed your Shiba Inu?

All dogs have approximately the same nutritional needs. However, there are differences in energy needs depending on the age, gender and activity level of your pet.

The easiest way to determine how much to feed your pet is to follow the recommendations on the food package. The problem is that these recommendations may not take into account your pet's activity level. If you want to be more precise, you can calculate his actual calorie needs.

The average energy requirement for an adult is about 30 calories per 0.45 kilogram.

Keep in mind that small pets have a very fast metabolism, while larger pets have a slower one. The Inu falls into the first of these categories, having a maximum weight of about 11 kilograms. Animals this size typically require more calories because their daily energy expenditure is higher. Therefore, they need 35 or 40 calories per 0.45 kilograms. This gives a range of 595 to 1000 calories per day, depending on the size of the individual.

Usually the animal eats well. But if your dog refuses to eat for a day or more, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How to buy a Shiba Inu puppy

Those who want to get a Shiba Inu dog should only buy a puppy from good kennels. They buy a baby at 2-3 months, he must have all the vaccinations required by age, pedigree, and a veterinary passport. You can buy a purebred Japanese in Moscow for a price starting from 20 thousand rubles. Show class dogs can cost more than 100 thousand.

When choosing, you need to pay attention to the living conditions of the animals and the behavior of the parents. You need to take a close look at the puppies themselves. The baby should be active, playful, and curious. The absence of aggression and cowardice is important. Appearance must comply with the standard. When choosing the sex of your pet, you need to take into account that males are more active and independent, while females are affectionate and sociable.

The photo shows what the puppies look like:

Shiba Inu puppies

Puppy

Four puppies

Puppy in the car

To decide whether to get such a dog, you can watch 2 interesting videos:

Video: Top 10 reasons not to get a Shiba Inu

Video: Top 10 reasons why a Shiba Inu is right for you

The Shibainu is an unusual dog, attractive and independent. She is smart, but willful, so she is not suitable for everyone. It should be owned by a person who knows how to gain authority with a pet, can devote enough time to it and provide active walking. In this case, the Shiba will become a devoted friend, kind, loving and obedient.

Weight by month

The FCI standard does not have exact weight standards for Shiba Inu. Nippo's description states that adult males should weigh 10-13 kg, females - 7-9 kg.

Therefore, there are no specific weight indicators for the development of a puppy by month. They focus on the overall harmony of the addition and adhere to the following approximate standards:

Reviews

Maria, Moscow: “I’ve been training Akitas for 7 years. And for me there is no better dog in the world. I can talk about them for hours. Akita is proud and independent, but also an excellent companion. I wouldn’t trade such a dog for any other breed.”

Elena, Yaroslavl: “When choosing a puppy, we settled on a Shiba Inu and have never regretted it. The dog got along well with children and our other animals. Owners of this breed are definitely the happiest owners.”

Kirill, 29 years old, Novosibirsk: “Initially I wanted to buy an Akita Inu. But after getting to know the breed in detail, I decided that for my conditions the Shiba was a more suitable option. The dog is willful, but proper training and patience make it an ideal pet.”

Intelligence

Akita Inu is distinguished by its keen intelligence and observation. They are able to remember the habits, intonations, facial expressions of the owners, and try to follow the established routine. Breeders claim that these dogs contain eastern wisdom accumulated over thousands of years.

The “smiling” dog is not without cunning. She will try to distract her owner with all sorts of tricks if she does not want to complete the task given to her. You can cope with a quirky pet only by showing strength of character.

Attitude towards children

Adult Akita Inus are not very playful, but they are very responsible. Therefore, they are unlikely to be suitable as a companion for a teenager or preschooler. Proud Japanese women will not want to spend all day running around getting fetched. They will not tolerate rude treatment of themselves. An Akita Inu will not show aggression towards a child; it will simply hide from him.

But for children of primary school age, such a pet will become a real protector. The desire to fight to the death for their family, inherent in their genes, has made selfless dogs excellent “nannies”, under whose supervision you can safely leave a child.

Who is better to choose

The strong similarity of the two breeds often gives rise to the question of who is better to have, an Akita or a Shiba. When choosing, you need to focus on many factors: place of residence, free time, physical activity, training experience, presence of animals and children.

Akita Inu will be an ideal choice for people:

• living in a private house;
• having no animals or children;
• able to devote a lot of time to the pet;
• looking for a dog to be a guardian and a hunting assistant.

In turn, the Shiba Inu is perfect for those who:

• lives in an apartment;
• physically active (this will be needed during walks);
• able to show patience in training or already has experience;
• contains other animals;
• raises children.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

This comparison is conditional. Both breeds are active, friendly, and strongly attached to their owner. A dog's behavior depends, first of all, on the quality of its upbringing. Even the most restless puppy can be turned into an intelligent and patient animal with the help of training.

Future owners should approach the choice of a puppy responsibly. Under no circumstances should it be presented as a gift. Each person must make his own decision about the degree of responsibility he is willing to assume.

Keeping at home

The Shiba Inu is more suitable for keeping at home due to its small size, but at the same time, it needs to be constantly dealt with and taught norms of behavior.

A stubborn disposition can only be broken at a young age. Caring for a Shiba Inu puppy will not create any big problems.

It is important to choose the right resting place for your pet. It should not be in a draft or near heating equipment.

A special bed lined with thick fabric made from natural materials is perfect for these purposes.

Shiba Inus prefer peace and quiet, but at the same time want to be aware of all events.

It is best to choose a place for a bell guard in the corridor, where there is a view of the rest of the rooms. To prevent your puppy from damaging shoes, furniture, books and other items, you should purchase rubber toys for him in advance. Array