If you are up to date with modern pop culture, then you can probably think of a few memes involving the Shiba Inu and its many meme-worthy facial expressions. Back in its native home of Japan, the Shiba Inu is one of the most popular Japanese dog breeds and has held a close place in the hearts and homes of many for centuries.
In the west, however, it is still seen as somewhat of an exotic breed, and this is reflected quite clearly in its high price tag.
Shiba Inus cost around $1,200 to $2,500. They are generally healthy and are, thus, popular among dog owners They are also small in size, which keeps the monthly expenses low at around $60.
The Shiba Inu is obviously a pricey dog to buy and own. Is it worth it? Let’s find out.
How Much Does It Cost To Raise A Shiba Inu?
A Shiba Inu could cost you between $1,200 to $2,500 when purchased from a breeder. If you want to import one, you will have to pay more than $3,000 and go through a very rigorous process before getting your doggy home.
Fortunately, as Shiba Inus get more popular in America, it is possible to find one for much less from adoption shelters or even through online adoption forums. However, you are never really guaranteed that you will get a purebred Shiba Inu if you take this route.
In addition to that initial price, Shiba Inus are fairly expensive to maintain, requiring $1,600 to $2,000 every year. Here are a few reasons why they are so expensive to buy and keep.
Exotic Appeal
Shiba Inus are good dogs if you want a unique dog. They are still very strongly associated with their country of origin and are thus widely considered exotic dogs. This is something that many breeders take advantage of to serve up insane price tags for Shiba Inus both as puppies and adults.
Shiba Inus Are Great Companions
Shiba Inus are great companions and make for awesome first dogs. This is because of their lively and loving personalities that ensure you will never have a dull moment in your home.
Healthy Dog With Good Form
Another reason why these doggies may be expensive is the fact that Shiba Inus are actually very healthy dogs. They have very few genetically predisposed health issues and are considered a high-quality dog breed.
How Many Years Does A Shiba Inu Live?
Shiba Inu dogs have a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years lifespan.
This is quite impressive for a medium to large-sized breed as these tend to live shorter lives. Shiba Inus also stand out in that they take about 6 to 18 months to become fully grown. At maturity, they weigh about 18 to 22 lbs and measure 13 to 17 inches.
These doggies are generally healthy dogs. However, they do have a few issues here and there that may require your attention. These are some of the most common ones.
Allergies
Shiba Inus suffer from a number of allergies. These include food intolerances like gluten and animal protein allergies. They also may suffer skin allergies when exposed to things like pollen, some fabrics, chemicals, and parasites.
Fortunately, these allergies do not affect very many Shiba Inus. For those that are afflicted, it is very easy to deal with the problem once it is identified.
Glaucoma
This is a condition where the pressure from the fluids within the eye increases. It could occur on its own or as a consequence of other underlying issues.
It could cause the Shiba Inu to suffer from headaches and vision problems. If not addressed on time, it could lead to damage of the optic nerve and eventually cause blindness. It is therefore important to stick to routine vet visits as early detection and care are the best way to prevent these complications.
Joint Malformations
These include hip and shoulder dysplasia as well as patella luxation. While not life-threatening, these conditions definitely negatively impact the quality of life that the Shiba Inu has.
Fortunately, if you haven’t noticed any symptoms within the first two years of their lives, then they are unlikely to suffer from these issues.
How To Take Care Of Shiba Inus?
Shiba Inus may be a bit expensive to maintain, but the actual caring processes are not very difficult. You just need to know where to start. If you have never dealt with one of these doggies before, here are the four most essential care needs you need to address to give the doggy a good life.
Feed Them High-Quality Food
Shiba Inus have big appetites, and energy needs to keep up with their very active lifestyles. They also need a proper balance of essential nutrients to keep them healthy and strong. You should definitely check out the Pet Plate meal plans for the best quality ingredients and proportions.
Get The Food Portions Right
Another awesome thing about Pet Plate is the fact that they customize your dog’s meal plans in terms of the actual breed, age, size, and other needs.
This is important because Shiba Inus tend to overeat when free-fed due to their very high appetites. With these custom meal plans, you can actually prevent issues like obesity and diabetes.
Supplement The Diet With Multivitamins
Supplements make up for those micronutrients that the Shiba Inu’s main diet may not have enough of. These help with improved immunity, cognition, bone, and joint health, and general well-being.
Get Plenty Of Exercises
Shiba Inus need at least an hour of exercise every day.
This is important not only for their physical health but also to keep them mentally stimulated to avoid tantrums. Just make sure to invest in a leash for outdoor adventures as these dogs can get a bit over-excited and hard to control outside.
Do Shiba Inus Like To Cuddle? Temperament Of Shiba Inus
Shiba Inus are some of the most expensive dogs to train. It can actually cost you about $120 per session. This has a lot to do with their sometimes problematic personalities.
Let us take a look at these traits as well as some of their redeeming qualities that make the occasional headache more than worth it.
Affectionate
Shiba Inus love their owners and tend to form very close bonds with people with who they spend a lot of time. They may be big doggies, but this will not stop them from squeezing onto the couch with you for a nice cuddling session.
Can Be Aggressive
One of the problematic qualities you may have to deal with is their inclination to aggression. For the most part, this aggression is often directed towards other dogs, cats, and suspicious strangers.
Sometimes, it is just the Shiba Inu playing rough, in which case they love to bite a lot and may sometimes get carried away.
Independent
These dogs are very outdoorsy and independent. They do not like to feel cooped up in any way and will often throw tantrums if they do not get enough time outside. It is for this reason that Shibas are also very likely to run away from home.
Stubborn And Restless
One of the most challenging things when it comes to potty training a Shiba Inu is the fact that they can be so incredibly stubborn. It is also very difficult to keep their attention, especially without treats.
If you choose to train the dog yourself, you will need to invest in the right tools. We recommend you check out the Brain Training for Dogs program.
Is A Shiba Inu Hypoallergenic? Grooming Tips For Shiba Inus
Shiba Inus has very thick, double coats with fur that stands up from the body to give the doggy a beautiful, fluffy aesthetic.
Unfortunately for dog lovers with dog allergies, the Shiba Inu is not a hypoallergenic dog breed. In fact, they tend to shed moderately throughout the year or heavily during spring and fall.
When it comes to their maintenance in terms of grooming, here are a few tips that will come in handy.
Brush Their Coat On A Weekly Basis
A Shiba Inu’s coat needs to be brushed 2 to 3 times every week. This helps to remove loose fur while also preventing matting of the fur.
For this to be effective, you have to invest in high-quality grooming brushes with strong enough bristles to work on the thick coats.
Give Them A Wash Once Every 2 To 3 Months
Shiba Inus do not typically stink unless there are underlying health issues like skin irritation. If your doggy is ok, you can get away with a washing interval of two to three months. This is perfect as it prevents stripping of moisture and protective oils from the fur and skin.
Take Care Of Dental Hygiene
As with any other dog breed, dental hygiene is an essential part of a good grooming routine. Dental water additives with peppermint help with keeping the dog’s breath fresh and killing some germs that may cause dental cavities. You could also just get them a chew toy to help get rid of plaque and food remnants between the teeth.
Related Questions
What Is A Black Shiba? The term “Black Shiba Inu” actually refers to a coat color variation of the breed that has a black coat and tan, white, or cream markings. The lighter markings appear on the snout, chest, lower half of limbs, and belly. It is one of the rarer coat types with this breed which also makes Black Shiba Inu dogs typically more expensive.
Are Shiba Inus The Smartest Dogs? Shiba Inus are not the smartest dog breed out there. Don’t get us wrong; they are fairly intelligent and quick to pick up on training. However, they are not very responsive to commands and can be quite stubborn when they are not adequately stimulated. The honor of the smartest dog breed title goes to Border Collies.
Are Male Or Female Shiba Inu Better? Male Shiba Inus are typically more popular than females. This is because males are friendlier and usually more eager to please their owners. Unfortunately, they are also more likely to run away and to show aggression to other pets. Females, on the other hand, are calmer and more loyal. However, they will make you work for their trust and affection.
