The Shiba inu is one of the oldest dog breeds originating in Japan. It is characterized by intelligence, elegance and self-reliance, which makes it very popular among dog lovers around the world. In this article, we will present a description and appearance of the breed, its character, skills and how to raise and train a shiba. You will also learn who this breed is suitable for, its advantages and disadvantages, how to groom the dog and what diseases can affect the shiba. Beginning with the history and development of the breed, we will go through the pattern of the shiba inu dog, as well as present interesting facts about this breed.
What do you find in the article?
Shiba inu – description and appearance of the breed:
Shiba inu is a medium-sized dog, which is characterized by a harmonious and elegant appearance. This breed usually weighs from 8 to 14 kg, and its height at the withers is from 35 to 40 cm. Shibas have a short, dense and soft coat that comes in a variety of colors, such as red, black, sable and pure white. Their tail is curly and twisted in a circle, which is one of the breed’s distinctive features.

Character of the shiba inu dog breed:
This is a dog breed that is characterized by independence and a strong temperament. They are very independent dogs that do not like to be restricted and require a consistent approach to training and raising. Shibas are very active by nature and need lots of exercise and physical activity. Despite their independence, they are also very devoted to their owners and can form strong emotional bonds. At the same time, shibas can be quite distrustful of strangers and animals, so they require socialization from puppyhood.
Skills – what should you know?
Shiba inu is a dog that is characterized by an independent spirit and the ability to cope with difficult situations. They are very smart, intelligent dogs that are sensitive to their guardian’s emotions. Shibas can be excellent companion dogs, but they will also do well as herding, hunting or rescue dogs. Their abilities are due to their great physical and mental stamina, as well as their natural hunting dog instincts.
What kind of personality does it have?
The Shiba inu is a dog that is characterized by a strong temperament and a unique personality. They are very independent and self-reliant dogs, which means they need a lot of time and patience to build a relationship with them. Shibas also have an innate tendency to dominate, which requires consistency and decisiveness from the guardian. On the other hand, shibas are very loyal and devoted to their handler, which makes them excellent companion dogs.
Shiba inu – how to train and raise?
Raising a shiba requires a lot of patience and consistency on the part of the guardian. Shibas are very intelligent, but at the same time they can sometimes be stubborn and reluctant to follow commands, which requires the guardian to use positive motivation and rewards. Training a shiba inu dog should be based primarily on positive methods to build a positive relationship with the dog.
Who is the shiba inu suitable for?
The shiba inu is suitable for people who have experience in owning and raising dogs, and for those who are willing to devote a lot of time to raising and training a dog. Shibas are not recommended for people who don’t have much time, as they require daily activity and long walks. Shibas can be a good choice for families with children, but keep in mind that they require proper upbringing and socialization.
Shiba inu – price
The price of a shiba inu dog depends on many factors, such as origin, age and skills. In Poland, shiba prices range from PLN 4,000 to PLN 8,000. It is worth remembering that when deciding to buy a shiba, it is important to pay attention to a reputable breeder and whether the dog comes from lines free of genetic diseases.

Advantages and disadvantages of the shiba inu
Disadvantages:
- Shibas can be very stubborn and unwilling to follow commands, which can make training them difficult.
- Shibas require a lot of time and attention, which can be difficult for people who don’t have a lot of time for daily activities with the dog.
- Shibas are sometimes distrustful of strangers and animals, which requires socialization and proper upbringing by the guardian.
Advantages:
- Shibas are highly intelligent, sensitive to their handler’s emotions and easy to learn.
- Shiby are excellent companion dogs, very loyal and devoted to their guardian.
- Shibas have a natural tendency to be independent, which makes them excellent herding, hunting or rescue dogs.
Shiba inu – Health, diseases and grooming
Nutrition:
Shibas require a special diet, which should contain the right amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates. It is worth paying attention to the quality of the food and whether it meets the needs of the shiba inu dog. It is recommended that the dog be fed dry food, as this prevents excessive plaque buildup on the teeth.
Grooming:
The Shiba inu has a dense and soft coat that requires regular combing. Shibas shed twice a year, which requires intensive combing during the shedding period. Also remember to trim claws and clean ears regularly.
Diseases:
The Shiba inu is a dog breed that is relatively immune to disease, but attention should be paid to the incidence of certain diseases. Shibas are prone to eye diseases such as cataracts and low vision. They can also suffer from skin allergies, food allergies, heart and respiratory diseases.
Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?
Getting ready to own a shiba inu dog requires buying the right accessories and equipment. Be sure to purchase a collar, leash, bowl, toys and a dog bed. Shibas also require appropriate grooming equipment, such as brushes, claw clippers and special toothpaste.

History of the shiba inu breed
Origins
The shiba inu is a dog breed that originated in Japan and has a long and interesting history. The first mention of the shiba dates back to the 17th century, when these dogs were used as hunting dogs to hunt birds, wild game and small animals. Shiba inu were prized by hunters for their endurance, agility and resistance to difficult terrain.
Development of the breed
During World War II, the shiba inu were on the verge of extinction, as many dogs were killed by bombing and other warfare. After the war, the breed was reconstituted by breeders who collected the remaining dogs and crossed them with other breeds, such as akita inu and kishu inu. Eventually, a stable population of shibs was achieved and recognized as a breed by the Japan Kennel Club.
In the 1960s, shiba inu were introduced to the United States, where they quickly gained popularity. Since then, shiba inu have become popular all over the world, and their popularity continues to grow.
Currently
Today, shiba inu are considered one of the oldest dog breeds in Japan and are considered a national treasure of Japan. The breed is also considered one of the symbols of Japanese culture and heritage.
Shiba inu dog breed pattern
The shiba inu dog standard defines the standard of appearance, character and behavior that every representative of this breed should meet. According to the FCI standard, the shiba inu is a dog with a proportional and harmonious body, with a short and stiff coat that can range in color from red to sand to black. The shiba’s head is proportional to the rest of the body, with a wedge-shaped head and a distinct stop.
The shiba’s ears are small, triangular and upright, while the eyes are medium-sized, oval and dark. The shiba’s body shape is short and muscular, with well-muscled legs and strong paws. The shiba’s tail is short and lush, often twisted or curled.
The shiba inu dog standard also defines the character and behavior of the shiba. Shibas are described as dogs that are independent, active and loyal to their owners. The FCI standard requires the shiba inu to be balanced and calm, but also alert and attentive. Shibas should be easy to train, but also require a consistent approach from the owner.
The shiba inu dog standard also specifies other characteristics, such as coloration, body structure and temperament, which should be characteristic of the breed. Breeders and owners of shiba inu dogs should always follow the FCI dog standard to ensure that their dogs meet all standards and are healthy and properly raised.

Shiba inu – interesting facts about the breed
The Shiba inu is a dog breed with a rich history and distinctive appearance, which makes it interesting to many dog lovers. Here are some interesting facts about the shiba inu breed:
- Shibas are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, originating in Japan. Their origins date to about 300 years ago, when shibas were used to hunt birds and small animals.
- The Shiba inu is one of six dog breeds recognized by the Japanese government as a national treasure.
- Shibas have gained popularity around the world thanks to the Internet and Internet memes, such as the popular doge meme, which depicts a photo of a shiba with a cartoon-style caption along the top.
- Shiba inu are highly intelligent dogs that learn easily and are good at various tasks such as agility and nose work.
- Shiba have a distinctive approach to cleaning their fur, called the “shiba scream.” This is a cry they make when they attempt to clean themselves, but the fur is too wet or dirty.
- Shiba inu are often compared to cats because of their independence, high level of alertness and agility.
- Shibas are also considered one of the most loyal dog breeds, making them great companions for people who need emotional support.
- Shiba inu are extremely resistant to genetic diseases and in most cases enjoy good health. However, as with any dog breed, proper veterinary and nutritional care must be provided.
Summary
The Shiba inu is a dog breed that stands out for its independence, distinctive appearance and very strong temperament. Shibas require proper upbringing and training, as well as regular grooming. Shiby are excellent companions for people who enjoy an active lifestyle and spending time outdoors. Although they are small to medium-sized dogs, their character and energy make them dogs for determined and responsible people.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.