Shiba Inu Puppies for Sale

overview of the Shiba Inu Dog Breed

Are you looking for a small, handsome dog that’s intelligent and active?
Browse our Shiba Inu puppies for sale below!

Shiba Inus are a small, ancient Japanese breed that have an alert, fox-like appearance. They are dignified, independent, and adaptable. Their thick coats make them look like stuffed animals!

Purchase your Shiba Inu puppy today, or browse our other available puppies for sale, and become friends with a loyal, good-natured, and bright puppy!

Shiba Inu temperament

Independent: The Shiba Inu is intelligent, but he’s also independent! Consistency and follow-through are needed in training this breed because he is a free-thinker! If he senses you’re not fully in charge, he will do what he wants.

Loyal: Despite their independent streak, Shiba Inu puppies can be loyal and devoted to their families. They often form strong bonds with their owners and may be protective when needed.

Territorial: Shiba Inu puppies can be territorial and protective of their home and family. They may not always welcome strangers with open arms.

Protective: A Shiba Inu is protective and doesn’t get along well with other dogs, although they are affectionate and loyal towards their family. They have a prey drive and will chase small animals. Early and regular socialization is important to help them become well-balanced dogs.

Active: Shiba Inus have strong, athletic builds and love to walk, run, or play fetch. They can be escape artists, though, so keep a careful eye on them!

Vocal: Shiba Inus are vocal and will let you know by various noises (including screaming and crying) when they are glad to see you — or very displeased!

Handsome: The Shiba Inu’s thick coat makes them look like stuffed animals and their pointy ears give them a fox-like appearance. They have a well-balanced, compact body with a bold, confident expression. This Shiba Inu even looks good in clothing!

It’s important to remember that Shiba Inu puppies, like all puppies, require consistent training, socialization, and positive reinforcement to become well-behaved and well-adjusted adults. They are not typically recommended for first-time dog owners due to their independent and stubborn nature, but with the right training and understanding, they can make wonderful companions for experienced dog owners who appreciate their unique personality traits.

Shiba Inu Breed history

The Shiba Inu is an ancient breed from Japan; reportedly as old as 300 bc!.
The word “Shiba” means ‘brushwood’ or ‘red.’ This breed was used for flushing birds and other game from the brush for hunters.

After World War ll, the Shiba Inu population was dangerously low. Bombing raids and an outbreak of distemper had the Shiba Inu near extinction. However, the remaining Shiba Inus were moved to the countryside, and breeding programs were established. The Shiba Inus we have today are the results of those bloodlines.

The first Shiba Inu was brought to the United States in 1954 by a military family. However, the first US litter wasn’t born until 1970.

The Shiba Inu was accepted by the AKC in 1992.

In 2013, a Shiba Inu named Bhodi became an online sensation after his owners posted photos of him wearing mens’ clothing. Today, Bhodi partners with clothing brands, models men’s clothing, and gives his many followers lots of laughs.

The Shiba Inu’s compact size, intelligence, and good looks have led to an increase in popularity in recent years.

Today, the Shiba Inu ranks number forty-four out of breeds registered with AKC and is the most popular dog owned in Japan!

Breeds related to the Shiba Inu include Akitas, Siberian Huskies, and Samoyeds.

Shiba Inu Average size

A male adult Shiba Inu stands around 14.5-16.5 tall at the shoulder and weighs 23 pounds. Females are 13.5-15.5 and weigh around 17 pounds.

Average Shiba Inu lifespan

The Shiba Inu is expected to live 13-16 years.

Shiba Inu body features

Shiba Inus have a striking appearance. Their pointed ears and confident gait give them a fox-like appearance.

Shiba Inus can be red, red sesame, or black and tan. Their outer coat fur stands straight up, giving them a plush appearance.

They have dark eyes and a tail that curls over their back (like other Spitz breeds).

grooming Your Shiba Inu Puppy

Shiba Inus have gorgeous, naturally clean coats! 

Since they have a double coat, they will shed heavily twice a year and minimally the rest of the year. During their heavy shedding season, they will need extra brushing and bathing to help loosen and remove hair. 

Brush your Shiba Inu a few times a week with a slicker brush. 

Shiba Inus have naturally clean coats and won’t need to be bathed often. Once every three to four months is usually sufficient. 

Keep your Shiba Inu’s nails trimmed and brush their teeth a few times each week to keep them healthy!

Keeping Your Shiba Inu Puppy Healthy

Shiba Inus are healthy, sturdy dogs. However, every breed is prone to certain conditions, and it’s important to be aware of the conditions that may affect your dog.

Whatever breed you own, you can protect it from one of the most common health problems: obesity. One of the best ways to extend your dog’s life is by feeding them the correct amount of food and giving them adequate exercise.
Shibu Inus can have allergies. Watch for itching, redness, or hair loss.
Epilepsy is a condition that can affect this breed as well. It can be managed with medication.

You’ll also want to watch for unusual bumps or growths on your Shiba Inu. This can be a sign of cancer. Other symptoms include wounds that won’t heal and difficulty breathing or eliminating.

Like all dog breeds, they are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, two of the most common health issues among dogs.

Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when the leg or hip becomes weakened, and it can result in arthritis or potential lameness if not addressed.

One of the best ways to prevent this is by keeping your dog from too much running on hard surfaces, especially when they are puppies.

Typical Shiba Inu Allergens

First of all, what causes allergies? 

Allergens are caused by dander, which is dead skin cells. Both animals and humans shed these dead skin cells. Dander is attached to the fur that dogs shed. 

Shiba Inus have double coats and are not considered allergen-friendly dogs. They will shed heavily twice a year. Regular brushing and bathing can lower allergens. 

If you or someone in your home has animal allergy concerns, please consult your health provider before adopting a puppy.

• 1. Is a Shiba Inu a good pet?
  Shiba Inus are loyal, active, and good-looking. However, Shiba Inus can be difficult to train and can be protective if they aren’t socialized properly. If you are an experienced dog owner who is consistent and firm with training, your Shiba Inu will be a great pet! If you tend to be lenient or are a new dog owner, a Shiba Inu probably isn’t the right pet for you.
• 2. Do Shiba Inus make good guard dogs?
  Shiba Inus are excellent watchdogs—they are super alert, vocal, and protective and will let you know as soon as something unusual happens near their space. However, since Shiba Inus tend to be smaller (17-24 lbs), they aren’t big enough to physically protect their humans.
• 3. Are Shiba Inus difficult?
  Shiba Inus are intelligent and independent thinkers! If they sense you aren’t in charge, they’ll take over. They require experienced and consistent training. Shiba Inus can also become overprotective if they aren’t socialized early. If you’re thinking about getting a Shiba Inu, research puppy kindergartens and trustworthy dog trainers in your area.
• 4. Are Shiba Inus allergen-friendly?
  No, Shiba Inus are not allergen-friendly dogs. They have a double coat and shed heavily twice a year.
• 5. Why are Shiba Inus so popular?
  Imagine owning a dog that looks like a stuffed animal! Or how about a dog that looks like a fox? Shiba Inu’s unique and attractive appearance has made them beloved pets in recent years. Their small to medium size also makes them great pets for small homes or apartments.
• 6. Is a Shiba Inu apartment friendly?
  Yes, Shiba Inus are apartment-friendly! They are small to medium sized dogs and are pretty adaptable. If you give your Shiba Inu sufficient exercise, they’ll be happy in an apartment.
• 7. Do Shiba Inus shed a lot?
  It depends on which breed you compare them to! Shiba Inus have a thick coat and shed heavily twice a year. They shed as much as any dog with a double coat. During heavy shedding times, they’ll need extra brushing to help remove the loose hair. During the rest of the year, Shiba Inus shed moderately to minimally. The good news is Shiba Inus have naturally clean coats and don’t need bathing as often as other double-coated breeds.
• 8. Is a Shiba Inu a good dog breed for first-time dog owners?
  Shiba Inus aren’t suitable for first-time dog owners. They’re intelligent and independent, meaning they have a mind of their own. They can be stubborn and tend to have a high prey drive and a protective nature. Shiba Inus require early socialization and firm, consistent training.