Shiba Inu
The original internet dog. Beautiful, incredibly clean, and a complete nightmare to recall thanks to its foxy independence.
Do Shiba Inus shed?
Yes — Shiba Inus are heavy shedders. There's no polite way to say it: if you get a Shiba Inu, dog hair becomes part of your home décor. Invest in a good de-shedding brush (a Furminator is popular with Shiba Inu owners) and a strong vacuum cleaner. Shedding peaks twice a year — spring and autumn — when they fully blow their undercoat.
Are Shiba Inus good with kids?
Shiba Inus can be hit or miss with young children. They tend to do better with older kids (8+) who know how to approach dogs calmly. Their bold personality means they won't always back down from confrontations. They can be wonderful companions — but early socialisation and teaching children how to interact with dogs properly is essential.
Are Shiba Inus good with cats?
Shiba Inus have a strong prey drive and will often chase cats. It\'s not impossible to have a Shiba Inu and a cat together, but it takes careful management — separate spaces, slow introductions over weeks, and never leaving them unsupervised until you're absolutely certain they're safe together. Some Shiba Inus raised with cats from puppyhood learn to coexist, but the prey drive is rarely fully extinguished.
Are Shiba Inus easy to train?
Shiba Inus are honest work to train — they have an independent streak and won't follow a command unless they understand why it benefits them. Patience and consistency are non-negotiable. Short sessions with high-value treats (think chicken, not dry kibble) get better results than long frustrating drills. Puppy classes are strongly recommended — not because they need it more than other breeds, but because early foundations make life significantly easier.
Do Shiba Inus bark a lot?
Shiba Inus are a quiet breed — they rarely bark without a good reason. This makes them an excellent choice for flat or terraced-house living where noise is a concern. They might bark to alert you to someone at the door, but sustained, excessive barking is uncommon. Neighbours tend to be fans.
Are Shiba Inus hypoallergenic?
No — Shiba Inus are not hypoallergenic. They shed high amounts of hair and dander, which is the main allergen trigger for most people. If allergies are a dealbreaker, consider a Poodle, Bichon Frise, or a Poodle-cross (Cockapoo, Cavapoo, Labradoodle) instead — all produce much less dander.
How much exercise does a Shiba Inu need?
Shiba Inus need 60–90 min/day of exercise daily. A couple of decent walks per day plus some off-lead time in a park will keep them happy. They're active enough to enjoy longer adventures at weekends, but calm enough to cope with normal weekday routines.
Mental exercise matters as much as physical. A Shiba Inu with a bored brain will find its own entertainment — usually involving your sofa or your shoes. Training sessions, puzzle feeders, and nose-work games all count.
Shiba Inu health problems
Like all breeds, Shiba Inus are prone to certain conditions. Knowing about them upfront means earlier detection, better outcomes, and fewer surprise vet bills.
- Dental disease. Smaller breeds have crowded teeth and are prone to periodontal issues. Brush teeth regularly.
- Luxating patella. Kneecap slipping, especially common in small breeds.
- Obesity. The most preventable health problem across all dog breeds. Keep them at a healthy weight.
- Annual vet checks. Catching problems early makes all the difference.
How long do Shiba Inus live?
Shiba Inus typically live 13–16 years. This is fairly typical for a medium-sized breed.
Lifespan is heavily influenced by weight management, exercise, genetics, and access to regular vet care. A Shiba Inu at a healthy weight, with good genetics and regular check-ups, will typically live toward the top of that range.
How much does a Shiba Inu cost in the UK?
A Shiba Inu puppy from a reputable KC-registered UK breeder typically costs £1 200–£3 000.
If you see a Shiba Inu puppy advertised for significantly less than £1 200, be very cautious. Low prices are the most common red flag for puppy farms.
The purchase price is just the start. First-year costs typically include:
- Vaccinations: ~£80–120
- Neutering/spaying: £200–400 depending on size and vet
- Microchipping (mandatory in UK): ~£20–30
- Bed, crate, leads, collar: £100–250
- Food (per year): £400–£1,200+ depending on size and diet
- Pet insurance: £30–£65/month (see below)
- Routine vet visits: £50–200/year
Total first-year cost beyond the puppy price: typically £1,500–£3,000.
Shiba Inu pet insurance
Pet insurance for a Shiba Inu in the UK typically costs £30–£65/month for comprehensive lifetime cover.
Lifetime cover is strongly recommended over cheaper time-limited or maximum-benefit policies. Once a condition is diagnosed and treated, lifetime cover continues to pay for it every year. Time-limited policies exclude it after 12 months — exactly when chronic conditions become expensive.
Compare quotes from Petplan, ManyPets, Waggel, and Animal Friends — all have strong reputations for actually paying out claims. Always check the annual limit (aim for £7,000+ per condition) and whether hereditary conditions are covered.
Questions about Shiba Inus
Detailed answers to the most common questions about the breed
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