Are you fond of small dog breeds? Are you passionate about keeping tiny Japanese dogs? Have you had the agile Shiba dogs? Do you have an idea on how much do Shiba Inus cost? This article is the right fit for you. It highlights the personality of Shiba Inus dogs, their food, training guide, tips on how to take care of them and their market prices.
Shiba Inus is a small dog breed that is ideal for mountainous terrain. It was initially used in hunting, but that has changed in recent years. The dog is similar to the Hokkaido and Akita Inu breeds but it has a different temperament, bloodline and it is smaller than most Japanese breeds. It has a massive and compact body frame. Male Shibas can grow up to 43cm while as the females can reach 41cm.The males have a 10kg average body weight while females weigh 8kg.
The dog has a double coat; a straight and stiff outer coat, and a thick and soft undercoat. Its guard hairs are about 5cm long, and the tail hair stands typically open. Shibas can be tan and black, red, sesame with a grey or buff undercoat.
Shiba Inu Personality
In most instances, Shiba Inus dogs are usually independent. However, they could at times be aggressive especially among female Shibas.
It is influenced by the dog’s prey drive. The dog is suitable for homes without children or small dogs as they have a cordial relation with cats.
Is The Shiba Inu The Right Dog For You?
If you would like to own a small breed puppy, there are various factors that you need to consider about Shibas such as their temperament. The following method is recommended in deciding the right dog for you.
1.Deciding if the Shiba Inu Breed Suits You
•Consider a dog’s hunting instinct: The breed was initially bred for hunting purposes. The dog flushed out both small and large game such as birds and wild boars. However, they are currently kept as companion animals instead of hunting dogs. Shiba Inu has an efficient prey instinct, and they are known for running off-leash or escaping fences when chasing an animal. They require constant obedience training due to their active and robust nature.•Know that exercise could be challenging: Unlike other dog breeds, Shibas use their high intelligence to trick their owner. Some devise unusual ways to outwit their owners and to overcome training. Training them is a unique experience to many qualified dog trainers. Shibas have working origins which bored dogs direct in causing destruction. Train them not to escape from fences or to chew during training sessions.•Be aware that Shiba Inus are independent: They tend to behave more like cats than dogs as they are independent minded and they like being isolated. It causes them to lack interest in getting human attention during training. They often project composure and dignity.•Reconsider Shibas if you need cuddly dogs: Many Shibas are particular about various body postures and health conditions. They could overreact to minor health complications as some could produce a piercing scream when experiencing mild pain. Shibas don’t curl up on couches with their owners, and they dislike being touched. They are loving and loyal as they don’t crowd your personal space.•Understand their aggressive reactions: Shiba Inus dogs tend to be aggressive whenever their private area is infringed. They have a low tolerance to other dogs as they often chase them. Shibas are also possessive with their food and items, and you will have to monitor them if you have small children at home continually.•Decide whether you need a female or male Shiba: Males are more interactive and playful than their female counterparts who rarely seek attention.•Research on how to maintain their coat: Most Shibas shed consistently during spring which falls within several months. You have to brush them frequently to spread their natural oils and keep the top coat’s condition.•Analyze the dog’s lifespan and health condition: The breed has an expected lifespan of up to 15 years. Shibas are prone to chronic allergies that cause extreme itchiness. These allergies can’t be cured, but you can control them. The dog is also susceptible to cataracts and hypothyroidism. They frequently suffer from epilepsy and cataracts.•Don’t ignore the character strengths: Shibas have adorable personalities, and they are loyal to their owners.
You must love Reading:
How Many Puppies Can a Pitbull DOG Have?
How To Teach Your Dog To Lay Down
Shiba Inu Puppies Adoption
These tips are handy when selecting a Shiba puppy.
•Consult a certified breeder: A good dog breeder should allow you to view all puppies without restrictions and they should be proud of it. The breeder should also issue a return policy such that a client can return a puppy for various reasons. They even don’t breed high puppy populations within a year.Ensure that the mother is regularly vaccinated and the puppies begin parasite treatments when they are four weeks old. Search for nearby American Kennel Club approved dog breeders.•Identify irresponsible Shiba breeders: Avoid breeders who adopt out young puppies that are less than eight weeks old. These are not yet ready to be weaned off from female Shibas. Overcrowding and dirty kennel conditions indicate poor dog breeding standards. Don’t consult a breeder who can’t display his puppies’ health information. You should also not purchase a puppy if you can’t see his mother.•Assess the puppy’s health: Be keen not to adopt a sick puppy check out the following characteristics.-Energy. She should be alert and energetic.-Eyes and nostrils. They should not be surrounded by crust or discharge.-Breathing pattern. It should be calm and without excessive sneezing or coughing.-Genitalia. The genital area should be clean and without any odor or fecal matter.-Weight. A healthy puppy should have a rounded rib cage.-Hearing. The puppy should react to any sound you produce.-Coat. It should be glossy and without dandruff.-Legs. Look for slight soreness, stiffness or limping displayed when walking.•Assess the appearance of the puppy’s parents: When choosing a puppy, always adhere to international breed standards. The parents’ presentation could give you an idea of how the puppy will look after it matures. The following Shiba Inus standards are set by the American Kennel Club.-Size. Male Shibas stand at 16 inches and could weigh up to 23 lbs while as females stand at 15 inches and averagely weigh 17 pounds.-Body. They have a level back and a well-built body. The tails have a single curl.-Head. A Shiba should have a broad, flat and furrowed forehead. The teeth shouldn’t have an under or overbite.-Coat. It should either be black, red or sesame in color.
How to Assess Your Puppy’s Personality
•Evaluate the litter: Assess how all puppies in a litter interact with one another. A right puppy should be bold and curious. Avoid skittish and shy puppies that have a weak play interaction. Select one that has an average temperament.•Don’t be lured by a puppy’s cuteness: A Shiba puppy’s appearance should not distract you from thoroughly assessing her personality.•Pick a puppy that is approachable to people: The puppy should voluntarily approach you and spend adequate time with you. It will enable you to decide on his friendliness and comfort in human company.•Ensure that the puppy is social: Socialization entails exposing puppies to different experiences when they are 3-18 weeks old. What a puppy encounters enable her to accept, adjust and develop confidence. It is necessary for Shiba Inus as they often express their personal opinion. The puppies should interact with humans for at least 1.5 hours per day. An ideal puppy should be raised within a home as they are regularly exposed to natural smells, sounds, and sights of domestic life.Those raised in kennels are isolated from the healthy lifestyle. A breeder should ensure that all puppies are socialized.•Evaluate his trainability: One can get a sense of how a dog will be when it matures while at its tender age. Give him a toy and note how hard or easy it is for you to retrieve it. Alternatively, you could offer him a treat as an exchange to the toy. It will help you predict how he will react to training.•Perform an aggression test: Roll him onto his back and firmly hold him. It helps you to assess his aggressiveness as an adult Shiba. If he growls and attempts to fight you, he will most probably be aggressive. On the other hand, if he lays passively, he is likely to be submissive. The best reaction is that which a puppy wriggles without snapping or growling.
Shiba Inu Puppy Food
Follow these steps when feeding your Shiba dog.
•Create a proper feeding schedule: Shiba Inus have a high appetite. Proper feeding is necessary for good health. A Shiba needs to be fed twice a day. Weigh the dog and follow the feeding instructions on your dog food. Feed the dog in the morning and the evening. Don’t put food that he can’t consume within ten minutes.
If you notice weight fluctuations, adjust the food quantity depending on whether he has gained or lost weight.Overfeeding him could result in bloating. Some Shiba owners believe that a dog should fast to minimize bloating.
•Mix wet ingredients and kibble: High-quality Shiba food is a kibble with fresh ingredients. It should be rich in poultry and fish. However, you should avoid one with plenty of soy and wheat. You could mix rice, vegetable, eggs, yogurt and canned tuna.•Use a unique feeding bowl: Purchase a bowl that slows down your Shiba’s eating speed. If a dog bites fast, it could suffer from bloating. An ideal feeding bowl should have a unique shape that prevents a Shiba from gulping its food.
Shiba Inu Training Guide
•Protect yourself: You should first ensure that other animals and humans are safe when interacting with the Shiba Inu. The aggressive dog may have to wear a muzzle to prevent him from attacking others.
•Spray the dog: Unsprayed dogs are often aggressive than those who are sprayed. Visit a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate form of spray for your Shiba.•Regularly seek treatment: An illness could make your dog aggressive. It may be as a result of pain or discomfort. Even if he is healthy, it is recommended that you take him for regular check-ups. A vet could also help you find a qualified trainer.•Attend obedience training lessons with the dog: Most aggressive dogs need strict and consistent obedience training for them to change. It helps you formulate a routine with your pet and get help from a certified dog trainer. Be keen on the various training techniques applied and choose a trainer who utilizes the best method. Punitive training makes the dog rebellious.You could visit a pet store, a veterinarian or a dog shelter to learn about the various obedience courses in your vicinity. Note that some aggressive animals may need private lessons with a trainer.•Change the type of interaction between the dog and other people: Small interaction changes could help in improving your dog’s behavior. If he is extremely expensive, try to keep him calm by avoiding using a reassuring tone when he is frightened. It could inform him that he is right to get afraid which shouldn’t be the case.•Adjust the dog’s environment: In some instances, you may have to modify your pet’s environment to control his aggression. You could use several baby gates to confine him away from children. However, ensure that he doesn’t break through them. If the Shiba Inu is destructive, use crate training when taming him.
How Much Do Shiba Inus Cost?
Small Shiba Inu puppies for saleThe following puppies are currently sold at an affordable price.•Shiba Baby: A female dog that is 12 weeks old. She is sold at $350.•Mack: A male dog that is eight weeks old. He is traded at $850.•MJ: A male dog that is eight weeks old. He is sold at $850.•Max: A male dog that is eight weeks old. He is traded at $850.•Coco: A female dog that is eight weeks old. She is sold at $650.
Final Verdict
How much do Shiba Inus cost is a question that is frequently asked by many amateur pet owners? One needs to understand the breed’s temperament, the nutritional requirement clearly and to conduct in-depth research on the prices of various Shiba dogs. The amount is influenced by the dog’s gender, age, and health status.