Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially made or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Match the diet to the dog's life stage (puppy, adult, or senior), and feed dry or canned food. Some Shibas are picky, while others will eat anything in sight.

Feeding amounts and frequency:

• Adults: twice daily
• Puppies: three or four times a day, since they need to eat more often

Some dogs gain weight easily, so watch calorie intake and weight. You should be able to feel the ribs and backbone but not see them. Shibas can be grazers, so in a multi-dog home, make sure yours does not eat more than its portion. Electronic feeders, including the kind that read your pet's microchip, can keep each dog to its own kibble.

Be cautious about overfeeding, since extra weight brings other health problems. Treats help with training, but too many add up, so learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Keep clean, fresh water available at all times. Your dog food packaging includes a chart based on ideal weight, but your vet gives the strongest guidance and can build a feeding plan around your dog's weight, health history, and lifestyle.

Shibas can be prone to joint issues, including patellar luxation and arthritis. A good-quality joint supplement with glucosamine may support joint health, and a fatty acid supplement such as fish oil can support skin and coat. Talk to your vet before giving any supplement, and never give one without veterinary guidance.

Shibas shed, a lot. It is often said they shed twice a year, but some owners say it lasts six months at a time. Once or twice a year the Shiba goes through a molting period and drops a large amount of coat, and a professional groomer can help manage the flying fur. Brushing or combing during heavy shedding cuts down on hair around the house. Unless a Shiba has a long coat, the coat does not mat, so infrequent brushing does not hurt the dog.

Blowing the coat with a strong blow-dryer or a shop vacuum in reverse removes loose hair, dirt, and dandruff and lets you check for fleas. Most dogs learn to like the blower, since it feels good and does not scrape skin or pull the coat, but do not let it get too hot. Professional grooming is not required, and trimming the coat is prohibited by the breed standard.

There are no special skin care requirements; contact your vet if you notice changes such as redness or flakiness. If your Shiba struggles with allergies, weekly ear cleanings can help. Use a dog-safe ear cleaner or a wet paper towel to wipe away debris, then dry the ears, since trapped moisture lets bacteria build and can lead to infection. There are no special eye care needs, but talk to your vet if you notice changes to the eyes or vision.

Many owners have a professional cut the nails, a task the breed seems to hate. Start a puppy early on nails, and if it becomes a struggle, let a pro handle it. Prioritize regular dental care, including at-home teeth brushing and professional cleanings.

Most Shibas are fairly energetic and love walks. They are not so hyper that they climb the walls without daily exercise, but an owner should be committed to exercising the dog, especially without an adequate yard. Shibas enjoy active games and adventures, including swimming, fetch, and hide-and-seek, along with dog sports such as agility, flyball, tracking, rally, and competitive obedience.

Alert, active, and curious, Shibas can also be anxious, and adequate exercise plus mental stimulation helps manage that anxiety. They enjoy games that let them use all their senses. Food puzzles or toys stuffed with food give good mental stimulation. When frustrated or upset, Shibas often become very vocal, producing the high-pitched Shiba scream, so they may not suit apartments or homes with shared walls.

In general, mature Shibas are not very destructive when left alone, but some experience separation anxiety and benefit from being able to spend periods crated, even when owners are home or at night. Crating helps keep a home intact. Your veterinarian may suggest ways to relieve anxiety, which can also help with stressful vet visits.

Every Shiba owner should know one thing: a Shiba can never be considered reliable off lead unless in a confined area, and no amount of obedience training changes that. An open door, an unlocked gate, or a moment of inattention is all it takes for a Shiba to be gone. Give them daily scent walks with plenty of time to sniff and explore, plus games with toys and food puzzles, though Shibas can also be lazy and happy just being with family.

On the positive side, a Shiba is practically born housebroken. By 4 weeks of age the puppy tries to get as far from its sleeping area as possible to eliminate, and by 5 weeks it will hold it all night and wait to be taken outside. Full bladder control takes longer and depends on immediate access to the outdoors and the owner's diligence.

Consistent training and early socialization help your Shiba respond to cues and behave around strangers. Use a reward-based approach with treats or favorite toys to mark good behavior. Their intelligence helps them pick up cues easily, but they are independent-minded and opinionated, so if they are not interested in what you ask, they may ignore the cue or scream in frustration.

Shibas are typically friendly with people they know, though some are standoffish with strangers, especially without proper socialization as a puppy. Because of their anxious streak, they may not suit families with very young children, while older kids who know how to interact with dogs can be a good fit. Take your time and socialize your Shiba to new sensations and experiences to help them relax and learn.