Meet the Shiba Inu: The Independent, Fox-Like Companion
If you’ve ever thought a dog could resemble a fox, the Shiba Inu is your answer! With its small size and striking appearance, this breed’s fox-like features have a certain wild charm. Their stocky little bodies, similar to a Corgi but with a more upright stance, make them incredibly adorable. And don’t forget about that curly tail—referred to as their “little curly thing” that’s always held high!
For those who love the high-energy vibes of a Siberian Husky but prefer a smaller dog, the Shiba Inu is the perfect alternative. This breed packs all the energy of a Husky into a small, compact body, which makes them both playful and fun to have around.
The Shiba Inu is one of Japan's oldest dog breeds, and it’s the smallest member of the six Spitz breeds. Known for their role as hunting dogs, Shibas were originally used to flush out small birds and rabbits from the mountainous terrain of Japan’s Shabu region.
The breed faced near extinction a few times due to a combination of crossbreeding with Western dogs in the early 1900s and the devastation caused by World War II. Despite these challenges, dedicated efforts to preserve the breed have kept the Shiba Inu alive and thriving today.
Some alternative names you may hear for this charming dog include Shiba Kin, Japanese Turf Dog, Japanese Small-Sized Dog, and Japanese Brushwood Dog.
If you’re looking for a dog with a strong sense of independence, the Shiba Inu may be the perfect fit for you. This breed is often described as embodying the disciplined, self-reliant spirit of pre-war Japan. While Shibas love to be around their families, they’re equally happy to spend time doing their own thing. Unlike more social breeds like the Beagle or Labrador, Shibas tend to be a bit more self-sufficient.
Training a Shiba Inu can be a rewarding challenge. They’re intelligent, but that independence means they may test boundaries from time to time. They may ask themselves, “Can I do this differently?” So consistency and patience are key when training.
Training Tips:
Use repetition and positive reinforcement to help them learn.
Be prepared to set clear boundaries and stay firm.
Be patient—Shibas love to learn, but they’re known for being a bit stubborn!
Shiba Inus are high-energy dogs that love to run around and explore! They’re excellent companions for anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle. Whether it’s a jog around the neighborhood or a play session in the yard, these pups need regular exercise to stay happy and avoid destructive behaviors.
Fun Fact: Shibas are famous for their “zooies”—that’s Shiba slang for the zoomies! Watch out when they start darting around the house or yard in a burst of excitement. It’s hilarious!
Good news for families—Shiba Inus are known to be great with kids! These dogs are sturdy and durable, so they can handle some rough and tumble play. They may tire your little ones out before they even have a chance to catch up!
While Shibas aren’t typically aggressive or ideal guard dogs (due to their small size), they will let you know when something’s up with a bark. Their energy and affection make them wonderful family pets.
Weight: Shiba Inus typically weigh between 17 and 23 pounds.
Lifespan: These little dogs live a healthy 10 to 13 years, with some living even longer.
Visit us:
Location: 1851 Lower Muscatine Road, Iowa City.
Phone: 319-351-9451
Store Hours:
Sundays: Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.