Shiba Inu Dog Breeds

In the old times, the Shiba Inu worked in the hunting grounds. Changed circumstances has shifted their basic trade into companionship. This is the smallest one among the Japanese dog breeds.

However, indomitable courage and fiery spirit defines his character. He has a sturdy physique with ample athletic signs. Effortless and nimble running is a natural part of the Shiba.

He is always alert to the circumstances. It is a wonderful gift for this watchdog. He has a calm temperament but sure footed world outlook. This dog is going to approach a person or a situation on his own terms and not the other way around.

He is likely to guard his belongings to the last drop of blood. This guarding tendency is an inherited aspect of the Shiba personality and you have to comply. He does not get along well with strangers.

Most of all, this is a devoted family member and soon becomes the best buddy to your well behaving kids. Do not forget his hunting instincts which will instantly make him start a chase while off leash.

Most importantly, you have to reset some parts of your life in order to match with the Shiba requirements.

The Shiba Inu is an outstandingly smart dog. He thrives on the professions he is supposed to do such as companionship and hunting.

Professor Stanley Coren puts this hunter on the 49th position in his dog intelligence list. A combo of cute appearance and bold personality gets him whatever he wishes to be. He would prefer implementing his own ideas in respect to a job execution. You are going to deal with an escape artist.

So, keep your place enclosed with a fence. The Shiba keenly watches the surroundings and takes actions accordingly. His dumb side comes out in the open during times of possessive aggression. Food, toys and territory are always on top priority.

Moderately active Shiba Inu takes his meals rather seriously. In general, an adult Shiba needs 1.5 cups of daily intake.

Serve him two meals respectively in the morning and in the evening. Food amount is in fact a dynamic issue and there will always lie a difference in this context from dog to dog. This quantity actually relies on age, sex, activities, health and so many other aspects of an individual dog.

You can determine the amount of food and feeding styles the dog requires as you continue feeding him for a long time. The Shiba Inu can finely adjust itself with both homemade and commercial products as long as they fulfill his energy necessities. You can feed him small sized dog foods.

You just should not free feed the dog. Take away the rest of the food 20 minutes after serving him. This practice will obstruct some bad outcomes such as wasting and obesity. Fillers contribute little to his energy requirements.

Shiba Inu meals should be rich in protein and fat ingredients. At least, 18-22 percent of proteins in each meal will provide this dog with ample energy.

Beef, chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, dairy items and lamb are excellent sources of proteins. Barley, cereals, vegetables and oats will give him some plant proteins. But vegetable proteins are not proficient in amino acid which is vital for the health of a dog.

On the other hand, fish oil, flaxseed oil, safflower oil, and olive oil will supply the dog with necessary fat. Fat prevents an injury by protecting the internal organs by setting up a protective layer. Bone and joint strength also derives from it. Tapioca, brown rice, sweet potatoes, fruits, beetroot, pumpkin and vegetables serve him with carbohydrates and fibres.

Carbohydrate is the source of long term strength. Vegetables should not go beyond 1-2% of his total diet. A commercial item must be free of preservatives, dyes and flavors for the sake of his good health.

In this respect, you may want to follow the guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Clean water is a vital necessity for the dog. Irrelevant use of treats causes overweight which is a great concern for the Shiba Inu. You should be careful in this respect.

The Shiba Inu is a pretty healthy dog breed and usually keeps away from most of the diseases. Actually, purebred dogs are likely to develop some genetic issues and this dog is no exception. You can always undertake some precautionary measures before buying a puppy.

A number of health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) will clear the dog out of a list of major physical conditions.

However, your dog may not suffer from any of these listed diseases in his lifetime. Your proper concept on these diseases might save both of you from a lot of troubles.

Hip dysplasia is an issue for almost all dogs and the Shiba Inu is no exception to that. Hip socket and femur head experience mismatch causing tormenting pain or lameness. An affected dog may even develop arthritis. There is little remedy to a severe condition without surgery.

Allergies are common concerns for this dog. Several types of food, contact and inhalant allergies can attack him. Itching, redness and hair loss are common symptoms. Any treatment requires finding out the allergen and removing it from the dog’s life.

New medication or environmental changes can trigger this issue as well. Elbow dysplasia involves abnormal tissue or bone growth in the elbow joint. This condition also leads to acute pain and might demand a surgery.

Lymphatic fluid accumulation along the heart and lungs areas is called chylothorax. Coughing, intense breathing, pulpable lung sounds and unusual heart rate are symptoms. Veterinarians use a special tube to clear out his throat and occasionally recommend an operation.

The Shiba Inu is a neat and smell free dog. So, frequent baths are not necessary at all. However, extensive shedding comes along the path of the Shiba. Their double coat sheds all year long and your place will be inundated under his hair during the seasons.

Soft and thick undercoat as well as a coarse outer coat gives him protection. Proper grooming is vital for them.

Brushing the coat using a slicker brush will do the job finely. It will remove dead hair and permeate his natural skin oil all over the coat.

For this dog, trimming is never suggested by the dog experts. Brush his teeth 2-3 times each week. Trim the nails at least once a month. You should regularly examine his ear canals for wax or smell. Leash control is vital if you choose to take him out. You should never leave a Shiba alone with a kid or a small pet. It might bring in a fatal tragedy.

This dog can surprisingly cope up with many extensive workouts in comparison to its small size. Take him out for at least 30-40 minutes of walks because these are the best outlets to spend his pent up energy.

Moreover, he can run beside a cyclist or jogger. But the Shiba is unlikely to make a fuss if you accidentally miss a day or two in this regard. Maturity puts a cap on their destructive feelings.

You can reserve a fenced yard for his free racing. Interactive games such as frisbee, flyball are good for dogs in general.

Shiba will maintain loneliness in the presence of strangers. So, socialization should be the first lesson. You have to bring him in touch with many humans and pets so that he can grow up a round personality.

The park and the street are the best places for him to meet unknown folks. You can also invite close friends to your place. These socializing techniques are going to positively impact his behavior.

Leash training is a significant part due to a chasing tendency. A fitting leash can do the job. Put the dog inside a crate so that he can learn handling separation anxiety. It will also impart positive potty lessons regarding schedule and location.

Give them a different bed to sleep as this is the proper practice suggested by the dog experts. But keeping an adult dog confined for more than 2-4 hours is never acceptable. You can prepare this dog for small game hunting. They can also excel at tracking, agility, obedience programs.

As has already been mentioned, the Shiba Inu has originated in Japan. They were natural hunters for centuries in their native land. This is one of six native dogs of Japan and by the way, the smallest.

The Shiba Inu was almost wiped out of the earth with the ferocious events of the Second World War. A combined post war breeding effort saved them from extinction.

This dog first set foot in America in 1954. The AKC fully recognized and classified this Non-Sporting dog in 1997. Currently, they enjoy the 44th position in the AKC breed popularity list. In Japan, they are considered to be the best companion dogs.