Shiba Inu Puppy Guide: Price, Care, Tips, and Common Health Problems

Introduction

Shiba Inu puppies are an extremely intelligent, bold, and loyal breed. They are like ninja warriors that move quickly and are equally alert and curious. The famous doge, an internet meme, featured Kabosu, a Shiba Inu dog, in 2013, from which Shiba Inus gained much popularity in India. Unfortunately, the dog sadly passed away in August 2023, after battling with cancer. If you are looking for an energetic and loyal companion, a Shiba Inu puppy is a perfect choice for your family. In this article, we will explore every keen detail about the Shiba Inu puppy breed.

brown and cream Shiba Inu puppy sitting
Source – Pexels Photo by Anna Shvets

Quick Information

  • Origin—Japan
  • Life expectancy—12-14 years
  • Height—15.5-16.5 inches (male, after fully grown), 15-16 inches (female, after fully grown)
  • Weight—7-10 kg (male, when fully grown), 6-9 kg (female, when fully grown)
  • Color—black and tan, red, cream/white, sesame
  • Ideal weather—16-25°C
  • Price range—Rs. 45000-100000/-
  • Energy level—moderate
  • Shedding level—moderate-high.

What is the Shiba Inu dog price in India?

The Shiba Inu puppy dog price depends upon various factors such as the puppy size, champion bloodline, breed type, coat, color, lineage, location, and breeder’s reputation, but in India, it typically costs around Rs. 45000-100000, conditional upon whether you buy the puppy for pet shows or as a pet only.

Is Shiba Inu a good family dog?

Yes, Shiba Inus are good family dogs because they are highly spirited, playful, and independent personalities. In fact, you will get some extra benefits from having a Shiba Inu puppy as your pet. They are not clingy and will not roam around until you get irritated. They don’t require much time to be with them; that doesn’t mean they do not love you. Their unconditional love is shown in a sophisticated way. Additionally, they do not develop separation anxiety as other dogs do, but they will be ready to sacrifice their life for you. If you want to see their loyalty, then you must watch the film “Hachiko.” They properly displayed the unmatched degrees of loyalty of a Shiba Inu towards their pet parents.

Shiba Inu puppy sitting in bed
Source – Pexels Photo by Olha Didenko

Shiba Inu puppy appearance

Shiba Inu puppies have a distinctive appearance. They are medium-sized dogs that have a fox-like face, small, triangular, erect ears, slightly triangular, dark brown, expressive eyes, and a pointed muzzle. If we talk about their coats, they came in a double coat with a coarse outer coat and a soft undercoat. They look mesmerizing and appealing because of the urajiro markings all over the body and the thick, curly tail that carried over their back.

Shiba Inu puppy temperament

Shiba Inus are known for their independent and affectionate nature. They are friendly with their family members but are very reserved with strangers. Along with this joyful personality, they are a little stubborn and strong-willed dogs. But it can be fixed with proper training and early socialization. Having the hunting instincts they have, a strong prey drive. They are highly alert and brilliant watchdogs. Most people don’t know that they are highly vocal and expressive and ooze high-pitched screams when stressed out.

Monthly expenses of Shiba Inu

Like other dogs, Shiba Inu dogs also require a certain maintenance amount. The Shiba Inu puppy depends upon some diversified expenses, which include food, grooming, vet checkups, pet accessories, etc.

Calculations of these expenses are

  • Food—Rs. 4500-6500/- monthly.
  • Grooming—Rs. 3000-5000/- terminally
  • Veterinary checkups, including vaccinations—Rs 5000-10000/- annually.
  • Additional accessories—Rs. 2500-4500, depending upon the lifestyle.
Shiba Inu sitting in  brown sofa
Source – Pexels Photo by cottonbro studio

What is the best food for a Shiba Inu puppy?

A Shiba Inu puppy should eat high-quality 1/2-2 cups of dry puppy food thrice a day. They are highly active dogs and need food that has a sufficient quantity of vital nutrients for their healthy growth. There are many brands in the market that provide tailored puppy food, like Pedigree and Royal Canin. These companies manufacture dog-specific food that nourishes your dog and helps them keep in ideal shape. Additionally, Shiba Inus are prone to obesity, and their love for food is immeasurable, so always use slow-feeder bowls and treat dispensers to control the amount they are taking.

Are Shiba Inus hard to groom?

No, Shiba Inus are not hard to groom, but like other dogs, they need periodic baths, and for that, you should use dog-specific shampoos that keep their double coat shiny and lustrous. A soft slicker brush for brushing their hair at least twice a week. A dog toothpaste and toothbrush to maintain their dental hygiene once a week, dog nail clippers to cut off extra nails, and body oil to keep their fur soft and glossy.

Shiba Inu puppy training

Shiba Inus are independent; that’s why they require persistent and gentle training. They show positive results if you start their initial training, like leash training, crate training, and potty training, by week 5. You also need to keep an eye on them all the time because your Shiba Inu puppy may trick you if you keep the door unlocked for some time or show less attentiveness.

Remember, they are medium-sized dogs when fully grown, who are energetic since the puppy stage, and to burn that energy, they require little daily exercise and mild regular walks.

Note: Using positive reinforcement techniques such as offering them treats and toys while teaching them specific commands will improve the results of the training.

Shiba Inu dog sitting wearing red cap
Source – Pexels Photo by Anna Shvets

Shiba Inu health problems

Although the Shiba Inu is typically a healthy dog, it can still be prone to certain health problems. Regular vet checkups are especially important until your dog turns 2 years old.

Here are a few common health issues that Shiba Inu may experience throughout their lifetime:

• Patellar luxation

A condition where your dog’s kneecap dislocates from its place results in acute and heavy pain while walking or standing for longer periods.

• Chylothorax

A condition where a dog’s chest is filled with fluid results in regular palpitation and difficulty in breathing. The most common symptoms of chylothorax are lethargy, loss of appetite, and extensive cough. Visit your vet soon if you notice any of the persistent symptoms in your Shiba Inu puppy.

• Tail Chasing

This is a unique health condition that can be seen in many dog breeds. It makes your pet run and chase its own tail for hours. This obsessive cycle even prevents them from eating, drinking, or doing other activities.

• Hip dysplasia

It is a condition where the ball-and-socket joint of the hip loosens because of irregular growth, which eventually leads to arthritis.

• Cancer

The Shiba Inu dogs also suffer from deadly diseases like cancer, which is an abnormal growth of body cells. The most common symptoms of cancer in dogs are sores that take too long to heal, non-stop bleeding, abnormal swelling, and breathing difficulties.

FAQ

1. Where to buy a Shiba Inu puppy?

To buy a Shiba Inu puppy, contact your nearby reputable breeder who has years of experience in selling dogs or online marketplaces such as Justdial and IndiaMART.

2. How much does a Shiba Inu puppy cost?

A Shiba Inu puppy typically costs around Rs. 45000-100000/-, depending upon the breed, color, lineage, bloodline, and reputable breeder.

3. What is a Shiba Inu puppy?

A Shiba Inu puppy is a young dog of the Japanese breed Shiba Inu that has a fox-like appearance and compact size. They gained popularity in India through the doge meme “Kabosu” in 2013 and a famous Shiba Inu cryptocurrency coin created in 2020.

Final words

Bringing home a Shiba Inu puppy can be a rewarding and incredible experience for the right owner. With their independent spirit, loyal nature, and adorable looks, they make fascinating additions to any household. However, it’s important to understand their unique personality, and proper training is needed to raise a well-behaved companion. So, if you are ready for an energetic Shiba Inu puppy, then take a step and welcome your charming furry friend to your home.