Shiba Inus are known for their distinct fox-like appearance, and the fluffy white variety is no exception. They are a rare color variation of this ancient breed.
One of the most distinctive features of the Fluffy Shiba Inu White is its temperament. This breed is known for being loyal and reserved, often described as "cat-like" in its independence.
In terms of health, Fluffy Shiba Inus are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain conditions such as patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential issues early on.
Care and Maintenance
Fluffy Shiba Inus need a daily workout, either through active games, long walks, or off-leash runs in a securely fenced area. This helps keep them happy and healthy.
They also benefit from mental challenges like games and agility work. A daily workout helps burn off excess energy.
At home, your fluffy Shiba Inu needs an escape-proof yard. Shibas prefer cooler weather but can adapt to warmer temperatures.
To keep their coat looking its best, brush their stiff top coat occasionally and their dense undercoat daily during shedding season. You can also use a hair dryer or dog-appropriate vacuum to remove dead hair.
To ensure your fluffy Shiba Inu stays healthy, check for signs of patellar luxation, a dislocation of the kneecap, and allergies. Regular grooming sessions can help you spot health issues early.
Here are some essential grooming tasks to keep your fluffy Shiba Inu clean and healthy:
- Brush their coat at least once a week, especially during shedding season.
- Bathe them every three to four months, but not too often to prevent drying out the coat and skin.
- Trim their nails at least once a month to prevent painful tears.
- Brush their teeth at least two times a week to remove bacteria and tartar.
- Check for signs of infections like inflammation, sores, and rashes during weekly grooming sessions.
Care and Upkeep
Shiba Inus are active dogs that need daily exercise, either through playtime, long walks, or off-leash runs in a securely fenced area. They also benefit from mental challenges like games and agility work.
A daily workout is essential for Shibas, and they prefer cooler weather but can adapt to warmer temperatures.
To keep your Shiba Inu's top coat looking its best, brush it occasionally to prevent tangling or matting. However, the undercoat sheds profusely twice a year, requiring daily brushing during this time.
You can also use a hair dryer or dog-appropriate vacuum to remove dead hair from the coat.
Shibas are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to allergies and patellar luxation, a kneecap dislocation. If your dog is hopping on one leg with the other held up and forward, it's essential to have your veterinarian check them out.
Here's a quick grooming checklist:
- Brush their coats at least once a week, especially during shedding season
- Bathe them every 3-4 months to prevent dry skin and coat
- Trim their nails monthly to prevent painful tears
- Brush their teeth daily to prevent bad breath and gum disease
- Check for signs of infections weekly during grooming
Exercise
Exercise is essential for Shibas, requiring a minimum of one hour of activity daily. This daily dose of exercise can be in the form of a walk or playtime.
If Shibas don't get enough exercise, they may become frustrated, leading to aggressive or destructive behavior. Furniture chewing is a common result of this frustration.
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How Big Do You Get?
As you're considering getting a White Shiba Inu, you might be wondering how big they'll get. Most male White Shibas are between 14.5 to 16.5 inches tall.
Their weight is also something to consider, with males typically weighing around 23 lbs. Females, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, ranging from 13.5 to 15.5 inches in height.
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and individual dogs may vary depending on their lineage and overall health.
Health and Genetics
The fluffy white Shiba Inu's genetics are fascinating, and understanding them can help you appreciate their unique coat. A cream Shiba results from having two recessive "e" genes, which is rare, making cream and white coats even rarer.
The National Shiba Club of America notes that black pigment in dogs is created by the Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R), and Shibas have this except for the cream. This means that Shibas who are cream have no black hairs anywhere on their bodies.
Health Considerations
While the White Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, some health issues can affect them. Common health issues include glaucoma, epilepsy, allergies, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, chylothorax, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
Health clearances are essential when buying a White Shiba Inu puppy, as they can help prove the dog is cleared and tested for different conditions. A Shiba Inu dog should have health clearances for hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and normal eyes.
Average Lifespan
The average lifespan of a White Shiba Inu is around 13 to 16 years, but with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, they can live much longer. The oldest recorded Shiba dog, Pusuke, lived to be 26 years old, which is an impressive feat.
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The Genetics of Inus
The Genetics of Inus is a complex topic, but I'll break it down simply. The recessive "e" gene is responsible for the cream color in some Inus, and having two copies of this gene, ee, results in a cream coat.
The National Shiba Club of America explains that the Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) gene determines the amount of black pigment in a dog's coat. In its dominant form, E, this gene allows for some black hairs, even if it's just one black whisker.
Shibas with two copies of the recessive "e" gene, ee, have no black hairs anywhere on their bodies. This is because the recessive form of the gene restricts black pigment altogether.
If a Shiba has one copy of the dominant E gene and one copy of the recessive e gene, Ee, it can produce cream offspring.
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Common Health Issues
As you consider bringing a White Shiba Inu into your family, it's essential to be aware of the common health issues that can affect this breed.
Glaucoma is a serious condition that can cause blindness in White Shiba Inus.
Epilepsy is another health issue that can affect this breed, leading to seizures and other neurological symptoms.
Allergies are a common problem for many breeds, including White Shiba Inus, and can cause a range of symptoms from mild itching to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Hip Dysplasia is a joint condition that can cause arthritis and mobility problems in White Shiba Inus.
Patellar Luxation is a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain and discomfort.
Chylothorax is a rare but serious condition that can cause fluid to accumulate in the chest cavity.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative eye condition that can cause blindness in White Shiba Inus.
To ensure you're getting a healthy puppy, make sure to see the health clearances of the puppy, including certifications for hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and normal eyes.
Eye tests, joint, and general body health examinations are recommended during the maturing phase of the dog's life to catch any potential problems early on.
If no joint problems have been detected by the time the dog is two years old and has a fully developed bone structure, it may be considered free from joint problems.
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Typical Lifespan
White Shibas have an average life expectancy of about 13 to 16 years. With regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, some can live even longer.
The oldest Shiba dog to ever have lived is Pusuke, who passed away in December 2011 at the impressive age of 26 years.
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Are Healthy?
A cream coat can be considered white, but a white coat cannot be considered cream - there's a subtle difference between the two colors.
If a breeder prioritizes a Shiba's health over its color, the puppies will be just as healthy as any other colored Shiba.
Albino is not a coat color, but a genetic mutation that can lead to health concerns.
Some irresponsible breeders only care about profit and may breed white and cream relatives to increase the chance of a white or cream litter, which can lead to genetic health problems.
Whether a white or cream Shiba is healthy primarily depends on the breeder.
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Temperament and Behavior
The Shiba Inu's temperament is a unique combination of traits that can make for a entertaining and loving companion. Shibas are known to be brash, bold, and busy, always getting into some kind of inventive mischief.
They can be headstrong and independent, which can make training a bit of a challenge. It's not uncommon for Shibas to not obey commands without question, especially if they don't see the point.
Despite their strong will, Shibas can thrive in dog sports like agility, lure coursing, and nose work, where their energy and curiosity can be channeled into fun activities. They can also make excellent watchdogs, alerting you to potential strangers or unusual noises.
Is There an Inu?
The Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed that's known for being independent and territorial, making them a unique companion.
They come in different sizes, with the smallest being the 'mame' or bean-sized Shiba, which is a popular choice for apartment living.
Shiba Inus have distinct physical features, including small pointy ears and a curled tail.
Their weight typically ranges from 7 to 10 kilograms, or around 16 to 22 pounds.
They're relatively small in size, standing between 33 to 45 centimeters high, or 13 to 17 inches.
Despite their small size, Shiba Inus are available in a rare white variation, commonly found in America and Japan.
Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is a playful and smart breed that can thrive in various living situations.
They're adaptable to both ranch and apartment life, as long as they receive adequate exercise and companionship.
This breed is known to be at home in a variety of settings, making them a great choice for many different types of owners.
Their exercise needs are relatively moderate, and with regular activity, they can be happy and healthy in a small or large space.
Temperament
The Shiba Inu is a breed that's known for being brash, bold, and busy, with a robust sense of humor. It's not uncommon for them to get into inventive mischief, keeping their owners on their toes.
Shibas can be headstrong and may not obey commands without question, making training a bit more challenging. But with patience and consistency, they can learn to compete in dog sports like agility and lure coursing.
A White Shiba Inu may produce a loud and high-pitched scream when unhappy or provoked, but it can also make this sound when it's happy, like when a favorite human returns home. This unique vocalization can be a sign of their strong emotions.
Shibas are generally fairly affectionate, but they may be aloof towards strangers and challenge unfamiliar dogs. They make excellent watchdogs, but some may bark excessively.
If you're considering getting a White Shiba Inu, be prepared for them to be independent and curious. They may not always want to cuddle or sit on your lap, but when they're in the mood, they can be very affectionate.
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Ownership and Cost
The average price of a Shiba Inu puppy from a responsible breeder is between $1,200 and $2,500.
Be wary of breeders selling white or cream pups for an increased price, as they may have interbred close relatives to increase the chances of white and cream offspring, which can lead to genetic health issues.
This can be a red flag, indicating that the breeder may be deceptive about other things too, so it's essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder.
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Japan
In Japan, the Nippo registry recognizes three standard colors for the Shiba breed: red, black, and sesame.
The Nippo registry is the preserving and maintaining registry for the six native Japanese dog breeds.
If you're considering owning a Shiba from Japan, you'll want to know that white or cream coats are not recognized as standard.
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Should I Get a Dog?
If you're considering getting a dog, it's essential to research the breeder you choose to work with. They should be responsible and breed for health over color.
You should only consider buying from a breeder who prioritizes health and has the necessary health certificates. This includes tests for patella, hip, and ophthalmologist evaluation.
Unless you want to show or breed your dog, there's no reason to choose a specific color. White or cream-colored dogs from responsible breeders are likely to be just as healthy as their littermates.
Always ask for health certificates before making a decision. This will give you peace of mind knowing your new furry friend is healthy.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of owning a Shiba Inu can be a significant investment. The average price of a Shiba Inu puppy from a responsible breeder is between $1,200 and $2,500.
Be wary of breeders who charge more for white or cream Shiba Inus, as this could be a sign of inbreeding to increase the chances of these colors.
A responsible breeder will charge the same price for a white or cream Shiba Inu as they would for any other color.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Shiba Inus be fluffy?
Yes, Shiba Inus have a fluffy double coat with a layer of shorter undercoat beneath their longer guard hairs. Their fluffy undercoat contributes to their overall soft and fluffy appearance.
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