The Full Grown White Shiba Inu Breed is a rare and unique variation of the Shiba Inu. They can grow up to 15 inches in height and weigh between 15-25 pounds.
Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. The outer coat can be a beautiful white color with a soft, fluffy texture.
Full grown White Shiba Inus are known for their loyal and affectionate nature, making them great companions for active families. They are naturally wary of strangers and may take time to warm up to new people.
Their intelligence and independent streak can make training a challenge, but consistency and positive reinforcement can help overcome these obstacles.
The Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a Japanese dog breed. There are six original distinct breeds of dog from Japan, and the Shiba Inu is the smallest one.
The Shiba Inu has a unique appearance that's similar to the red and white Akitas found in the United States, but on a smaller scale.
The Shiba Inu belongs to the Spitz dog family, which also includes other Japanese dog breeds like the Shikoku, Kai, Ainu, and Kishu. These breeds have very similar appearances and temperaments.
These Japanese dog breeds are often confused with one another due to their similar characteristics, but they each have their own distinct traits.
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Temperament and Training
The Shiba Inu's temperament is a unique blend of independence, intelligence, and stubbornness. They can be quite mischievous and inventive, often entertaining themselves with clever antics.
Shibas are known to be fiercely proud and fastidious, taking great care to maintain their cleanliness and coat. They'll often be seen licking their paws and legs, and may even housebreak themselves with minimal training.
However, their independent nature can make them challenging to train, especially for inexperienced owners. They require patient, firm, and assertive leadership to thrive. Shibas are not suitable for first-time dog owners, as they can be strong-willed and prone to destructive behavior if not properly trained.
With the right owner and training, Shibas can learn to be sociable and obedient dogs. They require a lot of exercise and stimulation to prevent anxiety and undesirable behaviors like the "shiba scream".
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Temperament
The Shiba Inu is an independent breed with a strong sense of self, often described as having a "spirited boldness" and "good nature". This unique combination can make them entertaining to be around, but also challenging to train.
Shibas are known to be fastidious and proud, which can make them easy to housetrain. In fact, many Shibas will even housebreak themselves if given the opportunity.
Their independent nature can sometimes make them aloof towards strangers, and they may challenge unfamiliar dogs. This is why socialization is crucial for Shibas, especially during their puppy years.
Shibas are highly intelligent, but also somewhat stubborn and strong-willed. This can make them resistant to training if they don't see the point, so consistency and patience are key.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Shiba Inu is their "shiba scream", a loud, high-pitched sound they make when they're unhappy or provoked. It's not a pleasant sound, but it's a sure sign that your Shiba is feeling strongly about something.
Shibas require a lot of exercise and stimulation to prevent anxiety, which can lead to undesirable behaviors. A daily routine that includes physical and mental stimulation can help keep your Shiba happy and healthy.
Discipline and Training
The Shiba Inu is extremely intelligent, but can also be very stubborn. They know what they want, you might say.
To train a Shiba Inu, you need to be the pack leader, not someone who always gives in.
They require owners who are patient yet firm, clear and assertive. This means being consistent in your commands and boundaries.
If you're right, then the Shiba Inu is easy to train to be a sociable, obedient dog.
Health and Wellbeing
The Shiba Inu is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Overall, they can live a long and healthy life with proper care.
Their average life expectancy is from 12 to 15 years, and regular exercise is essential to keep them healthy. Daily walks are a must, especially for a full-grown white Shiba Inu.
Eye problems can develop over time, so it's crucial to have your Shiba Inu's eyes checked yearly. This can help prevent or detect issues like glaucoma and cataracts early on.
With regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle, your Shiba Inu can live a long and happy life.
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Care and Upkeep
The Shiba Inu needs a daily workout, whether it's a game, a long walk, or an off-leash run in a securely fenced area. This daily exercise will help keep your Shiba happy and healthy.
A securely fenced area is a must for off-leash runs, as Shibas are known to be fairly active and inquisitive dogs.
Shibas prefer cooler weather, but they can adapt to warmer temperatures.
The Shiba's top coat is stiff and stands off from the body, but it doesn't tangle or mat. However, it should be brushed occasionally.
Daily brushing is a must during shedding season, which occurs twice a year. This will help remove dead hair from the coat.
A hair dryer or a dog-appropriate vacuum can also be used to remove dead hair from the Shiba's coat.
The breed is generally quite healthy, but allergies are a common issue.
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Life Span
The life span of a Shiba Inu is a remarkable aspect of their health and wellbeing. Their average life expectancy is around 12 to 15 years.
Exercise is crucial for this breed to live a long and healthy life, with daily walks being a great way to keep them active.
The oldest known Shiba, Pusuke, lived a remarkable 26 years, setting a record for the breed.
A review of cemetery data in Japan found that the Shiba Inu had a life expectancy of 15 and a half years, greater than any other breed.
Health
The Shiba Inu is a generally healthy dog breed, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain health issues. Overall, allergies, glaucoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, entropion, and luxating patella are known to affect this breed.
Regular exercise is essential for Shibas, so make sure to walk or engage them in other physical activities daily. As with most dog breeds, Shibas should be exercised daily.
Shiba Inus are at risk of developing eye problems, including glaucoma, which can be detected through yearly eye tests. The breed has been linked to three genes associated with glaucoma.
Hip dysplasia is another potential issue, but periodic joint examinations can help detect it early on. If your Shiba Inu is free from joint problems by two years of age, they're likely to remain healthy in this regard.
Luxating patella is a common issue in Shibas, with 35% of those surveyed being affected. This condition can be painful and may require medical attention.
Pyometra, a uterine infection, is slightly more common in intact female Shibas. To prevent this, it's essential to spay or neuter your dog.
Canine atopic dermatitis is also prevalent in Shibas, causing skin irritation and discomfort.
History and Origin
The Shiba Inu is a very old dog breed that existed as far back as 300 BC. They come from mountainous regions of Japan, where they were used to hunt wild animals and birds.
The breed was bred to hunt small game, such as birds and rabbits, and was known to live in the mountainous areas of the Chūbu region. They were also used for their unique characteristics, such as their strong prey drive and agility.
The Shiba Inu nearly became extinct during World War II due to a combination of food shortage and distemper outbreaks, but was saved by being crossed with other breeds.
Shiba Inu Meaning
The Shiba Inu's name is quite interesting, and it's worth exploring its meaning. The word "Shiba" can be pronounced as "Inu" or "Ken", which simply means "Shiba dog" or "Shiba Ken".
One possible interpretation of "Shiba" is "red shrub", referring to the red bushes that grow in the region where Shibas originated. This fits well with the Shiba Inu's distinctive red color.
The name "Shiba Inu" is not just a reference to the dog's color, however. Despite being available in various colors, all Shiba Inus share a fiery red personality that's characteristic of the breed.
History and Origin
The Shiba Inu is a very old dog breed that existed as far back as 300 BC. They come from mountainous regions of Japan, where they were used to hunt wild animals and birds.
The Shiba Inu was bred to hunt and flush small game, such as birds and rabbits. They lived in the mountainous areas of the Chūbu region.
The Shiba Inu nearly became extinct during World War II due to a combination of food shortage and distemper outbreaks. This was largely due to the efforts of Nippo, the Association for the Preservation of the Japanese Dog, who worked to preserve the breed.
All subsequent dogs were bred from the only three surviving bloodlines, which were the Shinshu Shiba, the Mino Shiba, and the San'in Shiba. These bloodlines were combined into one overall breed, the Shiba Inu.
The Shiba Inu was recognized as a Natural Monument of Japan in 1936, and was later recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992.
Activities and Lifestyle
As a full-grown white Shiba Inu owner, you can expect your furry friend to be relatively low-maintenance. They are a relatively small breed, weighing between 15-25 pounds.
Their independent nature means they don't require constant attention, but they do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, including walks and playtime.
With proper care, white Shiba Inus can live up to 12-15 years, making them a long-term companion.
Grooming
Shiba Inus are naturally clean dogs, so you can expect minimal grooming needs. Their coarse coat is waterproof, which means they don't need regular bathing.
Their coat is made up of two layers: a short to medium length outer coat and a thick undercoat that protects them from cold temperatures. The outer coat is 2.5 to 3.2 cm long.
Daily brushing can help reduce shedding, also known as blowing coat, which can be a nuisance. Shedding is heaviest during seasonal changes and summer.
It's essential to get your Shiba Inu accustomed to being wet or bathed when they're young, as they naturally hate it.
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Top Activities
If you're looking for ways to stay active and engaged, consider trying a new outdoor activity like hiking or biking. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Walking for at least 30 minutes a day can have a significant impact on mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research shows that being in nature can also have a calming effect.
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Many people find that practicing yoga or meditation helps them relax and manage stress. These activities can be done from the comfort of your own home, making them a great option for those with busy schedules.
Engaging in social activities, such as joining a book club or volunteering, can help you meet new people and build meaningful relationships. This can be especially beneficial for those who live alone or have difficulty meeting new people in their daily lives.
It's also important to make time for hobbies and creative pursuits, such as painting or playing music. These activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, and can even be a great way to express yourself and tap into your creativity.
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Pros and Cons
Full grown white Shiba Inus are a unique breed with their own set of characteristics.
One of the best things about this breed is that they don't require a lot of grooming.
They are also known to be quiet dogs, rarely barking.
On the other hand, one of the downsides is that they can be a bit stubborn at times.
However, with patience and consistency, they can learn to obey commands.
Here are some key pros and cons of owning a full grown white Shiba Inu:
- Not a lot of grooming
- Rarely barks
- Doesn't really drool
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a white Shiba Inu?
White Shiba Inus are relatively rare, appearing in litters only occasionally due to the breed standard's preference for other colors. They are often considered a deviation from the breed's traditional characteristics.
How big does a full grown Shiba Inu get?
A full-grown Shiba Inu typically stands 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall and weighs 17 to 23 pounds. This compact size makes them a great fit for city living and active families.
How much does a white Shiba Inu cost?
The cost of a white Shiba Inu can range from $1,400 to $3,500, depending on the breeder and the puppy's lineage. Adoption from shelters may also be an option, with varying costs.
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