Shiba Inu Growth Chart: Everything You Need to Know About Your Dog's Growth

Understanding your Shiba Inu's growth is crucial to ensure they reach their full potential. On average, a Shiba Inu puppy weighs around 9-11 pounds at birth.

Shiba Inus are considered a small to medium-sized breed, and their growth rate can be influenced by factors such as genetics, nutrition, and health.

By 16 weeks, a Shiba Inu puppy should weigh around 15-20 pounds. This rapid growth is a normal part of their development.

Shiba Inus are known for their compact, muscular bodies, but their growth and weight chart can be deceiving. They fall under the medium dog breed category.

Here are some general growth guidelines for Shiba Inus:

Here's a more detailed breakdown of Shiba Inu growth by age:

Shiba Inus typically reach their full height by 12 months old, but may continue to fill out and gain weight until they are 18 months old.

Related reading: Shiba Inu 4 Months Old

Puppy Development is a crucial stage in a Shiba Inu's life.

Shiba Inus go through five unique stages of growth before reaching adulthood: neonatal, transitional, socialization, fear impact, and juvenile.

During the neonatal stage, puppies can weigh up to 1 lb.

In the transitional stage, Shiba Inus typically weigh around 4 lbs, and their eyes and ears start to open.

Puppies may weigh 10-11 lbs during the socialization stage, and will start to play with their littermates.

The fear impact stage is where puppies will weigh up to 15 lbs and start to differentiate between positive and negative experiences.

By the juvenile stage, puppies will reach up to 25 lbs in weight and be ready to learn new skills and routines.

Male puppies tend to grow larger and more rapidly than female puppies.

To support their growth, puppies require a diet rich in nutrients, proteins, fats, and calories.

Engage in fun physical activities with your Shiba Inu puppy for roughly one hour per day to channel their energy and promote healthy development.

Puppies often go through a lanky or stocky period of development, but their height and weight will usually even out when they're done growing.

For another approach, see: Adorable Shiba Inu Puppies

Genetics play a huge role in determining a Shiba Inu's size, with the size of their parents and ancestors being crucial in determining how big or small the dog will grow.

Nutrition also has an impact on a dog's size, with proper nutrients being essential for healthy growth.

Males are sometimes slightly taller and heavier than females, but females tend to lean on the smaller side of the weight range.

If a dog's parents are big and tall, they tend to be like that too, and the same goes for smaller, lighter dogs.

Shiba Inus have intense growth spurts that typically fall between three to seven months of age, during which they will nearly double in size before slowing down.

A full-grown Shiba Inu should appear compact but well-balanced, with males standing around 14.5 to 16.5 inches tall and females slightly shorter.

Here's a breakdown of the factors affecting growth:

Keep in mind that individual Shiba Inus may deviate slightly from these averages, and genetics, nutrition, and overall health can significantly affect a dog's size.

As a Shiba Inu owner, it's essential to monitor your dog's growth and health to prevent potential issues. Obesity is a common health issue that can affect Shiba Inus, especially if they don't get enough exercise.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor your dog's health and address any concerns promptly. This can help detect health conditions like hypothyroidism, Addison's Disease, and patellar luxation early on, making treatment more effective.

A balanced diet is also vital for maintaining a healthy weight in Shiba Inus. A high-quality and balanced diet can help your dog grow to the typical adult size on schedule without issues. You can choose between dry kibble or canned wet food, both of which can provide all the necessary nutrients for good health.

Here is a list of common health issues that can affect Shiba Inus growth, along with their potential causes:

Puppy care is crucial for a Shiba Inu's growth and development. Proper nutrition is essential, so feed a high-quality dog food specifically formulated for growing puppies.

Puppies need more nutrients, proteins, fats, and calories to develop strong bones, compact muscles, and healthy eyesight. Engage in fun physical activities with your Shiba Inu puppy for roughly one hour per day.

Exercise helps train their growing minds and develops healthy muscles. It's normal for puppies to go through a lanky or stocky period of development, but if you notice any issues, contact your veterinarian for advice.

A balanced and high-quality diet tailored to your Shiba Inu's specific nutritional needs is vital for healthy growth and development. Providing appropriate portions and ensuring they receive all necessary nutrients can contribute to healthy bone and muscle development.

Choose a high-quality commercial dog food with real meat as the first ingredient, and avoid brands with artificial colors and preservatives. Portion control is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, and scheduled mealtimes can help with this.

Limit treats and choose healthy options whenever possible, and ensure your pet has plenty of fresh, clean water to stay hydrated. Regular visits to your veterinarian can help prevent genetic health problems, such as eye and joint issues, and detect any potential issues early on.

Intriguing read: Common Shiba Inu Health Problems

As a Shiba Inu owner, it's essential to be aware of the common health issues that can affect your dog's growth. Obesity is a major concern, as too much food and too little exercise can lead to excessive weight gain in Shiba Inus throughout their lives.

Shiba Inus are prone to developing specific health conditions that can impact their growth. These conditions include hypothyroidism, which can affect a Shiba Inu's weight, energy levels, and overall health.

Addison's Disease can also attack a dog's metabolism, making it hard to maintain a healthy weight. This condition is similar to hypothyroidism and requires prompt veterinary attention.

Patellar Luxation and Hip Dysplasia are two painful conditions that can affect a Shiba Inu's quality of life. Patellar Luxation causes kneecap dislocations, while Hip Dysplasia leads to hip dislocations.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor your Shiba Inu's health and address any concerns promptly. This can help prevent or detect health issues while they're still easily treatable.

Here are the common health issues that can affect Shiba Inu growth:

To measure your Shiba Inu, you'll need to get the necessary tools, such as fabric tape and a notebook. While a string or tape measure can also work, fabric tape is the most accurate option.

To record your Shiba Inu's height, place them against a wall with their front paws against the wall and their hindquarters straight and level. Measure from the floor to their withers or the highest point of their shoulder. This is the most accurate way to measure their height.

To measure their length, position your Shiba Inu on their side on a flat surface and start measuring from the base of their neck, where it meets the shoulders, to the bottom of their tail. Ensure the measuring tape follows the body's natural contour without pulling too tightly or leaving it loose.

To measure your Shiba Inu's weight, use a pet scale and place them gently on the scale. If a pet scale is not accessible, you can use a regular household scale, weighing yourself first and then weighing yourself while holding your Shiba Inu. Subtract your weight from the total to get their approximate weight.

Here's a general guideline for estimating your Shiba Inu's weight and height as they mature:

Shiba Inus grow the most between three and seven months of age, and typically reach maturity around one year. As they mature, males weigh between 17 and 23 pounds, with females weighing slightly less.