Are Shiba Inus Easy to Care For?
Fluffy Shiba Inus are a favorite for many people's hearts. It's common to see quite a few owners walking their Shiba Inus on the street. But if you ask these owners whether Shiba Inus are easy to care for, they might not be able to give you a straightforward answer.
Although Shiba Inus look adorable and comforting, they actually have a challenging side. In fact, many experienced owners sincerely advise beginners that if it's your first time raising a dog, it might be best not to choose a Shiba Inu.
So, are Shiba Inus really easy to care for? The truth is, it depends—and they certainly require more patience and understanding than you might expect from their cute appearance.
This article will introduce the four important things to pay attention to before raising a Shiba Inu.
1. The Exercise Needs of Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu was originally bred as a hunting dog and has a high exercise requirement. Don't be fooled by their cute and charming appearance—Shibas were initially developed as hunting dogs. Although they are small to medium-sized dogs, they are capable of hunting small animals like rabbits.
This fact alone shows just how much exercise Shibas need. These energetic dogs require plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Ideally, owners should take their Shiba Inu out for walks 2 to 3 times a day, making sure each walk is long enough for the dog to expend its energy.
Walking is not just about moving forward. Allowing your dog to stop and sniff different scents outside engages their brain and provides mental stimulation, which is a form of exercise as well. Compared to simply walking, this kind of sniffing activity can burn even more of your dog's energy.
There are also training tools available, such as sniff mats, which use a similar principle. These mats encourage dogs to search for hidden treats by using their sense of smell. This is especially helpful when going outside isn't an option, as it helps dogs relax while increasing their activity levels.
Therefore, before getting a Shiba Inu, make sure you have enough time to walk and mentally engage with your dog daily. Without sufficient exercise, Shibas not only risk becoming depressed but may also start causing damage around the house out of boredom!
2. Shedding in Shiba Inu: What You Need to Know
Shiba Inus naturally have a double coat: the undercoat is softer and thicker, helping regulate and maintain the dog's body temperature, while the outer coat tends to be stiffer. Although most Shiba Inus have short fur that is relatively easy to manage, easy grooming doesn't mean they don't shed.
Shiba Inus go through shedding twice a year, and the amount of hair they shed during these times is far from ordinary—it's quite a lot. Even outside of these shedding seasons, Shibas tend to shed more than many other dog breeds. If you are planning to become a Shiba Inu owner, it's important to be mentally prepared for this.
You will need to vacuum and sweep frequently; otherwise, you might find dog hair scattered all around your home during shedding seasons. Regular grooming, such as brushing your Shiba Inu often, can help keep hair more manageable. There are also certain foods known to slow down shedding, which could be useful to feed your Shiba to help ease the severity of shedding during these times.
Another key point to keep in mind is that due to Shiba Inu's double coat, special care is needed when bathing them. After a bath, you must make sure to dry your dog thoroughly. If the coat isn't completely dried, it can easily lead to other skin problems. This is an essential step that owners should never overlook.
3. Shiba Inu Personality: Stubborn Like a Cat
People often say that Shiba Inus have personalities similar to cats, and this is quite true. Shiba Inus are known for their stubborn and strong-willed nature. When they're in a bad mood, they can throw a tantrum and are very independent, often choosing to selectively ignore their owner's commands.
Without sufficient socialization and proper training during puppyhood, owning a Shiba Inu can be quite challenging for many owners. This is why it is generally not recommended for first-time dog owners to start with a Shiba Inu. However, as long as you have enough love and patience to care for them and train them correctly, Shibas can become very well-behaved over time.
It's important to note that the Shiba Inu's personality is more cat-like than dog-like. Because of this, Shiba Inus usually get along quite well with cats. If you already have a cat at home and are thinking of adding a dog to the family, a Shiba Inu could be a very good choice!
Like cats, Shiba Inus are naturally clean and spend time grooming themselves, so they don't have much odor, making them very suitable for indoor living.
4. Understanding the Temperament of Shiba Inu Dogs
Shiba Inu dogs possess a certain level of alertness and aggression. Some people might think that all dogs love being touched and that it's perfectly fine to pet any dog they see on the street. When petted, many dogs enthusiastically wag their tails, showing their happiness. This may be true for breeds like Golden Retrievers or Labradors, which are generally friendly and sociable.
However, it's important to remember that Shiba Inus were originally bred as hunting dogs in ancient times. Because of this, they naturally have a degree of wariness and aggression. In fact, many grooming salons even refuse to accept Shiba Inus for this reason. Some Shiba Inus do not like people touching their bodies indiscriminately, so it's best to ask the owner's permission before petting one. They should not be treated like typical dogs that can be petted casually.
Additionally, Shiba Inus tend to be strongly territorial. Owners should always keep them on a leash during walks outside. If the leash slips or is released accidentally, the Shiba Inu might quickly run off and disappear. When found, there's a chance the dog could be in the middle of a dispute or fight with another dog.
On the other hand, Shiba Inus are known to be very loyal to their owners and to people they trust. With proper training, raising a well-behaved Shiba Inu is definitely achievable and can be a rewarding experience.
Is a Shiba Inu Easy to Raise?
After reading the introduction of this article, you should have a clearer idea about whether Shiba Inus are easy to raise. It must be said that not every Shiba Inu is the same, as each dog's personality is unique. However, before deciding to raise a Shiba Inu, owners need to have a certain level of understanding about the challenges they might encounter in the future.
Although Shiba Inus are known to be stubborn, they are undeniably adorable. What can you really do when they look that cute? After all, these lovable and comforting Shibas are simply irresistible!
