The Japanese shiba inu is a small, non-sporting breed of dog that resembles a fox overall thanks to its short, thick double coat. It has triangular, upright ears, and a bushy tail that curls over its back. Shibas are still highly athletic and robust because they were bred for hunting. They are also known to occasionally act independently and distantly. And they often groom themselves in a manner similar to cats.
Care as a Pet/ In Captivity
This breed requires regular exercise and mental stimulation due to its average energy level. For a dog to be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted, regular grooming as well as constant training and socializing are essential.
Exercise
The Shiba Inu has to engage in at least an hour of physical activity each day, such as walking, hiking, running, playing, and more. Additionally, puzzle toys and dog sports are fantastic ways to keep your dog cognitively and physically active. A Shiba that is bored and doesn’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation may start acting out in problematic ways, including chewing too much.
Always keep your shiba on a leash or within a securely gated area when taking it outside. This breed in particular has trouble being trained to come when called and may flee if given the chance, especially if it spots a small animal it wants to hunt.
Grooming
The shiba inu requires quite minimal grooming. To eliminate stray fur and avoid tangles and mats, schedule weekly brushing. Seasonally, you can anticipate heavier shedding seasons when you’ll need to brush more regularly to keep up with all the loose fur.
The shiba’s coat is generally kept tidy. Depending on how dirty your dog gets, aim for once a month for a bath. Additionally, make sure to check the cleanliness of the animal’s ears on a weekly basis. Additionally, determine if your dog’s nails need to be trimmed about once a month. Attempt to daily brush its teeth.
Nutrition and Diet
Keep fresh water on hand at all times for your shiba inu. Feed your dog a high-quality, nutritionally-balanced meal. Two measured meals per day are typical. To ensure that you are addressing your dog’s specific needs, talk to your veterinarian about the type and quantity of food. Shiba inus can be picky eaters, so you might need to test a range of dog diets if yours is one among them. Others, though, will consume anything. Always keep an eye on treats and other additional food to make sure your dog isn’t getting too much.
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