Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu is known as one of the most loyal dog breeds out there. The most popular breed in Japan, it is a well-built, independent and an active dog.
Breed Profile
Height
14 - 17
Inches
Weight
18 - 22
Pounds
Life Span
13 – 15
Years
Health
health
Luxating Patella
What is it?:
Luxating Patella is a condition where the kneecap moves out of its grove and causes pain and discomfort.
Clinical signs
The clinical symptoms of this condition may include -
Stiffness in the leg
May see your doh skipping and jumping to slide the kneecap back in its place
The way of walking of the dog changes
There is discomfort or pain while walking
Treatment
The treatment for luxating patella depends on the severity of the illness. The treatment for luxating patella is:
Pain relief medications with help reduce the discomfort, pain, and swelling
Physical therapy could be given to dogs, to strengthen their muscles and make sure the kneecap does not snap out of place.
A realignment surgery can be performed on the dog in severe cases where there is a lot of pain and movement of the dog is difficult.
Eligible vet bill
$5,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Active
The dog can move with nimble, elastic steps.
Loyal
The loyalty stories of Shiba Inus have become popular all over the internet. Loyalty is one factor which Shiba Inus have undoubtedly.
Bold
Shiba Inu, as a breed, is also known for its boldness and fearlessness. It will very well protect you whenever needed.
Lifetime Care
Coat
It has a double coat, with a soft fluffy inner one and a top layer to protect it from cold in winters
Colors
Shiba Inu comes in only 4 colors; red, black and tan, sesame and cream
Hypoallergenic
No
Grooming
The breed will need proper brushing during shedding season, otherwise a periodic hygiene and brushing routine would do fine
Training
Shiba Inus are smart and active but not very obedient when it comes to training. Leaving the dog off-leash will prove to be very risky.
The Shiba Inu breed is a Japanese breed that is found majorly in its originating country. It was introduced to the US in the past 60 years. It is primarily a hunting breed but in recent times, it has gained much popularity as a companion, especially after the story of a famous Shiba Inu, Hachiko who would wait at Shibuya Station every day for 10 years to await Ueno, his owner’s return unknown of his death. The dog now has a bronze statue outside the station as a symbol of loyalty.
The second reason for the popularity of this breed is a cryptocurrency named after the breed. Shiba Inu is one of the most popular crypto coins out there with a total market capitalization of around 5 billion dollars. Another popular cryptocurrency, Dogecoin, bears an image of Shiba Inu as its logo.
Shiba Inu: Introduction to the Breed
Shiba Inu is a small breed with a bold, agile, and alert nature. Often mistaken for Akita Inu or Hokkaido, the breed actually has a completely different bloodline, temperament, and size.
Some of the notable and distinct physical characteristics of Shiba Inu include:
Short fur
Foxlike face, ears, and legs
Weird looking tails
Cream to white ventral color on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, inside the ears, on the underjaw and upper throat inside of legs, on the abdomen, around the vent and the ventral side of the tail (called the ‘Urajiro’)
Shiba Inu is best suited for pet owners:
Experienced owners
Owners with patience and calm
Confident, assertive, and a bold pet parent
Owners who can spend enough time with the dog
Big houses with enough walking space
Fenced living
Things to watch out for before deciding to own a Shiba Inu
They are very stubborn – The breed is a bold, strong-headed one, who when decide to do something, will do it irrespective of their owners shouting otherwise.
Shiba Scream – It is an official term given to their scream as it is one of the most distinguishable features. They have a very high-pitched scream which comes out whenever they feel they are being wronged. It will probably be heard for miles.
They will run away – They will actually run away if left off-leash in an open area and there is a high chance that they will not be found after that. So leaving this dog in a park open is the riskiest thing you’ll be doing.
They shed a lot - They blow their dense undercoat twice a year – once in the spring and once in the late fall. So be ready to find hair all over your place and your black clothes.
What should a Shiba Inu eat?
As a pet owner, your responsibility is high towards maintaining a good diet for your dog as it will decide whether the dog will live a healthy life or not. In the case of Shiba Inus, a high-quality dog food diet will do. You may find some dogs of this breed very picky in what they eat. In that case, special healthy treats can be made to feed along with other food as recommended by the vet. Some of them can also be prone to obesity, so their weight levels are to be monitored regularly. It is important to know which human foods can dogs eat and which could be toxic before feeding anything.
Conclusion
A hunting breed from Japan, Shiba Inu is now the most popular dog companion in its originating country. Known for its loyalty, boldness, independent nature, and unique and attractive looks, it is gaining much popularity in the west as well. With their foxlike looks, It will be very difficult for people to ignore a Shiba Inu if you’re walking with one. Just keep an eye on him/her all the time and make sure he/she gets enough exercise and training along with healthy food and he/she will reward you with ultimate loyalty and affection.
Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Love and Lick to you!
Sources: