Let’s face it, Shiba Inu’s are lovely dogs, but one day we will have to live without our little furry baby. Life happens and sadly, the life span of a dog is way shorter than that of a human.
Because of how emotionally attached we are to our dogs, we end up seeking answers to a lot of questions about them. These questions sometimes include; how old our Shiba Inu dog breeds will live.
By the time you’re done reading it’s expected that you should have answers to the following questions:
“How long does a Shiba Inu live?”
“What climate is Shiba Inu suitable for?”
“What’s the cost of maintenance for a Shiba Inu?”
This isn’t an exhaustive list of all the questions you’ll have answers to in this article.
Without further ado, let’s go!!
How long does a Shiba Inu live?
The Shiba Inu is the survivor of the Japanese mountainous dog breed used for hunting. Its average lifespan is between 12-15 years.
What are the Physical Attributes of a Shiba Inu?
Small Stature:
Shiba Inu is believed to be a spitz dog of Japanese heritage. It’s the smallest of six native Japanese dog breeds:
- Akita Ken
- Hokkaidō Ken
- Kai Ken
- Kishū Ken
- Shikoku Ken
- Shiba Inu
Double Coated:
This attribute makes it the ideal dog for cold regions but it’s not suited for hot regions.
This is also the reason it’s so hairy, this means that if you get a Shiba Inu you should be prepared to brush your dog daily.
Personality Type: How do Shiba Inu Dogs behave?
Bold and Courageous:
For a dog of its size, one would expect it to be timid but the reverse is the case.
They are very courageous dogs that will never back out of a fight when provoked.
However, it’s advised that they’re socialized early in life. If this isn’t done, such a dog might grow timid.
Independent Thinkers:
Shiba Inu is one dog that does what it wants to do; it thinks independently. This is why it’s such a stubborn dog.
Cleanliness:
One attractive thing about this breed is that it’s neat. Guess they took the “you’re addressed by how you look” phrase seriously.
Agility:
Shiba Inu are very active dogs. They’re ideal for owners who love being outdoors. They also require a lot of engagement in the form of games and daily exercise.
Be warned, Shiba Inu is very athletic. They must always be on a leash when outdoors. You also need a high fence.
Also, they’re too active to be kept around little children and smaller animals.
It’s also advised to keep them as only dogs. Unfortunately, they’re not friendly dogs and can get aggressive pretty quickly.
Loyalty:
They might have a stubborn and independent nature but their loyalty makes having them around worthwhile.
Health Factors to Consider before Getting a Shiba Inu
Cataract
Dogs between the ages of 1-2year are prone to suffer from cataracts.
Hip Dysplasia:
Unfortunately, Shiba Inu are prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a multifactorial defect but one of the causes in Shiba Inu is overfeeding at a young age.
Should You Get a Shiba Inu?
Every dog breed has its up and downsides. Your final selection will be determined by a range of personal factors.
However, Shiba Inu isn’t for you if:
- You’re looking for a submissive dog.
- If you have little children.
- If you plan on having more than one dog.
- If you live in a very hot region.
- If you lack patience.
Conclusion
There you have it: all you need to consider before adopting a Shiba Inu. With what you’ve read so far, do you think Shiba Inu is the ideal dog for you? We like to know your answer in the comment section.