Original Use: Hunting and flushing small game
Group: Non-Sporting
Lifespan: 12-18 years
Colors;
AKC Acceptable Colors: Red, Red Sesame and Black & Tan, all with white markings on face, chest, feet, and tail.
Other Colors: Cream, or Buff, Brindle, Red Roan, Brown, Tan, mottled, and White, which may have a slight reddish or grayish tint.
Eye Colors: Brown almond shaped eyes
Coat: Short, dense, double coat. Females are slightly softer than males.
Grooming: Shibas are very low maintenance. They require little brushing. When they are in shedding season they should be brushed once a week, or moere often if neccesary.
Height/Weight;
Height:
Females: 14-16" at the withers -- Males: 15-17" at the withers
Weight:
Females: 15-20lbs. -- Males: 20-25lbs
Tainability: Medium-High
Activity Level: Low indoors, higher outdoors
Health Problems:
Luxating Patellas (kneecaps that slip out of place)
Hypothyroidism
Best Home: Indoors with the family. A fenced yard is very convenient.
Good w/ Kids: Yes, although young children may leave a door or gate open and the dog will run.
Good w/ Other Animals: Shibas are very cat-like and love cats. I would greatly discourage introducing your Shiba to small animals such as hamsters, rabbits, birds, etc. due to their hunting instincts.
Good w/ Other Dogs: Generally the Shiba is okay with dogs of the opposite gender, or who are noticably larger than they.
