Temperament
Independent, Alert, Bold, Reserved.
Health problems to know about
- Allergic skin disease (flea allergy and atopic dermatitis)
- Patellar luxation
- Glaucoma
- Hip dysplasia
Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.
Daily care
About an hour of exercise a day, on lead or in a secure area: most Shibas will not come back when called. Brush weekly and daily during the heavy seasonal moult. Short, reward-based training sessions work best.
A good fit for
Patient owners who like an independent dog, adults or older children, homes with secure fencing.
Probably not ideal for
People wanting off-lead walks or an eager-to-please dog, homes with small pets, owners bothered by heavy moulting.
Sources
Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.
