Spitz · Japan
Shiba Inu
Independent, fastidious and self-contained. A Shiba respects you rather than obeys you.
- They usually live
- 12–16 years
- Roughly, per year
- €1200–2000
What people love about them
- Copes with time alone better than most
- Clean, almost cat-like
- Small but sturdy
- Often lives a long life
A few things worth thinking about
- Independent, and recall takes real work
- Drops a huge amount of coat twice a year
- Often reserved with other dogs
- Not the easiest first dog
What they're like
Size
Energy
Exercise needs
Mental stimulation
Trainability
Sociability
Affection
Independence
Good with children
Good with other dogs
Apartment suitability
Tolerance of being alone
Shedding
Grooming
Barking
First-time owner suitability
Some breeds shed less than others, which people with allergies sometimes find easier to live with. But no dog is completely allergy-free, and reactions vary from person to person.