DogsLifeBreed profile
Shiba Inu: size, sleep, exercise and care
The Shiba Inu is a small, sturdy Japanese spitz of 35.5–41.5 cm (SKK) and roughly 8–10 kg (AKC). It is proud, independent and alert, and has kept much of its original, primitive behaviour.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Adult weight
- 8–10 kg
- Height at the shoulder
- 35.5–41.5 cm
- Life expectancy
- 13–16 years
- Exercise needs
- Moderate · 30–60 min per day
Sleep needs
Typical total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
| Puppy | Adult | Senior |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 h | 12–14 h | 12–15 h |
These are general life-stage ranges for dogs from the AKC and Hill's Pet Nutrition; no kennel club publishes sleep figures for the Shiba Inu specifically. Shibas like to keep an eye on things; a crate or bed with a view of the room, but out of the traffic, often suits them.
Exercise needs
The Royal Kennel Club guideline is up to an hour a day. Shibas have a strong will of their own, so most owners keep them on a lead or in a secure area outdoors. The thick double coat is shed once or twice a year (SKK); in warm weather, walk in the cooler hours and offer water.
Potty training
SKK describes the Shiba as a very clean breed, and many puppies are naturally reluctant to soil their living area. That helps: take the puppy out on waking, after meals and play, and it will often learn quickly.
A clean, particular dog may also be reluctant to go in rain, on wet grass or on unfamiliar surfaces. Introduce different ground and weather early, and reward going outside even on a bad-weather day.
Puppy potty schedule calculator →
Feeding
Feed three or four small meals a day to a young puppy, then two measured meals to an adult, and adjust to body condition.
Because training a Shiba relies on motivation rather than eagerness to please, save some especially tasty rewards for recall and handling practice and deduct them from the daily food.
Frequently asked questions
Are Shiba Inus easy to potty train?
Often yes. SKK calls the breed very clean, and many puppies learn quickly with a regular schedule. Practise in all weathers so rain does not become a reason to hold it.
How much exercise does a Shiba Inu need?
Up to about an hour a day according to the Royal Kennel Club.
Sources
- Shiba – rasbeskrivning — Svenska Kennelklubben (SKK)
- Shiba Inu dog breed information — American Kennel Club
- Japanese Shiba Inu breed information — The Royal Kennel Club
- Heatstroke in Dogs — American Kennel Club
- How Much Do Puppies Sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How Much Should My Dog Sleep Per Day? — Hill's Pet Nutrition
- Can Senior Dogs Sleep Too Much? How Much Should Older Dogs Sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How to Potty Train a Puppy — American Kennel Club