Shiba Inus are a delightful breed known for their charming personalities, high activity levels, and overall good health. Hailing from Japan, the Shiba Inu breed has a distinct fox-like appearance and a bold, spunky personality to match. They may be small in stature, but don't let their size fool you - these dogs have lots of muscles under that fluffy coat, a big attitude, and make excellent watchdogs.
If you're looking for a furry friend that's full of charm and mischief, a Shiba Inu puppy for sale might just be the perfect pal for you. Read on to see what it’s like to own a Shiba Inu in our comprehensive Shiba Inu puppy ownership guide.
A hunter and his Shiba Inu
What’s the History and Origin of a Shiba Inu Puppy For Sale?
While the AKC officially recognized the Shiba Inu dog breed in the early 1990s, did you know their origin goes back thousands of years? Ancient Japanese cave paintings have depicted a small dog-like figure chasing prey that archaeologists think was the predecessor to the Shiba Inu breed. Because Japan is an island and was fairly isolated, the dog breed was able to develop without much outside influence or crossbreeding.
Find your samurai sword because we’re about to embark on a journey back in time to where noble ninjas dominated Japanese culture. Legend has it that in ancient Japan, a group of ninjas decided to breed the ultimate watchdog. They wanted a small, agile dog that could hunt and flush out small game, navigate through tight spaces, and bark at any intruder who dared to disturb their secret ninja hideouts. When they discovered the Shiba Inu was perfect for their hunting and guarding needs while also being fantastic sidekicks, the rest was history!
Between 1923-1926, almost no purebred Shiba Inus could be found. However, people worked diligently to preserve the breed, and modern-day Shiba Inu puppies for sale are all descended from just 3 bloodlines. Enthusiasm for the Shiba Inu breed grew, and in 1936, the Shiba Inu was designated a National Monument of Japan – not bad for a dog breed that nearly disappeared!
Servicemembers returning from abroad brought the first Shiba Inu to the US, and in 1973, the first litter of Shiba Inu puppies was born, nipping at the heels of hippies and squares alike. Their popularity grew as they joined the non-sporting group of the AKC in 1993. Organizations like the National Shiba Club of America and several other groups continue to promote this delightful breed.
Today, Shiba Inu puppies for sale are the smallest and most popular and recognizable dog of six distinct original native Japanese dog breeds, with the other 5 being the Shikoku, Kishu, Kai, Hokkaido, and Akita (in order of size).
Kabosu, the most famous Shiba Inu on the Internet
Who is the Most Famous Shiba Inu?
How exactly did a Shiba Inu become one of the most iconic memes in internet history? In early 2010, Atsuko Sato posted a picture of her Shiba Inu, Kabosu, giving the whole world the Side Eye. The picture quickly went viral as various people wrote sarcastic, chopped-up phrases usually in Comic Sans font to represent internal monologue. Internet speak turned “dog” into “Doge,” and the meme morphed into one of the most popular memes of today’s culture.
Dogecoin cryptocurrency
Sadly, it’s been reported at the end of 2022 that Kabosu is suffering from leukemia, but this famous Shiba’s face will live on as the unofficial mascot for the cryptocurrency Dogecoin among other popular cultural phenomena. Who would have thought that a meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog would have such an impact on the online experience?
What Does a Shiba Inu Puppy For Sale Look Like?
Now that we’ve seen the face of the most famous Shiba Inu, you may wonder, “What is the breed standard of a Shiba Inu puppy for sale near me?” You’ll find they are medium-sized dogs that you may mistake for a fox! Adult Shiba Inus can grow to be 13.5-16.5 inches and 17-23 pounds.
Is it a fox? No, it's a Shiba Inu!
A Shiba Inu puppy for sale has a distinct appearance no matter its coat color. Their peppy trot oozes an air of confidence while showing off their muscular bodies. They have the friendliest little faces and big, wet, black noses that you can’t help but give them a little boop on their snoot. A Shiba Inu puppy for sale’s triangular ears perk up like they're listening to some top-secret government intel, and their curly tail looks like a little cinnamon roll.
Shiba Inu puppies for sale are so stinkin’ cute, and their fluffy coat comes in several recognized colors including black & tan, red, sesame, and red sesame, often all with white markings. Their double coat keeps them ready for any weather thanks to their weatherproof outer coat and lofty, downy undercoat.
So What’s the Personality Like of a Shiba Inu Puppy For Sale?
The Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed of dog that is known for its distinct personality and disposition. Shiba Inus are independent, confident, and intelligent dogs – definitely not lackluster, mopey dogs that are permanent fixtures on the couch!
Do you know how a cat will just sometimes look at you as if to say, “What? What are you looking at?” Well, that can be a Shiba Inu! We’ll go more into how they groom themselves like a cat below, but they truly are the most cat-like canines in the dog world due to their cleaning regimen, aloof attitude, and the idea that they will do as they please – you’re just living in their world.
However, the very same traits that can drive a Shiba Inu puppy owner bonkers can also be what make them endearing to them to their owners. Shiba Inu puppies for sale are extremely lively and good-natured. They want to know what you’re doing and will follow you around the house as your 4-legged go-everywhere buddy. Shiba Inu puppies for sale will definitely pick up on human emotions and are able to “read the room” to see if you need a cuddle session or share in your success.
Does a Shiba Inu Puppy For Sale Need Lots of Exercise?
Because you know now they look like a fox, you may be thinking, “Do Shiba Inu puppies for sale near me have as much energy as the quick fox jumping over a lazy dog?” You’ll discover that they are great playmates as well as cuddle buddies. They’re happy and active without being hyper, and they’re great companions without being a dog log that doesn’t move.
Shiba Inu puppies for sale love being active with their owners by going on long hikes, playing at the dog park, or taking a walk exploring a new area of town. They are also content to play indoors, making them great companions for families living in smaller homes or apartments.
Fun Facts Shiba Inu Owners Want You to Know
Little brushwood dog
The breed's namesake has a few potential origins. "Shiba" means "brushwood" in Japanese, which refers to the dog's reddish-brown coat that matches the color of the brushwood leaves in autumn. Since Shiba Inus were used for hunting purposes, they would flush out their prey from the brushwoods. It also is an archaic word for “small.”
“Inu” is Japanese for dog, so put together, you have a small dog the same color as the bushes!
No “pawicures,” please!
Any owner will tell you to gear up to cut a Shiba Inu’s nails! They do not like their nails trimmed at all, so say goodbye to getting matching mani-pedis.
However, regular nail trimming is directly linked to a Shiba’s health, so it’s a necessary part of life. The best thing you can do is to desensitize your Shiba Inu puppy as soon as possible having their paws and nails handled with the noises and sensation of electric or manual nail trimmers.
Shiba Inus are the #1 most popular dog breed in Japan
They win the dog popularity contest in Japan
Ah, Japan – the Land of the Rising Sun, gorgeous spring cherry blossoms…and Shiba Inus! Shiba Inus are the #1 most popular breed Japanese people love as loyal companions. It’s estimated that a whopping 80% of dogs kept as pets in Japan are the beloved Shiba Inu!
Healthy dogs
A Shiba Inu puppy for sale is one of the healthiest dog breeds with a life expectancy of 13-16 years, so it’s important to be prepared to care for them their entire life. That being said, Shiba Inus may experience allergies, eye issues, and hip and knee problems, but overall, they won’t keep you in the vet’s office for repeat visits.
Tidy and clean
A Shiba Inu is the most cat-like of dogs as far as grooming goes, as they love to preen and clean themselves. You’ll find them licking their legs and paws and keeping their coats very clean.
Invest in an amazing vacuum
A Shiba Inu puppy for sale will try to recreate a smaller companion version of itself out of its own shed hair. We kid! However, we are not kidding about the amount of hair that a Shiba Inu can shed. Although they’ll blow their coats twice yearly, a Shiba Inu puppy for sale will shed year-round.
You can use special brushes and rakes to help during the heavy shedding times by removing dead and old hair from their coat to speed up the shedding process and promote new hair growth.
“Listen to the song of my people!”
One of the most unique characteristics of the Shiba Inu is its vocalization. They are known for their distinct "Shiba scream," which can range from a high-pitched whine to a piercing shriek. This vocalization is typically used when Shibas are excited or anxious and can be startling to those unfamiliar with it.
Who could resist that sweet face?
Training a Shiba Inu Puppy For Sale
Because of their strong-willed and stubborn nature, Shiba Inu puppies are sometimes a challenge to train. However, with consistency, patience, and lots of praise and positive reinforcement, a Shiba Inu puppy for sale is the perfect four-legged best friend.
Socialize, socialize, socialize!
Shiba Inus may love their humans fiercely, but you’ll need to start Day 1 socializing them with other animals and humans. They’re extremely alert and can be territorial, especially with their people.
Shiba Inu puppies for sale are often reserved around strangers and can be aloof with people they do not know. They are not typically aggressive, but they can be wary of unfamiliar dogs and may display dominance behaviors. Despite their independent nature, Shiba Inus are loyal to their families and form strong bonds with their owners.
No roaming free for a Shiba Inu
A Shiba Inu, no matter how well trained, should always stay on a leash or a secure, fenced-in area. If you leave a gate or door open, they may zoom past you and be gone in an instant due to their high prey drive and hunting background.
They are very easy to housebreak
Because they like to keep so clean, a Shiba Inu puppy for sale is very easy to housetrain. They don’t want to soil themselves or indoors. In fact, if you put them outside after meals or playtime when they are small, they may practically train themselves without much effort from you!
Provide boredom busters
Shiba Inus are highly intelligent dogs that enjoy problem-solving and can quickly become bored without mental stimulation. As a result, they thrive on training that challenges their minds and can become quite skilled at obedience training with the right guidance. With proper training and exercise, a Shiba Inu can be a wonderful addition to any family.
Where Can I Find a Shiba Inu Puppy For Sale Near Me?
When considering bringing a Shiba Inu puppy for sale into your life, it's important to take the time to find a reputable breeder. This is not only because it ensures that you are getting a healthy and well-socialized puppy, but also because it helps to support responsible breeding practices.
By purchasing a Shiba Inu puppy from a trustworthy breeder, you can have peace of mind that your puppy has been raised in a healthy and safe environment. This can help to reduce the risk of future health issues, as well as behavioral problems that can result from poor socialization and training.
To avoid puppy scams or accidentally purchasing a puppy from a puppy mill, stay clear of puppies sold through pet stores, on the side of the road, at a market, or on social media sites. Oftentimes, they will sell to anyone who has the money, which they usually ask for using gift cards, Zelle, CashApp, or Moneygram. You won’t know their health history, if they were raised with proper socialization or in sanitary conditions – or even with love.
Pawrade Offers the Cutest Shiba Inu Puppies For Sale
Remember how we said you should take the time to find a reputable breeder? Well, you’re in luck because Pawrade has already done the hard work for you! We have matched thousands of happy potential Shiba Inu owners with trustworthy breeders who follow our rigorous selection criteria.
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