Search over 14 Shiba Inu dogs across Australia
The Shiba Inu is the ultimate mix of elegance, sass, and unshakeable confidence, wrapped up in a compact, fox-like package.
With their proud stance, piercing eyes, and plush coat, these Japanese dogs look like they stepped straight out of an ancient scroll painting.
But don’t be fooled by their charming, innocent expression—these dogs are as strong-willed as they are intelligent.
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The Shiba Inu is the ultimate mix of elegance, sass, and unshakeable confidence, wrapped up in a compact, fox-like package.
With their proud stance, piercing eyes, and plush coat, these Japanese dogs look like they stepped straight out of an ancient scroll painting.
But don’t be fooled by their charming, innocent expression—these dogs are as strong-willed as they are intelligent.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Shiba Inu Guide
About Shiba Inu
Originally bred to hunt in the rugged Japanese mountains, the Shiba Inu is alert, agile, and fiercely independent.
They have a bold personality, a deep love for their own space, and a tendency to do whatever they please—whether you approve or not.
They’re fastidiously clean, rarely bark without a good reason, and are known for the infamous “Shiba scream”—a dramatic, high-pitched howl that sounds like a siren going off when they’re excited (or throwing a tantrum).
If you’re looking for a clingy lapdog that will obey your every command, the Shiba is not it. But if you respect their independent nature, sharp mind, and mischievous streak, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most fascinating, entertaining, and fiercely loyal companions you’ll ever meet.
Lifespan
13 to 16 years
Weight
Male: 10.4 kg Female: 7.7 kg
Height
Male: 36.8 to 41.9 cm Female: 34.3 to 39.4 cm
Grooming
Recommended to brush coat every other day.
Origins
The Shiba Inu clawed its way through centuries of history, hewn from Japan’s rugged terrain and shaped by survival. These canines once shadowed hunters through tangled forests, pouncing on rabbits, birds, and—when brave—wild boars.
Built for the chase, they darted through brush with foxlike speed and twitchy awareness. Compact yet powerful, their sinewy bodies dodged branches while their instincts sniffed out quarry before it rustled.
The breed staggered during World War II—bombs shattered towns, and hunger erased entire lines. But a few stewards clung to what remained. They fused surviving bloodlines, cobbling together a dog that still growls with the grit of its ancestors.
Now crowned as Japan’s most adored companion, the Shiba struts into homes across continents. Still, their eyes scan like searchlights. No squirrel escapes. No butterfly flutters unnoticed.
Key Characteristics Of Shiba Inus
Are Shiba Inus Family-Friendly?
Shibas are not your typical people-pleasers. They’re affectionate but aloof, loving their humans on their own terms.
If you’re expecting a cuddly shadow that follows you around, you’re in for a surprise—Shibas are more like a highly opinionated roommate than an overly attached pet.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Shiba Inus may suffer from:
Hypothyroidism
Allergies
Epilepsy
Patellar luxation
A condition where the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal location within the knee joint.
Progressive retinal atrophy
Nature / Temperament
Confident, alert, fearless, loyal, and charming
Suitable Environment
Shiba Inu puppies are adaptable—they do well in apartments, houses, or rural areas, as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Other Considerations
- Shibas groom themselves constantly, rarely smell, and hate getting wet.
- If they’re excited, annoyed, or just feeling dramatic, Shiba Inus let out a high-pitched howl that can be heard down the street.
- Their expressions are priceless, making them internet-famous icons.
How can I take good care of my Shiba Inu?
Nutrition
Shibas might look dainty, but inside, they hum like a taut bowstring. They burn through energy and need meals that do more than fill bellies—they fuel action.
Feed them protein that roams, swims, or grazes. Chicken, lamb, beef, or fish should headline their bowl.
Grooming
Shibas shed moderately year-round but blow their coat twice a year—meaning they drop fur in massive clumps for several weeks.
During shedding season, expect to find fur in your food, on your clothes, and floating through the air like tumbleweeds.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Use a slicker brush and undercoat rake to remove loose fur. This prevents matting and keeps their coat healthy.
Shibas hate water, so don’t expect them to enjoy bath time. Since they naturally repel dirt, frequent bathing isn’t necessary unless they roll in something foul.
Their nails grow fast, and because they’re so light-footed, they don’t naturally wear them down. If you hear clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim.
Exercise
Shibas don’t run like machines—they burst, spin, dart, and then lounge with theatrical flair. Picture a sprinter, not a marathoner.
To keep them nimble, scatter short walks with games that stir their brain—hide treats, tug ropes, chase balls. Don’t bother with repetitive fetch; they might scoff and walk off mid-throw.
Training
Training a Shiba Inu puppy is not for the faint-hearted. This breed is sharp, quick to learn, and completely uninterested in obeying unless they feel like it.
Unlike a Labrador or a Border Collie, who live for human approval, a Shiba takes a different approach to training—“What’s in it for me?”
Training a Shiba takes patience, but when done right, it creates a well-behaved, independent dog that respects boundaries while still keeping their cheeky personality.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked Shiba Inu Questions
Nope. Their prey drive makes them runners, and they won’t come back just because you called nicely. If a Shiba Inu spots something interesting—like a squirrel, bird, or even a plastic bag blowing in the wind—they will bolt without a second thought.
They rarely bark, but they’ll scream if they feel strongly about something. Shiba Inus are surprisingly quiet dogs, often observing rather than reacting. But when they do make noise, they make sure everyone hears it.
The famous Shiba scream is a high-pitched wail that sounds like a siren—it can happen when they’re excited, frustrated, or throwing a tantrum over something ridiculous (like a bath or a leash they don’t approve of).
If you’ve never heard it before, prepare yourself—Shiba screams have been known to startle entire neighborhoods.
A Shiba with limited registration from a reputable breeder costs from AUD $2,000 to $5,000. A pup with full registration costs between $2,500 and $5,500.
If you are looking to bring home a Shiba Inu puppy, make sure to adopt from a verified breeder. Avoid buying from disreputable breeders and stores if you want your dog to be healthy with a sound temperament.
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