Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years, the Shiba Inu is one of the dogs that can accompany their family for a long time. This longevity depends on an appropriate diet, a stable weight, a sufficient level of activity and serious veterinary follow-up throughout life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Shiba Inu shows good overall robustness, with a generally strong body and an ability to age well. This hardiness does not, however, exempt it from careful prevention, notably regarding eye health, weight control, oral monitoring and protection against parasites and climatic variations.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Even if the breed does not accumulate major fragilities, the Shiba Inu deserves targeted vigilance regarding the most recognized conditions in the breed. Reasoned screening, regular observation of locomotion and vision, as well as standard veterinary follow-up help preserve its comfort and quality of life.
Progressive retinal atrophy: Progressive eye condition that can lead to decreased vision and then blindness.
Cataract: Clouding of the lens that can progressively impair vision.
Glaucoma: Increase in intraocular pressure requiring prompt management to preserve the eye.
Hip dysplasia: Joint abnormality that can cause pain, lameness and locomotor discomfort.
Patellar luxation: Displacement of the kneecap, sometimes intermittent, which can hinder movement.
Hypothyroidism: Hormonal disorder that can manifest as fatigue, weight gain and coat changes.
Allergies: Skin or digestive sensitivities requiring identification of triggering factors.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Shiba Inu tolerates the cold rather well thanks to its dense undercoat. Its tolerance to heat is more average and requires avoiding exertion during the hottest hours, ensuring shade and fresh water, and staying alert to signs of discomfort in summer. Chilling as well as heatstroke must be avoided.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Shiba Inu may tend to become overweight if its intake exceeds its energy expenditure. Maintaining a stable weight involves appropriate portions, two meals per day, limited treats and sufficient daily activity. Gradual weight gain must be corrected quickly to preserve the joints and overall comfort.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor vision regularly and consult promptly in case of a red, painful eye or decreased vision.
- Monitor weight and adjust portions from the first signs of being overweight.
- Brush the teeth and have the mouth checked to limit oral infections.
- Maintain parasite prevention and inspect the coat after outings.
Vaccination
Shiba Inu vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Shiba Inu need? Like all dogs, Shiba Inus should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Shiba Inu vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Shiba Inu booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Shiba Inu need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Shiba Inu
A regular veterinary examination with attention paid to the eyes and hips is relevant in this breed. Monitoring of the mouth, especially in the male, as well as observation for possible allergies, digestive disorders or a patellar luxation, contributes to early management.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
