Shiba Inu Lifespan: Lengthening The Life Of Your Precious Pooch

A Shiba Inu is one of the most popular Japanese dog breeds that was originally used for hunting birds and small animals.

Shiba Inu's origin is in Japan but now it is one of the popular Japanese dog breeds across the world. A Shiba Inu's lifespan on average is around 12-15 years, though it can be improved marginally if proper care is provided.

Shiba Inus are dogs with strong fur and erect ears, evolved to survive the climate conditions of the northern hemisphere.

One of the popular Japanese dog breeds, Shiba Inus dogs are considered compact pets overall and their life expectancy is the same as many other dogs. They are slightly taller with a curled-up tail and a powerful expression with a body full of heavy fur coats.

After reading about the average lifespan of the Shiba Inu dog breed, also check how often should i take my dog to the vet and how often should you give your dog a bath.

What is the average life expectancy of a Shiba Inu dog?

The life expectancy of a Shiba Inu is around 11-16 years, although they can live for up to 17 years if taken proper care of.

The longest-lived dog in 2011 was a Shiba Inu breed. His name was Pususke and he died at the age of 26 years. Unfortunately, it couldn't break the record of the world’s longest-lived dog because it was three years less than the earlier record.

How long do Shiba Inus usually live?

If you have recently brought a Shiba Inu home, then its life expectancy may be something you're interested in.

Dogs are extremely loyal to their owners. They say if you feed them once they will look after you forever.

You can expect your Shiba Inu to live for 12-15 years. But it is evident that if taken good care of they can live longer. The Shiba Inu is a medium-sized dog that generally does not have many health issues.

Common Health Problems Of Shiba Inus

Shiba Inus are Japanese dogs of the Spitz breed. This makes them a stronger breed meaning fewer chances of being caught by a deadly infection or virus, though they are still prone to some genetic health conditions.

A common health issue that is a threat to your Shibu Inu is Luxating Patellas, which is a leg condition that can cause lameness. The major symptoms include limping in the rear end of the dog’s legs.

Other common health issues are eye problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal atrophy.

Progressive loss of night vision affecting both eyes is usually the first sign of progressive retinal atrophy disease. It is always suggested to have a proper eye check-up for your dog every two to three months to maintain its healthy life.

Hip dysplasia is another major concern for the Shiba Inu. The good news is that hip dysplasia can easily be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Symptoms of hip dysplasia include stiffness or weakness at the rear end of the dog.

Shiba Inu are also prone to allergies, which can be prevented with vaccinations.

Male Vs Female Shiba Inu Lifespan

Shiba Inus male-female lives are not different; they both have the same lifespan.

Irrespective of their gender all Shiba Inus are playful, friendly, and affectionate. Side by side their exercise and walk requirements are also similar to keep them fit and live longer.

Male and female Shiba Inus are both very playful and active when it comes to the activity phase. You can expect both of their average lifespans to be from 11-15 years.

The female Shiba Inus should have additional health checks, especially if they will be used for breeding. It is important that they have regular health checks to prevent the next generation from having any diseases or infections. Male Shiba Inus are more prone to catching diseases as they tend to be more playful with other dogs.

Factors Affecting The Lifespan Of A Shiba Inu

Adopting a dog is like inviting a new member to the family, and of course, nobody wants them to leave prematurely. It is vital that dog owners take the relevant precautions for their dogs to ensure that they live a healthy and long life.

Every pet owner wants to save their dog from deadly infections and viruses that can affect their life span and this section is especially for them.

The Shiba Inus are a Japanese breed which makes them a double-coated breed of dog, meaning that they have an outer coat of hard and thick straight fur and inner coatings of soft and warm insulating skin or coat.

The coat of the Shiba Inu means that they are generally unaffected by the weather but the fur of the Shibas can be prone to allergies.

Due to this, their fur needs proper care and attention. The Shiba Inus shed their coats twice a year, normally during spring and fall. During this time it is advised that you should groom your dog daily. At all other times, you should be grooming and brushing your dog at least once a week to keep their coats healthy.

Shiba Inu's can also be prone to reproductive cancers that can be life-threatening. Neutralization or spaying is suggested to prevent any chances of this cancer.

What are some of the genetic issues of Shiba Inu?

Shiba Inus are called Japanese small-sized dogs or Brushwood dogs. It is an interesting fact to know that between Japanese native dogs, Shiba Inus are the most ancient. This is the reason that in history during World War II their breed was deeply injured by the virus.

They are a non-sporting type but still, they can be quite active and of course exercises and walks are necessary to maintain their good health.

Being the most ancient dogs reciprocatively means ancient genes too. There are some diseases that they can carry through their genes and transfer to their offspring.

One of the most common is Luxating palettes that are a disease of lameness in the legs of Shiba Inu and can transfer to their offspring. Another big threat is viruses. Yes, viruses can travel in your canine friend and can cause discomfort to them, and in worst cases cause death too.

Worms like roundworm, heartworm, whipworm and many more can easily get inside their system by drinking contaminated water, being bit by infected mosquitoes, or just by walking on unclean soil. Regular health check-ups at the vets are vital to prevent such viruses.

If your dogs are showing irrational symptoms then it is better to visit the vets to have a thorough check-up. A veterinarian is a person qualified to treat diseased or injured animals. A veterinarian can be costly, but it's a must.

What to expect when caring for a Shiba Inu?

Shiba Inus can weigh from 16-23 lb (7.2-10.4 kg) and can attain a height of 13.5-16.5 in (34.2-41.9 cm) long. But still, for their owners, they can be like their child and they do need care like a toddler.

Shiba Inus shed their coats twice a year, during this time they lose hair everywhere. They need daily brushing at this time and weekly brushing normally all year round.

Shiba Inus can develop dental diseases because of tartar buildup in their teeth. Daily brushing is suggested for this as it can be harmful to your pet if left and can cause tooth loss.

Shibas are snappy when they are nervous and are always looking for prey. That is why it is suggested to walk them on a leash, always.

For their healthy physique, it is necessary to take them on walks, play with them, keep them engaged and physically active as much as you can to prevent them from becoming lazy or obese.

Adopting A Dog From Shiba Rescue Or A Shelter

It is always best to adopt a dog from a Shiba rescue or from a shelter.

If you choose to buy a Shiba Inu from a breeder it is vital that you do your research. Ensure that the breeder is trusted and provides you with the required health check certificates, this will help to ensure that your new pet has been bred from parents that have been fully health checked.

If the breeder cannot provide you with these certificates you run the risk of your puppy suffering from health problems in the future.

Shiba Inu's can be hard to train in their initial years and if untrained then they can be a lot of hard work for you and your family.

Usually, if you adopt your Japanese spitz breed from a shelter they will have already started the training, or if the dog is a fully grown adult, they may already be fully trained, eliminating the need for rigorous training and saving you a lot of time.

There are many animals in rescue centers and shelters waiting for a new home and comfort that only you can provide.

Ways To Improve The Lifespan Of Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu's can make wonderful pets and be a great addition to your family. They are hunting dogs but can be great companion dogs. They are bold, independent, and headstrong. They are famous for their always active personality and ever vigilance for prey. They can be quite loud and domineering when it comes to reflecting their temperament.

The best way to improve your Shiba Inu's life is by giving them daily workouts, good walks, and rigorous activities. You need to find different ways to engage with your dog and give them new activities to keep them active and healthy.

A Shiba Inu requires at least one hour of exercise every day.

Activities that your Shiba will enjoy include lots of walking, ball games, a game of frisbee or fetch, hurdles, and many more. Walking your dog also provides socialization which is important and is also good for training your Shiba Inu.

A Shiba Inu is not regarded as a high maintenance dog and so their regular meals are sufficient without the need for additional treats. It is important that your dog receives a healthy diet with good food and exercise.

This includes puppies, a good diet, and an exercise routine must be practiced as early as possible. A healthy and balanced diet will ensure that your dog has perfect health from the inside and the exercise will ensure your dog's proper physical movements.

Is it important that you help to maintain the proper average weight of your puppy. If your Japanese Shiba Inu puppy puts on too much weight, anything more than average, can bring in health problems and health conditions, also affecting its average lifespan which usually is about 12-15 years when healthy.

There are various types of dogs available, like the companion dog, brushwood dog, or hunting dog breed.

Taking care of your Siba Inu's health is your responsibility as its owner. Hence keep an eye on them for any sort of discomfort and take your pet for regular health checkups at the vets.

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