Breed facts
| FCI group | Group 5: Spitz and primitive types |
| Origin | Japan |
| Weight | 8–11 kg |
| Height | 35–41 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12–16 years |
Temperament
Independent, alert and clean, loyal to the family. Stubborn with a strong hunting instinct.
History
The smallest of the Japanese hunting breeds, from the mountains of Japan.
Fun facts
The famous “Doge” meme is a Shiba Inu.
The Shiba Inu coat
A coat with a dense undercoat and a longer outer layer. It sheds a lot, especially during the moult.
A dense undercoat that comes out in clouds during the moult; the right time for a bath and deep brushing.
What we do in the salon
We bathe with a suitable shampoo, remove the dead hair from the undercoat, then dry and brush thoroughly. We do not recommend shaving this type of coat: it protects against cold and heat and may not grow back the same.
Recommended services
- Bathabout 1 h
How often?
| Bath | every 6 to 8 weeks (and during the moult) |
| Cut / upkeep | Clipping is not recommended; remove the undercoat during the moult (spring and autumn). |
Care at home between visits
- Brush 2 to 3 times a week, and every day during the moult.
- Use a slicker or undercoat rake, always down to the skin.
- Do not shave: the undercoat helps regulate temperature.
- Dry the undercoat well after a bath to avoid damp and odour.
Frequently asked questions about the Shiba Inu
Does the Shiba Inu shed a lot?
It sheds a lot, especially during the moult (spring and autumn). Regular brushing and a bath with dead-hair removal help a great deal.
How often should I bring my Shiba Inu to the salon?
In general, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks (and during the moult). Clipping is not recommended; remove the undercoat during the moult (spring and autumn). It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.
How long do a bath and a clip take?
When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.
Can I shave the coat in summer?
We do not recommend it: the undercoat helps regulate temperature and the coat may not grow back the same. It is better to remove dead hair with a bath and brushing.
Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.