
How Long Do Shiba Inus Live?
Do you wish you could always seem to have a dog as a friend or partner? Adopting a Shiba Inu is a fantastic idea! They have such a vibrant personality that will keep you entertained even on the dullest of days. As a result, they are incredibly agile, similar to cats. It may be found in a number of shelters and rescue groups, making it simple to become used to this lovely dog breed. Whenever adopting a dog, please remember, however, that pets have a shorter lifespan than humans. You can end up making the best of the situation, though, by encouraging your pet to have a healthy lifestyle.
Shiba Inus are a species of Japanese hunting dog that has become more famous worldwide in recent decades. Because the breed is not as huge as related breeds, it is commonly assumed that they will live longer. Though this is not true on the ground, there are several things you can do to help a Shiba Inu live longer.
Because the dogs do not show as much affection as other breeds, the breed is frequently described as cat-like. Knowing what you’re getting yourself into with their fiery independence when it comes to Shiba Inu’s life expectancy is even more important.
Shibas have feline characteristics
The Shiba Inu is more like a cat than a dog in many respects. They are self-sufficient and tough to train. They are also very tidy and spend a lot of time grooming themselves.
Breed Of Shiba Inus
In comparison to the related Akita Ken and Kai Ken, Hokkaido, and Akita Inu, Shiba Inus are the smallest breed. These dogs have similar features and are one of the earliest domesticated dog breeds. Their initial function was to hunt birds, participate in little sports, and occasionally kill wild boars. Shiba Inus are considered an old breed that can adapt well to physiological changes and are healthy dogs due to their long history.
When it comes to Shiba Inus, how long do they live?
Whenever you acquire a Shiba Inu puppy, life expectancy may be the last thing on your mind, but it is critical to consider. There are several aspects that influence your Shiba Inu’s total life expectancy, including nutrition, exercise, frequent vet visits, and general care, but there is still an average life expectancy.
Shiba Inus can live with you for a minimum of 12 years and a maximum of 15 years if they are in good health. The National Shiba Club of America is conducting a poll to establish how long Shibas may live. According to the study, the median age of Shibas is 14 years old, and at least half of them live until they are 13 to 15 years old. Given that Shibas are medium-sized dogs, this is a reasonable lifetime. Shibas’ longevity can be affected by the number of pups they have, depending on how many she has. You may also choose to neuter your Shiba to eliminate the risk of their developing reproductive cancer or sickness.
It’s also crucial to deal with any medical issues that occur as they arise, in order to ensure that they don’t shorten your dog’s life expectancy.
What Is the World’s Oldest Shiba Inu?
Usuke, the world’s oldest Shiba Inu, lived to be 26 years and eight months old, as per Guinness World Records. It really was a loving dog, but it is extremely rare for a dog to survive to the age of 26, or almost 125 in human years, so don’t expect your Shiba Inu to live that long.
Indoor Shiba Inu vs. Outdoor Shiba Inu
It really is true for any dog that the longer you keep him indoors, the longer he will live. Also, because the pet will be less vulnerable to the weather and will have a greater sense of love and contentment, his life will be simpler.
What is the expected duration of a Shiba Inu life?

Whenever you get a Shiba Inu, you have a strong attachment with your new dog or puppy and may be concerned about the future. How long do you think your Shiba Inu will live? In comparison to people, pets have fairly limited lifespans, which is a tough fact to accept. Improving your chances by leading a healthy lifestyle may make a huge impact.
It is an ancient breed
Shibas are connected to Akita Inus, Hokkaido Kens, and Kai Kens as Japanese spitz breeds. The Shiba Inu is the tiniest of these breeds, although they all look the same. The origins of these breeds may be traced all the way back to Japan’s earliest breed records, which were compiled in the year 7 A.D. According to DNA research, they are one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds.
Originally, there were three sorts of Shiba Inu from different parts of Japan, but the breed is now recognized as a single size and type. They were developed for the purpose of hunting birds and small game, and they were also employed to hunt wild boar on occasion.
Shiba Inus are an old breed with a well-adapted physique that allows them to be physiologically efficient and healthy. They are less affected by the contemporary era’s planned breeding initiatives.
How Can You Make Your Shiba Inu Live Longer?
Even if dogs may not live as long as we sometimes want, your Shiba Inu will live a normal life if you devote yourself to his or her health, training, and food.
- Having frequent veterinary checkups.
- Get your Shiba Inu fixed or spayed.
- Conduct a genetic illness test so that treatment can be administered.
- A healthy lifestyle that involves adequate food and physical activity
- Responsibility and safety teaching
Clean the teeth of your Shiba Inu
Cleaning your pet’s teeth may seem foolish, but it is a fantastic method to preserve your dog’s health and lengthen his life. Dental infections can go directly to the brain and cause death. Gum disease is also readily transmitted to the heart, resulting in cardiac issues that might drastically reduce your dog’s lifespan. Brushing your Shiba Inu teeth at least once a day is an excellent idea. There are toothbrushes and toothpaste manufactured specifically for dogs. If you’re afraid your pet may bite you, take it carefully at first.
Feed Him a Balanced Diet
Giving your Shiba Inu the best diet possible is the most important thing you can do to lengthen his life. Of course, this means you’ll be spending a little more money on food than you’d want, but the advantages much exceed the costs.
You should seek food that is strong in protein. Typically, a genuine protein, such as chicken, is indicated as the main component in these items. Most dogs will not be harmed by any grains unless they have an allergy to them, but it is a good idea to avoid frequent filler grains and allergies. In certain circumstances, adding actual meat to your dog’s meal is an excellent idea. It is possible that it will be more expensive than dog food.
Regularly see the veterinarian
Several more people do not go to the doctor on a regular basis, figuring that if they are not sick, they do not require medical attention. This is incorrect thinking since it eliminates the concept of preventative medicine, which is critical. Preventative medication might be the difference between life and death for your Shiba Inu.
A yearly visit to the veterinarian is recommended for mature dogs. Your pet will be weighed, his limbs and body will be examined, and his heart will be listened to. If any problems are discovered during this appointment, they can be addressed before they become serious problems that we can’t solve.
Additionally, your veterinarian can prescribe prophylactic medications such as heartworm prevention and flea and tick treatment. These will help protect your dog from ailments that might shorten his or her life.
Training and Exercise
Strength training and coaching are two additional excellent strategies to help your Shiba Inu live a longer life. Shiba Inus, like humans, probably benefit from exercise. Walking your dog many times a day for a few minutes is healthy light exercise and a fantastic method to let your dog pee, but a Shiba Inu needs a little more.
It is beneficial to your dog’s cardiovascular health to increase his heart rate. If you’re a runner, consider going for a run with your dog. Start slowly to avoid exhausting your pet, and gradually increase the amount of activity until he can maintain pace.
When your dog is pleasant, going to a dog park to burn off some of that excess energy and extend his life expectancy is also a smart idea. You could be wondering why training would help your Shiba Inu live longer, but it most certainly does. A pet will be able to stay in a safer setting if he can manage his movements.
He’ll be so much more deliberate in his behaviors and judgments, keeping him from straying whenever he shouldn’t or acting aggressively without justification. Training can increase both his general quality of life and the extension of his lifespan.
Shiba Inus Genetic Disease Could Shorten Their Lives
Shiba Inus have a longer lifespan and are healthier. They are a breed of dog with a lot of energy. They are, nevertheless, just like any other dog, more prone to illness in certain situations. To boost their chances of living a longer life, we each guarantee that Shiba receives regular veterinarian treatment and maintains a healthy lifestyle.
The preceding is amongst the most common health issues that Shiba Inus may suffer from:
- Sickness. This is not a major issue, and it has no bearing on their lives. Even so, if it isn’t treated by a veterinarian right once, it will have a significant impact on how your Shibas live. Flea allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergies are just a few kinds of allergies that might affect your dog.
- Defects in the eyes. Shiba Inus’ life is impacted by increasing retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and cataracts, to name a few. A veterinary ophthalmologist can examine them for you. Additionally, if you want to breed them, you should also have them pass an eye exam before enrolling them in a breeding program.
- Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a disorder that can affect your Shiba Inu’s thyroid gland and cause it produce less than optimal amounts of hormones, which will result in a slower metabolism. The symptoms may include thinning hair coats; decreased activity levels due to fatigue or reduced energy expenditure (especially for large breed dogs); weight gain around the stomach area as well as increased shedding frequency if left untreated over time.
- Hip dysplasia. X-ray imaging can help a veterinarian detect hip dysplasia. Stiffness and weakness are common signs of this condition. It’s also genetic, so you’ll want to make sure your pet has strong hips before starting a breeding program to ensure they don’t pass it on to their offspring.
- Chylothorax. If your dog is in this state, there is fluid in the chest. Your pet will get extremely weary and have respiratory problems as a result of the disease. Coughing is common in the dog, and you might just observe a poor appetite. This disorder can be treated with a low-fat diet. In extreme circumstances, your dog may require surgery.
- Patellas Luxating. This is a limb ailment that creates difficulties with the knee joints, resulting in your dog’s lameness. If they begin to limp, schedule an appointment with their veterinarian to have them examined. It is occasionally necessary to have surgery to treat it.
Dogs can benefit from the best dog foods to extend their lives. A good diet is one that helps your pup maintain his or her health and strength, like a healthy bone broth!
End up making sure the food you chose is high in protein and that your Shiba Inu diet is well-balanced in terms of nutrition so that you can live a long life.
Make absolutely sure the Shiba Inu gets the proper amount of food. It’s a good idea to avoid underfeeding or overfeeding him if you want him to live a long life.
The Shiba Inu requires a lot of exercises. Obesity may be a concern for the dog. Exercising your dog helps to avoid issues that might negatively impact your dog’s health.
A Shiba Inu’s Lifespan is Affected by Several Factors

Your Shiba Inu’s lifespan can be influenced by a number of things. The Shiba Inu’s activity level, as well as the environment, food, and family history are all variables.
The environment
A dog needs a secure, comfortable, and welcoming environment. This significantly influences your dog’s lifespan since a healthy environment will enable your dog to grow up without difficulties.
It is possible that your dog’s life span will be shortened if he is kept in an unsafe or uncomfortable setting. For example, if your dog cannot take high temperatures, it should not be exposed to them, and such dogs should not be kept in high-temperature surroundings. Whenever dogs are exposed to excessive noise, they might feel irritated and upset, and as a result, they may behave badly. Hearing issues might occur as a result of this.
History of the family
Your Shiba Inu’s genetics also have an influence on its lifespan. If you’re lucky enough to get one with good parents, then there are high chances that the same will be true for grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren too! However, if they happen not quite so often – especially in genes inherited from males who carry deadly ailments like hip dysplasia or elbow disorders – it can result in hereditary problems later down line.
Your Shiba Inu’s Diet
A Shiba Inu’s diet is essential for their long life. Your dog will become sick if you’re not careful about what they eat, so feed them home-cooked meals that are balanced with nutrients from natural sources like fruits and vegetables! Avoid feeding industrially manufactured foods since these lack the necessary vitamins to keep our furry friends healthy.
A ration of the right food prolongs canine longevity – according to research by veterinary experts It’s important, however, it should be well-balanced too.
Level of Activity
Your dog’s activity level has a significant impact on its lifespan. A study by veterinarians at the University of Louisiana found that dogs who were exercised and trained regularly had longer lifespans, which means you should make sure your pup gets plenty of exercises each day- whether it be through rigorous walks or running around in circles with another pooch! When they’re not exercising enough though, some breeds can develop behavioral issues like excessive barking, chewing furniture until there is no fabric left intact; digging holes right next door to where all those pesky critters live.
Would Spaying and Neutering Affect Shiba Inu Lifespan?
It’s common to have your dog spayed or neutered after you adopt him, and if you obtain him from a shelter, he’ll already be sterile. Whenever it concerns the subject of whether sterilizing your pet can shorten your life expectancy, the answer is yes.
To actually start with, spaying or neutering your dog does help to reduce the establishment of some cancers. Even worse, when a dog that has not been corrected is in heat, she will flee in search of a mate. Males would do the same, placing them in grave danger as they sprint off to who knows where drastically reducing the dogs’ lives.
Conclusion
Shiba Inus are a tiny to medium-sized dog breed. It has a longer life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, which is excellent for a dog. Your pet can live up to 16 years if given the correct care.
Diet, exercise level, environment, and heredity are all elements that influence Shiba Inu’s lifespan.
Several methods can also be employed to increase Shiba Inu’s life expectancy. For instance, altering the Shiba Inu’s nutrition, changing the surroundings, exercising the pet on a regular basis, and taking the dog to the veterinarian for continuous monitoring. Shiba Inus are typically healthy dogs, however, they can have hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems due to hereditary disorders.