The Shiba Inu resembles a miniature version of the Akita. Active, friendly, and alert Shiba is an independent thinker. It needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom. In the case of inappropriate physical activity, it may even evolve disturbing behavior (eg, excessive chewing). 

Because of their hunting instincts and bravery, hiking with a Shiba is a real adventure. Nevertheless, since the curiosity of this important family member often drives it to discover new ites, traveling without the leash is a risky decision.

Dislocation of the kneecap

Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are essential to prevent discomfort caused by kneecap dislocation. A balanced intake of high-quality protein, calcium, and phosphorus will help your important family members develop muscles properly. 

Corrective surgery may be necessary to fix severe cases of kneecap dislocation. However, regular veterinary check-ups will detect early signs of this problem and allow you to take appropriate measures at an early stage of the disease’s development.

Glaucoma 

Glaucoma causes increased intraocular pressure and damage to the optic nerve. In the initial stages of glaucoma, the vision of companion animals deteriorates slightly, however, over time, it may lead to incurable blindness.

Although it’s difficult to prevent the disease, regular veterinary check-ups and eye health diagnostics can significantly help to detect the disease at an early stage and effectively guide the treatment process.

The recommended food for an adult Shiba Inu should contain all the essential nutrients in proper amounts. Fully balanced food, along with the efficient functioning of the digestive system, will help reduce the unpleasant odor characteristic of fecal mass. 

In the feeding process, considering the dog’s age is no less important than selecting quality food. Unlike adult dogs, puppies have different nutritional needs and that’s why they necessitate high-quality food specially designed for puppies. 

The recommendations on the food packaging will help you in making a meal plan. However, if you want to make a decision based on the individual needs of your companion animal, it’s best to consult a nutritionist for help. 

As a competent parent, remember that the foods you love may turn out to be poisonous to your Shiba Inu. Nevertheless if you still feel like sharing food with your important family member, give preference to small pieces of safe fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, cucumbers, pumpkins, carrots, or broccoli.

Shiba Inu became a part of Japanese culture in the 7th century. The name of this ancient breed of Asian origin means “small dog” for the locals. However, regardless of size, these important family members were often employed to hunt large animals (eg, wild boar) along with birds. Because of its cultural significance and unique characteristics, the Shiba Inu was declared a national treasure of Japan in 1937. 

Before World War II, there were three types of Shiba: Mino, Sannin, and Shinshu (the Shinshu most closely resembles today’s Shiba Inu). Nevertheless, food shortages and the post-war plague epidemic reduced the number of representatives of the breed to a critical level. Despite this, thanks to active conservation, the Shiba Inu was saved from extinction by interbreeding with other Japanese breeds.