Shiba Inu Growth Chart – Weight & Size Chart
The Shiba Inu is a native Japanese breed. Shibas are a small breed, have a long-haired coat, a sturdy body, and small upright ears. Their movements are a lot like that of cats, and they also groom themselves like cats do.
If you want to monitor your Shiba Inu puppy’s growth, you can have a look at the Shiba Inu growth chart below.
While the Shiba Inu is highly intelligent, these dogs are not easy to train. They have an independent spirit that can be frustrating for their owners.
Another trait of this breed is possessiveness. Your Shiba Inu doesn’t like his toys to be taken, and he will guard his food. They are very territorial. These dogs must be socialized from an early age to temper this trait.
When Do Shiba Inu Stop Growing?
Shiba Inus dogs have done most of their growing by the time they are one year old. Shibas have a growth spurt between three to seven months when they seem to grow out of proportion.
The growth spurt can last up to eight months. After that, they don’t grow so fast anymore. Most Shiba Inus stop growing when they reach 12 months.
Between 12 and 18 months, they may continue to fill out. At 18 months, both males and females have reached their full adult size.
You can always see from the size of your puppy’s paws whether it still has some growing to do. If his paws appear oversized compared to the rest of his body, he will still grow bigger until his whole body is in proportion.
Shiba Inu Weight Chart
When they are three months old, the male puppies weigh between 7 and 10 pounds, and the female dogs weigh between 6 and 8 pounds.
A month later, both the male and female dogs have added an additional two to three pounds. This growth rate continues for the next few months, and by six months both the male dogs and the female dogs have almost doubled their weight.
When you look at the Shiba Inu weight chart, you will notice that when the dogs reach eight months, their growth starts slowing down somewhat. They are now only putting on one pound from one month to the next.
The smaller-sized dogs put on even less. Both the males and the females only gain half a pound per month now. At nine months, the small male dogs weigh 16.5 pounds and at ten months they weigh 17 pounds.
The small female dogs weigh 14 pounds at nine months and 14.5 pounds at ten months. By one year, the male dogs weigh between 18 and 24 pounds, and the female dogs weigh between 16 and 19 pounds.
Shiba Inu Puppy Weight Chart
| Age | Female Weight | Male Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 6 - 8 lbs | 7 - 10 lbs |
| 4 months | 8 - 11 lbs | 9 - 13 lbs |
| 5 months | 10 - 13 lbs | 11 - 16 lbs |
| 6 months | 11 - 15 lbs | 13 - 18 lbs |
| 7 months | 13 - 16 lbs | 15 - 19 lbs |
| 8 months | 13.5 - 17 lbs | 16 - 20 lbs |
| 9 months | 14 - 17.5 lbs | 16.5 - 21 lbs |
| 10 months | 14.5 - 18 lbs | 17 - 22 lbs |
| 11 months | 15 - 18.5 lbs | 17.5 - 23 lbs |
| 12 months | 16 - 19 lbs | 18 - 24 lbs |
Shiba Inu Growth Chart – What to Expect
Birth – 2 Weeks
Birth to two weeks is called the neonatal stage. In this stage, the mother takes care of everything, primarily, cleaning and nursing.
The puppies are blind and deaf, but they have a sense of touch and taste. They can’t move around much, and shouldn’t be picked up. They can’t walk as such, they do manage to move their bodies about.
3 Weeks – 12 Weeks
At the age of two to three months, puppies begin to develop fear. Keep introducing your puppy to new situations so he can learn that he doesn’t need to be afraid of everything.
There is an optimal time between two months and four months when a Shiba Inu can be socialized and trained.
This time is very important in a Shiba Inu puppy’s life and you must under no circumstances miss this window of opportunity if you want a well-behaved adult dog as a companion. If the vacuum cleaner scares him, show him that it won’t hurt him.
4 Months – 9 Months
Throughout this time, keep on socializing your dog. Your puppy will attempt to test you and try to get away with not obeying the rules. The whole family must be vigilant and enforce the rules consistently.
Around six months, Shiba Inu reaches sexual maturity. A male puppy will start lifting its legs, so it’s important to teach your pup where this will be allowed.
Between four and six months, your puppy will start getting his adult teeth. It helps with this uncomfortable time if you provide your puppy with some chew toys.
Between five and six months, your Shiba Inu will become an adolescent. He will become just as rebellious as any human teenager, so watch out.
You must remain in charge and enforce all rules. If you didn’t manage to socialize your dog earlier on, this period will be very challenging for both you and your dog. In fact, it’s during this period that most Shiba Inus are abandoned by their human families because they become too difficult to handle.
10 Months – 18 Months
When your Shiba Inu reaches one year, it’s time to take him to the vet for his annual check-up and booster shot.
Even at this stage, you might have to train your dog. There may still be orders that your dog has not mastered, so keep up the training.
Adult
Unless properly socialized, your Shiba Inu may be suspicious of people and other animals. He will remain independent and show little desire to please you. If he’s not pleased with something, he might startle you with a loud scream.
Don’t be fooled by his small body – there’s a lot of dog in there. His high prey drive will always be there, so he’ll run after anything that moves, and don’t think you can catch him.
If you have to leave him outside unsupervised, make sure that you have a very secure fence or a high wall, for Shiba Inus are consummate escape artists.
When you go walking with your Shiba Inu, keep him on a leash. If you let go, he will go and you won’t see him again.
This strong-willed dog breed does best with equally strong-willed owners who are firm and in control.
How Big Do Shiba Inu Get?
Shiba Inus are a small size to breed, but many dog owners would like to know what their size would be at adulthood. A good way to find this out would be a simply refer to the Shiba Inu size chart.
You can match your Shiba Inus age with their ideal size. But there are many other methods that you can employ to help you.
Firstly you should get an idea of your puppy’s parents. By knowing the size of your Shiba Inu’s parents you can make a calculated guess about their size in adulthood.
Usually, your puppy will be the average size of both parents but keep in mind that females are slightly smaller in size.
You can also look at their paws because typically when dogs have more growing to do, their paws will look a bit too big for their bodies. This is part of what makes them appear to be younger.
You can also have a DNA test done to better help you predict the size of your Shiba Inu because DNA tests map the genealogy of dogs.
This is important because many mixed dogs are passed off as pure breeds. So by doing this, you can calculate for any other breeds in your Shiba Inu’s ancestry.
Will Neutering/Spaying Affect My Shiba Inu’s Growth?
It is better to wait a bit before you spay or neuter your Shiba Inu puppy because it affects their growth in many ways. This is especially important for male Shiba Inus.
Even though they are considered small-sized dogs and would have less growing to do, it is better to wait at least until they are 12 months of age.
When it comes to male dogs, neutering too early may result in ACL issues, bone cancers, prostate cancers, or even hip dysplasia.
The testosterone in their bodies regulates growth and neutering disrupts this process giving them joint issues as well as a host of other problems.
For females, it is also not advised that you spay them too early. But spaying them can prevent diseases such as breast tumors that may be cancerous or malignant as well as urine infections.
There is also the obvious benefit of preventing unwanted pregnancies that your dog may not be ready for.
All in all, you should know that there are advantages and disadvantages to spaying and neutering your dog.
It is up to you to conduct the proper research and make the decision that is best for your Shiba Inu.
Shiba Inu Size Chart
Male and female Shiba Inus have distinct emotional and physical qualities that set them apart. For example, the males usually have a height of 16.5 inches when they are adults while the females usually stand at 13.5 inches when they are adults.
Additionally, male Shiba Inus are known to have broader faces, but the female counterparts have distinctively softer facial features. They both have triangular perky ears.
It is always a good idea to track your dog’s growth and development despite their breed. This is to ensure that they are meeting all their physical milestones.
To measure your Shiba Inu’s height, you simply need to have him stand up straight and then drape a measuring table from the floor to his withers in a straight line. His withers are simply the highest point of his shoulder blades.
How To Properly Weigh And Measure A Shiba Inu?
Many dog owners want to have a measurement of their dog’s weight as they grow. This is easy to do when they are younger puppies but as they develop this may be a task.
When they are small puppies you can simply place them on the bathroom scale and record their weight. But as they grow older and get longer and larger, they may not be able to fit on the scale.
To remedy this, you would need to hold them while you are on the scale. So take a measurement of your weight first and write it down.
Then you can hold your dog while you are on the scale and record this measurement. Your dog’s weight will be the difference between these two measurements on the scale.
Jindo vs Shiba Inu Size
You may have mistaken a Korean Jindo for a Shiba Inu at some point because their resemblance is uncanny. This is because of their coloring, ears, and fox-like features.
But it is important to remember that they also have differences as well. They have different personalities and origins.
The Korean Jindo is a bit taller than the Shiba Inu speak. The male Shiba Inus usually have a height of 14-17 inches and weigh around 22 lbs while the females usually stand at 13-16 inches tall and weigh 18 pounds. Korean Jindos are sleeker and taller, despite gender.
What Is A Shiba Inu’s Neck Size?
Your Shiba Inu is a relatively small dog, so it is easy to purchase the wrong collar. You do not want a color that is too slack or too tight.
If it is too tight, it could be uncomfortable for him and if it is too still slack, it can slip off.
To measure the neck size of your puppy, simply drape a flexible measuring tape around his neck in the place where his color will be.
Then gently place two fingers underneath the measuring tape. This is the amount of space that is needed. The measurement will be your dog’s neck size.
Factors That Affect Shiba Inu Puppy Growth
Three factors influence the growth of a Shiba Inu puppy: genetics, nutrition, and level of physical activity.
Genetics
Genetics is the determining factor in the development of the body, shape, and size of all breeds. DNA plays a role in the size of all dogs. The Shiba Inu is a small breed, and many dogs only reach 20 pounds in weight.
You can expect your puppy to be the same size as his parents and grandparents.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is necessary for the health and development of puppies. It directly influences their immune system. How nutrient-dense the food is and the amount of food a dog gets can mean the difference between a healthy full-grown adult dog and a dog that doesn’t flourish.
Make sure you feed your Shiba Inu puppy the best quality dog food you can afford. These dogs have a tendency to put on weight, so be especially careful not to give your dog treats between meals.
Physical Activity & Health
Studies have confirmed that Shiba Inus can easily become overweight. It’s important to feed your dog only at mealtimes and to monitor its weight constantly. Obesity in dogs can lead to serious health issues for dogs later in their lives, and a hefty veterinarian bill for you.
To keep your dog’s weight in check don’t give him snacks and see that he gets enough exercise on a daily basis.
Fortunately, Shiba Inus are energetic and like to be active. Your dog will love being outside with you running and playing games. They will also walk and run with their owners, just remember to keep him on a leach.
How Long Are Shiba Inus Pregnant?
The Shiba Inu has the same gestation period as other dogs, which is around 63 days.
Shiba Inu puppies can also be born after only 50 days of gestation. If a dog goes into labor at this stage, normal birth can happen, but there is also the choice of a C-section.
Puppies have also been born as late as 72 days after conception. It is not advisable for the pregnancy to be allowed to carry on beyond 72 days. At this stage, a C-section should be performed to save the mother’s life and those of her puppies.
How Many Puppies Do Shiba Inus Have?
Shiba Inus don’t have large litters. Typically, a female Shiba Inu will produce a litter of two to three puppies. This small litter size is a result of the small built of this breed.
The births are characterized as being fairly easy with a high success rate. The Shiba Inu doesn’t typically have birthing problems. Most puppies are born healthy.
On occasion, a female Shiba Inu might give birth to four or five puppies, but that is not very common. If the mother is a big dog, she might give birth to a larger litter.
What If My Shiba Inu Is Not the Right Weight
As mentioned earlier, this is a breed that tends to put on too much weight. In fact, it’s more likely that your Shiba Inu will be overweight than underweight and malnourished.
You want to avoid obesity as it can take years off your dog’s life. These dogs have a very thick coat, so it’s not easy to spot when they are overweight.
If you’re unsure whether he’s overweight, look at your dog from the top – he should have a clear waste. Also, feel his ribcage. If you can’t detect any ribs at all, he is most probably overweight.
Keep your dog in good condition by feeding him the recommended daily amount of high-quality dry food twice a day. Avoid treats and don’t leave food in his bowl.
If you are concerned about the weight and general health of your Shiba, consult your veterinarian and cross-reference his weight with a Shiba Inu growth chart.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of Shiba Inus?
Shiba Inus have quite a long lifespan. They can live for 12 – 15 years. However, keep in mind that your dog will only reach this ripe old age if he is allowed to live an active life and if you take special care to feed your dog a healthy, balanced diet and stay away from treats.
The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but like other breeds, this breed is also prone to certain health conditions.
When you buy your puppy, search for a reputable breeder who will provide you with health clearances for the common health conditions this breed typically suffers from. This step will ensure that you buy a healthy dog that can have a long life.
How Much Does It Cost To Own A Shiba Inu?
A Shiba Inu puppy can cost anywhere between $650 and $1,800, but the average price you can expect to pay is $1,000.
The first year will cost around $3,625 and after that, the cost will come down to $1,080 per year, which comes to around $90 per month. Over the dog’s entire lifetime, he will cost you around $18,745.
These figures take into account medical expenses, veterinary costs, food & supplies, training and grooming costs, a dog license, and a microchip. These are just the essentials. Optional costs like pet insurance, dog boarding, the services of a dog walker, and sterilization can add a lot to these figures.
Shiba Inu Genetics and Common Health Problems
As a breed, Shiba Inus tends to be healthy. They are, however, prone to eye problems, weight problems, and also joint problems.
These dogs get cataracts or distichiasis when too many hairs grow inside the eyelid and then irritate the surface of the eye.
Shiba Inu dogs have an increased risk of obesity, and unfortunately, their thick coat can hide this fact. Obesity can cause serious health problems, including too much strain on the bones and joints, which causes pain and mobility issues.
The Shiba Inu, like other dogs, are susceptible to, but will not necessarily one or more of the following conditions: hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, epilepsy, cancer, glaucoma, fluid in the chest cavity, and allergies.
Final Words
The well-bred and properly socialized Shiba Inu will be a good-natured and devoted family dog. Because they are strong-willed these dogs must be properly and consistently socialized from an early age.
Many people buy themselves a Shiba Inus without any clear understanding of what it entails to own one of these dogs. When the dog reaches adolescence and hasn’t been socialized consistently, they become difficult to handle and the sad truth is that many of them land in shelters.
