The Shiba Inu is a well-balanced, muscular dog that was originally used as a hunting dog to flush birds and small game in ancient Japan. They are also the smallest of the six original Spitz breeds that occur in Japan, with ancestors dating back to 7,000 BC. The Shiba is especially known for its distinctive curled tail and alert, fox-like face.
The breed is well suited to making long treks through paths and mountainous terrain, making them a great hiking companion! If you are the lucky parent of a charming Shiba pup, you may be wondering how big your Shiba Inu will get and when a Shiba Inu is fully grown?
Here is everything you need to know about the growth of a Shiba:
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Shiba Inu weight: growth and weight chart
Shibas can appear deceptively large in photos due to their compact, muscular bodies, but by weight and length, they fall into the category of small to medium dog breeds. Unlike many dog breeds, there is no significant difference between male and female Shiba Inus in terms of their adult weight and length.
The following numbers are estimates. Don’t worry if your pup is slightly behind or ahead of the pack. However, if you think your pup is significantly smaller or larger than the average Shiba Inu weight, consult your veterinarian to assess your dog’s size and health.
Growth and weight chart
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 month | 3 to 6.6 lbs |
| 2 months | 4 to 8.8 lbs |
| 3 months | 6.6 to 11 lbs |
| 4 months | 8.8 to 13.2 lbs |
| 5 months | 9.9 to 15 lbs |
| 6 months | 12 to 17 lbs |
| 7 months | 13.9 to 18 lbs |
| 8 months | 15 to 19 lbs |
| 9 months | 16.1 to 20 lbs |
| 10 months | 16.1 to 22 lbs |
| 11 months | 17 to 23 lbs |
| 1 year | 17 to 26.4 lbs |
| 2 years | 17 to 28.6 lbs |
At what age is a Shiba Inu fully grown?
Shiba Inu dogs experience intense growth spurts that usually occur between three and seven months old. During these growth spurts, they will almost double in size before slowing down around eight months old to a slower growth rate that they will maintain until they reach their full size around one year of age.
Most Shibas will be considered fully grown by the time they are 12 months old in terms of length and weight. However, it may take up to 18 months for larger dogs to reach their full size.
How much bigger will my Shiba Inu get?
Shiba Inu dogs stop growing when they are about a year old. If your dog is younger than a year, expect them to continue growing. Most members of the breed complete their biggest growth spurt by eight months old and will gradually taper off growth from 12 to 18 months until they are fully grown.
Also read: How to house train a Shiba Inu puppy?
If you are getting a Shiba Inu from a breeder, consider contacting them for a more accurate estimate of the adult Shiba Inu size based on your puppy’s parents and their previous litters. A puppy will rarely be larger than its largest parent, so this also gives an estimate of the maximum size.
Finally, take a look at the legs of your Shiba puppy. Do they seem too big compared to their body and legs? If so, this is a classic puppy feature indicating that your puppy is still growing and is growing into its legs.
How big is a fully grown Shiba Inu?
According to the official Shiba Inu breed standards from the American Kennel Club, a male Shiba Inu will be between approximately 14.5 to 18 inches tall. In comparison, a female Shiba Inu will be slightly shorter, at a height of 13.5 to 17 inches. Both males and females can weigh between 15 and 26.4 pounds on the final day of growth, although females tend to lean towards the smaller side of that range.
A fully grown Shiba Inu should appear compact yet balanced.
How do I keep my Shiba Inu healthy?
Shibas are beautiful, confident, and loyal companions that deserve a long, happy, and healthy life. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, Shiba Inus are prone to many genetic health issues. While this cannot be changed, good preventive measures and a healthy lifestyle can have a huge positive impact on your Shiba Inu’s quality of life and the risk of developing health issues.
As a breed, Shiba Inus are more susceptible to eye problems, such as cataracts or distichiasis, which occurs when extra hairs grow in the eyelid and rub against the eye’s surface. They are also prone to joint and bone problems, such as patellar luxation or hip dysplasia.
These can all cause pain and even disability if left untreated. Fortunately, many of the genetic conditions for which they are susceptible can be monitored, diagnosed, and treated by your puppy’s veterinarian. Most importantly, be sure to bring them in for an annual vet visit.
In terms of lifestyle, Shiba Inu dogs have an increased risk of obesity compared to other dogs. Their thick coat and naturally stocky physique can hide weight gain well, but this can cause serious health problems. Obesity can lead to excessive pressure on bones and joints, which can cause or exacerbate some of the previously mentioned genetic conditions. Consult with your veterinarian about the ideal diet, exercise, and weight for your Shiba Inu to get the best, medically informed care plan for your puppy.
Preventive care and a healthy lifestyle are your best options for caring for your Shiba Inu. Still, veterinary care and surgeries can quickly become expensive, potentially costing thousands of euros for a single procedure. 4 out of 5 petted pet parents said they could not afford a veterinary bill of € 5,000 out of pocket. If that’s you, don’t worry! A pet insurance is here to provide you and your Shiba Inu with a safety net.
Also read: Lifespan of a Shiba Inu – How old does a Shiba get?
Pet insurance works by reimbursing you up to 90% of all out-of-pocket veterinary expenses. Pet insurance provides you with a safety net if the worst happens, so you can always provide the best veterinary care for your dog, regardless of cost. Just like us, they need regular medical care to live a happy, healthy, and long life.
Pet insurance gives you a safety net and peace of mind, knowing that your pet will have access to exceptional care throughout their life. Wellness plans are also available to help with the day-to-day costs of veterinary care, such as veterinary check-ups, X-rays, dental cleanings, and more!
Final considerations
Don’t hesitate! Get a dog insurance today to guarantee the best care for your Shiba Inu puppy.
The happiness of your Shiba Inu is of utmost importance, and their health plays a big role in their enjoyment of daily life.
Thinking of adopting an adult Shiba Inu?
If you want to adopt an adult Shiba Inu, I would think twice first. Shibas are very intelligent dogs that form strong attachments to their owners. Their character is not the easiest because many people are not smart enough.
Because of this, they may not see you as their owner right away, which can lead to behavioral issues.
Therefore, you would be better off adopting a puppy instead of an adult Shiba Inu. Let an adult Shiba Inu be for an experienced dog owner.
Key takeaways
- A Shiba Inu grows the most between three and seven months old and typically reaches adulthood around one year.
- Depending on the gender of the breed, an adult Shiba Inu weighs between 15 and 26.4 lbs, with a height of 13 to 17 inches.
- Shibas are known to have specific health characteristics, such as hip dysplasia and eye cataracts.
- Pet insurance for Shiba Inus can ensure your dog receives excellent veterinary care, allowing them to lead a vibrant and healthy life.
