How to care for Shiba Inu

Quick facts

Size

Trung bình

Weight

15-18kg

Price at Mật Pet Family

15.000.000 VND (~$600) – 30.000.000 VND (~$1200)

About Shiba Inu

Part wild fox, part internet meme legend — the Shiba Inu is Japan's beloved national treasure and one of the most visually striking breeds you'll encounter. With a plush double coat, a proudly curled tail, and that unmistakable "Doge smile," the Shiba commands attention wherever it goes. What sets this breed apart is its remarkably cat-like independence: fastidiously clean, self-sufficient, and quietly confident. If you're looking for a compact, sharp-looking companion that won't follow you around the apartment demanding attention every hour, the Shiba Inu is a genuinely compelling choice.

Personality + Who it's for

Detailed care notes

Shiba thay lông rất dữ dội (thường 2 lần/năm), lông rụng bám đầy nhà nên cần được chải lông thường xuyên. Chúng có bản năng săn mồi mạnh nên cần luôn sử dụng dây dắt khi ra ngoài để tránh việc bé đuổi theo các con vật nhỏ và đi lạc. Vì tính cách cứng đầu, Shiba cần một người chủ kiên nhẫn để huấn luyện từ khi còn nhỏ.

Standard 6-step care process based on 15 years of experience + 10,000+ pets cared for at Mật Pet Family. Initial setup ~45 minutes — most is gear + long-term care schedule.

1. 1

   Bringing Shiba Inu home — the first 24 hours

   Prepare a quiet space for your Shiba Inu to adjust to the new environment. Essentials: separate crate/bed, individual food + water bowls, the same food brand Mật Pet was feeding (avoid sudden changes for the first 7-10 days), species-appropriate litter or potty area. On the first night, your puppy may whine — wrap a warm blanket, leave a familiar-scented toy. Every pet from Mật Pet has a Pet Care Portal profile — log in at matpet.vn/my-pet via phone for lifetime tracking.

2. 2

   Vaccination schedule + routine health checks for Shiba Inu

   Your Shiba Inu from Mật Pet comes with 2 basic vaccinations. Booster schedule: 3rd shot (DHPPI + leptospirosis for dog) 3-4 weeks after the 2nd, then rabies after 12 weeks of age. Routine vet check every 6 months even if healthy — catches early signs of heart, kidney, liver issues common in purebreds. Mật Pet has 3-tier health warranty (Standard 30 days free / Gold 6 months / Premium 1 year). Consultation hotline: 0939863696 (English support available).

3. 3

   Nutrition by life stage

   Puppy/Kitten stage (2-12 months): 3-4 meals/day, food formulated for young pets (high protein, soft kibble). Adult (1-7 years): 2 meals/day, maintenance food (target around 15-18kg). Senior (7+ years): 2 meals/day, easy-digest + low fat + glucosamine for joint support. Avoid human food (spices, onions, chocolate, grapes, cooked fish bones). Fresh water always available, refill 1-2x daily.

4. 4

   Bathing, grooming, and hygiene for Shiba Inu

   Bath frequency: every 3-4 weeks (short coat sheds less). Use dog-specific shampoo (NOT human shampoo — pH differs and harms skin). Process: thorough brushing pre-bath → warm water 37-39°C → rinse shampoo completely → fully dry (pay attention to ear and belly areas). Nail trim every 2-3 weeks. Ear cleaning with specialized solution weekly (especially folded-ear breeds). Brush teeth 2-3x/week to prevent tartar. Mật Pet showroom offers professional Spa & Hotel service with internationally-ranked groomers.

5. 5

   Daily exercise and social interaction

   Exercise duration: 30-45 min/day. Shiba Inu typically displays độ lập, mạnh mẽ, cực kỳ thông minh traits — suitable for best suited for experienced dog owners who understand the shiba's independent, strong-willed temperament. the breed adapts reasonably well to apartment living — common for expats in hcmc or hanoi — provided it gets consistent daily exercise outdoors. moderately busy owners will find the shiba's self-reliant nature a good match, as it handles alone time better than most breeds. that said, a few cautions worth noting: shibas can react defensively if provoked or handled too roughly, so households with very young children should exercise care. the breed also has a strong prey drive, so homes with smaller pets (cats, rabbits, hamsters) require careful, supervised introductions. vietnam's heat and humidity are manageable for a shiba with access to air-conditioning — their thick double coat does shed seasonally, so be prepared for grooming upkeep.. Suitable activities for Shiba Inu: walking + fetch + basic training (sit, down, name recall). Avoid exercise right after meals (wait 1-2 hours to prevent gastric torsion). Daily social interaction is critical — your Shiba Inu isolated >8 hours/day risks stress and destructive behavior. The Mật Pet Family 8.7M follower community shares experience daily at facebook.com/matpetfamily.

6. 6

   Disease prevention + emergency warning signs

   Warning signs requiring IMMEDIATE veterinary attention: refusing food >24 hours, persistent vomiting/diarrhea, breathing difficulty, unusual lethargy, high fever (>39.5°C/103°F for dog), seizures, urinary issues. Common purebred conditions: parvovirus (incomplete vaccination), distemper, kennel cough, hip dysplasia (large breeds). Prevention: deworming every 3 months, complete vaccinations, clean environment, 6-month vet check. Basic emergency: pet choking → DO NOT extract by hand, go to vet immediately. Mật Pet 24/7 hotline for consultation: 0939863696 (English support).