What Do I Need for a Shiba Inu Dog (The Complete Equipment Guide)? (2023)

Food, water, and shelter are the basic necessities that your Shiba Inu may need. But these are not enough for them to live a happy and fulfilling life. They also need toys, their personal space, and more.

Some people buy the cheapest items they can get for their furry friends. But oftentimes, these are not of great quality. Without putting much thought into choosing the best item for your Shiba Inu, you may end up hurting them.

The food you buy for your Shiba Inu, for example; are you buying the most affordable ones at the expense of their health?

Another thing is their harness or collar. Are you choosing the right one for their specific situation?

There is a lot of thought that goes into buying your lovable pooch’s necessities that you may not know. If you do not know where to start with this, this article will make you a better-informed buyer.

What Do Shiba Inu Puppies Need?

Apart from food in their tummy and a roof over their head, your Shiba Inu puppy needs other items in their new home. This breed may be self-sufficient but you need to provide them with items that are safe for them to use. Otherwise, they will take matters into their own hands at the expense of your belongings.

To help you on your trip to the pet store, below is a list of items you need to get for your Shiba. This will help ensure that you do not forget anything on your shopping day.

Your Shiba Inu Puppy Needs Their Safe Space

Your pup must have a place to call its own. This teaches them to be independent and to enjoy alone time. So as they grow up, they will not get fused to you and feel lost whenever you are not around.

Below is what you need to give your Shiba for their personal space.

Crate

This will be effective in training your Shiba to sleep through the night. It will also be useful to potty train them, among other lessons they need to learn.

But their crate should be appropriate for their size. Not too small that it will make them feel cramped up. But not too big, or it will make training them ineffective.

You may want to buy a large crate so that you do not have to buy them a new one in the future. Just make sure to use a crate divider so you can adjust the size they need as they grow.

Crate Liner

For extra comfort, make sure you get a crate liner for your Shiba Inu puppy. This will make their crate cozier and softer, thus, better to sleep in.

You may want to get a nonskid crate liner with rubber backings. This will ensure that the crate liner stays in place even if your pup moves around a lot.

Playpen or Pet Gate

Your Shiba Inu puppy cannot stay in its crate the whole day, it needs to stretch its legs and have fun outside. But because of their age, you cannot leave them wandering your house without a watcher. If you cannot supervise your pup, you can contain them in a playpen.

Dog Bed

Puppies need to have several naps throughout the day. So you need to provide them with a soft, cozy bed to sleep in.

Make sure to choose a sturdy dog bed as puppies can be destructive chewers. This is especially true if they get bored or if you leave them alone too long.

So for now, buy a cheaper yet sturdy bed. You can move on to spoiling them with a more expensive bed once they are older.

Potty Pads

Of course, you also need to consider where your Shiba Inu puppy does their business. They need to pee every few hours due to their age. Sometimes, you cannot take them outside to go to the potty in time.

So make sure you provide them with a potty pad so they know where to go when they need it. You can place this in their crate, but they will want to poop or pee outside their crate. They may use this more if you place this in their playpen.

Your Shiba Inu Puppy Needs Proper Nutrition

A huge part of your furry friend’s good health comes from the food that they eat. A premium diet is even more important for a growing pup. This will ensure their development and their growth.

High-Quality Dog Food

For your buddy’s diet, you have the option to feed them the following:

• Dry food
• Wet food
• Homemade food
• Raw food

Unfortunately, most commercial dog foods are not the best for your buddy. These often have additives that your Shiba Inu does not need. Some ingredients may even be harmful to them.

So whichever you choose, make sure your pup gets what they need in their diet. Nothing more, nothing less.

Each type also has its pros and cons that you should be aware of.

Dry food is generally affordable, accessible, and easy to store. It comes in varieties that cater to specific breeds and a dog’s needs. But dry food has low water content and it is often filled with additives.

Wet food is more palatable due to its strong smell and softness. But it is pricier and harder to store as it soils fast. It also sticks to your pup’s teeth, which is bad news if you do not brush their teeth.

Homemade food is great because you know what goes into your buddy’s diet. But there is a chance that they lack the nutrition they need if not prepared properly. This is also time-consuming on your part.

Raw food is also great because you control what your Shiba Inu eats. This is how they eat in the wild, so it taps into their primal instincts. But there is a big risk of food contamination and pathogen ingestion.

Food and Water Bowls

Make sure to pick bowls that are appropriate for your pup’s size. No matter what you choose, make sure their bowls are durable. Your pup may want to chew on their bowls and destroy them.

Healthy Treats

While training your Shiba pup, you are bound to use treats to reward and motivate them. But you can easily get heavy-handed with this. Giving them too much can make your pup overweight, which you do not want.

So make sure to choose healthier treat options for your pup. You should also consider the size, and make sure they are small for their size.

Your Shiba Inu Puppy Needs Some Wearables

These wearables are for your furry friend’s safety. Your Shiba Inu puppy will need the following:

• Leash
• Collar
• Harness
• ID tags
• Microchip

The last two are a must because this breed is a well-known escape artist. Should they succeed at escaping, these will help your Shiba return to you.

A leash is also necessary, especially when walking your Shiba outside. This breed is not the best dog to walk off-leash. They may also run and chase something interesting they lay their eyes on.With this, you should invest in a high-quality leash for your Shiba Inu.

When walking your lovable pooch, it is best to use a harness. This spreads pressure throughout their body whenever they tug on their leash. A collar puts too much pressure on their neck, which can cause musculoskeletal issues.

Still, a collar is useful so that your Shiba Inu always has their ID tags with them. Make sure you pick an adjustable one so that it still fits your Shiba Inu as they grow bigger.

Your Shiba Inu Puppy Needs Toys for Entertainment and Stimulation

While this breed loves to sleep, they are quite playful and energetic when awake. Due to their intelligence, they want to keep themselves occupied all the time. Otherwise, your puppy will become destructive.

At this age, your Shiba Inu puppy will also chew a whole lot. You can expect this during their teething stage.

With this, you need to give them something safe to chew on. If not, they will chew on your shoes, furniture, and other stuff in your home.

With toys, the more, the merrier! Make sure to provide your pup with a variety of toys, such as:

• Chew toys
• Puzzle toys
• Interactive toys
• Plush toys
• Squeaky toys
• Chase toys
• Fetch toys

Your Shiba Inu Needs Grooming Supplies

The Shiba Inu is low maintenance when it comes to grooming. But this does not mean that they do not need a grooming routine.

Much of their routine will go into brushing their coat. This breed sheds quite a lot so invest in a soft-bristled brush and a slicker brush.

Other than a high-quality brush, your Shiba Inu also needs the following supplies:

• Gentle dog shampoo
• Dog conditioner
• Toothbrush
• Enzymatic dog toothpaste
• Nail clipper or nail file
• Styptic powder
• Grooming wipes

Your Shiba Inu Puppy Needs Cleaning Supplies

You are still training your Shiba Inu at this young age on how to keep themselves and the house clean. They are bound to make a mess at times, especially potty accidents.

For potty accidents, you need an enzyme cleaner. Regular soap and water will not clean the soiled area well as it still leaves a scent your pup can smell. But an enzyme cleaner will get rid of this so your pup will not poop or pee in the same spot again.

Should Shiba Inu Wear Harness or Collars?

While your Shiba Inu can wear both, a harness is the most recommended and best option for them. A collar will only put pressure on your furry friend’s neck. This happens when they pull or tug on their leash, and this can harm your buddy.

This breed is prone to eye problems, such as glaucoma. The pressure on their neck due to a collar can also increase the pressure on your buddy’s eyes. This can exacerbate their eye condition, which can lead to a loss of vision.

Unfortunately, your Shiba Inu may not be the best on a leash. They like to yank their leash and they are prone to fleeing. This can also choke your poor Shiba, cutting off their air supply.

The pressure a collar puts on their neck can also lead to musculoskeletal issues. Remember, their neck is a part of their vertebrae. This can lead to intervertebral disc disease, which is not uncommon in a Shiba Inu.

It is also likely for a Shiba Inu to slip out of its collar. When they do, you cannot outrun this speedy dog. They may end up getting lost or running into traffic.

But having your Shiba Inu wear a harness can mitigate all these issues. A well-fitting harness makes it hard for your Shiba Inu to sleep out of. Unlike a collar, it also distributes pressure on the strongest part of the body.

A harness will not choke your poor Shiba, so there is no unnecessary pressure on their neck or eyes. This can give you a bit of peace of mind whenever you walk them outside.

But a collar can work for your Shiba Inu, only if they are leash trained. A collar may be more comfortable for them and some do not like wearing harnesses. This will boil down to their preference and how they behave on a leash.

Both collars and harnesses have their pros and cons. It is up to you to assess which one suits your furry friend best.

The Good and the Bad of Dog Collars

Pros

• It can hold ID tags
• Gives you better control while walking your Shiba Inu
• Flat collars are better for leash training
• Comes in various types, materials, and designs

Cons

• A loose-fitting one can make it easy for your Shiba to slip out of their collar
• A tight-fitting one can be painful and cause damage to your Shiba Iu
• It can lead to vertebrae issues and damage their throat
• It can be a choking hazard if your Shiba Inu pulls too hard

The Good and the Bad of Dog Harnesses

Pros

• More secure as it prevents your Shiba Inu from slipping out
• More comfortable for your Shiba Inu to wear
• Helps in preventing injuries, especially on the neck
• Helps in lessening back pain
• A front-clip harness may discourage leash pulling
• Better for dogs who have issues with their neck and back

Cons

• Gives you less control when walking your Shiba Inu
• Takes more effort to put on and take off
• Back-clip harnesses encourage pulling
• Can be uncomfortable for your Shiba Inu to wear on hotter days
• A loose-fitting harness can make it possible for your Shiba to wiggle out of it
• A tight-fitting harness can be painful for your Shiba Inu to wear

Are Harnesses Good for Shiba Inu?

Harnesses are better for your Shiba Inu as it does not put excess pressure on their necks. Since this breed tends to pull their leash, a harness will protect their fragile necks. This is why a harness is a must for dogs who already suffer from issues with their vertebrae and eyes.

But even if your Shiba Inu is healthy, the constant leash tugging with a collar can lead to these health issues. This is more of an issue if your Shiba Inu is not leash trained yet. If they do not know how to use a leash, chances are, they are going to keep pulling and hurting their neck.

Other than that, Shiba Inu has a strong urge to flee compared to other dog breeds. A collar is easier for them to slip out off, especially if it is not the perfect fit. A tighter collar may be harder to slip out of, but then again, there is the issue of putting pressure on their neck.

A well-fitted harness is harder for your Shiba Inu to escape from, thus, they are more secure. If they do try to run off, you have more leverage. You can grab the harness itself and pull your Shiba back to safety.

Not all harnesses are great for your Shiba Inu, though. There are two types of harnesses, both with their pros and cons. And if your Shiba Inu likes to pull on their leash, you should only consider one of the two types.

With this, here are the two types of dog harnesses for you to consider.

Back-Clip Harnesses

This is the most common type of harness that you can easily find in your local pet store. You fasten the harness and attach the leash to your furry friend’s back.

This is a comfortable harness for your Shiba Inu and this is the top choice for dog breeds with fragile necks. This is why experts recommend this type for hiking, jogging, and biking with your furry friend. A back-clip harness prioritizes their comfort and their freedom in these situations.

But a back-clip harness is not the best for your Shiba if they are not leash trained. This encourages them to pull on their leash more, making the situation worse. If this is what you are trying to avoid, you are better off with the other harness type below.

Front-Clip Harnesses

This harness type is also known as the “no-pull” harness. As you can tell by the name, the leash attaches to the chest area of your Shiba Inu to discourage pulling.

When they do pull on their leash, the design of this harness makes them turn towards you. This breaks their line of thinking and you can easily grab their focus towards you as well.

But you should be picky in trying to choose a front-clip harness for your Shiba Inu. Some designs can constrict your energetic pooch as they tug on their leash. This pulls your Shiba to their side, which is not great for their vertebrae.

So when picking a front-clip harness, make sure that it is Y-shaped. Do not go for ones that are only a strap across your buddy’s chest.

How to Measure a Shiba Inu for a Harness

To get the best-fitting harness for your Shiba, you will need their chest girth and their lower neck girth. These two measurements are where their harness will wrap around. But other than these, knowing their weight will also help you narrow down your options.

But to get these two important measurements, you will need a soft measuring tape. If you do not have one, you can use a ruler and a string or ribbon. Use the string and wrap it around the chest and neck and then lay it flat beside the ruler to get your buddy’s size.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can get their chest and neck girth.

Chest Measurement

This is the most crucial measurement for a harness because this is where it goes around.

• Step 1: Locate their chest, immediately behind their legs. For a medium-sized dog like Shiba Inu, there should be 2 inches between its front legs and chest.
• Step 2: The point where you should measure your Shiba Inu should be 2 inches behind their front legs. Now take your tape measure and wrap it around their chest.
• Step 3: Make sure the tape measure is snug, but not too tight. There should be enough room for you to fit two of your fingers between their back and the harness.
• Step 4: Their chest measurement is where the end of the tape measure and the remaining portion meets.

Lower Neck Measurement

• Step 1: Locate the base of their neck by running your fingers down the back of their neck. Look for where their shoulder blades start, this is where you should begin measuring. A harness sits lower on their neck, unlike a collar.
• Step 2: Wrap your soft measuring tape around this area. Take their measurement by having the two ends of the tape meet.
• Step 3: You should still be able to fit two fingers between the tape and their neck. This makes wearing a harness more comfortable for your Shiba Inu.

With these measurements, a standard-sized adult Shiba Inu will need a medium harness. But if your Shiba Inu is on the smaller side, they will need a small harness.

If your Shiba Inu is between two sizes, it is better to go for the smaller size. A bigger harness will make it more likely for them to slip out of their harness. In this case, it is better if you choose an adjustable harness to get a better fit.

What Type of Collar Is Best for a Shiba Inu?

The best type of collar for your Shiba Inu is a leather collar, either rolled or flat. These collars are durable, stylish, and comfortable for your Shiba Inu to wear. But other than these, a leather collar is also good for your furry friend’s skin.

As you may already know, this breed has quite sensitive skin. They are prone to skin issues especially due to allergies.

Unfortunately, certain collars can irritate your buddy’s skin. Some are too abrasive, such as nylon. This can cause matting around the neck, where the collar sits.

But a leather collar is smooth and nonabrasive. Your furry friend’s skin is less likely to react to a leather collar, avoiding damage to their fur and skin.

Another bonus to a leather collar is that they are often built to last and they get better with time! Leather will soften with time so that it has a better and custom fit on your buddy’s neck. But you will only enjoy the benefits of a leather collar if you choose a high-quality one.

With this, you must stay away from imitation leather collars. If you see a collar labeled as split leather or bi-cast leather, do not buy those. They may be cheap, but they do not last anywhere as long as real leather does.

Real, high-quality leather may be expensive but it saves you a lot of money in the long run as you do not need to keep on buying a new collar for your Shiba Inu. Make sure to choose an adjustable one as well so that you can adjust the collar as your Shiba Inu grows.

Genuine leather collars are also easy to maintain, they only need wiping and rinsing. You can also use a leather cleaner or conditioner, but this is not required.

Other than a leather collar, you can also use a martingale collar. When worn, this collar hangs loose on your furry friend’s neck. But if they try to pull, it tightens to prevent escapes, but it does not choke your Shiba Inu.

A martingale collar may be better for you if your Shiba Inu is such an escape artist. But this collar type is not the best for everyday wear as it can be a choking hazard. This is why you should only use a martingale collar when walking your Shiba Inu.

What Size Collar Does a Shiba Inu Need?

An average-sized adult Shiba Inu will need a medium collar that is 14 to 16 in (356 to 406 mm) in length. But of course, it is best if you measure their neck for the best fit. Especially if they are still puppies who need a much smaller collar.

The good thing is that measuring their neck size is easy, and you can do this before heading out to the pet store. Take a soft measuring tape and then wrap it around where their collar sits. Make sure that the fit is snug but loose enough for you to slide two fingers between the tape and their neck.

If you did not try to slide two fingers between their collar and neck, then add two inches to their neck girth. This extra space will allow for a more comfortable fit for your Shiba Inu.

Now that you have their measurements, here is a general size guide for dog collars:

• Extra Small: 6 to 11 in (152 to 279 mm)
• Small: 11 to 13 in (279 to 330 mm)
• Medium: 13 to 19 in (330 to 483 mm)
• Large: 19 to 23 in (483 to 584 mm)

Keep in mind that different companies follow various measurements for size classifications. So it is best to look at the collar measurement itself, and not go for a medium or a small collar right away.

If your Shiba Inu is still a puppy, go for an adjustable collar so that it is easier for you to get the right fit. They can even use their collar until adulthood, as long as you pick a durable and high-quality one.

What Is the Average Neck Size of a Shiba Inu?

The average neck size of a Shiba Inu is around 14 to 16 in (356 to 406 mm). But if your Shiba Inu is not of standard size, their neck size may be out of this range. So whatever purpose you may need their neck size for, it is always best to measure it anyway.

Do Shiba Inu Need to Wear Clothes?

Generally, your Shiba Inu does not need to wear clothes for weather changes. They have a thick, double coat that is often enough for them to regulate their body temperature.

Their coat is enough to keep them cool during summer, as they shed off their thick fur. It is also enough to keep them warm during winter, as they grow out thicker fur for insulation. The Shiba Inu is a hardy breed that thrives in cold, so this is not much of a concern.

With a Shiba Inu, your concern is heat, not cold. Making them wear clothes may be too hot for them and may lead to overheating. So if you are going to make them wear clothes, you may only want to consider it if temperatures drop to a negative.

But clothes may still benefit your Shiba Inu if they like spending time outdoors. Remember that this breed suffers from skin allergies. And they get it most from environmental allergens.

When they frolic outdoors, they get exposed to these allergens. This breed may be particular with their cleanliness, but they still like to roll around in dirt and grass. These can trigger their allergies, causing itchy, flaky, and irritated skin.

If your Shiba Inu tolerates clothes, it may be okay to have them wear a shirt outdoors. Especially if they have sensitive skin. But keep in mind that they have thick fur, and their clothes may be too thick and cause them to overheat.

Other than that, clothes may also help you if you have mild allergies. Shiba Inu are notorious shedders, especially during shedding season. But having them wear a shirt will keep the fallen-off fur inside their shirt, instead of going everywhere.

No matter what clothes you get for your Shiba, make sure it fits them well. Your priority is to make them feel comfortable, so do not make them wear tight clothes.

Should Shiba Inu Wear Sweaters?

Usually, your Shiba Inu will not need a sweater in most cases. Their thick layers of fur are enough of a sweater for them to keep warm. Their coat is why this breed is a popular choice among those who live in colder climates.

Shiba Inu loves the cold and they enjoy playing in the snow even if you are already freezing. Some even get more energized during the winter season and their owners find it hard to get them indoors. A Shiba Inu is likely to zoom around in the snow, panting and even sweating from the fun that they are having.

But on harsher winter days, your Shiba Inu may need a coat. Especially if it is a wet or windy winter. The cold will not stop your Shiba from going outside, but they will tell you that they need extra warmth.

Your furry friend’s body language will let you know when it is time to put a sweater on. If your Shiba Inu is shivering or hesitating to go out, then a sweater is a must for them. Other than those, here are signs that your Shiba needs extra warmth:

• Hunched stance
• Tail tucked between their legs
• Lifting their paws off the ground
• Barking or whining
• Reluctance to move

If you do not take action when you see these signs, your Shiba Inu may get hypothermia or frostbite. You need to pay attention to what their body tells you. Otherwise, this can mean that they will need emergency veterinary care.

When Should a Shiba Inu Wear a Coat?

At temperatures below 20 degrees F (-6.7 degrees C) and below, your Shiba Inu may need to wear a coat. Even temperatures of 45 degrees F (7 degrees C) and below may already be too cold for some. So make sure to check the temperature before you go outside with your Shiba, they may need extra warmth.

But keep in mind that each Shiba Inu will have different tolerances for the cold. A healthy, adult Shiba Inu can handle harsher weather best, compared to older or younger ones. But age is not the only factor in this.

Below is a list of what will affect your furry friend’s tolerance to the cold. You should use these along with the temperature outside to gauge the need for a coat.

Your Shiba Inu’s Age

If your Shiba Inu is a young pup, then it cannot withstand the cold as much. This is because their coats are still thin and they have not grown their adult coats yet. Thus, the insulation that they get is not enough to keep them warm.

Other than puppies, a senior Shiba Inu will also have a hard time keeping warm. Their coats have thinned out, which is a natural effect of the aging process. This is why they would rather snuggle up in their warm and cozy dog bed than go out in the winter.

Your Shiba Inu’s Medical Condition

A Shiba Inu who is sick or suffers from a health issue gets cold much more easily. While they can get sick at any age, it is senior dogs that are more prone to health issues. For this reason, an older Shiba Inu is even more sensitive to the cold.

Some medical conditions can worsen with the cold too. Joint issues, such as arthritis, can cause more pain to your Shiba Inu. The cold exacerbates inflammation, bringing more pain to their joints.

This is why arthritic dogs find it hard to walk or move around during the winter months.

Your Shiba Inu’s Body Fat Percentage

A chunkier Shiba Inu will do better in the cold because fat is a good insulator. This is why some healthy Shiba dogs of the same age have different tolerances for the cold. So if your Shiba is on the leaner side, you need to be warier about taking them out in the winter.

The Weather Conditions

Temperature is not the only thing that can make a cold day unbearable. Your Shiba Inu may be able to tolerate negative temperatures, as long as it is sunny. But if the humidity is up and the wind is strong, it can feel much colder for your Shiba Inu.

With these conditions, it is best if you let them wear a coat. But again, once you see them shiver, it is best to take them indoors to avoid hypothermia.

Do Shiba Inu Need Winter Coats?

Your Shiba Inu will need their winter coat and they will grow it out in time for winter. During shedding season, their thinner summer coat will fall off. This is necessary to make way for their thicker winter coat to keep them warm during colder months.

But for some, their natural coat may not be enough for winter. With this, you need to make them wear a dog coat so they can stay warm and cozy. Your Shiba Inu may need a dog coat if they fit into the following criteria:

• They are a puppy
• They are a senior
• They have an existing medical condition

But even if your Shiba Inu is in its prime and healthy, a windy and wet winter may be too cold for them. While they do not need a coat most of the time, these conditions are too harsh for them. In this case, your Shiba Inu will need a coat, especially if they hesitate to walk out of the front door.

What Size Clothes Do Shiba Inu Wear?

Your Shiba Inu is either small or medium in clothes size. Some will classify a dog’s clothes size depending on its weight. But do not make this mistake, the important thing here is their chest girth, neck size, and back length.

It is hard to figure out the clothes size of a Shiba Inu because of their weight. This breed is on the lighter side, so many classify them as a small dog breed. But the Shiba Inu is a medium-sized dog and their measurements are bigger than small dog breeds.

With this, do not trust the size classification of dog clothes too much. It is best to measure your Shiba Inu so you can buy better-fitting clothes for them.

Here is how you can measure your furry friend for their clothes:

• Chest Girth: Wrap the soft measuring tape around the biggest part of their chest. This measurement is immediately behind your buddy’s front legs.
• Neck Size: Measure around their neck, where their collar usually sits.
• Back Length: Place the soft measuring tape on the back of their neck, on the base. Start right below where their collar sits. Then extend the tape to the base of the tail, where their back meets the tail.

Once you get these measurements, you can be more accurate in your buddy’s clothes size. For an average-sized Shiba Inu, here are their measurements:

• Chest Girth: 21 to 25 in (533 to 635 mm)
• Neck Size: 14 to 16 in (356 to 406 mm)
• Back Length: 13 to 16 in (330 to 406 mm)

A Shiba Inu may be between two sizes and it is always better to size up with their clothes. So you may need to do some trial and error when it comes to finding the perfect fit for them. But if you know your buddy’s measurements, you will not be far off.

What Size Shirt Does a Shiba Inu Wear?

Your Shiba Inu’s shirt size can either be small or medium. This breed may be between two sizes, but it is better to have a looser shirt than a tight one. Your goal should always be to make them feel comfortable, not restricted.

What Size Sweater Should I Get My Shiba Inu?

Choosing a sweater also follows the clothing guideline, so your Shiba Inu may have a small to medium one. It is always tricky to look for a sweater for dogs because it needs to be snug but not tight. So you need to know your furry friend’s measurements before you buy one.

A loose sweater may not be enough to keep your Shiba Inu warm. While a tight sweater is restricting, especially on the neck and leg opening. Since they are furry dogs, their thick fur may also affect the size of their sweater.

In search of the perfect size, you may need to buy a couple of sweaters. But to save you time and money, there are places where you can get customized sweaters from.

What Is the Average Chest Size of a Shiba Inu?

The average chest size for an adult Shiba Inu is 21 to 25 in (533 to 635 mm). There may be a slight difference in size between a male and a female Shiba Inu. The latter is smaller, so their chest size may be near the lower end of the range.

Knowing your furry friend’s chest size is useful for many reasons. Many of their necessities take this into account, such as their harness size. So it will help you a lot if you know this measurement to get a comfortable fit for your Shiba Inu.

Where to Buy Clothes for Shiba Inu

Popular places to get clothes for your Shiba Inu are pet stores and online shops. There are benefits and risks in choosing to buy from each and it is up to you whether one is better than the other. But the important thing to consider is that you know your furry friend’s measurements.

Buying from a pet store is convenient because it is instant. You have a wide array of clothing options for your Shiba Inu and you can go home and use it right away. Since you can hold the clothing too, you can tell if it will be a good fit for your Shiba Inu before you buy it.

But when choosing clothes in a pet store, you may not have enough options for your lovable pooch.

In online shops, you have a wider array of options to choose from. Since this breed is popular on the internet, you may even find one that models the clothes for you. This will give you a better idea if the item looks stylish on your Shiba Inu or not.

The downside to buying from an online shop is that you cannot get the item right away. And although they often display the specific measurements of the item, there may be a size disparity. You then need to check if you can return the item or not and this will vary from one store to another.

It is also easier to look for customized clothing for your Shiba Inu online. This will give your furry friend the perfect fit so they can look good while being comfortable.

What Kind of Toys Do Shiba Inu Like?

You can never go wrong with giving your Shiba Inu a chew toy because chewing is fun and pleasurable for them! But you should be picky with choosing one for them as flimsy ones break easily. Your Shiba Inu may ingest the broken pieces which can lead to obstructions and choking.

When it comes to dog chew toys, you have a variety of options such as:

• Rubber chew toys
• Rawhide
• Raw bones (cooked bones are off-limits)
• Dental chews
• Antlers
• Bully sticks

There are other factors to consider when choosing a chew toy for your Shiba Inu. Other than its durability, you should also consider its size. And for edible chews, you should be picky about the ingredients it contains.

The size of your buddy’s chew toys should not be too small that they can swallow it hole. This is a choking hazard, making it a dangerous toy for them. Make sure that it is bigger than their mouths, this way, they are not tempted to put the whole thing in their mouth.

For edible chews, you should avoid any additives that your Shiba Inu does not need. Some of the ingredients that cheap edible chews contain are even harmful to your buddy. Make sure to opt for an all-natural edible chew to avoid issues.

Other than chew toys, there are also other toys that your Shiba Inu will enjoy. This is an intelligent breed and they will be happiest if they have a variety of toys at their disposal. They will get bored with only one toy and this can lead to destructive behaviors.

With this, make sure you provide your Shiba Inu with the following toys —

Fetch Toys

Almost every dog enjoys a good game of fetch, some cannot resist it! This is a great form of both physical and mental stimulation for your Shiba Inu. You can make it more challenging by incorporating commands during play.

For example, have them sit down before you throw the ball. Then you can have a release command to let them go after it. This will drain your furry friend’s energy, no doubt.

A tennis ball is a staple in playing fetch with dogs. But there are a variety of other dog balls that you can use for this purpose. You can even use a frisbee to play fetch with your Shiba Inu!

Interactive Dog Toys

This breed is food-motivated, so why not use it to your advantage? Treat-dispensing toys are a great way to keep your energetic pooch occupied for hours. This type of interactive toy releases treats when they perform a specific action on it.

Other than that, you should also look into puzzle and strategy toys. Shiba Inu are intelligent dogs, so they need the mental stimulation they get from these toys. This also teaches your Shiba Inu patience and logic, and these are for their benefit.

You can even use a snuffle mat for your Shiba Inu. Hide some treats inside it and your Shiba will do some nose work to get every piece and eat them. This taps into their primal instincts as they had to look for food with their nose in the wild.

Plush Toys

Some dogs like to have a comfort toy and carry it around wherever they go. Usually, they choose a plush toy for this as it is soft, cozy, and may remind them of their littermates. Plush toys come in various shapes, sizes, colors, fabrics, and textures.

What makes a plush toy so comforting is that it absorbs your furry friend’s scent in time. This brings them a sense of comfort, especially when you are away for work.

Rope Toys

A good game of tug-of-war is something that many dogs enjoy and your Shiba Inu may be one of them. This game teaches your Shiba Inu self-restraint if done correctly. A rope toy is also something your buddy can enjoy with other dogs as tugging is a natural thing for them to do.

Rope toys come in a variety of designs so you are bound to find one that your Shiba Inu enjoys. Some have balls attached to them, while some have many knots. You can also choose a freestanding one and put it on the ground so they can tug it on their own.