The Shiba Inu combines grace, independence and loyalty. Their history goes back centuries: this breed was bred in Japan more than 2000 years ago for hunting small game in mountainous areas. Thanks to its endurance, alertness and compact size, the Shiba Inu became an indispensable assistant for the Japanese, and later – a favorite all over the world. Today it is one of the most popular decorative breeds, a symbol of Japan and a real pride of owners.
Shiba Inu is a medium-sized dog with a proportional body, strong legs and high posture. Their weight ranges from 7 to 12 kg, and the height at the withers is usually 34-42 cm. It is easy to recognize this breed by its characteristic “bald” face, expressive dark eyes and a tail curled in a ring on the back. Their coat is thick, double: a soft undercoat and a stiffer back hair, providing protection at any time of the year. The most common colors are red, black-popple, sesame and white.
The Shiba Inu has a very bright and independent character. This is a dog with a sense of dignity, which always keeps confident and independent. At the same time, it is extremely loyal to its owner, choosing one person in charge. They are intelligent, energetic, feel great in an apartment, but need daily walks and exercise. With children and other animals Shiba Inu can be cautious, but with the right education easily become true friends. The average life expectancy of these dogs is 12 to 15 years, and with proper care, they remain active and healthy even at an older age.
It is the Shiba Inu’s coat that requires special attention. Because of their thick undercoat, they shed profusely twice a year, and regular grooming becomes vital. At home, it is often difficult to cope with hair loss, so professional grooming in a salon is a must. The complex includes combing with special tools, bathing with double coat shampoos, proper blow-drying to prevent the undercoat from piling up, and careful trimming in the paw and ear area. Regular grooming helps to avoid skin irritations, excessive shedding at home and keeps your dog’s coat shiny and well-groomed.
In our salons in Kiev work groomers who have experience specifically with the breed Shiba Inu. We know how to make the procedures comfortable for the dog and attractive for the owner. Sign up your pet for professional grooming in V.O.G DOG SALON – and your Shiba Inu will always look flawless, keeping health and natural beauty.
- Claw trimming and filing:
Shiba Inu's claws grow quite fast and their activity does not always allow them to be sharpened naturally. If the claws are too long, it causes misalignment of the paws and discomfort when moving. Professional trimming and filing in our salons is done gently and painlessly to avoid traumatizing sensitive tissues. For this breed that loves to run, well-groomed claws are the key to a correct gait and healthy joints.
- Combing out the undercoat:
The Shiba Inu has a dense double coat, which consists of a soft undercoat and a stiff shaft hair. It requires special attention during the seasonal shedding period, when large amounts of hair may be left in the house. At the salon, we use special combing tools that remove excess undercoat without damaging the shaft hair. This helps your dog tolerate the changing seasons more easily and reduces allergens in the home.
- Bathing with professional shampoos and conditioners:
It is important for the Shiba Inu to use cosmetics that take into account the structure of the double coat. Home washing does not always remove all the dirt and grease accumulated in the thick undercoat. In the salon we use special deep cleansing shampoos and conditioners that nourish the coat and prevent dryness. Such care not only refreshes but also emphasizes the natural luster of red, black or sesame shades of Shiba Inu coat.
- Blow-drying with combing:
Due to the dense undercoat, normal natural drying is dangerous for the Shiba Inu - the coat can pile up in clumps and leave the skin damp, posing a risk of irritation. At the salon, we use professional dryers and a coat blowing technique that removes residual moisture while helping to comb out the undercoat. This leaves your dog fluffy, clean and significantly reduces the shedding period.
- Ear cleaning:
The Shiba Inu's ears are standing and open, which provides good ventilation but also makes them susceptible to dust and small dirt. If the ears are not cleaned regularly, bad odor or even otitis media can occur. In the salon, we gently clean with special products to maintain hygiene and prevent inflammation.
- Eye cleaning:
Shiba Inu's eyes are expressive and prone to developing small discharge, especially after active walks. Regular cleansing helps avoid irritation and prevents darkening of the coat under the eyes. This is not only an aesthetic point, but also an important step in caring for your pet's health.
- Coat trimming:
Unlike ornamental breeds, Shiba Inu are not sheared completely, as their coat has a natural beauty. But for a neat look, trimming is required in the paw areas, between the pads, around the tail and ears. This makes the dog tidy, easy to groom and helps to avoid dirt buildup on the coat.
- Teeth brushing:
Shiba Inu are prone to tartar buildup and bad breath, especially at an older age. A professional dental cleaning at a salon with specialized products can help maintain oral health and fresh breath. This is important for your dog's overall health, as dental problems affect digestion and appetite.
- Treatment with conditioning sprays:
The final step in grooming is the application of conditioning sprays, which add shine, make further combing easier, and relieve static electricity. For Shiba Inu it is especially important, because the dense undercoat easily "electrifies". Such a finishing application makes the coat pleasant to the touch.
No, this breed does not need a full haircut. The double coat protects against heat and cold, and skin problems can arise when the shaft hairs are removed. Only a hygienic trim is done.
Optimally - once every 1.5-2 months or after heavy soiling. Frequent bathing washes away the protective layer of the skin, so it is better to combine home care with professional salon bathing.
Yes, they have a heavy seasonal molt twice a year. There can be a lot of hair loss during this period and it is difficult to manage without professional combing.
The best way is with a fluffer, furminator and undercoat comb. But even with home care, a salon combing is occasionally required for full results.
No, it is harmful to the coat and can lead to skin problems. The shedding is not reduced by shearing, but by regular combing and proper grooming at the salon.
It is advisable to check the ears every week and wipe the eyes as needed. At the salon, these procedures are performed in a comprehensive manner during each grooming session.
For example, tartar can accumulate in them. Regular cleaning at home and professional treatment at the salon keep your teeth healthy and your breath fresh.
Basic grooming at home is necessary, but it is not a substitute for professional grooming. Salon combing, bathing and drying provide results that cannot be achieved at home unless you are a groomer.
Kiev, Pechersk district, M. Mikhnovsky Boulevard (Friendship of Nations), 27
Kiev, Pechersk district, Lesya Ukrainka Boulevard, 14
Kiev, Solomyanka district, V. Lobanovsky Avenue, 6a
Kiev, Desniansky district, Red Kalina (Mayakovsky) Avenue, 68a
Kiev, Shevchenko district, Sholudenka Street, 14
Kiev, Darnytsky district, Knyazhy Zaton Street, 2/30
Kiev, Dnipro district, I. Kotlyarevsky (Work) Boulevard, 7
Kiev, Holosiivskyi district, 4 Seasons Residential Complex, Maksymovycha Street, 3d
Kyiv, Obolonskyi District, V. Ivasiuka Avenue, 6B (building 2)
Kiev, Shevchenkivskyi district, Shchusev Street, 4
European Street, 2a (Eurocity Residential Complex, near Vyshneve town)
Kiev, Darnytskyi district, st. Knyazhiy Zaton, 11