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Are you considering adding a Mame or Mini Shiba Inu to your family? These adorable and energetic dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why.
With their unique appearance and playful personality, Mame and Mini Shiba Inus make for great companions for people of all ages.
However, before you decide to bring one of these pups into your home, it’s important to understand what it takes to care for them.
In this article, we’ll delve into the specific needs and characteristics of Mame and Mini Shiba Inus, as well as provide tips on training and handling these intelligent and independent dogs.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced pet parent, there’s something here for everyone. So if you’re ready to learn more about Mame and Mini Shiba Inus, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
How Big Do Mini Shiba Inu Get?
Mame Shiba Inu has been a key target for backyard quack breeders and puppy mills. This is a result of the desire to make quick money.
Mini Shiba Inus are 35 to 50% smaller than the standard size of a Shiba Inus. An adult miniature Shiba Inus will be between 10 and 12 inches in size and weighs between 10 and 15 lbs.
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Despite the small size, mini Shiba Inus are sturdy and have a well-muscled body. They commonly have a red coat with white and urajiro markings.
The unique coloring of this small breed coupled with long snout, triangular ears, erect and cunning grin gives them a foxlike appearance.
The miniature Shiba Inus has a striking resemblance to the Akita. Besides, the two breeds are of the same size. So, the mini Shiba Inus isn’t a separate dog.
It’s only a variant of the Japanese Shiba Inus. It’s commonly believed that mini Shiba Inus were intentionally bred to be small in native country Japan.
The reason behind was the fame surrounding small dogs in Japana. Female mini Shiba Inus will be slightly smaller than their male counterparts.
How Much Is a Miniature Shiba Inus?
Mini or mame Shiba Inu cost between $1,200 to $3,000. However, the price changes drastically depending on the breeder. Reputable breeders often have higher prices.
However, if you aren’t ready to part with that amount of money, you may want to consider the adoption option. It’s may not be easy to find a mame Shiba Inu in a shelter, but you can try your luck.
The cost of all mame Shiba Inu puppies has risen recently due to the growing fame of this unique breed. So, don’t be surprised by the prices.
There are lots of Shiba Inus in shelters because first-time owners get them for their fame without considering the breed’s unique traits.
In shelters, you can be lucky to get one going for $500 to $1000. However, I don’t advocate you get a Shiba Inu from a shelter.
Shelter dogs often experience trauma due to the handling of previous owners. So, this may affect their behavior permanently.
Where Does the Mini Shiba Inu Come From?
There several ways to get the mini Shiba Inus. The main way is to crossbreed the standard Shiba Inu with another miniature dog like the Akita.
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There’s no doubt that mixing a standard Shiba Inu with a toy breed gives you a miniature version of the crossbreed.
The second way to get a mini Shiba Inu is to introduce the dwarfism gene. This the means most breeders use to create a miniature Shiba Inu.
The third way to get a miniature Shiba Inu is by crossbreeding two toy breeds. However, this is the riskiest way as it may cause some health problems.
What Are Common Health Problems in Mini Shiba Inus?
- Glaucoma
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Eye Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Hypothyroidism
- Seizures
- Allergies
- Pyometra
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cancer
- Chylothorax
What’s more;
Glaucoma
Mini Shiba Inus eyes are vulnerable to several complications, including glaucoma. It slowly interferes with the optic nerve in your Shibas eye.
However, it starts with a build-up of a whitish fluid in the front of the eye. This fluid creates pressure on the optic nerve, destroying it in the long run.
There are different types of glaucoma based on the severity. Thankfully, this disease is treatable to some extent. If you notice it early enough and inform the vet, they can do surgery to treat it.
In addition, if you fail to treat it, glaucoma causes partial vision loss. In the long run, it causes complete blindness.
There are drop treatments that treat the fluid building up inside your Shibas eyes. Also, surgery helps remove the fluid to correct the tissue.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA also affects mini Shiba Inu eyes. Besides, it is a degenerative disease. That means it can result from the genetics of your Shibas lineage.
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It occurs due to failing photoreceptors at the back of Shiba Inus eyes. When the receptors begin to fail, your Shiba starts to experience difficulties seeing in the dark.
Vision loss continues to worsen as the disease progresses. After some time, the affected Shiba begin to experience difficulties seeing in broad daylight. The result is usually complete blindness.
Although there is no cure, diagnosis helps manage the condition. As such, there is enough time for the owner to prepare for blindness.
Eye Cataracts
Eye cataracts are common to senior adult mini Shiba Inus, those with 10+ years. It occurs in the last stages of Shiba Inu’s life.
Cataracts in your Shiba Inus can result from the opacity of the eye’s lens. In the end, the lens tears giving the pupil a “cloudy” appearance.
There are different types of eye cataracts in Shiba Inus. Thankfully, surgeries help manage the condition. In addition, there are treatments that treat eye cataracts.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar Luxation happens when your Shibas knee becomes weak and dislocates from its normal position. You’ll see that your Shibas kneecap shifts in and out of place.
Also, this condition results from being predisposed at birth. Injuries also cause Patellar Luxation. Corrective surgery helps but might not be the final solution.
The symptoms include abnormality of the gait and inability to walk due to pain. Their legs develop a lot of lameness, making your Shiba immobile.
Treatment depends on the degree of hindrance on the kneecaps. Since this condition is common in many dog breeds, various treatments exist.
It isn’t a life-threatening complication.
Hypothyroidism
This condition often occurs to Shibas when the thyroid fails to develop ultimately. The thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolism.
Therefore, incomplete development of the thyroid directly affects your Shibas metabolism. When Shibas are facing this condition, they become lethargic.
Other common signs include loss of hair and becoming obese. Your Shiba might also be having excess urination
If you observe any of these signs, you might want to test your Shiba Inus for hypothyroidism. If you fail to address it, it develops into a more severe condition.
Good enough, there is a treatment medication that treats this disease.
Seizures
Seizures in dogs aren’t similar to what humans know. They cause Shibas to run around ceaselessly, find corners to hide in confusion, bark excessively, and freeze.
Seizures aren’t life-threatening to Shiba Inu. Besides, hardly will you experience a seizure with your Shiba Inus. They rarely occur. Seizures can tell of a more severe condition within your Shibas body.
If your Shiba experiences a seizure, mind seeing your vet. Ensure they diagnose your pooch friend.
Seizures resulting from epilepsy are treatable using medication.
Allergies
Allergies are a common occurrence in mini Shiba Inu. Allergens are likely to affect Shiba in summer-like climates or warmer areas.
When your Shiba has allergies, they develop runny eyes, excess sneezing, and swollen eyes. Also, other signs include clogging of the nasal passage, causing mucus flow.
If you observe the signs above, your Shiba Inu is experiencing allergies. You should take the necessary measures immediately.
Allergies in Shibas spur from various things, including food, products, and airborne components.
See your vet’s assistance as soon as possible. They’ll help you diagnose whether your Shiba is suffering from allergies.
Pyometra
This condition occurs in female Shibas after spaying. When the heat cycle comes, cell growth in the uterus is at its highest, triggers bacteria to migrate there, and can cause a severe infection.
This condition is a bit more prominent with female Shibas.
Hip Dysplasia
This condition affects all dog breeds, not Shiba Inus alone. However, it’s common in heavy dogs with muscular body.
Dip dysplasia results from displacement of the thighbone and hip joint. The effects of this condition on your Shiba Inus include lameness in the legs, the presence of an abnormal gait, and difficulty when walking.
Also, it causes varying degrees of pain to your Shiba Inus, thus resulting in immobility. There are tons of treatments for this condition.
However, dogs normally correct their gait and continue living perfectly healthy lives. Extreme cases require corrective surgery.
Hip Dysplasia isn’t a life-threatening condition. It varies a lot in severity.
Cancer
Cancer in dogs is an emerging issue of concern. It doesn’t only affect mini Shiba Inu but affects all dog breeds.
Cancer isn’t particularly rampant with Shiba Inus and results from an overgrowth of malignant cells. The symptoms include swelling and sores with difficulty healing.
You’ll also observe excessive bleeding from your Shibas openings, difficulty breathing, and bloating.
Chylothorax
This disease results from an accumulation of fluid in your Shibas chest. Thus, it causes a lack of appetite, coughing, wheezing, and extreme fatigue. It may also cause general body weakness.
It indicates the presence of a more serious health condition within your Shibas body. Its treatment involves removing the fluid.
Also, you can incorporate a low-fat diet for your fur friend. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary to correct the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mini Shiba Inus Good with Children?
Like other Shiba Inus, a mini Shiba Inu will require training and socialization before letting them roam around children.
Although they’re not bad with children, you’ll want to do some training and socialization early enough.
Are Mini Shiba Inus Friendly?
Mini Shiba Inus are super friendly and have a lot of energy. So, they’re so close to their owner and family members.
However, they aren’t friendly with strangers. I’d say they’re territorial and possessive and fear strangers.
Are Mini Shiba Inus Prone to Ear Infections?
Mini Shiba Inus are prone to a skin allergy known as “atopy,” which makes them rub their ears and face causing ear infections.
Also, if your Shiba is the type that likes playing in the water, then skin infections might be common.
Are Mini Shiba Inus Allergic to Anything?
Mini Shiba Inus are allergic to several products. They include food allergies, skin allergies, and bites by fleas.
Food allergy comes from such foods as beef and chicken. Their skin is allergic to pollen, especially when they visit new environments.
What Is a Mame Shiba Inu?
A mame Shiba Inu is a miniature version of the Shiba Inus that results from breeding a standard Shiba Inu with another toy breed.
However, you can also get a mame Shiba Inus by introducing the dwarfism gene.
How Long Do Mame Shiba Inu Live?
Mame Shiba Inus can live for an average of 12 to 16 years of age. However, you can prolong their lifespan by feeding them good high-quality food.
So, ensure to feed your Shiba high-quality food to buy more time with your canine friend.
The Wrap-Up on Miniature Shiba Inus
The mame or miniature Shiba Inus is an interesting breed, small in size, and good for family life.
Notably, this small version of the Shiba Inus has some element of aggression. Like Shibas, the miniature Shiba Inus can be aggressive under provocation.
Also, this breed isn’t the best around children. You should first socialize and train your miniature Shiba Inus with kids before letting them play by themselves.
A mini Shiba Inu is bred intentionally and first originated from native country, Japan. The reason for the growing fame around mini Shiba Inus is the desire by quack breeders to make an extra profit.
Nevertheless, this small dog has gained popularity across America; thus triggering the fame and popularity around them.