Shiba Inus are native to Japan. However, they are the 42nd most popular dog breed in the USA. Therefore, you may see one even if you never make it to Japan.
Like many Asian breeds, they act quite differently than other dog breeds. Many people describe them as “cat-like.” They also tend to be a bit territorial – not necessarily as pack-oriented as other options out there.
If you do decide that one of these dogs is a good option for you, you need to consider whether you want a female or a male. While many dog breeds out there don’t have huge differences in gender, Shiba Inus do.
Male vs. Female Shiba Inu: Size
Male and female Shiba Inus do have different sizes. Males tend to be slightly larger than females. They have an average height of 14 to 16 inches and weight of 23 to 26 pounds. On the other hand, females are typically around 13 to 15 inches and weigh 17 to 22 pounds.
While this isn’t a huge difference, it may affect your decision on what gender to get.
Male vs. Female Shiba Inu: Temperament
Shiba Inus are medium-sized dogs, despite many misconceptions. They are actually quite small!
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These genders also have different temperaments, though this is less sure than the size. Dogs are individuals that have different personalities depending on their genetics and how they are raised. Therefore, temperaments can vary heavily.
Males can be more independent and dominant, especially if they are not spayed. They may be more aggressive towards other males, which is pretty common for this breed. They are playful and outgoing, as well.
Females are typically more affectionate and submissive. However, they are often aggressive towards females and may be more protective in some cases.
You can spay and neuter dogs to prevent these temperament differences from occurring quite as significantly.
Male vs. Female Shiba Inu: Spaying and Neutering
In most cases, you should spay or neuter your dog to help prevent behavioral issues. This process helps prevent hormonal imbalances and problems in female dogs. It can also help prevent some cancer and other issues occurring in both genders.
Male dogs may roam if they are not neutered, as they may be looking for males. At the same time, females will go into heat and may wander in search of a mate, as well.
Spaying is usually more expensive, as it requires a full surgery. On the other hand, neutering is cheaper and not nearly invasive.
Additional Considerations
You should let gender alone be what makes you choose one dog over another. Often, gender only plays a very small role in the dog’s temperament.
More importantly, you should select a quality breeder that produces healthy puppies. We highly recommend choosing a breeder that prioritizes the health of a puppy, even if it means getting a gender that you weren’t necessarily looking for.
Insisting on a particular gender may lead to longer waiting times. Breeders cannot control what puppies their dogs have, so they cannot control what genders are available at any time. A dog may even have a litter of all males or all females! If you’re insistent on only one gender, you may have to wait until the next litter for a puppy.
Plus, the sex of the puppy doesn’t play a huge role in their temperament and personality. Instead, it’s much more about the dog’s genetics and upbringing. Therefore, choosing a breeder can have a bigger role on the dog’s temperament than their sex.
Are Shiba Inus Right for You?
Shiba Inus aren’t right for everyone – no matter what gender you get. In many cases, Shiba Inus may be a bit much for your average dog owner.
They are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise. If you’re looking for a laidback dog, this breed isn’t the correct option. They need plenty of walks and do best with an active family. While they can live in an apartment, it’s important to ensure they get enough exercise.
Their double coat also requires regular brushing to prevent matting. They shed heavily, especially during shedding season. Therefore, it’s vital that you have extra time on your hands to handle brushing. Luckily, they don’t need frequent bathing or professional grooming.
Shiba Inus can be stubborn and independent. It’s vital to provide early, consistent training. It helps if you have previously trained a dog, so we typically only recommend them to experienced dog owners.
