Shiba Inu Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know

The Shiba Inu is a well-balanced, muscular dog that was originally used as a hunting companion to flush out birds and small game in ancient Japan. They are also the smallest of the original six Spitz breeds native to Japan, with ancestors dating back to 7,000 B.C. The Shiba Inu is best known for its distinct curled over tail and alert, fox-like face.

The breed is well adapted to making long treks through trails and mountainous terrain, making them a great hiking buddy! If you’re the lucky pet parent to a charming Shiba Inu pup, you may be asking yourself how big will my Shiba Inu grow and when will they stop growing?

Here's everything you need to know about Shiba Inu growth:

• Shiba Inu Growth & Weight Chart
• At what age is a Shiba Inu fully grown?
• How big should a 6-month-old Shiba Inu be?
• How much bigger will my Shiba Inu get?
• What is the size of a full-grown Shiba Inu?
• How do I make sure my Shiba Inu is healthy?
• Key Takeaways

Shiba Inu Growth & Weight Chart

Shiba Inus can look deceivingly large in photos due to their compact, muscular bodies, but their weight and height place them in the small to medium dog breed category. Unlike many dog breeds, there is no considerable difference between male and female Shiba Inus regarding their adult weight and height.

The following numbers are estimates. Don’t worry if your pup is slightly behind or ahead of the pack. However, if you feel that your pup is significantly smaller or larger than the average Shiba Inu weight, consult with your veterinarian to assess your dog’s size and health.

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Shiba Inu Growth and Weight Chart

At what age is a Shiba Inu fully grown?

Shiba Inu dogs have intense growth spurts that typically fall between three to seven months of age. During these growth spurts, they will nearly double in size before slowing down around eight months of age to a slower growth rate that they will maintain until they’ve reached their full size around one year of age.

Most Shiba Inus will be considered full-grown by 12 months old in terms of their height and weight. However, larger dogs may take up to 18 months to fill out and reach their full size.

(Image Source: Unsplash)

How big should a 6-month-old Shiba Inu be?

At six months old, most Shiba Inus will weigh between 12 and 17 pounds, but females tend to fall on the smaller side of that weight range.

Pro Tip: Download this new puppy checklist for a complete list of things to have on hand for your puppy, information on how to set up a vaccination schedule, and more!

How much bigger will my Shiba Inu get?

Shiba Inus dogs stop growing around one year old. If your canine companion is less than a year old, expect them to continue filling out. Most breed members finish their biggest growth spurts by eight months of age and will gradually taper off growth anywhere from 12 to 18 months of age until they are fully mature.

If your Shiba Inu is from a breeder, consider reaching out to them for a more exact adult size estimate based on your pup’s parents and their previous litters. A puppy will rarely be larger than its bigger parent, so this provides a maximum size estimate as well.

Lastly, take a look at your Shiba's puppy paws. Do they appear oversized next to their legs and body? If so, this is a classic puppy feature that indicates your puppy is still filling out and growing into their paws.

What is the size of a full-grown Shiba Inu?

According to the American Kennel Club Official Shiba Inu Breed Standards, a male Shiba Inu will stand around 14.5 to 16.5 inches tall. In comparison, a female Shiba Inu will be slightly shorter at 13.5 to 15.5 inches tall. Both male and females can weigh between 17 and 23 pounds at maturity, although females tend to lean on the smaller side of that range.

A full-grown Shiba Inu should appear compact but well-balanced.

(Image Source: Unsplash)

How do I make sure my Shiba Inu is healthy?

Shiba Inus are beautiful, confident, and loyal companions that deserve a long, happy, and healthy life. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, Shiba Inus are prone to many genetic health problems. While this can’t be changed, proper preventive measures and a healthy lifestyle can have a massive positive impact on your Shiba Inu’s quality of life and risk of developing health problems.

As a breed, Shiba Inus are more prone to eye problems, such as cataracts or distichiasis, which occurs when extra hairs grow inside the eyelid and rub against the surface of the eye. They're also prone to joint and bone problems, such as kneecaps that slip out of place (luxating patella) or hip dysplasia.

All of these can cause pain and even disability if left untreated. Fortunately, many of the genetic conditions that Shiba Inus are prone to can be watched for, diagnosed, and treated by your pup’s veterinarian as long as you bring them in for regular visits.

In terms of lifestyle health, Shiba Inu dogs have an increased risk of obesity compared to other dogs. Their thick fur and naturally stocky stature can hide weight gain well but cause serious health problems. Obesity can lead to excess pressure on bones and joints, which can cause or exacerbate some of the previously noted genetic conditions. Consult with your veterinarian about your Shiba Inu’s ideal diet, exercise, and weight to get the best, personalized medically-informed care plan for your puppy.

Preventive care and a healthy lifestyle are your best options in caring for your Shiba Inu. Still, veterinary care and surgeries can quickly become expensive, possibly costing thousands of dollars for a single procedure. 4 in 5 pet parents surveyed said they would be unable to cover a $5,000 veterinary bill out of pocket. If this is you, don’t fret! Pet insurance is here to provide a safety net for you and your Shiba Inu.

Pet insurance works by reimbursing you for up to 90% of all out-of-pocket veterinary expenses. Pet insurance provides you with a safety net should the worst happen so that you can always provide your dog with the best veterinary care, no matter the cost. Just like us, dogs are living longer and need regular medical care to live a happy and healthy life.

Pet insurance gives you a safety net and peace of mind knowing that your pet will have access to exceptional care throughout their lifetime. Wellness plans are also available to help with everyday veterinary care costs, like veterinary exams, x-rays, dental cleanings, and more!

Final Considerations

Don’t hesitate! Use Pawlicy Advisor today to have the best Shiba Inu pet insurance plans compared side-by-side for you so that you can pick the best personalized pet insurance plan for your Shiba Inu puppy today.

Your Shiba Inu’s happiness is the most important thing, and their health plays a large role in their enjoyment of everyday life.

Pawlicy Advisor’s personalized recommendations can help you save up to 83% on insurance costs over your dog’s lifespan.