Are you looking to buy a new pet but can’t decide on male vs female Shiba Inu? Well, you’re not the only one, and luckily, I’ve got you covered!
The Shiba Inu is an ancient breed that originates from Japan, and it became a popular choice among dog lovers nationwide.
It is greatly beloved by everyone, although it isn’t a typical pet you might think at first glance due to its somewhat picky temperament.
When choosing the dog that would be the right fit for your household, you need to take many things into consideration. This includes gender.
So, which one should you choose between male vs female Shiba Inus? Does it even matter?
Here’s everything you need to know.
Male Vs Female Shiba Inu Quick Overview
| Male | Female | |
| Height | 14.5 – 16.5 ins | 12.5 – 13.5 ins |
| Weight | 20 – 23 lbs | 16 – 18 lbs |
| Temperament | Territorial, confident, independent | Aloof, cautious, dominant |
| Trainability | High | High |
| Social Behavior | Friendly with close family | Friendly with close family |
| Energy Levels | Moderate | Moderate |
| Affection Levels | Moderate | Moderate |
Visual Differences
It can be very tricky to determine a Shiba Inu dog’s gender just by looking at him. They both look very similar, with a short coat that comes in red, sesame, cream, and a few other colors. White markings are also possible.
These pups look like little foxes, with upright ears, puffy cheeks, long noses, and curious, dark eyes. Their bodies are made to withstand the cold weather thanks to the thick undercoat that does require some grooming due to its high-shedding amounts.
One of the cutest traits they have is their upwards-turned, fluffy, curled tail that will wag whenever they want to express happiness.
The easiest way to differentiate male vs female Shiba Inu is, of course, to look under their bellies.
However, they also have some minor differences that are also present – most notably in their size.
All Shiba Inus are medium-sized dogs, although they are the smallest of the six Japanese breeds.
Still, males tend to be somewhat taller and heavier, reaching a height of 14.5 to 16.5 inches, with an average weight of 20 to 23 pounds.
Also, they have a bit stockier build, broader faces, and more muscle mass.
Females are slimmer and more elegant, with an average height of 12.5 to 13.5 inches and rarely weighing more than 18 pounds.
In fact, when you look at the numbers and compare them with some other dog breeds, the size difference in Shiba Inus is quite significant.
Temperament
The temperamental differences are the main reason why you should be very careful when choosing a dog of the proper gender.
While both have some similarities, as they do have the same genetic background, there are many behavioral traits that are more common in one or the other sex.
First off, all Shiba Inus are fairly aloof and wary of strangers. They are far from aggressive, but they are not the friendliest dogs out there, either. They are independent and prefer to be left alone most of the time – especially if you have guests over.
They might seem like fairly quiet dogs that will rarely bark, but if provoked, they’ll produce a Shiba scream – a loud, unpleasant noise that will let everyone know just how dissatisfied they are.
Male Shiba Inu
Male Shiba Inus are quite territorial and dominant – maybe even more dominant than their female counterparts, which is quite rare in the dog world.
This can make it tricky to introduce them to a household with other pets, although it isn’t impossible.
They are confident and bold, and just a handful of things can truly scare them.
At the same time, they are more outgoing, playful, and affectionate, although they won’t have a strong fondness for strangers.
They can be a little possessive, although far from being clingy.
Female Shiba Inus
Female Shibas, on the other hand, are quite cautious in all social situations. While also bold, they’ll prefer to stay out of trouble whenever possible.
They are a bit more independent than males, as they prefer to be left alone and do things their own way.
This also means they are not huge cuddlers and will rarely come asking for pets. However, they’ll gladly accept if their owner comes to them first.
While females will generally ignore other animals in the household, same-sex aggression is common if you own two unspayed females.
Also, they can be moody depending on their estrus cycle, so this is something to keep in mind.
Exercise Requirements
Shiba Inus have moderate exercise needs and mostly require at least an hour of extensive exercise. No, walking isn’t sufficient, and you must ensure they have a good exercise session.
They are a good fit for people with an active lifestyle, as they’ll love hiking with you.
There isn’t a huge difference in exercise requirements between male and female Shiba Inus.
Some owners have reported their males are more active and prefer to go swimming or on long hikes, while females are calmer and prefer ordinary walks.
However, this isn’t a rule, and it will depend on the individual dog.
Keep in mind, though, that although these pups need exercise, you mustn’t go overboard. They don’t have the same durability as the human species, and they get tired quicker than we do.
Not only that, but they are prone to some health conditions that can worsen with improper exercise, such as hip dysplasia.
Trainability
Regardless of the dog’s size, trainability is extremely important when choosing a new pet. Even a small dog can become a big nuisance if you don’t train it properly.
Fortunately, Shiba Inus are generally easy to train. They are hard-working doggies who take learning very seriously, which is always helpful.
Many people believe that male Shiba Inus are more effortless to train. They are confident, love to please, won’t give up easily, and love to spend time with their humans.
They are also fairly easy to potty train but be prepared for some accidents while they are still very young.
Other opinions, however, differ. They say that females are easier to train as they are more serious and have a better focus. Also, females are considered more intelligent – although both genders are quite smart.
However, her mood swings can get the best of her, and she might have days during which she’ll refuse to cooperate whatsoever.
As for socialization, both genders equally benefit from it. While males are friendlier toward humans, they might not do well with other pets unless socialized on time.
Females are less aggressive and territorial, but they won’t tolerate other females and might be shy around other dogs. Socialization can help tackle this, but you must do it early.
Which One Is A Better Family Pet?
Although they make great watchdogs, if you’re looking to buy a Shiba Inu, you are probably doing it because you want a new family dog. This is where things get a bit tricky.
Males love their humans, but they still require the right family in order to be happy. Having too many people around them all the time can make them anxious, as they still prefer to be left alone for at least a few hours during the day.
Also, they might not have the patience for young kids, especially if they don’t know that dogs occasionally need some “me time.”
The good thing is that they are not too small for kids to accidentally hurt them, but they aren’t large enough to push a kid during playtime.
If you plan on introducing your male Shiba Inu puppy to your children, make sure they know how to properly treat a dog beforehand. Also, your pup will need proper socialization. This is how they’ll learn to behave in each other’s presence.
As for other pets, unneutered males are too territorial to be kept with other males, so make sure your dogs are fixed before introducing them to each other. They do have a prey drive that might endanger other small animals, but nothing that socialization cannot fix.
Females are more patient with kids, so they have a higher chance of befriending young children. They are caring and nurturing and will do everything in their power to protect all family members.
At the same time, they cannot tolerate too many people, and they are a better fit for small families that will come to terms with the fact that their dog loves to do things on its own from time to time.
They can be tricky with other female dogs but will deal with males quite easily. Just make sure to socialize them before putting them in the same environment as smaller pets.
Health
When it comes to Shiba Inu’s health, it doesn’t depend too much on their gender. This is a fairly healthy breed without too many conditions.
Still, they are prone to a few health issues, such as elbow and hip dysplasia, allergies, and eye problems, such as cataracts and distichiasis.
Unless they are neutered, male Shiba Inus might also get testicular cancer and prostate problems.
Unspayed females are quite prone to pyometra, a serious and potentially fatal infection of the uterus. They are also more prone to urinary tract infections and any cancers that involve female reproductive organs.
They are a breed that can live for a very long time, with an average life expectancy of 12 – 13 years.
To make sure your dog is in good health and living a long and happy life, regular vet visits are a must.
Most gender-specific conditions can be prevented if you fix your dog on time, so contact your vet when the right time to complete this procedure is. A Shiba Inu growth chart can give you a deeper insight into when these pups reach sexual maturity.
It’s also important to get your dog from reputable Shiba Inu breeders who conduct necessary tests that will rule out any genetic disorders.
Breeding
Breeding differences are typically quite obvious, but I still feel the need to explain a few things.
If you plan on breeding your Shiba Inus, something I don’t advise you to do unless you are a certified breeder, mother dogs will do almost all the work.
They are the ones who take care of puppies, while the males are usually present just to ‘do the deed.’
Also, the breeding process will take a greater toll on her body, as she is the one who will go through labor.
Finally, make sure you’re met with legalities in your state before breeding. Most of the time, the owner of the mother dog is the one who has all the rights to puppies.
The owner of the father Shiba will typically only get financial compensation for allowing his pup to participate in the breeding program.
Which One Is A Better Pick For You?
So, which one should you choose, male vs female Shiba Inu?
Both genders make loyal companions and great watchdogs that will stay with you through it all. They might not be the greatest with large families and small children but they will show great affection to their owners.
Females tend to do better with young kids, but they prefer smaller families as they want to have the time for themselves. Also, they are more intelligent and can learn things more quickly – although you might need to deal with mood swings from time to time.
In contrast, males might be a better choice for large families, but they are more energetic and require more extensive training and socialization.
In the end, it all comes down to your own preferences and lifestyle. You are free to choose whichever, and I am certain you won’t make a mistake.
It’s also important to note that all dogs are individuals, and some might behave in a different way than you might’ve expected. This is entirely normal. It would be boring if all dogs were the same, wouldn’t it?
Vanja’s passion for writing started at an early age, which is why she pursued Journalism as her college degree. She can research any topic and find all the information before you bat an eye, which is a great thing for her job but a terrible one for her husband.
Even as a young child, she fell in love with everything fluffy – but dogs have a special place in her heart due to her childhood companion, a Corgie named Archie.
Motivated by her experiences and driven by a desire to give back to her four-legged companions, she spends her free time volunteering at a local dog shelter.