Mini (Mame) Shiba Inu: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits

Yes, there are mini Shibas, and they’re just as adorable as you might expect! Mame dogs are not a different breed from standard Shiba Inus. Instead, they are only a smaller version of the Shibas you already know.

If these unique dogs have caught your attention, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll cover everything you need to know about this mini Shiba Inu and tell you why they may (or may not) be the ideal breed for you.

Breeders may mate two runts in the litter to maintain the small size or breed Shibas with dwarfism to produce a Mame Shiba Inu. This is how they are able to obtain dogs that are so tiny. On the other hand, mini Shiba Inus are also often created by crossing Shibas with other small breeds, such as mini Poodles, Pomeranians, or Chihuahuas.

It’s probably easier for most people to handle a smaller dog than the standard size. They fit perfectly in your lap on public transportation and take up less room in your home. In addition, they won’t require as much food. The cuteness aspect is undoubtedly another consideration—there is no denying that small pets are adorable!

Mini Shiba Inu Breed Puppies

Mame Shiba puppies are cute and active canines. Most dogs have a reserved personality but can be attentive and affectionate to their owners. They resemble a fox, and their most common coat color is also orange-red. In addition, they are available in cream, black and tan, and sesame. Regardless of hue, Shiba coats always have two coat layers and are dense and beautiful, similar to Siberian Huskies. All Mame Shibas have white markings on their chests, bellies, cheeks, inner ears, and legs, called “urajiro” in Japanese.

There are more places to find Mame dogs now than ever because of their recent increase in popularity. However, it’s best to choose reputable Mame Shiba Inu breeders who can offer you a guarantee on the puppies they’re selling rather than buying a dog from backyard breeders and puppy mills. I strongly recommend adoption to save money and be the hero of a dog being cared for by rescue organizations.

The 3 Little-Known Facts About the Mini Shiba Inu

1. The Mame Shiba Inu Is Not Recognized as a Separate Breed

Because of the health risks associated with Mame Shibas, most reputable breeders will frown upon the breeding technique used to create this mini version. You have to be careful with some unethical breeders who don’t care about the temperament or health issues when they produce mini puppies.

Most major dog clubs and associations do not recognize the Mame Siba Inu as a separate breed. For instance, these small canines cannot be registered as Shiba Inus by the Nihon Ken Hozonkai (NIPPO) organization. NIPPO is the Japanese dog conservation association responsible for maintaining records of six native Japanese breeds: Akita Inu, Hokkaido, Kishu, Shikoku, Kai Ken, and Shiba Inu.

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2. Mame Shiba Inus Were First Seen in Japan

Many people agree that Japan is where the Mame Shiba Inu first appeared. For many years, the Japanese favored smaller “Western-style” dogs. The puppy market saw a boom in sales of dogs like Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles. As a result, Shiba Inus were bred to be smaller to meet the rising demand, opening up the market for backyard and money-hungry dog breeders.

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3. Mame Shibas Are Jokingly Called “Bean-Sized” Dogs

The word “mame” means “beans” in Japanese. Mame Shiba Inus are hence “bean-sized” dogs. Some people also use the term miniature or mini instead of Mame. These canines are typically between 35 and 50% smaller than the standard. A mature dog will therefore weigh between 10 and 14 pounds and stand approximately 11 inches tall.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Mini Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu’s temperament is alert, devoted, and quite energetic. They prefer to develop close relationships with their owners. All the same, they have a strong desire for hunting and can be very independent and territorial.

Nonetheless, based on how they were raised in your family and the genes they got from their two parents, a Mame Shiba Inu’s temperament and general attitude can still differ widely from one pup to another.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Mame Shibas are faithful and loving dogs that build close bonds with their owners and enjoy participating in family activities. However, these canines have a reputation for being independent and stubborn. Therefore, they are more suitable for families with older kids and experienced owners.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?🐶 😽

Generally, Mame Shiba Inus do not get along with other “bossy” dogs of the same sex since they are fairly dominant with other animals.

As a Shiba owner, you may have to practice socialization for a long time and begin as early as possible. Shiba Inu dogs usually lack the innate social skills that more modern breeds possess. So early social connections with new people and pets are essential to helping them grow properly and evolve into well-behaved adults. Due to their high prey drive, they can be difficult to keep around other pets like cats, but with training and socialization, it is possible.

Things to Know When Owning a Mini Shiba Inu

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Shiba Inus are known to be prone to weight gain. Therefore, for optimum health and well-being, their food should include adequate healthy fats, meat proteins, fruits, and vegetables that are rich in vital vitamins and minerals.

When your Mame Shiba overeats, they could have severe health consequences like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc. Obese dogs usually live a shorter life expectency, so it’s crucial to feed your pup the right amount to avoid weight issues.

Exercise 🐕

Mame Shibas could become destructive or barky if not given adequate exercise. These canines generally require an hour of daily physical activity per day. They may enjoy running, hiking, playing fetch, and agility training. Walking may be a wonderfully satisfying experience for you and your beloved animal. For the utmost safety and comfort, you can use a hands-free leash. Keep in mind that a little early training can go a long way.

Training 🎾

Mame Shiba Inus can be a bit more difficult to train than other dogs due to their territorial nature and high energy levels. Controlling these mini pups is a little bit easier, though.

Training a Shiba requires persistence, patience, and a lot of positive reinforcement, as it should with any dog, regardless of breed. Aggressive techniques, such as unpleasant punishment training, are rarely effective over the long term and are not advised for this breed.

Grooming ✂️

Regular grooming is essential for keeping your Mame Shiba Inu clean, comfortable, and healthy. You’ll need to clean around their eyes and ears, trim their long nails, and brush to help remove dandruff, dead hair, and dirt. Brushing should be done twice per week in general, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Sadly, there are numerous health problems associated with Mame Shiba Inus. Every time you purchase a mini dog version, you should expect that these pups have more health risks than standard dogs.

Male vs Female

Male and female Shiba Inus have a few minor physical and temperamental differences. A female Shiba can be a good option if you’re searching for a calmer and more independent pet. But if you’d prefer a more friendly and playful dog, a male Shiba might be more your thing. That said, personalities depend far more on how a Shiba is raised than their sex.

Final Thoughts

Shiba Inus are already gorgeous dogs with a famous history and pedigree. In their native Japan, they are the most popular companion animals. Even though the breed was introduced to America roughly 60 years ago, these lively and devoted dogs are still growing in popularity across the West.

Shibas are independent-minded canines. These dogs can be quite challenging to train due to this. They also have innate alertness and a very high prey drive. As a result, they aren’t the best option for novice dog owners, houses with young children, and households with small pets.

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Featured Image Credit: tackune, Shutterstock