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Browse: Home / Dog Questions and Answers

How Long will my Shiba Inu Live (life expectancy)?

Erica: What is the life expectancy of a Shiba Inu?
I got my Shiba when she was 8, and she is the best dog I have ever had. I just was wondering how long do Shiba Inus live. She lived most of her life as a breeder dog, does that affect anything?

Shiba Inu by its owner at the desktop computer
Photo Credit: Romain Brami/Flickr CC

Answers and Views:

Answer by Kristi
We have a Shiba and she is 12 & 1/2 years old. She has slowed down and is going deaf but otherwise still likes to walk daily and play. My cousin had a Shiba who lived to be 16 yrs old.

Answer by Kat
12-15 years, but depending on the number of puppies she's had it could be more or less.

Answer by EmeralD
The National Shiba Club of America says that the question “how long do Shibas live” is frequently asked by people considering adding a Shiba to their home, or who is new to the breed.  Often the answer is about the oldest or longest living Shiba that are known. However, that age is not a typical one. That's why the club has recently made a survey to find out how long do Shibas actually live.

In order to get an answer the Shiba Club of America has initiated a compilation of the actual ages at which Shibas have died.

Shiba Inu lifespan graph

According to their report, the MEDIAN  age for Shibas amounts to 14,1 years. Almost half of Shibas (49%) have died at age 13-15. The graph shows the frequency distribution and some other stats, including the median age. I think, today it's the most accurate data you can find.

Answer by x-Jazzy-x
Shiba Inus life expectancy is about 12-15 years on average, but what the heck does a "most her life as a breeder dog" mean!? Judging by the age you got her at it sounds like she was given up after she couldn't reproduce anymore instead of the breeder just retiring her and giving her the best life possible. That's pretty common after the "Shiba craze".

So she belonged to some backyard breeder who used her to pump out as many puppies as possible? Yeah, that shortens their life A LOT! Even just their own litter does that, it's a huge strain on their body each time, but multiple is even worse. Knowing how many litters she produced can help you, any more than three and she's really messed up. "most of her life" and the age you got her at says up to 6 times which if true is a terrible thing…

Any breeder that gets rid of his dog after it gets too old to breed is no good at all and that tells you the environment they came from.

Answer by Judith McClintock
Mine is 18 years old and looks good yet! She is outside in a huge area and has a heating pad for cold weather.
Mostly has lived on can dog food and regular meat and noodles, table scraps. She also is deaf but still a good watchdog. I am thinking Shiba Inus can live to be 20 or more.
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Tagged With: dog breeds, life, Shiba Inu

Reader Interactions

Comments ( 8 )

  1. Marie Eterginio says

    We have a red Shiba Inu female since she was 10 months old. She is turning 14 on November 14th. She has lost some of her hearing and I think on the verge of Dementia. She sleeps a lot and recently goes into my closet to sleep for hours. When I walk her, she’s not sure of which driveway to go up. She doesn’t want to play with her toys anymore either. She is the best dog I ever had, even though they have a mind of their own.

    Reply
    • RussianDog says

      Thank you for your comment. We wish good health and long life to your beloved Shiba.

      Reply
  2. Brian K says

    My shiba died at the age of 10-1/2. He was well taken care of since I worked at home. He was large 35 lbs and more muscular that most American breed shiva. He had an inner ear infection that was treated but then the vet said he had Demetia and arthritis and possibly a pinched spinal nerve since his hind legs were 1/2 the size after 4 months. He stopped eating and hid on the balcony and shook constantly. I started to carry him up and down anything like the car and stairs. His left hind leg wasn’t quite working. I had the vet confirm to put him down since he stopped eating totally. So shibas may leave us earlier than the 12-15 years. My first dog so I am still wondering what all happened and why so fast.

    Reply
  3. dcjml says

    My Shiba (Keiko) will be 17 in January – she is partially deaf and is suffering from canine dimentia but is still healthy and still has her “puppy” moments – all of my dogs have been “best dog I ever had” but she is something special

    Reply
    • RussianDog says

      Long life and good health to Keiko!

      Reply
  4. Russ C says

    We have a red Shiba named Jasper. We think he is 14 to 15 years old because when we got him we were told he was five years old.His hearing isn’t what it used to be and doesn’t see as good as he used too. But he still likes to go for walks , he lets you know when he is done by just stopping and not wanting to go any further.He still likes to growel and bark at passer bys in front of our house.He has an abscessed tooth at the moment and he just isnt him self and we are just wondering what to do next? Could this be his last year with us?I Desperately hope not! Thanks for reading any comments would be appreciated.

    Reply
    • RussianDog says

      Dear Russ, we understand your worries. Well, according to the books the life expectancy of Shibas is 12-16 years but the real lifespan is not determined by books. In particular cases, these dogs live up to 18 and even more years. Let’s hope that Jasper will stay with you longer making happy both you and himself.

      Reply
  5. Kristi says

    The comment has been moved into the body of the post.

    Reply

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