Shiba Inu breeders and owners must be very careful when attempting to breed this variety of dog. When choosing the dogs that a Shibu Inu breeder plans to breed, they must first look at the medical history and general health of the dogs in question.
In general, the Shiba Inu dog breed is very healthy and energetic. They are capable of challenging outdoor conditions, but are also well adapted to living indoors. They do not require a special diet like many other dog breeds, and can simply maintain a healthy lifestyle from general exercise and basic dog food. This is one of the many qualities that draw Shiba Inu breeders to this specific type of dog.
-Their great agility alone is enough to help them avoid general injuries that could render other races helpless.
However, this specific type of dog does have some hereditary flaws that all Shiba Inu owners and prospective breeders should be aware of. However, there are not too many serious disorders to worry about.
Patellar luxation is one of the most prevalent and possibly devastating conditions that all Shiba Inu breeders should be aware of. In this disorder, the patella is displaced in the dogs body. There are several stages of this disease. The first stage involves dislodging the patella, however it can be manually returned to its proper place. In stage four of this disease, the patella cannot be replaced or moved back into place and can cause possible lameness or bow legs. However, most cases of this involve stage one.
A Shiba Inu breeder should have potential breeding partners checked for this anomaly.
Another common problem among the Shibu Inu breed is hip dysphasia. Alongside this are hereditary eye defects that are widespread throughout the canine world. Cataracts are the common eye defect. Recent studies show findings that eye defects are more common in females than males of this breed.
However, the most common health care concern for Shiba Inu breeders to be aware of is simple allergies, such as flea allergy dermatitis, also known as FAD. When a dog suffers from this health problem, they usually bite their skin and eat their hair. For most Shiba Inu, this disorder can be treated simply with over-the-counter topical canine products. However, more severe cases require the dog to receive injections.
Another important concern that all Shiba Inu breeders should be aware of is potential dental health issues. A large number of small breed dogs suffer from these common problems due to weak jaws, misaligned teeth and early tooth loss. However, this is not a major concern unless it really affects the dog’s eating habits.
A detailed health history of the dogs being considered for breeding, along with some testing at a local vet, can really benefit a Shiba Inu breeder, when it comes to choosing the right pair of dogs to breed.
