Do Shiba Inus Shed?

One question that often comes up while out in public with my dogs is if they shed.

...Ummm, yeah...they do...big time...

If you are considering getting a Shiba Inu as a pet, be warned: they are heavy shedders especially when they're 'blowing coat.' Roughly twice a year, Rowdy's undercoat will shed massively. By that I mean, every time he breaths he sloughs off hair; little Rowdy-haired tumbleweeds travel across our floors; hairs get embedded in our couches; I've found puffs of hair in the backyard; our A/C filter needs changing more often; you get the idea.

I have found (through my own experience as well as through the experience of other owners of this breed) that dietary supplements with claims that it will reduce shedding in this breed do not work. The food that Rowdy eats claims to have ingredients that will reduce shedding. See the picture below? If that is what reduced shedding looks like then I have nightmares about how much Rowdy would shed without 'special ingrediants'. I have found that regular brushing is the only way to go and during the times they blow coat, a bath helps.

One of the best investments I've made was purchasing a Furminator. As you can see, it really helped comb out some of Rowdy's undercoat.

"I didn't do it."

This is after one grooming session. He's got enough hair there to make another Shiba Inu. And guess what? He's still got just as much hair to brush out the very next day. I wonder if anyone would like to spin such fine animal fur into beautiful yarn? I'm sure it would make a lovely sweater or scarf, it would definitely be warm! Any takers? Anyone? $10 you?

So if you are still considering a Shiba Inu for your family, expect to be grooming and vaccuuming just about everyday.