Either you’ve already got a Shiba Inu home or you’re about to get one. Either way, we feel getting to know a little background about the breed is important. We know that you must have done your research but here’s a short glimpse about the breed.
The breed dates way back to the ‘Jomon’ period which was between 14,500 BC to 300 BC, making it one of the oldest dog breeds. It is a Japanese breed whose name literally translates to ‘brushwood dog’ due to its original use in flushing game from brushwood areas.
There is a very popular story of a dog named ‘Hachiko’ from Japan. Every day, Hachikō would walk his owner to the Shibuya Station and greet him again in the evening when he returned. Tragically, in 1925, Ueno died while at work. But Hachikō continued to return to the station every day for the next nine years, waiting for his owner's return.
While Hachiko was an Akita Inu, which is slightly different from a Shiba Inu, both breeds share similar traits. Shiba Inu, hence, has earned a reputation for being extremely loyal, affectionate, and deeply connected to their human companions.
We can now start thinking of names for these dogs that best suit their personality.
5 Cutest Names for Shiba Inu
If you don’t want to go down the Japanese route, we have some other cute options for you.
Name | Description |
Miso | A cute, short name that suits both male and female Shibas. |
Cookie | A sweet name, guaranteed to bring joy every time you call your dog. |
Tofu | A simple, adorable name with no reason other than cuteness. |
Noodle | A fun, healthy name, perfect for a dog with a long, lean physique. |
Coco | A classic name, often inspired by the color of the dog’s coat. |
Sheebs | A playful and cute variation of "Shiba," adding a little extra charm. |
25 Most Popular Names for Male Shiba Inu
Didn’t like any of the above names? Well, in that case maybe this list of the most popular dog names for male Shiba Inu will have just what you need*.
Name | Description |
Yoshi | A popular Japanese name, often associated with "good fortune" or "respectful," suitable for a well-behaved and loyal Shiba. |
Kuma | Japanese for "bear," a strong and powerful name for a Shiba with a robust build or a protective nature. |
Milo | A friendly and playful name, often associated with "soldier" or "merciful," suitable for a brave and gentle Shiba. |
Mochi | Sweet and soft, like the Japanese rice cake, suggesting a gentle and cuddly Shiba. Could also imply a small, round physique. While often used for females, it can work for a male with a sweet disposition. |
Simba | Swahili for "lion," a regal and powerful name for a Shiba with a confident and majestic presence. |
Kenji | A common Japanese name meaning "healthy" or "strong," suitable for a robust and energetic Shiba. |
Loki | Norse god of mischief, a playful and mischievous name for a Shiba with a cunning and spirited personality. |
Hachi | A famous and loyal Akita Inu's name, often associated with loyalty and devotion, suitable for a faithful and loving Shiba. |
Hiro | Japanese for "generous" or "abundant," suitable for a kind and gentle Shiba. |
Kai | A short and strong name with various meanings, often associated with "sea" or "warrior," suitable for a brave and adventurous Shiba. |
Max | A popular and versatile name, often associated with "greatest" or "strongest," suitable for a powerful and confident Shiba. |
Koda | Often associated with "friend" or "companion," suggesting a loyal and devoted Shiba. |
Kiba | Japanese for "fang" or "tusk," a strong and fierce name for a Shiba with a powerful bite or a protective nature. |
Yuki | Meaning "snow" in Japanese, perfect for a Shiba with a white or light-colored coat, or a calm, serene personality. While often used for females, it can work for a male with a gentle demeanor. |
Katsu | Japanese for "victory" or "prevail," a strong and triumphant name for a Shiba with a determined and resilient spirit. |
Rocky | A strong and resilient name, suggesting a tough and determined Shiba. |
Leo | Latin for "lion," a regal and powerful name for a Shiba with a confident and majestic presence. |
Miso | A savory Japanese staple, a unique and quirky name, perhaps for a Shiba with a unique personality or a reddish coat. |
Taro | A common Japanese name, often associated with "eldest son" or "big boy," suitable for a strong and mature Shiba. |
Zuko | A strong and determined name, perhaps inspired by the Avatar |
Kobe | A strong and memorable name, often associated with the basketball player Kobe Bryant, suitable for a Shiba with a powerful and athletic build. |
Bear | A strong and cuddly name, suggesting a large and lovable Shiba. |
Boba | A sweet and chewy drink, a playful and quirky name, perhaps for a Shiba with a sweet and gentle nature. |
Obi | A short and memorable name, perhaps inspired by Star Wars' Obi-Wan Kenobi, suggesting a wise and noble Shiba. |
Aki | Japanese for "autumn," a beautiful and evocative name, perhaps for a Shiba with a reddish coat or a calm, mature personality. |
25 Most Popular Names for Female Shiba Inu
After reviewing our internal data, here are the 25 most popular names for female Shiba Inu*.
Name | Description |
Mochi | Sweet and soft, like the Japanese rice cake, suggesting a gentle and cuddly Shiba. Could also imply a small, round physique. |
Yuki | Meaning "snow" in Japanese, perfect for a Shiba with a white or light-colored coat, or a calm, serene personality. |
Nala | A name of African origin meaning "gift," suggesting a precious and beloved companion. Also evokes a sense of regality. |
Luna | Latin for "moon," ideal for a Shiba with a mystical or enchanting presence, or a dark or silver-tinged coat. |
Suki | Japanese for "loved" or "beloved," a straightforward and affectionate name for a cherished companion. |
Mika | A common Japanese name with various meanings depending on the kanji, often associated with beauty or fragrance. Suitable for a lovely and graceful Shiba. |
Nova | A bright star, suggesting a Shiba with a shining personality or a striking appearance. |
Yumi | Japanese for "bow," hinting at a Shiba's alertness and quick reflexes, or perhaps a playful, mischievous streak. |
Bella | Italian for "beautiful," a classic and elegant name for a stunning Shiba. |
Momo | Japanese for "peach," a cute and sweet name, perhaps for a Shiba with a peachy coat or a gentle disposition. |
Sachi | Japanese for "happiness" or "good fortune," a positive and cheerful name for a lucky Shiba. |
Mia | A popular and versatile name, often associated with "mine" or "dear," expressing a close bond. |
Keiko | A Japanese name meaning "happy child" or "blessed child," suitable for a joyful and well-loved Shiba. |
Kona | Hawaiian for "coffee," a unique and energetic name, perhaps for a Shiba with a rich, dark coat. |
Sushi | A playful and quirky name, referencing a popular Japanese dish, perhaps for a Shiba with a unique personality. |
Koda | Often associated with "friend" or "companion," suggesting a loyal and devoted Shiba. |
Kira | A name with various origins, often associated with "light" or "shining," suitable for a bright and energetic Shiba. |
Tofu | A soft and gentle name, perhaps for a Shiba with a calm and gentle nature. Also a bit quirky and unique. |
Athena | The Greek goddess of wisdom and strategy, a powerful and regal name for a clever and independent Shiba. |
Willow | A graceful and elegant name, evoking a sense of nature and tranquility, perhaps for a calm and gentle Shiba. |
Sasha | A popular name of Russian origin, often associated with "defender" or "helper," suggesting a protective and loyal Shiba. |
Aki | Japanese for "autumn," a beautiful and evocative name, perhaps for a Shiba with a reddish coat or a calm, mature personality. |
Ruby | A precious gemstone, suggesting a valuable and cherished Shiba with a rich, reddish coat. |
Akira | A Japanese name meaning "bright" or "clear," suitable for a Shiba with a lively and intelligent personality. |
Lucy | A classic and friendly name, often associated with "light," suitable for a cheerful and outgoing Shiba. |
Those are some pretty good options. If you’re looking for more, then, we would suggest ChatGPT but only if you are okay with a cliched name for your dog. We do trust you for picking a great name for your new buddy though.
Should I Get a Shiba Inu?
We hope that you’re asking about the dog here and not the cryptocurrency. Because we may not the experts in the latter. However, about dogs, we seem to know quite a lot of things as there are times when there are more dogs than humans in our office.
Important is to know about its lifestyle, genetics, diet requirements, training and other physical needs, grooming needs, etc. If you are yet to get this beautiful four-legged baby to your family, here’s a quick manual for these Japanese dogs.
Height – 13 – 17 inches; Weight – 17 – 23 pounds; Lifespan – 12 – 16 years.
Coat – Thick, double coat available in red, sesame, or black and tan.
Physical needs – Daily exercise is recommended. A few short walks a day may suffice.
Grooming needs – Regular brushing to remove dead hair and prevent mats is recommended. Regular brushing is better for preventing plaque build-up and hence gum disease and bad breath. Nail trimming and ear cleaning will be required once or twice a month.
Diet requirements - ½ to 1.5 cups of high-quality vet-recommended dry kibble depending on the age and size of the dog. You need to break the quantity into 2 meals throughout the day.
Health – Shiba Inus are predisposed to medical conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, tail chasing, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and allergies among others.
Special attention – These dogs need adequate socialization, especially during younger ages, to prevent them from being timid or quarrelsome later. Shibas are also seen chasing small animals like squirrels as they were originally bred to hunt and flush small game such as birds and rabbits. Hence, they should always be kept on a leash when outside. They may refrain from wearing the leash but it’s for their safety.
We have put together an entire article on the lifetime costs of these dogs as well. It talks about costs from adopting to one-time to annual maintenance, leading to lifetime costs. Check out ‘Shiba Inu breed guide’ before deciding. If you’ve already made the decision, it would help you budget your finances appropriately
Read more about boy dog names here
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Mostly a tech person, always a pet person. I am dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their humans with technology. Off-duty, I enjoy writing about the misbehaving of computer programs and my two Aussiedoodles, Calvin and Hobbes.
