Blowing is an appropriate term for describing Shiba's shedding. And having a double coat of fur means double-shedding.

But it is need not be a big problem. In general it is cyclical: from puppy to adult, then seasonal. And you see it coming: clumps of fur start pointing out. One can effortlessly ease out these clumps. You can also massage Shiba (which s/he will*enjoy*) and harvest large swaths of used fur.

A blowing season tends to come in phases. A first coat, a pause, then the second (probably linked to the different coats). It will also be localized: the fur will come out in some places first (symetrically too) and others (the hinds legs) later.

Blowing should naturally occur twice a year. However, like cats, if Shiba lives indoors a lot, the artificial lighting will make them shed on a more continuous basis. They take their cues from the cyclicality of daylight.

As for what you cannot massage out, well get the vaccum cleaner out (or to really get a laugh with the kids, on a windy day open all the windows and see the draft carry tumblefurs out the porch - hopefully not in the neighbour's lawn.)

Should you bathe Shiba? Why not. Their coats do not seem to suffer from the treatment. And a shiba which exercises enough does get some odour which is not always fun to have around. Again, early-on this may not be fully appreciated, but with minimal experience, Shiba even comes to enjoy it.

Discuss