Clinical & Salon Overview
Shiba Inus are cat-like, fastidiously clean dogs — until twice a year, when they explode. The Shiba coat blow is legendary: tufts of undercoat drifting off the dog like dandelion fluff, for weeks. Between blows, they're one of the easiest breeds to groom. Here's how our Memphis groomers survive Shiba season at All About Pawz, and how to groom a dog with strong opinions about being groomed.
Shibas wear a dense double coat
Shibas wear a dense double coat — stiff, straight outer guard hairs over a soft, thick undercoat — in red, black and tan, or cream. It's a self-cleaning, cat-like coat: dirt falls out as it dries, and Shibas famously groom themselves. Shedding is moderate most of the year and absolutely epic during the twice-yearly coat blow, when the entire undercoat releases in clumps and tufts. Never shave a Shiba Inu — the double coat regulates temperature and protects the skin, and the harsh outer texture is easily damaged. The coat blow looks alarming; it's completely normal.
Weekly brushing with an undercoat rake and slicker is plenty most of the year
Weekly brushing with an undercoat rake and slicker is plenty most of the year — the self-cleaning coat does half the work. When the blow starts, shift to daily: work the undercoat rake through in sections, pulling the loose fluff before it migrates to your furniture, then finish with the slicker. The tufts along the back and britches come out in satisfying clumps. Brush outside during peak blow — your home will thank you. A deshedding tool used gently once a week during the blow speeds things along, but don't rake aggressively; the goal is loose undercoat, not broken guard hairs.
Every two to three months — yes, really.
Every two to three months — yes, really. Shibas are naturally clean and low-odor, and overbathing strips the coat's self-cleaning oils. When you do bathe, the dense coat resists water impressively: work the shampoo in thoroughly and rinse far longer than you expect. Dry completely — a damp Shiba undercoat dries slowly and loses its self-cleaning magic. The professional advantage is the high-velocity dryer: it blasts out staggering amounts of loose undercoat during blowout season, which is why one salon deshed can end a coat blow weeks early.
Shibas are famously particular about handling
Shibas are famously particular about handling — the "Shiba scream" (a dramatic, unforgettable vocal protest) often debuts at the grooming table. What works: short sessions, calm confidence, generous treats, and respecting the dog's boundaries while holding the line on what's necessary. Never force a panicking Shiba through a long session; break the work into pieces across days if needed. Start puppies early with gentle handling of paws, ears, and body — cooperative-care training pays enormous dividends with this independent breed. A Shiba that trusts the process is manageable; a Shiba that's been wrestled becomes a legend for the wrong reasons.
Nails every three to four weeks
Nails every three to four weeks — Shibas are active and wear nails down somewhat, but check monthly, dewclaws included. Keep nail sessions short and heavily rewarded; feet are a common sensitivity. Ears: small, upright, with excellent airflow — just check for debris and clean as needed. Teeth: brush a few times a week and ask your vet about dental cleanings. Shibas are clean dogs whose fastidiousness doesn't extend to toothbrushes, so introduce dental care early with the same patient, treat-heavy approach as everything else.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Brush with undercoat rake and slicker |
| Every 3–4 weeks | Nail trim |
| Every 2–3 months | Bath, thorough dry |
| Twice yearly | Daily brushing during coat blow; book a professional deshed |
| Ongoing | Teeth brushing; ear checks |
Book a professional deshed at the start of each coat blow
Book a professional deshed at the start of each coat blow — the high-velocity dryer removes in one visit what takes weeks of home brushing, and it can genuinely shorten the blow. Choose a groomer experienced with strong-willed, handling-sensitive breeds: calm, unhurried, treat-liberal, and utterly unfazed by the Shiba scream. If your Shiba is truly distressed by grooming, ask about cooperative-care appointments that work at the dog's pace — with this breed, patience isn't just kind, it's effective.
Recommended Equipment & Mid-South Supplies
Professional equipment proven to maintain health between salon visits
Professional Grooming Undercoat Rake
Grooming Essentials
Stainless pins gently remove trapped dead undercoat without irritating sensitive skin.
All About Pawz Soothing Aloe & Oatmeal Wash
Shampoos & Conditioners
Veterinary-grade gentle formulation calms redness and itchy skin caused by Tennessee grass allergies.
All About Pawz Enzyme Dental Sticks
Wellness
Dual-action enzymatic chew cleans tartar, freshens breath, and protects gums between teeth brushings.
Enrichment Suction Bathing Lick Mat
Feeding & Watering
Keeps nervous dogs happily distracted during bathing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming sessions.
Serving Pets Across Greater Memphis & Shelby County
Whether you live near Midtown, Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, or Arlington, All About Pawz offers full salon appointments and concierge pet care.