Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know I've asked before, but , in my older age I have forgotten. What is considered "mature" for a Shiba? Beni is app. 9, he still has his moments of puppy energy, but it is taking quite a bit longer to find that perfect potty spot, and he is finding more areas to lay and want a belly rub (I must admit, I do oblige). Kari, age 8, is still wonderful, but has recently gotten more into the "art of smell". They are my life, and I want to do what is best for them. Should I slow down, do less walks, or continue with our routine? I look forward to your advice!

Patty

Beni and Kari's Mother B.

Patty both Beni and Kari would qualify as mature but still a few years away from being considered senior. My Beni will be 13 in a couple of weeks and he would be considered senior. Even with his eye problems he is still fairly active though he keeps his tail down more than it is up which is a trait of senior shibas. I wish just once sometimes I could enter him in the veterans group at the dog show I go to as a retired champion... well I probably still could but he would really be tentative about it. Toshi will be 10 this year and is on the move to becoming a senior but is still very active and always on the hunt.

As for your two I would keep doing what you are doing in regards to your routine. They will let you know when it's time to slow down.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Hi Bob,

In re: to your Beni entering a s Senior Champions Contest - my vote is "YES!" Also, Toshi sure sounds a lot like Kari - She is the Queen of the hunt in our area...she gets low down and scopes out the scene in those dark, brushy areas. She also does a terrific pounce into low lying bushes if she senses critters are there. I think I'm just an oversensitive mother- if things are off a bit - eating habits, walking strides, longer than usual stopping and sniffing spots, tails down, etc. - I probably do overreact, and off to the vet we go. Thank goodness I have a wonderful vet that doesn't take advantage of over reactors.
Also, I didn't know that a Shiba's tail tends to go down as s/he gets more mature - Very interesting, and something I will definitely keep in mind.

Thanks for your advice!

Patty, Beni, and Kari

Like Bob said, keep doing what you're doing until your pups tell you otherwise. Artemis is 7, and her vet told me she was geriatric; his sense is that all dogs are when they reach 7. I told him she'd always be my baby. She still has plenty of energy and life.