How much does a Shiba Inu cost in Ireland?

From a reputable Irish breeder expect €1,400–€2,500 for a pet puppy and €3,500–€5,000 for show or breeding quality. Imported UK or EU puppies cost an additional €300–€600 in transport and certification. Rescue adoption runs €250–€500.

Is a Shiba Inu on the restricted breed list in Ireland?

No. The Shiba Inu is not a restricted breed in Ireland and does not require a special licence, muzzle, or permit. Only standard dog licensing with your local authority applies.

At what age must I licence and microchip my Shiba Inu in Ireland?

Microchipping and registration on an approved database are required by 12 weeks of age. Your annual local-authority dog licence must also be in place by 12 weeks and renewed each year.

Can I import a Shiba Inu puppy from the UK into Ireland?

Yes, but post-Brexit you need an EU Animal Health Certificate issued by a UK vet, proof of rabies vaccination, and either a DEFRA-approved transporter or an airline-compliant flight. The puppy must be at least 12 weeks old.

Buying a Shiba Inu in Ireland: Breeders, Costs & Licence Rules

You can buy a Shiba Inu in Ireland through a small number of dedicated breeders, breed-specific rescues, or by importing from UK/EU kennels. You do not need a special licence to own a Shiba Inu in Ireland, but every dog must be microchipped, registered on an approved database, and licensed with your local authority by the time it is 12 weeks old.

Can You Buy a Shiba Inu in Ireland?

Yes, but the supply is limited. Ireland has only a handful of active Shiba Inu breeders, so most buyers will contact either an Irish kennel, a UK-based breeder who exports, or a European kennel in the EU. Rescues specialising in Japanese breeds occasionally rehome adults as well.

Expect to pay roughly €1,400–€2,500 from a reputable Irish breeder for a pet-quality puppy, with show- or breeding-quality puppies running €3,500–€5,000. Importing from the UK adds transport and customs paperwork, while rescue adoption is typically €250–€400.

Irish Breeders of Shiba Inu

The Irish Kennel Club (IKC) maintains a breeder directory, but the safest route is the Shiba Inu Club of Ireland and dedicated breed Facebook groups where planned litters are advertised. Look for breeders who:

Are IKC-registered and register every litter
Health-test parents (hips via OFA/BVA, patella, eyes via ECVO/CAER, plus DNA for PRA and glaucoma where available)
Raise puppies in the home with early socialisation
Provide a written contract and health guarantee
Allow you to visit the dam and puppies in person

Because there are only a handful of litters per year in Ireland, be prepared to join a waiting list of 6–12 months and to travel across counties for collection.

Importing from the UK or EU

Many Irish buyers import from UK Kennel Club breeders or from established EU kennels in countries like Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Steps include:

Verify the breeder's kennel club registration and health testing
Arrange an EU health certificate issued by a vet (required for non-EU arrivals from the UK since Brexit)
Arrange DEFRA/AHI paperwork if importing from Great Britain
Book a DEFRA-approved transport company or fly the puppy with you (most airlines require puppies to be at least 12 weeks)
Budget €300–€600 for transport and certification on top of the puppy price

Irish import rules require rabies vaccination and a pet passport or AHC for any dog entering from outside the EU/UK.

Rescue & Rehoming Options

Shibas turn up in Irish rescues occasionally, mostly through owner surrender rather than import. Sources to monitor:

Shiba Inu Club of Ireland rescue contacts
Japanese Spitz & Spitz-type rescue networks
All Ireland Dog Rescue and Dogs Trust Ireland
UK-based Shiba rescues that rehome across Ireland (e.g., Shiba Inu Rescue UK)

Rescue fees run €250–€500 and usually include microchipping, vaccination, and neutering.

Do You Need a Licence to Own a Shiba Inu in Ireland?

No. Unlike restricted breeds (XL Bully, Rottweiler, etc., under Ireland's 2023–2025 regulations), the Shiba Inu is not on any restricted list. You do not need a special licence, muzzling order, or breed-specific permit to own one.

However, every dog owner in Ireland must:

Microchip the dog before 12 weeks of age and register the chip on an approved database (Fido, Animark, Irish Kennel Club)
Get a dog licence from your local authority — required by law, renewed annually, costs around €20–€40 depending on whether the dog is neutered, and carries an on-the-spot fine of €100 if missed
Hold a guard dog licence only if the dog is used commercially for guarding premises

Practical Buying Checklist

Confirm IKC or KC registration and pedigree paperwork
Ask for proof of health testing (OFA hips, patella, eyes, DNA)
Visit the breeder and meet the mother
Expect a waiting list; never pay a deposit to an unknown seller
Budget €1,500–€2,500 for a well-bred puppy, plus €500 first-year vet costs
Plan to microchip, register, and licence the puppy within 12 weeks

Red Flags to Avoid

No health testing offered
Puppies sold before 8 weeks old
No contract or health guarantee
Seller unwilling to let you visit
"Rare colours" advertised at premium prices (Shibas come only in red, black and tan, sesame, and cream — cream is actually a show fault)
Pet shops or third-party puppy dealers

With a small but dedicated breeding community in Ireland and an active import route from the UK and EU, finding a Shiba Inu is very doable — it just takes patience, vetting, and proper legal compliance once the puppy arrives home.