Shiba Inu??????

Does anyone know anything about this breed?
We saw one this weekend and are interested in learning more about it.
TIA

Re: Shiba Inu??????

I have a Shiba Inu, and a dog that is called an Ainu dog, which was misrepresented as a Shiba Inu.

Shiba Inus are very independent, almost cat-like. They can be easy to train, but are also very stubborn. They have no desire to "please their master." as many other breeds do.

Also, they like to be only dogs. Many Shiba Inus can be intolerant of other dogs, especially of the same sex. They also can show an intolerance to other breeds.

OK, so I know this sounds all bad, but it is not. They are incredibly loyal dogs, and once trained (which may take longer than normal) they are very obedient dogs. They can amuse themselves pretty well once they are out of their *Puppy phase* which lasts about 2 years. They also stay pretty small & can be good watch dogs. The larger version (there are 2 sizes) can be not so great with kids though, so also be aware of that.

Where did you see one? Was it at a breeder....rescue?

FROM THE AKC:
"A spirited boldness, a good nature, and an unaffected forthrightness, which together yield dignity and natural beauty. The Shiba has an independent nature and can be reserved toward strangers but is loyal and affectionate to those who earn his respect. At times aggressive toward other dogs, the Shiba is always under the control of his handler. Any aggression toward handler or judge or any overt shyness must be severely penalized. "

Re: Shiba Inu??????

Thank you for the information.
I was at a block party this weekend and saw a shiba Inu puppy ---only a few months and a shiba inu adult dog. My DH and I are debating to get a dog and I would like a small dog like a yorkie but he wants a big dog like a lab so we are trying to find a happy middle. The dog seemed very well behaved, good around people, and calm. I have been doing some research on the breed but like to hear from somone who actually owns the dog. Thank you again and if you have any other information that would be great.

Re: Shiba Inu??????

I am happy to help. I do find a lot of Shiba Inus on Petfinder, which is why I was asking where you saw it. I have not seen alot of breeders near here though.

Loki is a great dog, but he was very stubborn in his training. He would do whatever we trained him to do for a short while & then would revert back. It is just their nature sometimes...they do things when they want. They can vary in size, despite what the AKC says, as they were bred down from Akitas over many years. Sometimes there is still a strong Akita gene that makes a larger Shiba Inu, but the AKC would not recognize that as breed standard (hence the lack of that info on their site). My cousin was the first person I knew to have a Shiba Inu. She got him from a breeder as a pet (non-show potential), and he is way larger than Loki. Her dog is about 25" high & weight about 40 lbs. Way over the breed standard. Loki is small for the breed, standing 14" high and weighing 22 lbs (which is the standard for the female). They do shed alot though. You will need to get a special brush to remove undercoat, or you will have puppy-hair tumbleweed even if you clean every day. They have a great tolerance for extreme temperatures, but are happiest when they are outdoors. They are stalkers/hunters, and were used as bird dogs in Japan. Loki every now & again will remind me of this withy a *present* from the woods.

Good luck with your search & definitely look on Petfinder.com to see what rescues are available.

Message edited 8/7/2006 12:29:48 PM.