When deciding to bring a dog into your home, there are many factors to consider. Regardless if you’re a first-time or experienced dog owner, it takes careful consideration to ensure you choose the right breed for your lifestyle. If you’re looking for a loyal, energetic companion to complement an active lifestyle, look no further than the Shiba Inu.
A member of the Non-Sporting Group with roots in ancient Japan, the Shiba Inu is a high energy, fiercely loyal, and alert breed. Confident and independent, Shiba Inus have big personalities. Despite their proclivity towards independence, they are very friendly and tend to form strong bonds with their owners. The Shiba Inu’s attentive nature also makes them good watchdogs.
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Shibas are small, muscular dogs originally employed as hunters. Their short, double coats come in red, red sesame, or black and tan with white markings. Shibas are most well-known by their pointed ears, curled tail, and almost fox-like faces. Shiba Inus stand between 13.5-16.5 inches tall, and weigh between 17 and 23 pounds.
Shibas shed a lot. Their short coats do not require frequent brushing to prevent matting, but regular brushing will keep hair around the house minimal. Blowing a Shiba with a blow-dryer can also be helpful in removing loose hair, dirt, and other debris. Shibas also have a tendency to be difficult when it comes to nail trimming. If you bring a Shiba into your life, you may want to consider having their nails professionally trimmed.
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Shiba Inus are known as a more stubborn breed. They are highly intelligent which can make the training process easier, but their strong-willed nature can make things tedious. Patient training methods coupled with treats and other rewards can help ease the process. Early socialization and puppy training classes will help ensure a Shiba grows into a well-behaved and well-adjusted adult.
Due to their stubborn nature, a Shiba Inu is a better pick for an experienced dog owner. Prospective owners should also consider that even the most well-trained Shibas should never be allowed off lead unless they are in a fenced or enclosed area.
Shiba Inus are a loving, loyal breed, but their independent nature and inclination towards impatience make them a harder fit for families, especially those with young children. They are a vocal breed and can make for good watchdogs. Prospective owners should note that their “unique” vocalizations can cause stress for both the Shiba and themselves.
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The Shiba’s energetic personality also requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Families that do not have the time to give a Shiba the exercise and attention they need should consider other options. Overall, a Shiba would be happiest in a home with experienced, attentive dog owners and older children.
Shibas are friendly, but they are independent at heart and can be very aloof. They can be weary of strangers and are a protective breed. With the right training and early socialization, a Shiba can be adaptable to most environments.
The post Is the Shiba Inu a Good Fit for You? appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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The Shiba Inu’s Temperament
A member of the Non-Sporting Group with roots in ancient Japan, the Shiba Inu is a high energy, fiercely loyal, and alert breed. Confident and independent, Shiba Inus have big personalities. Despite their proclivity towards independence, they are very friendly and tend to form strong bonds with their owners. The Shiba Inu’s attentive nature also makes them good watchdogs.
©melounix - stock.adobe.com
Physical Traits and Grooming Needs
Shibas are small, muscular dogs originally employed as hunters. Their short, double coats come in red, red sesame, or black and tan with white markings. Shibas are most well-known by their pointed ears, curled tail, and almost fox-like faces. Shiba Inus stand between 13.5-16.5 inches tall, and weigh between 17 and 23 pounds.
Shibas shed a lot. Their short coats do not require frequent brushing to prevent matting, but regular brushing will keep hair around the house minimal. Blowing a Shiba with a blow-dryer can also be helpful in removing loose hair, dirt, and other debris. Shibas also have a tendency to be difficult when it comes to nail trimming. If you bring a Shiba into your life, you may want to consider having their nails professionally trimmed.
How Much Training Does a Shiba Inu Need?
A8-dct via Getty Images
Shiba Inus are known as a more stubborn breed. They are highly intelligent which can make the training process easier, but their strong-willed nature can make things tedious. Patient training methods coupled with treats and other rewards can help ease the process. Early socialization and puppy training classes will help ensure a Shiba grows into a well-behaved and well-adjusted adult.
Due to their stubborn nature, a Shiba Inu is a better pick for an experienced dog owner. Prospective owners should also consider that even the most well-trained Shibas should never be allowed off lead unless they are in a fenced or enclosed area.
Are Shiba Inus a Good Fit for Families?
Shiba Inus are a loving, loyal breed, but their independent nature and inclination towards impatience make them a harder fit for families, especially those with young children. They are a vocal breed and can make for good watchdogs. Prospective owners should note that their “unique” vocalizations can cause stress for both the Shiba and themselves.
A8-dct via Getty Images
The Shiba’s energetic personality also requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Families that do not have the time to give a Shiba the exercise and attention they need should consider other options. Overall, a Shiba would be happiest in a home with experienced, attentive dog owners and older children.
How Social Are Shiba Inus?
Shibas are friendly, but they are independent at heart and can be very aloof. They can be weary of strangers and are a protective breed. With the right training and early socialization, a Shiba can be adaptable to most environments.
The post Is the Shiba Inu a Good Fit for You? appeared first on American Kennel Club.
Read more...
