People always say that
the Shiba Inu is a dog that is more like a cat.
I thought it would be fun to look at why Shiba Inus got their cat like status, as well as consider how they are different from cats.
Shiba Neko 1. Independent, Aloof, and Stubborn
Probably the most important way in which a Shiba resembles a cat is in his independence, aloofness, and stubbornness. Like cats, Shibas enjoy their own company and are not usually interested in too much human attention.
Unlike some of their dog brothers and sisters, a Shiba will pretend not to hear you and may not even deign to look at you, unless you have something Shiba really wants – then Watch Out!
Shibas like playing hard to get, and are not afraid to give you the Shiba Snub.
Shiba Inu - Independent, Aloof, and Stubborn
Shiba Neko 2. Very Much into Personal Hygiene
Shiba self-grooming session.
Like cats, Shibas are extremely clean and will spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves. Frequently, my Shiba will take it upon himself to also groom my Siberian Husky.
Clearly, she does not meet the Shiba standards of cleanliness!
With a Shiba there will be no slobber, and potty training is often a breeze. Even the way a Shiba drinks water is very dainty and clean. No driblets flying all over the place.
My Shiba will also avoid rain puddles and mud. I think he expects me to wear a cape, so that I may drape it upon the ground and protect his dainty Shiba-feet from coming in contact with hideous slimy mud.
However, if there are playful dogs around, the mud puddle rule goes out the window.
Shiba Neko 3. No Touchy. No Touch!
Like cats, Shibas will only let you handle them according to their schedule, and according to their rules. The No-Touch rule goes into high gear when a Shiba is in distress – which can make it very difficult for owner and vet to properly treat a Shiba.
I suppose in this, they are more like feral cats.
There is definitely more than a little bit of the Wild in a Shiba Inu or should I say Shiba-Neko.
How Is a Shiba Inu More Like a Dog?
It is also interesting to consider which Shiba traits are more dog-like in nature.
- Good Guard Dog
- A Closet Homebody
- A Loyal Companion
Shibas are good at guarding the house and will always alert you when something is out of place.
Shiba Sephy - A closet homebody.
Shibas like to put on a show that they are extremely self-sufficient, but in reality, they really like being in the house and somewhat close to their people.
Shiba Sephy likes staying in the house with me most of the day, whereas Siberian Shania is always out in the backyard doing her own thing.
Shiba Sephy also gets more distressed when he is alone, whereas Siberian Shania is happy to keep herself occupied, and then give you a very warm and wet greeting when you get home.
It seems like a strange thing when combined with their apparent independence and aloofness, but Shibas tend to be very loyal.
My Siberian is a very friendly dog, and loves to meet people and get affection. But she will probably go home with whomever is willing to give her some pieces of sausage.
Shiba Sephy, on the other hand, will only go home with his family. I have no doubt that he will also do all that he can to protect us if the need ever arose.
Whether more like a cat or a dog, a Shiba Inu has a truly special and indomitable spirit.
Whether more like a cat or a dog, a Shiba Inu has a truly special and indomitable spirit.
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LOL – that is too funny. My Shiba used to so that as well, sometimes he would even sleep on the top edge of the couch.
He also likes playing king of the chair where he will jump onto the garden bench and my other dog tries to pull him off – rinse and repeat. It is fun to watch.
As you say, Shibas like elevated surfaces just like cats.
Lucky you – to have a non-aloof Shiba. Sephy is better now that he is older but he is still quite aloof by dog standards.
Having a cat in the house, I can easily compare my shiba to a cat. He is smart and clean like a cat, but I don’t experience much of the aloofness others describe, but that may be coming. It may be because of our other dog, but he likes to follow me around and be right there in whatever I’m doing, or have me in sight if we’re outside. If we’re playing they will compete for my attention, so I usually have to have 2 toys to play with.
It does drive him crazy that the cat can go places he can’t, so this week he decided he could go where the cat goes. I walked into the living room to find him sitting on the top edge of the couch, quite pleased with himself. He’s started climbing around on the furniture like the cat, and that will have to end.