He looks just like a fox!
You have probably seen this foxy little dog, walking his little walk around your neighborhood. Or perhaps you saw him at the dog park, strutting his stuff,… or maybe it was at the dog show.
These little foxes are striking. They act like they are on show all of the time, and they stand out wherever they go.
What are they?
Sounds like Sheba Inu, Shibu Inu, Shiba Enu … the one and only Shiba Inu.
The Shiba Inu – What’s That?!
The Shiba Inu is a Japanese dog breed. There are six original distinct breeds of dog from Japan, and the Shiba Inu is the smallest one.
The largest in the group is the Akita. There aren’t many red and white Akitas in the United States, but the few that I have seen, look just like larger versions of the red Shiba Inu. And not in the Schwarzenegger-DeVito sort of way.
Between the Akita Inu and the Shiba Inu, are the medium sized Japanese dog breeds, including the Shikoku, Kai, Ainu, and Kishu. These six Japanese dog breeds have very similar appearance and temperaments. They all belong to the Spitz dog family.
Shiba Inu – What Does It Mean?
The Kanji or Japanese character for ‘dog‘, can be pronounced as ‘Inu‘ or ‘Ken‘. Therefore, Shiba Inu simply means Shiba dog. Sometimes, you will also hear the Shiba dog being referred to as Shiba Ken.
The exact interpretation of ‘Shiba‘, is less clear. It could mean ‘red shrub‘, for the red bushes that grow in the region, where Shibas come from. Alternatively, it could also mean ‘small‘.
The Shiba Inu is certainly a cheeky little red shrub, so both interpretations work out well.
Shiba Inu – What Does It Truly Mean?
I know that discussions of red shrubs are truly riveting, but you probably want to move on to what it truly means to be Shiba, am I right?
Well, you know what they say about red-heads and their fiery temper.
The same is also true of the red-headed Shiba Inu. You may think that you can get around this thorny issue, by getting a Shiba of another color, such as the red-sesame, black and tan, or cream colored versions. However, the Shiba God is indeed one step ahead of you.
Shiba Inus of all colors, have the same fiery red personality.
That is why they are also known as -
- The ‘devil dog’,
- The ‘not for everyone dog’, and
- The ‘honey, why the hell did you get this thing?! dog’.
Indeed, the Shiba Inu is not recommended for first time dog owners.
However, figuring I was smarter than everyone else, or mainly because of lack of research, I decided to get a Shiba as my first dog anyway. It was not an easy first dog experience, but after over a year, Shiba Inu Sephy and I reached a somewhat peaceful state of cohabitation.
My little red shrub still has some thorns, but he is growing some beautiful flowers as well.
Mame Shiba
Standard sized male Shiba Inus tend to range between 20-25 pounds, for an average weight of around 23 pounds. Female Shiba Inus are slightly smaller, and have an average weight of 17 pounds. There are always outliers though.
My male Shiba is a big boy, and comes in at around 30 pounds. He is not an overweight dog, just big-boned.
Recently, some breeders in Japan and the United States have started breeding Mame Shibas, which are essentially smaller sized Shibas. ‘Mame‘ means ‘bean‘ in Japanese, so these are bean-sized Shibas.
Mame Shibas are not recognized by any of the kennel clubs in Japan, or in the United States. As a result, the breeding of Mame Shibas is not regulated, and many of the breeders who sell them, do not breed for health or temperament.
Since the Shiba Inu is already a difficult dog breed to begin with, we want to try and get one that has a balanced temperament. Therefore, it is best to get a Shiba from an accredited club breeder, who has to follow strict breeding guidelines.
Jomon Shiba
The Jomon period is the time in Japanese history from around 14,000 B.C. to 400 B.C. The Jomon inhabitants reared hunting dogs that were a big part of their culture.
Archaeological sites have uncovered well-preserved skeletons of the Jomon dogs, which show that they have prick ears and a sickle tail. Scientists believe these dogs to be the ancient ancestors of the Shiba Inu, and the other five original Japanese dog breeds.
Some breeders in Japan have founded the Shibaho association, to breed dogs with physical characteristics that conform to the Jomon dogs of old.
The Jomon Shiba is a more feral looking Shiba, with a narrower head, and larger teeth. True to their even more primitive roots, Jomon Shibas are more stubborn and less obedient, than their domesticated Shiba Inu brothers.
Given the already high level of stubbornness and willfulness in a regular Shiba, it may be best to stay away from these Jomon dogs.
Shiba Inu – Why Not?
Truthfully, there are many easier and friendlier dog breeds than the Shiba Inu.
The Shiba Inu is independent and aloof. If we want a lap dog who likes to cuddle with us, then the Shiba is not for us.
The Shiba Inu is feisty and active. If we want a calm dog that just lies at the end of our bed, and warms our feet, then the Shiba is not for us.
The Shiba Inu is a dog rebel. If we want an obedient dog that follows our every command, and only lives to please us, then the Shiba is not for us.
Why Do People Get Shiba Inus?
Yeah, they are a bit nuts. Maybe more than a bit nuts. However, once we get beneath that fiery red temper, we will find a rich and deep Shiba soul.
The Shiba Inu is a trickster. He likes to play tricks, and he likes breaking rules. We will never be bored if we live with a Shiba, because he will always be up to something. Sometimes, it is even something good.
The Shiba Inu is a clown. He likes being the center of attention, and he will do much to get to that coveted spot. What he does, will be original, funny, and very entertaining. In fact, Shibas remind me of stand-up comedians. They can easily make others laugh with their crazy hi-jinks, but they have a very sensitive and fragile soul.
The Shiba Inu is a charmer. He can charm birds from the trees, if he wants to. Most of the time, he may not want to, but when he does, look out! It is simply not possible to resist those deep dark eyes, his infectious grin, or roguish charm.
The Shiba Inu is one of a kind. He is not like a regular dog. In fact, many people describe the Shiba as a dog that is more like a cat.
If we want a dog that is a bit different, a dog that will challenge us and grow with us, a dog that will surprise us in both delightful and sometimes non-delightful ways, a trickster, a prankster, and a rogue, but sensitive, deep, and surprising – then the Shiba Inu is the dog for us.
He is like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, except with more fur and without the hat!
Getting a Shiba Inu
Should we get a Shiba Inu puppy?
That would depend on our temperament, lifestyle, and the amount of time we can devote to a new puppy. The Shiba Inu is a challenging dog breed, because he is extremely stubborn, dominant, and smart.
Shiba Inu training is a must, and it can be a very time consuming and frustrating process, especially in the beginning.
Patience and time are two key ingredients, that we will need in abundance.
Shibas are inside dogs, that need the company of their people. A Shiba puppy that is constantly left in his own company, will become stressed, unhappy, destructive, and aggressive.
If you still want a Shiba Inu after all this – then get a puppy from an accredited breeder, or from a Shiba Inu rescue.
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Hi! I have been reading your blog and any training information you post for weeks now. I’ve been debating on which post to comment on, and I think this one is perfect! When my fiance, David, and I began talking about getting a dog, he asked me to move I with him so whatever dog we decided to get would respect both of our authority. We both really wanted a Husky, but with only an apartment, we knew that wouldn’t be possible. We then fellin love with Shibas. We contacted a breeder and have been in touch with her since about February and will have first pick of the two girls from the litter that was born exactly two weeks ago. David has had family dogs, but neither one of us has had our own dog – so we have definitely put a lot of thought into how raising a shiba would go, and we’re still determined as ever. We have both done hours of research through your blog, tv shows, training books, and we really feel prepared for just about anything we could expect from our feisty little puppy, but I was just wondering, do you have any specific advice for our first weekend with her? From when we will bring her home Friday afternoon until I go back to work on Tuesday? Haha, or more specifically – Any advice for a stubborn couple determined to raise a stubborn dog right?
Hello Sarah,
Congratulations on your new Shiba puppy!
When I bring a puppy home, I usually let him go potty as soon as we get there. Then I walk him on leash in the backyard. Then I bring him inside the house and walk him on lead there, and introduce him to each room.
I also make sure to set consistent rules right off and establish a fixed routine.
I start simple obedience training exercises right away (e.g. mark, no-mark, focus exercises). I also start bite inhibition exercises and start to get puppy accustomed to handling. Shibas can be fussy about handling, so that is a good thing to do right away and keep up with.
When I brought Shiba Sephy home, he was kind of reserved the first couple of days. Things were new and he was still unsure of himself. He didn’t start with his Shiba moves until he got used to the environment. If I knew then, what I know now, I would have established rules and some obedience during these first few quiet days.
Hugs to your puppy! Take lots of pictures – they grow up very quickly.
Helloo from Greece.. i have a Shetland sheepdog wich is also a wonderful dog
but i want a dog for my sister and she loves shiba inu..where can i find a good breeder for this dog? thank ty very much and i am waiting forward hearing from you!!
mimis
The best way that I know of to find a good breeder is through the country Kennel Club. For example, here, I looked for a breeder from the American Kennel Club (AKC). Each breed usually has a breed specific club and each club has a list of registered breeders. These breeders have to follow club guidelines when it comes to breeding, and they also show their dogs. They will usually breed for both health and temperament. For example, here is the breeder referral clubs from the AKC.
http://www.akc.org/breederinfo/breeder_search.cfm
Here is the breeder list from the National Shiba Club of America.
http://www.shibas.org/breeders.html
Some breeders do sometimes ship their pups so that is one possiblity.
Since you are in Greece, it may be better to go through The Kennel Club in the UK-
http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/services/public/acbr/Default.aspx?breed=Japanese+Shiba+Inu
Here is more on the different puppy purchasing options-
http://shibashake.com/dog/how-to-get-a-dog-cheap-dog-cheap-puppy
Hi there! I’m so excited to have come upon your blog! When I read your socializing the shiba to other dogs section, I couldn’t believe how many of the behaviours described my shiba Yuki to a tee. She’s now 2 years old and has been through puppy socialization and continiued dog training to this day.We’re part of a dog club and go to training every Sunday. She also doesn’t like strange dogs bounding up to her or trying to sniff her butt, she seems to expect a certain amount of respect from them. She has doggy friends and some dogs she doesn’t like, today she had a screaming fit at a big airdale who dared approach me when I was holding a treat! She kept lunging at him and “shouting” but she didn’t really attack him. I felt quite bad as it sounded worse than it was and some of the other dog handlers got a bit of a fright. I often feel I have to explain her behaviour so I printed out your socialization article for written backup proof!
Natasha
Hello Natasha,
Heh, yeah Shibas definitely are definitely “characters”!
There was this one class that I went to with Sephy. Usually the sessions are conducted outside where there is more space, and he is ok in that situation. Plus he gets to play with the other dogs before class. However, one time it was raining so we had to move inside, into a room. Sephy spent the whole time making a fuss, and all he wanted to do was get to the other dogs. The instructor barricaded us behind a wall of crates! LOL!
That still didn’t help though, so I took him out for a walk in a rain. He was better after that. Usually I find that removing Sephy from the “excitement stimulus” helps to calm him down. Here is another fun Sephy story …
http://shibashake.com/dog/embarrassed-by-my-dog
Hugs to Yuki, although I think she would prefer cheese a lot more!
Hello! I have always wanted a Shiba Inu and I know people say they are independant, but my music teacher has one and she is very sweet. Anyway, I was just wondering how long it took you to socialize your Shiba, if he is already socialized.
Hello Kaitlyn,
I am not sure how to answer this question. I guess it depends on what you mean by “socialize”. My Shiba Sephy is pretty good today about encountering new situations. However, there are certain behaviors that he considers to be rude, for example butt sniffing. He also does not like dogs that try to dominate him.
Also, socialization is a life-long process. If we do a lot with puppy when he is young and then stop taking him out when he grows up, he will likely become unused to new situations. Here are a couple of articles on my experience with dog socialization-
http://shibashake.hubpages.com/_srec/hub/Dogs-need-socialize-with-other-dogs-socialization
http://shibashake.com/dog/is-dog-socialization-a-good-thing
Great article as always! I really love your blog and feel like I’m getting a little bit on the stalker-ish side with how much I read all of your articles, lol. I am getting a two year old Shiba and I’m excited that I won’t have to deal with the training, but I’m a little sad that I am missing out on the puppy years. Anyway, I know Sephy is 5 years old now, but I was wondering what he was like at 2 years old? Was he still playful and energetic like a puppy at times? Am I missing a lot by getting a 2 years old?
Thanks for in advance for answering my questions!
Hello Rin,
Sephy is still playful and energetic at 5. He is more calm than he was as a puppy, but he plays a lot with the Sibes, and when we least expect it, he will pull-out one of his “Shiba moves”.
Truthfully, I would have been very happy to skip Sephy’s first year of terror.
Congratulations on your new Shiba. Let us know how it goes when you get him and share some pictures with us.
The more I read your postings, the more I fall in love with this dog. We must have gotten the exception with ours. He is mostly obedient, loves to “bring” stuff that you throw for him. He initiates play all the time and becomes very indignant when we don’t have time when he wants it.
He will sit, down, roll over, high five, give paw, play dead, stay (mostly) and loves visitors.
We recently took him to a town celebration where the people were passing by in droves. This was a training session for him to learn to be calm in that sort of setting. He was touchy at first, but with good treats, encouragement from us and a calm firm hand, it was a great sucess.
He is excitable with other dogs, whining and crying to see them. Once he is calm, he will greet, but then turn in an instant. This is my only complaint. He is so crazy when other dogs are around. Any suggestions?
Yeah, Sephy is pretty reactive to other dogs at all. What has worked really well for Sephy is to create neutral experiences and just move along. I also did a fair amount of desensitization exercises with him when he was young.
Here are more on our experiences with other dogs.
I will be more than honest, my shiba ( Charlie) is an absolute love, he has all of the listed traits, some more than others LOL! patience is key, as well as calmness in handling, Charlie, was easily housebroken, trained to sit, give paw, as well as Fetch!!!..which we routinely do daily, Socialization of this breed with larger dogs, I find is key for friendly manner developement, he is an ALPHA by far, wit the smaller breeds, and that I find bothersome, but that is their personality, Charlie is the celebrity in my neigborhood, and is a total creature of habit, as we do the exact same hour long walk, so he can do his neighborly visiting of both my friends, as well as their dogs!!, and yes, he whimpers if I try to go in a different direction, so continuity is key with them….also the sound effects from him are quite Hilarious, especially when he wants a nibble of my dinner, all in all, it is true owning a Shba Inu, is not like owning your ordinary dog, they are different all in themselves, and I wouldn’t change a thing about him, and am proud to say, I am a Shiba Inu owner…..he brings so much character and happiness into my life, if you are up to it, then by all means get one….but they are not your standard house breed, they need stimulation, and lots of lots of exercise…the constant long and ENJOYABLE walks, have not only help me get back into shape, but have also helped me to decompress after a long day as well…
Charlie sounds like a wonderful Shiba!
Sephy will maybe fetch one or two balls, if he is in the mood, but most of the time he just gives me the Shiba-look.
That is so very true, and what a positive way to see things. The walks also help me decompress, and to think of things in new ways. Usually I will be struggling with some programming issue, and when I get back from the walk, I have figured out several new ways to attack it.
Hugs to Charlie!
Just got mine from a friend recently he’s a year and a half old. He’s stubborn as hell but cowardly. He’s been great though, not a barker, does like attention and being around people, fairly active dog but doesn’t mind lounging for hours as well. He loves the Kong toys I’ve bought him, so perhaps this helps maintain their interest? I don’t know but he’s been smooth sailing so far…knock on wood!
Hello Franco,
Congratulations on your Shiba! It is good to hear that he is doing so well.
As you say, I think as long as they get enough of the right attention and exercise, they are actually fairly low maintenance (except maybe when going to the vet). Also, I noticed my Shiba calming down a lot after he turned 1, so maturity is probably also part of the equation. Good early training also helps.
When Sephy was young, one of the most difficult areas to deal with was his mouthiness. But he has gotten a whole lot better about that.
Hugs to your Shiba!
My husband and I adopted a Shibu about 4 months ago…raised in a kennel…7 yrs old, we had her spayed and now she is very nervous and jumpy. We are trying the kindness/reward training. Scolding/yelling/jerking leash only made situation much worse…loves goose meat treats…long walks with her catching small birds when possible, are her favorite. Does not know how to play…yet…We are hoping she can be off lease in a few months and run the 320 acres we have and come back to kennel up at night— using a leash for the rest of her life is not our vision of fun!
Help! This is my first dog and I finally convinced my parents to get one. I picked a shiba bcuz it was so CA-YOOT! Then yea- trouble began and u guys capture the personality in the articles. can u teach me how to make my shiba lose his ‘i want this so too bad i’m gonna do it and ya cant stop me’ behavior.
thx so much if u can help!
p.s- don’t u luv it when ur shiba rolls over and lets u scratch its tummy and licks u(well until u realize they were just covering up the bad thing they did)
Your site has been incredibly helpful and is quite thorough and well made. Thank you for sharing all your advice with the rest of us.
One question, I am about to inherit a well behaved, if a tad cowardly, Imo-Inu from a friend. Do you have any experience with this hybrid? She’s supposed to be a 50-50 but seems to look and act much like a shiba
Hello Britton,
I don’t have any experience with the Imo-Inu.
However, like the Shiba Inu, the American Eskimo dog is also from the Spitz family, so the combination would likely be independent and stubborn.
I really love this breed, been eyeing it for years now, it’s just my work schedule that prevent me from getting one.
I’m usually off work from 7am to 5.30pm weekdays. Would that be fair for a shiba to have no access to human care for that long? If i get one, how do i make up for the time loss? would that even possible?
Hello Michael,
A possibility is to put Shiba in a dog daycare some days of the week or to hire a dog walker. I tried daycare and group dog walking with Shiba Sephy when he was young and both activities really tired him out.
However, it can be a challenge to find people who can properly handle a Shiba. Also, such services can end up being somewhat expensive.
I wouldn’t advocate it – but our Shiba is frequently home the whole day by himself. He is surprisingly nonchalant about it and doesn’t have any noticeable ill-affects. However, he is also a fairly mellow guy. We keep him in a play pen so he doesn’t eat the whole house with some toys, food and water.
When we get home, he is super happy and jumpy for about 20 minutes, we play a game to work off some of the excess energy (fetch or the kibble game), take him for a walk, and then he’s fine the rest of the night.
We do put him in doggy day care once a week for dog socialization and I take him in to work with me periodically to help keep him from getting too lonely. (He just sleeps under my desk – he’s kind of lazy).
I would talk to your breeder when you get the puppy. They can usually help determine if the dogs they are raising are going to be mellow or neurotic based on the parents (though it’s not an exact science!) and tell you if they may adjust to being alone or if they will go bonkers.
awww cute dogs
[...] Shiba Inu has very large teeth and he is not afraid to use them. The Shiba Inu breed is a primitive breed. As a result, Shibas tend to be more mouthy, and may lose control more easily, [...]
wow I found you again but I seem to be on the wrong comment pages. I lost your website when my computer crashed earlier this year. You may rememeber my puppy Bear who is now almost a year old! Its been an exciting year of growth for both me and my Shibas lives! Except for the very occasional heart attack he gives me everything is great! He is getting ready to have a birthday party with some of his doggie friends that also have birthdays around the same time as his. Ok call me crazy having 10 or more dogs playing in my backyard and eating doggie birthday cake! Glad I found you again and point me to where I was commenting back the end of 2009 beginning of 2010!
Hi Kathy,
That sounds like a wonderful party. Sephy says he wants to go too!
So make sure to take lots of pictures and share them with us!
What type of birthday cake are they going to have? I usually do peanut butter, honey, and carrot for Sephy and Shania.
Your previous comments were in the Shiba Inu Personality article. Here are some links -
http://shibashake.com/dog/shiba-inu-personality-good-bad-traits/comment-page-3#comment-3123
http://shibashake.com/dog/shiba-inu-personality-good-bad-traits/comment-page-3#comment-2753
Hello Mari,
They now have dog DNA testing so that may help with determining your dog’s breed. I have never done that myself though, so I am not sure how accurate it is, especially when differentiating two breeds that are so close in ancestry.
Definitely call up several places and ask them a lot of questions. Let us know what the results are
I have 2 Shiba Inus. The female is 6yrs. and the male is 2yrs. My female ranges between 17 and 20lbs. My male is 40lbs which is big for a Shiba Inu. I have been doing a bit of research on the japanese breeds and also when I was walking the male a japanese woman asked if I knew what breed he was. when I replied Shiba Inu she said no he is a Shikoku. The breeder I bought him from is Alvin and Patsy Ann Zimmerman and have him registered as a Shiba Inu is this due to the fact that the Shikoku is not recognized in the ACA. If any one could help me out thanks.
Wow – now I’m very envious!
I am a big fan of video games (mostly RPGs) and anime. Blizzard, I think, would be an awesome video game company to work for, although I hear that the people there work super crazy hours.
Good luck! Sounds like you are heading for much fun and excitement.
I had a few ideas, both involve Video Game Development. My original thought was to study in Japan, though I don’t know Japanese, so I’m thinking of studying at Digipen (which I hear is one of the best) then when I get a job in the field, oh lets say like Nintendo or Microsoft (I’m keeping my hopes high lol) then I see if I cant transfer to japan.
That sounds like a great idea! Let me know if you have any questions.
Also, best of luck with college. I am a bit envious of you – college is a fun time. What are you planning to study?
Thank you that was a very helpful answer. I think I will keep doing research for when I am ready to get a Shiba (maybe in a few yeas), and hopefully by that time I will be able to give my Shiba the time he/she needs.
Thanks again!
Hello Dillon,
It is great that you are doing so much research and thinking carefully about this.
As you already know, Shibas can be very difficult dogs and they need a lot of attention. I spent a lot of time with Sephy and did a lot of training with him but did not notice a big change until after over 1 year. Shiba Sephy just turned 3, and I noticed another big mellowing out around this time. I think it takes time for a Shiba to learn, bond, and mature.
Personally, I think you can enjoy the college experience a lot more without having to worry about a dog at the same time. I had a great time in college, and don’t think I would have had the same types of freedoms and experiences if I had to be responsible for a dog. A dog can place a lot of constraints on your time and schedule, and they can also be very expensive with their yearly shots, teeth cleaning, and sometimes unexpected vet visits.
There will be plenty of time to get a Shiba later on, but now is the time to enjoy college, enjoy new people, and enjoy new experiences. This time in college only comes around once
HI, I think shiba are are really cute and for the past couple weeks I am really considering getting one. I have contacted most of the local kennels for their opinion and now I am asking yours.
Here is the thing, I am a college student. I would assume by me saying this your first reaction is no, but I have read on many sites, including yours, so I know what I will be getting into. I guess the hardest part would be when I go to school, though If I get one over the summer and push and get as much training in before school starts is there some chance that it will work out?
When I first saw them I wanted one (based on looks), then I thought, that If I got one he/she will force me to play and even get out side, be a better person, and even keeping me away from things that I shouldn’t be doing (i.e. video games).
Even though everyone says shiba are hard to train, I have seen videos on youtube of shibas even off collar! Im going to be very optimistic and shoot for this (thought they are expensive so I most likely not do this).
I study traditional martial arts so I know patients and all of that. PLEASE if you still think this would be a bad Idea let me know I want an honest answer, even If that means I end up not getting one
Thank you very much!
Hello Toni, Yeah Shibas are great fun to live with. Never a dull moment because they have so much personality and are always doing something new and unexpected.
I always tell people – depends on what you want from your dog. If you want an obedient type, then don’t get a Shiba! lol
PARTY ON, DUDES!!!
SHIBA’S ROCK HARD CORE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have always wanted a shiba inu since i was about 5 years old. I am 11, going on 12, would absoulutly recommend the shiba inu. They’re lovable, cute, and a bit stubburn, but you gotta love them, right?
Yoshi sounds wonderful!
I think the great thing about Shibas is that they are always doing unexpected crazy things to surprise you. Never a dull moment – lol.
“the only way to do it is by playing and rewarding him, this is not a dog to be harsh with otherwise he will lose confidence in you”
I totally agree with you on this. I really lost a lot of my Shiba’s trust initially when I was using aversive training. His behavior improved significantly once I switched to reward training and everyone is having a much better time
Yoshi is a lucky Shiba to have found you.
I must visit Portugal someday. Such a beautiful country.
Hi there! I’m from Europe (Portugal) and I have a Shiba Inu (and 2 cat’s
, he’s name is Yoshi and he’s 6 months old, until now we are getting along really good, he’s really crazy and… I love it! I was able to teach him to sit, lay down, stay and only to eat in my comand (after lot’s of reading in the internet from blogs like yours so thanks for it!) and the only way to do it is by playing and rewarding him, this is not a dog to be harsh with otherwise he will lose confidence in you. In Europe this is not a common breed so everyone is always asking if it’s a real Fox and most of the people never heard of Shiba’s.
Hello Shiba Owner,
Yeah I love Shibas of all colors. Sephy, my Shiba is red in color so those are the pictures that I have. Would love to see your Shiba, so send us a link to some pictures.
And it is great that you are socializing your Shiba to other dogs. My Shiba really loves playful, younger dogs. The more dominant dogs though generally don’t get along well with him
I own a shiba & shes beutiful. shes black & tan…. u mite wanna put up some more pics of tht color. i luv her 2 death & shes sometimes ok w/ other dogs. shs kind iffy. but we inspired my friend 2 get 1 2. htey luv her!
Hi Missy,
You are so right! Shibas really *do* grow on you. I think mine has me pretty well-trained now
My Shiba is also iffy with other dogs. He really does not like new dogs coming up to him and sniffing his butt. He prefers to get to know them first before he will allow butt sniffing. I suppose I can understand that – I wouldn’t want some stranger sniffing my butt either until I have gotten to know them better – lol.
I’ve had 2 sheba’s for about 7 years now, they were inherited & not my 1st choice. They’ve grown to be the most loving wonderful family dogs! From standofish snobs to loving kids attention!! though still dog aggressive we can’t imagine our home w/out them!!
Thanks chicamom – Beauty always has its price
lol frogdropping – Nah stay away from em – they are no good. Plus I don’t think Shiba Inu will get along with Kevin. Both want to be Ruler of the Universe
RVilleneuve – “so beautiful and so impossible” – that pretty much sums up a Shiba Inu
rchicaferro – LOL! Sadly, it is true
We are both very high maintenance, but I haven’t caused any bite wounds … yet!
lol Janetta – knee deep in dog poop – story of my life
Things are actually going well. Almost done – then I just have to fix all the other non-dog ones, my squidoo articles, and my website. Gotta eke out that extra 10 cents of AdSense cash! 
Hey Shiba! As always, loved looking at the pics of pretty puppy Sephy!! Great job on the hub– how are the reconstructions going?? Still knee deep in dog hubs ?? lol
Great Hub! And, my bet is that Shiba Inu has the same personality as its mom, Shibashake!
Yes, I had one of these dogs. He was so beautiful and so impossible. He even chewed his way through a crate.
Shiba – I’d love one. I like challenging animals. Even my horses have been harder work than they had busines being … I spent more time on the floor than actually on their backs.
Probably my biggest challenge, pet-wise, was my Shepherd. He took hours and hours, months and months – of dedication. But he was worth every second. And I’d do it all again.
Great article Shiba
Nice hub, the pictures are awesome, what a beautiful dog.
Good to see you Rochelle. Actually I started off with very little patience, so my Shiba Inu has really helped me grow quite a lot as a person
lol – Good choice Gypsy. I am not sure if I will get another Shiba Inu. I love my Siberian Husky and am very interested in trying out other dog breeds. Shiba Inus really do kindda grow on you though
I think I’ll stick with my Lab. Interesting hub, thanks
I can see why you are enthralled with this attractive breed. You obviously must have a lot of patience and energy. Beautiful dog.