the Shiba Inu is a dog that is more like a cat.

Therefore, I thought it would be fun to look at –

• How Shiba Inus got their cat like status, and
• How they are similar to as well as different from cats.

Shiba Neko 1 – Independent, Aloof, and Stubborn

Probably the most important way in which a Shiba Inu resembles a cat is in his independence, aloofness, and stubbornness. Like cats, Shibas enjoy their own company and are usually not 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 he really wants – then Watch Out!

Shiba Inus 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, Shiba Inus are extremely clean and will spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves. Frequently, my Shiba Sephy will not only groom himself, but also help clean my Siberian Husky.

Clearly, Husky Shania 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.

Sephy 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, Shiba Inus will only allow human handling when it is done 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 examination and treatment extremely difficult.

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

Shiba Inus are good at guarding the house and will always alert you when something is out of place.

• A Closet Homebody

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.

Sephy likes staying in the house with me most of the day, whereas Husky Shania is always out in the backyard doing her own thing.

Sephy gets more anxious when he is alone, whereas Shania is happy to keep herself occupied, and then give us a very wet greeting when we come home.

• A Loyal Companion

This seems like a strange property when combined with their apparent independence and aloofness, but Shiba Inus are really quite loyal.

My Siberian Husky is a very friendly dog, who loves to meet people and get affection. However, she will probably go home with the first person who gives her some pieces of sausage.

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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