The Shiba Inu is Japan's most popular native breed, an ancient Spitz-type dog with a bold, fiery personality and fox-like good looks. Independent, fastidious, and deeply spirited, Shiba Inus have a cat-like quality to their self-sufficiency that makes them unique among dog breeds. They require experienced, patient owners who can appreciate and work with their strong-willed nature.
I have owned dogs for twenty years and my Shiba is the most interesting challenge I have had. Traditional training methods barely touch her. I had to learn new approaches, understand her motivation, and negotiate rather than dictate. When I adjusted my approach she responded. She is not obedient in …
Read full review →My Shiba Inu is like no other dog I have experienced. She is clean, cat-like in her self-maintenance, and fastidious about her personal space. She is loyal to me in a deep, quiet way that is nothing like the eager devotion of a retriever. She observes the world with intelligent, measured eyes and do…
Read full review →My Shiba is the most entertaining dog I have owned. He has strong opinions about everything and expresses them dramatically. He performs the Shiba scream in protest at bath time, nail trims, and vetted appointments. He is a gifted escape artist who views containment as a puzzle to solve. He is devot…
Read full review →My Shiba took six months to fully trust me and accept me as her person. The process was gradual and required patience and respect for her boundaries. But once that bond formed it was deep and solid. She is devoted to me in a way that is different from other breeds but no less real. She sleeps at my …
Read full review →The first Shiba scream nearly gave me a heart attack. Now I find it completely hilarious. My Shiba expresses displeasure with a drama that is disproportionate to every situation. He screams at the sight of the nail clippers, at having his paw wiped, at being asked to come inside. He is theatrical an…
Read full review →My Shiba grooms herself like a cat, rarely smells, and her coat stays remarkably clean between the twice-yearly blow-outs. The coat care during shedding season is intense but otherwise she is the lowest maintenance dog I have owned physically. Behaviourally she requires significant management and on…
Read full review →I got my Shiba thinking his independence would be refreshing. It was more than I bargained for. He is difficult to train, uninterested in pleasing me, and selective about when recall applies. He has escaped twice and caused two incidents with other dogs. He is not aggressive toward people and is act…
Read full review →My Shiba Inu is one of the most beautiful dogs I have ever seen. His red and white coat is immaculate, his expression is perpetually alert and intelligent, and his compact, muscular build is perfect. He carries himself with an aristocratic confidence that draws attention wherever we go. He is not th…
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