I know all about the breed, I'm just looking for stories from people who have had personal experiences with them. A shiba seems like a great addition to my home, but I want to be certain of what I'm getting into.
2006-11-12 19:25:54 · 6 answers · asked by ? 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I LOVE my Shiba Inu. Shibas take a lot of work and patience. I was unprepared for owning one, but after 9 years I am so happy I still own one.... er... I mean she owns me! They can be stubborn, sneaky, agile, smart, really fast runners, cat-like and tend to want to be the alpha dog. But with the right training, they can really bloom. My Shiba Inu Dobi has been featured in Petco ads and on TV and has her own website, MyDarnDog.com
2006-11-13 14:50:55 · answer #1 · answered by duwakahuna 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
May I ask where you are located? I am in Ontario, Canada. I'm the organizer for the Toronto Shiba Inu Meetup group and one of the co-founders of Shiba Rescue GTA
http://shibainu.meetup.com/4/about
http://www.shibarescuegta.ca
If you check out Shiba Rescue GTA's site, in the section called "Is a Shiba right for you?" there are 2 sites highly recommended. Just my opinion, but they are the 2 best sites on the internet that detail the Shiba Inu personality - The Misanthropic Shiba and the site by Rusty - please read, if you haven't already.
I have a 3 yr old red sesame male named Sushi. Shibas are a very challenging, intelligent breed. They are a lot of fun.
You said you have done a lot of research on the breed, which is WONDERFUL! Have you ever met a Shiba in person or spoken with the owner of one? What do you know about Shibas? Shibas are not for everyone - they can be very aloof, but I know some that are not; they are high energy dogs; they shed a lot (usually only twice a year, but it's a lot). They learn very quickly, but also choose when they want to obey or listen to it's owner. They are very comical and cat-like.
Depending on where you live, you could also do a search on Meetup.com , there are several Shiba Meetup groups in the U.S. and a few in Canada.
If you have specific questions, you can email me at c_and_b2002@yahoo.com and I can try to help you.
Also, do a search on Yahoo Groups for Shiba-Inu, it's a fantastic group of owners just waiting to help and share stories.
Good luck on your search.
Bonnie & Sushi
2006-11-13 23:39:13 · answer #2 · answered by c_and_b2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a four year old male Shiba bought from a breeder at 8 weeks and it's my first dog. Breeders will tell you that they vary in personality some are warm and friendly and like mine kissy, kissy with the owner. Others are aloof. The biggest factor to consider is you can NEVER have a Shiba off a leash. No matter how loyal and obediant, they run and ignore cars. Mine has broken leashes and unsnapped snaps but has managed to make it back. They are very strong willed and one of the most instinctive breeds. My dog can be friendly but he has snapped at a couple of people probably because he smelled another dog or cigarette smoke on their hands and although he barks less than once a week, it's hard to know what stranger's expressions or colors set him off. I run with him every day and he can run fast and far. He does not like to be sniffed by other dogs and will take on a dog who gets too close even large breeds.
2006-11-14 02:03:07 · answer #3 · answered by andy m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shibas are great, little Akitas. My friend had a Shiba and it was the best friend he ever had. I t literally protected his entire neighborhood for years.
I think if you are as smart as this type of dog, get one and have the best friend any man could wish to have.
Great luck, find the Shiba that finds you.
If you could get one from a rescue, I find them to be the most incredibly grateful dog around.
2006-11-12 19:33:16 · answer #4 · answered by wildmedicsue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shiba Inus are great dogs if you are a dominant person over your dog. They are sweet and loving and very loyal. My dad has one that he rescued and she is great but she wants things on her terms. It took 3 months just so we could get her nails cut. Now its been 7 years and shes great but for the first 8 months or so she was pushing him everyday.
2006-11-12 21:38:21 · answer #5 · answered by k9_krazy2001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never owned one, but have had a few in my classes. Shibas seem to be pretty stubborn and hard to train. They aren't particularly interested - a bit more cat like.
And I have seen that they do not like other dogs that much - and prefer to be the only dog in the home.
2006-11-12 23:50:57 · answer #6 · answered by dobes 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋