“It takes a person of great patience and understanding to own a Japanese Shiba Inu”

As cute as these dogs are, they are not the dog for everyone.  They are intelligent - sometimes too intelligent for their own good. They can be cunning like the fox. They can figure out problems with great ease and may even teach you things you didn't think a dog could do!

The well-bred Shiba Inu is good-natured, alert and bold. He is strong-willed, confident, and independent. They are loyal and affectionate with their family, though can be suspicious of strangers. The Shiba is me and mine, he does not share his belongings with anyone!  They can be possessive of their food, toys or territory. They don’t always get along with other dogs and they won't hesitate to chase small animals that they can consider as prey.

They generally are NOT trusted off a lead unless supervised or in a fenced garden. They will forget their name as the hunting gene takes over! They do not bark a lot yet they can make a sound known as the "Shiba Scream" - one may witness this noise when a Shiba is severely displeased with a situation such as a visit to the vet, having a bath or having their nails trimmed.

It is important to point out that Shibas are NOT lap dogs and they are NOT Labrador retrievers. They are independent and aloof. Most Shibas do not like to be picked up and cuddled yet, but they can be very affectionate.

QUICK TIPS

GROOMING – Shibas are very clean and generally do not smell however, they do moult twice a year. This involves a warm bath to remove the dead coat, brushing frequently and vacuuming your floors. Despite this, a weekly brush and bath when required with regular nail trimming will keep your Shiba in tip top shape! Regular grooming (with a reputable spitz experienced dog groomer) should start from an early age (16 weeks) for a ‘bath and blast’ to ensure clean skin, as well as checking for external parasites.

EXERCISE - A regular walk twice daily will be all your Shiba requires for exercise - do not just let them out in the garden. They need to have regular stimulation and a walk around your neighbourhood is ideal.  Shibas are energetic and will keep up with you on a run enjoying an active lifestyle. Shibas adapt well to different living conditions, they will morph into you and your routine. Shibas are not reliable off lead – they are a hard-nosed hunting breed, DNA cannot be removed by training.

TRAINING - Shibas are not the easiest dog to train but with determination, a Shiba will become a very nice companion for a family. Training is a must and has to be fun for a Shiba as they will get very bored. Shibas learn very fast and can learn anything. Training your family, especially children how to treat a Shiba is a priority, as there will be consequences later. Shibas have a problem getting along with dogs of the same sex. If you want your Shiba to behave a certain way, show him, don't scold him.

ACTIVITIES – Shibas excel in many disciplines including canicross, agility, obedience, barn hunt and therapy dogs.

There are two main options to consider when searching for a Shiba. These are:

• Finding a puppy from a reputable preservation breeder

• Rehome/Rescue

FINDING A PRESERVATION BREEDER

When searching for a breeder of the Shiba, you should be looking for a ‘Preservation Breeder’. A preservation breeder has the breed at the forefront in terms of type, structure, temperament and include dogs from the country of origin (Japan) within their breeding programme.  Many preservation breeders are also Assured Breeders with the Kennel Club. A preservation breeder strives for perfection in their dogs and should offer all owners a backup service throughout the entirety of the dog’s life including advice with training, nutrition and trouble shoot any problems you may encounter. They will invite you to their homes and discuss the breed to ensure that this is the right breed for you. Be prepared to travel to a good breeder, you will be able to meet their dogs and spend a few hours discussing the breed which you could be owning in the future.

THINGS TO CHECK:

• Has the breeder asked you to fill in a puppy application form? This gives breeders a good introduction to yourself and assists in assessing suitability.  

• Are the puppies vaccinated and microchipped? Puppies cannot leave the breeder until they are at least 8 weeks or older.

• Is there a contract in place? A reputable breeder will only sell dogs with a contract in place, normally with clauses not for breeding and not for export or resale.

• Does the breeder breed ‘Mame-Shibas’ or other cross breeds? This is not ethical.

• Does the breeder participate in breeding non breed standard colours? Black Sesame, Pinto, Merle or using ‘glamourous’ colour terms.

• Have the parents been health tested? GM1, GM2, Gonioscopy, BVA General Eye Test.

• Does the breeder participate in breed showing? Have they had success?

• Is the breeder a member of this breed club?

For more info, please feel free to contact the club for advice.