Shiba Inus are smarter than most people. This is why not everyone gets along with them and why, sadly, many Shiba Inus wind up abandoned. But there are people who admire and can relate to the temperament of the Shiba Inu or Shiba. Living with a Shiba can be different from living with a mongrel or a very affectionate people-pleasing breed like a golden retriever, but Shibas can be incredible dogs – for those people that can appreciate their temperament.
Cat Like
National Shiba Inu Rescue describes Shibas as “cat like” in that they are very choosy about who they give affection to. Shibas are wary of strangers, other dogs and usually cats. Unlike many other dog breeds, the Shiba does not consider everyone he meets to be a new friend. When walking a Shiba, warn anyone coming close not to touch because the Shiba may see the stranger as a threat.
Shibas are also not into obedience like many other dog breeds. The Shiba does what she has to when she feels like it. If you toss a ball and the Shiba is not into playing that day, the Shiba may stare at you until you are the one to go over and get the ball. Liz Palika, author of “The Howell Book of Dogs” (Howell Book House; 2009) notes that some cat owners found Shibas to be their perfect first-time dog.
Brave
Shibas were bred to be highly intelligent hunting dogs that could take down prey nearly twice their weight or drive the prey out of cover into their masters’ line of fire. In order to do this, the Shiba had to be solve problems, make quick decisions and face down a really ticked off prey animal.
The Japanese describe this aspect of a Shiba as “kan-i.” Many North Americans and Europeans describe this in words like “stubborn” or “untrainable.” Shibas are trainable, as long as you make the Shiba believe that doing what you want was the Shiba’s idea, not yours. Also, Shibas have a strong prey drive. They will climb fences or take off like a rocket after prey. They need to be supervised when outside and they always should be leashed when on walks.
Possessiveness
The National Shiba Club of America states that if a Shiba could talk, it would say, “That’s mine.” If a Shiba wants something, the Shiba is going to be awful cranky if he or she can’t get that something. Shibas have to be taught at an early age that it is in their own best interest to give things up to their people rather than keep everything they want.
Many people do not have the time, patience or intelligence to deal with a Shiba. They want a dog that’s basically a furry slave. But if you can deal with a dog you have to compromise with and spend time with, then the Shiba will reward you with loyalty and friendship reserved for you.
References:
ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs.” Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD. Chronicle Books; 1999.
“The Howell Book of Dogs.” Liz Palika; Howell Book House; 2009.
National Shiba Inu Rescue. “Is a Shiba Inu Right For You?” http://national.shibarescue.org/listings/index.php/about-shiba-inus
National Shiba Club of America. “An Introduction to the Shiba Inu.” http://www.shibas.org/newstand/geninfo.html
