The Shiba Inu is a dog breed native to Japan. This dog was originally bred to hunt wild animals (such as wild boars) in mountainous areas. Despite their modest size, these confident dogs are known for their ability to hunt bears. The Shiba Inu race is loyal and loving. However, just like any other dog, it also has temperament issues to consider. If you are buying a puppy, think seriously about whether a Shiba will be a good fit for you.
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Method 1 of 3: Determining If Shiba Inu is Right for You
Step 1. Consider his hunting instincts
Shiba Inu were previously groomed as hunting dogs for small animals (birds) and sometimes larger and more dangerous animals (such as wild boars). However, in this day and age, Shiba was considered a loyal friend, not a hunting partner. However, despite their small size (weighing about 7.7-10.4 kg), this dog is strong and brave and has a strong hunting instinct. Shiba is known to be able to cross fences or escape from his ropes if he sees something he wants to pursue. Shiba is also fast and stronger than his appearance so he should be given obedience training.
Step 2. Know that training Shiba can be difficult
Shiba is very smart, but unlike other dogs, he often uses his intelligence to trick his master. Some people report that their dogs seem to be "plotting something up" and looking for ways to trick them or cross boundaries in training. In essence, Shiba is not easy to train. However, if you are experienced with dogs and want to take on a challenge, training a Shiba can be fun. Watching him focus his sharp mind was interesting.
- Shiba owners ideally are very patient and have plenty of free time to train them. This breed is a working dog, and its energy is often channeled in destructive ways when it is bored. Be prepared to train Shiba not to chew things or run away from the fenced yard.
- Be aware that, just like humans, there are certain dogs that behave differently from the general nature of the herd. Some Shiba are very docile and adaptable.
Step 3. Realize that the Shiba Inu are an independent race
Shiba has a reputation for being more of a cat than a dog. He likes to be alone and his mind is also independent. Shiba's lack of motivation to please humans makes him difficult to train because he doesn't need as much human attention as other races.
His independent spirit is a trait that Shiba owners love. Shiba is not an obedient dog who submits to human orders, but a dog that exudes an aura of dignity and calm of its own
Step 4. Reconsider the breed if you want a dog you can get along with
Most Shiba Inu are very careful about their bodies. He can also be full of drama, which means he will overreact to minor health issues. He can cry shrilly when a little sick. However, when he's not sick, many Shiba don't like to be touched or cuddled, and likely won't curl up on the couch with you like other dog breeds.
The Shiba is a good option for dog owners who don't want constant body contact from other breeds. Shiba Inu stay loyal and loving without having to invade your personal space
Step 5. Be wary of the Shiba Inu's reputation for showing that he can react aggressively
As explained above, Shiba prefers to be left alone, and he tends to be aggressive and can bite if his personal boundaries are crossed. This meant that Shiba was not the right race for a child. Shiba also does not tolerate other animals well, and often chases and manages dogs that he considers weaker. Shiba is also possessive of his goods and food. You should keep a close eye on Shiba, especially if you have other animals or have children at home.
Step 6. Consider whether you want a male or a female
Male Shiba Inu are usually more playful and interactive than females. The female Shiba is more relaxed and less attention seeking than the male Shiba. Choose a gender that better matches the nature of the pet you are looking for.
Step 7. Get ready to take care of the fur
Although most Shiba don't shed all year round, their hair will still fall out in certain months. Be prepared to clean a lot of hair at this time. Shiba's coat is thick and multiple; brush the body weekly to disperse the natural hair oils so that the top coat stays healthy. If you're willing to put in a little effort and deal with the loss problem, you can enjoy the beautiful Shiba coat look.
Step 8. Think about life expectancy and health problems
Shiba Inu usually live for 12 to 15 years. One of the biggest health problems that often afflict the Shiba Inu is chronic allergies, which causes him to itch to the extreme. There is no cure for this allergic condition, although you can control it. However, the costs involved may be high. Shiba is also prone to hypothyroidism and cataracts. Although Shiba can also suffer from hip dysplasia, the risk is lower when compared to larger breeds. Shiba is also considered to have more frequent seizures and seizures than other dogs. When considering breed, make sure you can pay for the treatment if your pet has a medical problem.
Step 9. Don't ignore the strength of the character
All of the behavior described in this article may seem negative, but really we just want to warn about potential problems that may occur. Shiba's personality is strong, and he is a very loyal dog if he manages to develop a bond with his owner. Shiba fans are very attracted to his qualities.
Method 2 of 3: Choosing a Healthy Pup
Step 1. Find a trusted breeder
A good breeder will let you see all the dogs and puppies at all times. They are also willing to take you on a tour of their farm facilities, and are proud of the farm. They usually have a return policy. A breeder who does not allow you to return a puppy for any reason is not responsible for the animal he breeds. It also won't produce too many puppies in a year.
- Make sure the mother dog keeps up to date with the latest vaccinations, and that her puppies receive regular parasite treatment at 4 weeks of age.
- If you live in the US, look for "classifieds" ads for Shiba Inu available at an AKC (American Kennel Club) recommended breeder near you.
Step 2. Recognize the signs of an untrusted Shiba Inu breeder
As a general rule, stay away from those who adopt puppies under 8 weeks of age. Puppies at this age are too young to be safely separated from their mothers. Responsible breeders won't do it. Dirty or overcrowded pens can also be a sign that the breeder you are visiting is adhering to poor breeding standards and practices.
- Forget about breeders who can't provide their puppies with health check information.
- If you are unable to see the mother, leave the breeder immediately. No matter how plausible his explanation is for why the mother cannot be seen, don't trust the farmer. This scheme is usually a classic trap of irresponsible breeders and puppy mills. Buying a puppy from them means that you are supporting their immoral trading practices.
Step 3. Check the health of each puppy
Even if you are dealing with a trusted breeder, you should still look for signs of an unhealthy or sick puppy. The main physical characteristics you should check are:
- Energy: the puppy should not be limp, but must appear alert and energetic
- Clear eyes and nostrils: no fluid or anything should come out around it
- Breathing: the puppy should not cough or sneeze excessively, and his breathing should be calm
- Cleanliness: the puppy's genital area must be clean, free of dirt or pus and odors
- Weight: puppies should have baby fat around their ribs
- Fur: the puppy's coat should be clean and shiny, not looking dull or dandruff. Excess oil or baldness is a serious warning sign
- Hearing: clap your hands behind the puppy's head to make sure he reacts and turn towards the source of the sound
- Sight: roll a ball slowly near the puppy (within his range of vision) to make sure he is paying attention to his movements
- Feet: observe the puppy's walking and running to check for signs of lameness, stiffness, or pain
Step 4. Assess the appearance of the two mother dogs
Make sure the puppy has certain standards, especially if you choose him to enter a contest. It can be difficult to predict a puppy's development as an adult, but you can guess this based on the appearance of the two parents. Here are some of the AKC's standard assessments of the Shiba Inu:
- Size: A good male Shiba should be 36.8-42 cm tall and weigh approximately 10.4 kg. The female shiba should be 34, 3-39.3 cm tall and weigh about 7.7 kg.
- Head: Shiba's gaze should be full of confidence and the irises in his eyes are dark brown with black edges. A shiba's forehead should be wide, flat, and slightly hairy. The muzzle should be straight. Shiba's teeth cannot be longer or shorter.
- Body: Shiba's back should be flat from the base of the neck to the tail. He should also be muscular, with a broad chest (from the nape of the neck to the lowest point on the sternum), or slightly shorter than his height. Shiba's tail should curl once, not twice.
- Feather: accepted coat colors are red, sesame, or black. The outer layer of fur should be stiff and straight, while the inner layer should be soft and thick.
- Dogs with an excessive level of measurement, eg males over 41.9 cm or under 36.8 cm, and females over 39.3 or under 34.3 cm will be disqualified from the contest.
Method 3 of 3: Checking the Puppy's Personality
Step 1. Examine the entire pack of dogs
When choosing a puppy, you should look at all of the packs and pay attention to how the puppies interact with each other. Shiba Inu puppies can be curious and not afraid of people. Also pay attention to quality interactions between each puppy, and avoid considering the shy and timid ones. As a general rule, choose a puppy that is not too aggressive but also not too shy.
Shiba puppies who are aggressive and like to bully have the potential to grow up to be aggressive dogs too
Step 2. Don't get distracted because puppies look cute
A baby shiba can look like a cute teddy bear. However, you shouldn't let that look make you forget the task of analyzing his personality.
Step 3. Find a puppy who is curious about humans
Remember whether he approached you on his own, and how much time he spent with you. This way, you know how friendly he is and how comfortable he is when he's around people.
Step 4. Make sure the puppy is given good socialization exercises
Socialization is the process of introducing a variety of experiences to puppies, starting from 3 weeks to 18 weeks of age. What a puppy encounters at this age will be accepted, so he is adaptable and confident. Socialization is important for every puppy, especially for the Shiba breed. Shiba's personality is strong and he likes to show his own opinion. Don't let him become so timid or anxious that he uses his energy to destroy the house.
- Puppies should interact with humans for at least 1.5 hours each day.
- Ideally, choose a puppy that has been raised indoors rather than on a farm. This is advantageous because he is accustomed to the sights, sounds, and smells of home life from an early age.
- Puppies raised on outdoor farms are strangers to normal life. Since the Shiba Inu tends to be independent, breeders must go to great lengths to ensure it is properly socialized.
Step 5. Test him by training him
While predicting a dog's behavior as an adult can be difficult, you can try it a bit by training your dog when he is young. Offer him a toy, then see how difficult or easy it is for you to get the toy back. Try offering treats in exchange for toys. This way, you know how he will respond to training, or whether you will fight against him.
Step 6. Do a simple aggression test
Roll the puppy so that he is lying on his back and maintain this position. While there is some conflicting opinion about the usefulness of this test, many canine behaviorists use it to make predictions about the aggressive nature of dogs as adults. If he growls and tries to fight you, he may become aggressive. If he lay down and was completely passive (usually Shiba wasn't like this!), he would probably become very submissive. A healthy reaction is an intermediate reaction, in which he tries to correct his posture, but does not try to growl or bite.
