Shiba Inu

Question 1

Is the Shiba Inu good with children?

Answer

Yes, the Shiba Inu is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Shiba Inu naturally loves children.

Question 2

Is the Shiba Inu friendly with strangers?

Answer

Yes, the Shiba Inu is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the Shiba Inu is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.

Question 3

Is the Shiba Inu friendly with other dogs?

Answer

Yes, the Shiba Inu is very friendly with other dogs. We still recommend early socialization while the Shiba Inu is a puppy to introduce them to various new dogs, but in general they are friendly with dogs as soon as they meet them.

Question 4

Does the Shiba Inu like to cuddle?

Answer

The Shiba Inu loves physical affection and cuddles. If you're looking for a cuddle partner you may have found the one!

Question 5

Does the Shiba Inu like to play?

Answer

The Shiba Inu is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.

Question 6

Does the Shiba Inu make a good service dog?

Answer

Historically, the Shiba Inu has never been used as a service dog and really would not be a good fit.

Question 7

Is the Shiba Inu good for first-time owners?

Answer

The Shiba Inu is an excellent breed for first-time owners. They love pleasing their owner, and rarely are aggressive or over-dominant.

Question 8

How well can the Shiba Inu be trained?

Answer

The Shiba Inu is about average when it comes to training potential. The Shiba Inu can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.

Question 9

Does the Shiba Inu shed a lot?

Answer

The Shiba Inu is an average shedder. Shiba Inu owners will probably still tell you it's a lot of shedding, but certain breeds shed even more.

Question 10

Is the Shiba Inu easy to groom?

Answer

The Shiba Inu requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Shiba Inu to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Shiba Inu on your own as well.

Question 11

Does the Shiba Inu need a lot of exercise?

Answer

The Shiba Inu requires some daily exercise, but daily walks should be enough. The Shiba Inu appreciates going outside and on daily walks, but they will be ok without anything overly athletic.

Question 12

How smart is the Shiba Inu?

Answer

The Shiba Inu is a bit goofy and may not be as intelligent as some other breeds, but that is what people oftentimes love about the Shiba Inu!

Question 13

How much does the Shiba Inu bark? Does the Shiba Inu bark too much?

Answer

The Shiba Inu barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Shiba Inus - some may be much more expressive than others.

Question 14

Is the Shiba Inu a good guard dog?

Answer

The Shiba Inu would not make a good guard dog. They can be alert, but typically do not have the desire or instinct to take on "guarding" as their job.

Question 15

Is the Shiba Inu good at staying alone? Is the Shiba Inu independent?

Answer

The Shiba Inu does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.

Question 16

Is the Shiba Inu a good apartment dog?

Answer

The Shiba Inu can be a good dog for apartment living. Daily exercise is still important, but the Shiba Inu is a better fit for apartment living than most breeds.

Question 17

How big is the Shiba Inu?

Answer

The Shiba Inu is one of the biggest dog breeds in the world. In the "giant" category!

Question 18

How much does the Shiba Inu tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Shiba Inu?

Answer

The Shiba Inu does not tolerate hot weather very well, and we would not recommend having a Shiba Inu if you live in a very hot weather climate. At the minimum, they would need a home with air conditioning.

Question 19

How much does the Shiba Inu tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Shiba Inu?

Answer

The Shiba Inu does not tolerate cold weather very well, and we would not recommend having a Shiba Inu if you live in a very cold weather climate. Even if your home is warm, it can be inconvenient to go on walks, and you may need to have a sweater for your Shiba Inu.

Question 20

Does the Shiba Inu try to run away?

Answer

The Shiba Inu does not have a large drive to run away. They can still be distracted and run, so precautions should be taken, but overall they have a less than average urge to run away.

Question 21

Is the Shiba Inu a healthy dog? The health of a Shiba Inu should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

Answer

The Shiba Inu has many health problems that should be considered. The Shiba Inu can still live a perfectly healthy life, but it's important to consider all of these health risks ahead of time.

Question 22

How energetic is the Shiba Inu?

Answer

The Shiba Inu has some energy and requires daily walks, but overall the Shiba Inu has less energy than average.

Question 23

How much does the Shiba Inu drool?

Answer

The Shiba Inu drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.

Question 24

Does the Shiba Inu have a large prey drive? Does the Shiba Inu like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

Answer

The Shiba Inu has some prey drive, so should not be left alone with very small animals such as birds, mice, or gerbils, but with some gradual introduction should be fine living with a cat in the same home.

Question 25

Is the Shiba Inu atheltic?

Answer

The Shiba Inu can have athletic moments, and bursts of speed, but does not have the endurance as other highly athletic dog breeds. They would do great for occasional jogs, but probably not the best for long-distance runs or anything more athletic than that.