The Shiba Inu is unlike any other breed you may have encountered. They look a bit like a fox, and act a lot like a cat. They are loyal, fearless, and have a mind of their own. You never fully own a Shiba; more like they own you. But once you have had a Shiba, if you are the right kind of person to own one, you will never have anything else.

The Shiba Inu behavior is very much like a cat, They are very clean and they like to groom themselves and are very independent. Some Shiba Inu puppies have even been taught to use a litter box.

The Shiba Inu possesses acute senses and is able to jump quite high. Shiba Inu dogs seldom barks, preferring to shriek. Be forewarned, Shiba Inu s must be kept on leash at all times as they are excellent escape artists who love to hunt small game, and have no regard for motor vehicle traffic.

There is never a dull moment with a Shiba Inu, unlike most other breeds, you won't have a dog/master relationship with them, it will be more of a partnership/friendship. That being said they will be the most loyal friend you will ever have.

The Shiba Inu is a incredible breed, the most interesting, affectionate and happy breed I have ever had (albiet, I have only owned 3 dogs), but I have known hundreds of dogs through friends, dog parks, walks etc. My Shiba Inu puppies have also been the most challenging dogs I have had. They are the Dennis the Menace of the dog world, sweet, innocent and handful of trouble. They will forever be close to your heart.

They have enormous character, are very loyal, highly independent with extraordinary instincts, character, alertness, and intelligence. They size people and situations up VERY quickly.

The Shiba is the smallest of the Japanese native breeds of dog, originally bred for hunting by sight and scent in the dense forests and undergrowth of Japan's mountain areas. The Shiba Inu is alert and agile with keen senses, they are also an excellent watchdogs and companions. They have a frame that is compact with well-developed muscles.

In the 1950's a combination of World War II and distemper almost wiped out this ancient breed. However, breeders in Japan and abroad have made this little hunter quite popular. It has been registered with the American Kennel Club since 1993 and, in a testimonial to its appeal, two years later has surpassed more than half the long established breeds in popularity.  It is the most popular and common breed in Japan. 

 Males and females are distinctly different in appearance: males are masculine without coarseness, females are feminine without weakness of structure. The Shiba come in three colors and variations thereof: Orange with white, black with white, or white.

A Shiba Inu is part wolf, and for this reason the dog is held in high regard in Japan. The wolf is not considered as a wild menacing beast in Japan as it is in North America; the wolf in Japanese mythology is revered as a helper and guardian of the people, the wolf protects them during natural catastrophic events.

Shibas have a very strong predatory instinct, and will certainly hunt down small animals.  So if you have a guinea pig, gerbil, ferret or other small pets, then perhaps you should consider another breed.  Shibas an cats can get along well, especially if the Shiba Inu lives with them from puppyhood, being so catlike themselves, they tend to get along splendidly.

The Shiba Inu is an undemanding dog that will adapt to your circumstances. It is however, a very active dog and will be healthier and happier with regular exercise. This breed can walk for hours on end as it has tremendous endurance. 

So be prepared for long walks or jogs, if you plan to be a coach potato, get a bulldog, Shiba are very active, and they need active owners too.