7 things you need to know before adopting a Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are dogs with irresistible charm and adorable looks, but it is very important to know what to expect before you get a new puppy. So if you are thinking of getting a Shiba Inu puppy in this article I list some of the main things you need to know before adopting it.

Before adopting a Shiba Inu, you should know that:

1. They are very loyal animals, but their trust is earned over time.
2. They are intelligent dogs, but at the same time stubborn.
3. They don't bark very often, but they are famous for their shouting.
4. They appreciate being cuddled, but sometimes they want to have their own space.
5. They lose a lot of fur and therefore need to be brushed often.
6. It takes a lot of patience to train and educate them.
7. Strangers will stop you to tell you how cuddly your dog is.

1. They are faithful

Loyalty is never a bad thing. Once you gain their trust, Shiba Inus are so loyal and their displays of affection become something precious to you.

But because their trust must be earned, they tend not to behave well with strangers. Until it gets to know the new person, it will stay away from them and even bark at them.

Depending on the dog, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to several separate encounters to feel comfortable with a new person.

2. They are stubborn

They are strong-willed, hard-headed creatures who, once they get their heads around something, nothing and no one can budge their opinion.

This can make training a bit more complicated, but the soonest you learn to get them right the easiest everything will be.

3. They are a drama queens

Sometimes, Shiba Inus communicate by emitting a rambling combination of yelps, light yelps, and mumbles.

It is not as loud as a Shiba's yelp, but it is still very distinctive and typical only of this breed.

Shiba Inus are known to be real primes and often communicate their displeasure in an exaggerated way, often in the form of "light" howls or yelps.

For example, some Shiba Inus emit a light yelp simply if you pinch them lightly or pull their collar in a way that is uncomfortable for them.

This sudden and often high-pitched scream of the Shiba is often surprising but at the same time amusing.

The Shiba Inu uses this form of communication to make sure the person can hear it clearly and loudly.

Usually, Shiba Inus yelp they are experiencing fear, anxiety, or just general discontent. The most common cause of Shiba Inu screaming is nail cutting time, baths, and visits to the vet. Because Shiba Inu is a more primitive dog breed, they dislike excessive handling, especially by strangers.

4. They are independent

Because of their independent nature, many Shibas appear aloof. Some people say that because of this trait, Shiba Inus are cat-like.

But they all have an independent instinct that makes them do what they want instead of always following you. So, for many Shibas, walking without a leash is not possible.

5. They lose a lot of fur

There is no way around this problem. Shibas continuously lose and change their thick undercoat twice a year, once in spring and once in late fall.

Therefore, during the shedding season, it is necessary to brush its fur several times a week, even daily.

In any case, be prepared to brush it continuously and vacuum the house. Wearing woolen or black fleece clothes will become madness because they are magnets for the Shiba's fur.

6. It takes patience to train them

Shibas are so smart. They can learn almost anything quickly. For example, potty training for Shiba puppies is a breeze, probably due in part to their demanding nature to always be clean.

For all other types of training, however, they recognize commands. They often decide to follow them only if it suits them, though. They try to make a mental and visual assessment each time to see what they gain if they obey that particular command and then make an informed decision whether to do it or not.

7. Strangers will stop and talk to you

If you are independent and reserved like a Shiba Inu, you must understand that you will be stopped by strangers on the street. People will pull over their cars to ask you what kind of dog you are walking.

This behavior has declined in recent years, thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of this breed. In addition, their fame is often due to the fact that they are the dog of memes, and also the inspiration for several cryptocurrencies, called meme coins, such as Dogecoin or Shiba Inu Coin.