The temperament of the Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a dog that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It has also become the famous dog in memes, and many owners choose it for its unique character as well as its beauty.

The Shiba is a breed native to Japan, where the literal translation of Shiba Inu means small dog. In its original habitat, the mountainous area overlooking the Sea of Japan, this dog was used for hunting small animals or birds.

It is a small breed that has a rough, straight outer coat, soft, dense undercoat; slightly longer, raised tail hair.

The Shiba Inu is a dog with a very controlled temperament indoors but is quite prone to movement. One of its distinguishing traits is definitely its intelligence and often difficulty in training.

The Shiba Inu therefore can have an aloof, challenging, unpredictable character. At the same time, as already mentioned, it is an intelligent, independent, strong breed, attentive to their environment, and with some training and socialization, they can become obedient and faithful companions.

The temperament of the Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a very confident dog, its temperament is alert, loyal, and lively and it tends to form strong bonds with its owners. However, they can also be quite independent and territorial with a strong hunting instinct.

Curious, very playful, and generally good-natured, a Shiba Inu will love to be involved in everything around the house and will be a loyal and loving companion to any owner. It is important to set boundaries in advance with any Shiba Inu as they have a dominant side to their nature that can become a problem if left unchecked. The owner should adopt a non-aggressive alpha role so that their pet knows who is in charge. Their strong hunting instincts, combined with a strong stubborn, and independent nature, mean that Shiba should be kept on a leash, particularly in the presence of wild animals.

The Shiba Inu can be a rather vocal dog with some rather peculiar forms of communication. Not necessarily a big barker: they only have a tendency to bark when they want attention and can sometimes be heard purring when being petted. They often prefer to communicate more subtly with their eyes or expressions instead of barking. They are also known for a high-pitched howl that they can often emit when excited.

A Shiba Inu sleeping on the floor
Photo from Unsplash

The Shiba Inu is a dog that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It has also become the famous dog in memes, and many owners choose it for its unique character as well as its beauty.

The Shiba is a breed native to Japan, where the literal translation of Shiba Inu means small dog. In its original habitat, the mountainous area overlooking the Sea of Japan, this dog was used for hunting small animals or birds.

It is a small breed that has a rough, straight outer coat, soft, dense undercoat; slightly longer, raised tail hair.

The Shiba Inu is a dog with a very controlled temperament indoors but is quite prone to movement. One of its distinguishing traits is definitely its intelligence and often difficulty in training.

The Shiba Inu therefore can have an aloof, challenging, unpredictable character. At the same time, as already mentioned, it is an intelligent, independent, strong breed, attentive to their environment, and with some training and socialization, they can become obedient and faithful companions.

The temperament of the Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a very confident dog, its temperament is alert, loyal, and lively and it tends to form strong bonds with its owners. However, they can also be quite independent and territorial with a strong hunting instinct.

Curious, very playful, and generally good-natured, a Shiba Inu will love to be involved in everything around the house and will be a loyal and loving companion to any owner. It is important to set boundaries in advance with any Shiba Inu as they have a dominant side to their nature that can become a problem if left unchecked. The owner should adopt a non-aggressive alpha role so that their pet knows who is in charge. Their strong hunting instincts, combined with a strong stubborn, and independent nature, mean that Shiba should be kept on a leash, particularly in the presence of wild animals.

The Shiba Inu can be a rather vocal dog with some rather peculiar forms of communication. Not necessarily a big barker: they only have a tendency to bark when they want attention and can sometimes be heard purring when being petted. They often prefer to communicate more subtly with their eyes or expressions instead of barking. They are also known for a high-pitched howl that they can often emit when excited.

A Shiba Inu getting a treat from its owner
Photo from Unsplash

Choose a Shiba Inu as a first dog

In general, this breed is not easy to handle, and therefore many people advise against it if you are a first-time dog. However, indications about the temperament of the Shiba Inu are always general, then each dog may have different behavior. To make a decision, it is important to know what it is you are up against.

The Shiba Inu is not easy to train and is not particularly social either with other dogs or with humans. In addition, being very independent, it has a tendency to obey only a few commands, which must be taught well from puppyhood.

Anyone wishing to get a puppy of this breed should know that they will have to spend a lot of time training it, and this may also mean investing in a dog trainer. In addition, it is important to have calm and time to care for it, to walk together.

If you are looking for a companion with a quick and easy to raise, who easily obeys commands, who likes contact with family, children, and other dogs, and who adapts easily to new situations, unfortunately, the Shiba Inu is not the best breed.

A Shiba as a first dog is not an impossible thing, as long as you dedicate yourself to it, can provide it with a calm environment and no other puppies.

Shiba Inu with children

While it is not very sociable, it can live with children and can be a fabulous playmate, but he must have been accustomed from an early age to contact with little ones.

There are Shibas that stay with their owners to play in the snow, in the pool, exchange tender hugs, and accompany them everywhere.

It is important that the breeder already made the puppy familiarized with children’s contact also after the puppy arrives home.

A black Shiba Inu puppy
Photo from Unsplash

Puppies who get to know children will then be happy with their company, provided of course that they are respected, so as not to upset their independent nature. That is why it is necessary to explain well that the dog is also a member of the family, that when it is in its kennel it is necessary to leave him quiet, as well as when he takes its meal, that one should not tease and prank it. And of course, Shibas will also need to be taught to respect children.

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