Last Updated on September 9, 2021 by Fumipets

Shiba Inus are a primordial breed that dates back to 300 B.C. and retains many of its predecessors’ features. Their independent attitude and fox-like look have gained them a legendary reputation in Japan, as well as rapid popularity in the United States, particularly in recent years.

Is a Shiba Inu suitable for a family? A Shiba Inu may be a great family dog if the family understands what to expect from the breed, is committed to appropriate training and socialisation, and demonstrates to the children how to interact with a dog and correctly read the dog’s signals.

Shibas are frequently referred to as “cat-like” because of their disposition.

Shiba Inu GeneralTemperament

Loyal, yet distant. Loving, but not too much. Good-natured, yet aggressive at times. Playful, yet dignified. Shiba Inus have a complex personality consisting of apparently contradictory and distinctive traits that have endeared them to many people for thousands of years.

Of course, not all Shiba Inus have the same temperament, but they all have comparable personality features in general. Keep in mind that a dog’s unique personality may be influenced and shaped by variables such as genetics, socialisation, and the way the dog was reared.

Shiba Inus are devoted companions who form strong bonds with their owners. They do, however, have a tendency to be distant and self-sufficient. They don’t need or want attention, and they’re not too reliant on human contact. As a result, they are often considered as having cat-like characteristics.

While Shiba Inus adore their owners, they prefer to show their devotion by being loyal rather than loving. Most Shiba Inus are uninterested in being lifted up or cuddled. They may accept being touched at times, but when they’ve had enough, they’ll move away.

Most Shiba Inus are easy-going, good-natured friends when well-bred, appropriately socialised and reared in a caring environment. They are, nevertheless, protective of their possessions and may act aggressively when protecting what they consider to be theirs.

It’s worth noting that Shiba Inus don’t always get along with other dogs, particularly those of the same gender. When introducing a Shiba Inu to a new dog, use caution since aggressive behaviour may emerge as the Shiba Inu tries to assert his dominance.

Shibas maintain a high prey drive from their hunting heritage and will not hesitate to pursue any tiny furry thing, making them unsuitable for homes with small pets. They’re known for being able to escape the boundaries of a typical yard and vanish, so additional measures must be taken.

Shiba Inus like playing, and a range of toys, including puzzle toys, will assist to meet their cerebral stimulation needs. If these clever dogs are not given regular opportunities to use their mental skills, they may turn to destructive behaviour.

The Shiba Inu is a confident, assertive, and free-thinking dog that may be difficult to teach. Praise-based training will not be particularly successful since they are not nearly as eager to please as other breeds. Because they are food-driven, rewarding them with delicious goodies may be a better choice.

Are Shiba Inus Good With Older And Younger Children?

Older Children

In general, older children and Shiba Inus get along well, assuming that the youngsters have been taught appropriate dog behaviour and how to read a dog’s body language. When they’ve had enough, they’ll stand up and go away in classic Shiba Inu fashion.

If a Shiba Inu has spent their whole life around children, they are likely to develop a deep connection with them and will aggressively defend them if the need arises.

Younger Children

Young children are still actively investigating and finding out how things operate in the world around them. What parent hasn’t caught their kid poking a finger into a dog’s eye, nose, or, well, somewhere else?

Finger exploration, hair tugging, ear or tail grasping, or loud squeals of pleasure in the ear are all things that the majority of Shiba Inus will not allow. Others may just walk away from the kid, while others may get hostile.

Although some Shiba Inus are tolerant and forgiving of young children, there is always the danger of harm to either the dog or the kid. Shiba Inus are not often suggested for households with little children.

When engaging with any dog, regardless of breed, children should always be carefully monitored.

Common Puppy Issues

Puppies are, on the whole, adorably cute. You know parenting a puppy isn’t all fun and games if you’ve ever felt their needle-like fangs dig into your delicate skin. There are always problems that need to be addressed, and training and socialising must always take precedence. This is especially true with Shiba Inus.

Because this breed is prone to aggressiveness problems, it’s critical to catch bad habits early on. Between the ages of two and four months, a crucial phase of learning occurs, therefore owners must be especially vigilant in addressing any undesirable behaviours at this time.

While a little puppy leaping up to meet people is adorable, your view is likely to alter as the dog grows up and continues to jump all over people on a regular basis. For people who aren’t accustomed to dogs, this behaviour may be frightening, and it can even be hazardous if children are being pounced on.

Jumping on humans may sometimes be a sign that the dog is trying to establish dominance. This should not be allowed under any circumstances, particularly with a Shiba Inu. It is critical that this type understands from an early age that people, not the other way around, are in control.

As the permanent teeth develop from the gums, all pups lose their puppy teeth. Puppies chew on unsuitable things such as table legs, sofa cushions, or fingers to relieve their pain. Of course, there are better alternatives available, but you must offer them and educate the puppy on what is and is not acceptable. Consider using a damp dishtowel twisted in knots and frozen chunks of carrot or banana puppy safe teething toys

Nipping and biting are two more typical puppy problems. Puppies, like children, want to push their boundaries, and puppies, like children, need discipline. As pups get older, nipping and biting may rapidly develop into severe problems that must be addressed right away.

Housebreaking a puppy is a crucial part of puppy care. Because Shiba Inu like to keep themselves clean, this is a very simple job that can be completed in a matter of days.

Related Questions

How Big Do Shiba Inus Get?

Shiba Inu males should be between 14.5 and 16.5 inches tall at the withers and weigh about 23 pounds, according to the American Kennel Club. Females who are somewhat smaller should be between 13.5 and 15.5 inches tall and weigh about 17 pounds.

Does A Shiba Inu Make A Good Watchdog?

Yes. A Shiba Inu is known for guarding his “possessions,” which include toys, food, territory, and, yes, his family. Because of its exceptional hearing, ability to instinctively detect impending danger, and natural fear of strangers, the breed makes an outstanding watchdog.