What Is A Shiba Inu Dog's Breed Temperament (2024)

FAQs

What Is A Shiba Inu Dog's Breed Temperament? ›

General Temperament. Shiba Inu are intelligent and good-natured with family, but tend to be reserved or standoffish with strangers. They are always alert and often protective. While affectionate, they aren't a cuddly dog who needs constant attention.

Loyal and loving, Shibas form a strong bond with their owners and love being part of everything that goes on around the home. However, they are notoriously independent and have a stubborn nature. This means they are best suited to experienced owners and families with older children.

Shiba Inu's are an intelligent and independent breed, which means they can be stubborn and resistant to training. They can be more challenging for first time owners who are not experienced with dog training. Despite this they are generally very friendly, outgoing, and loyal animals.

Grooming & Care

Most of the time, the Shiba Inu is a low-maintenance dog. However, once or twice during the year a Shiba's human should expect to see copious amount of shed Shiba hair around the house. Weekly brushing – and more frequent brushing during the seasonal shed – will keep the Shiba's coat looking good.

Shiba Inus are fairly low-maintenance dogs, but they need tons of training. Luckily, they're not high-energy dogs, so they don't need tons of exercise or adventures. Instead, they're relatively happy spending their time lounging in the sun after a walk.

And believe it or not, this dash of “wild” often presents a no-cuddle zone. It's true—Shiba Inus are not so open to free cuddles. This revered breed often maintains a level of distance from unfamiliar faces. And winning a Shiba's trust and approval is a process that requires time and patience.

While Shiba Inu are independent dogs who don't require constant attention, they need plenty of exercise if they will be left alone during the day. Shiba Inu may be left home alone for eight hours at a time. Crate training may be necessary for the dog's safety as bored Shiba Inu may chew dangerous items.

Shiba Inus originated from Japan and were originally used for hunting. However, because they are independent, aloof with strangers, and loyal, they were quickly utilized as guard dogs as well. While they are not supposed to be aggressive unless threatened, protective instincts do increase the chance of aggression.

Shiba Inu are very friendly and form close bonds to their humans, though they can be fairly independent as well. They can be good pets for people who give them lots of attention and stimulation, but the Shiba's anxious nature means they might not do well with very young children.

They enjoy hearty romps in the backyard, but do well in apartment life, as long as the owner does not mind occasional rounds of "Shiba 500" in the living room. Shibas are extremely people-oriented and require a good amount of love and attention from their owners to be happy. They do best as house dogs.

Is it better to get a male or female Shiba Inu? ›

The males are also confident and independent dogs and are known to be generally bolder than the females. Males are usually recommended more than females for anyone new to the Shiba breed.

Shibas can never be trusted off leash.

Because they are an hunting breed, they have an incredibly strong prey drive. You will never be more interesting to them than the bunnies and squirrels you will come across on your walks. Even the most well trained Shiba does not come when called in many situations.

Shiba Inus can develop anxiety issues and fear, which can eventually lead to biting, scratching, or clawing. If you love your dog, it's easy to feel anxious about your Shiba Inu's anxiety. Fortunately, there are many ways to help your Shibi Inu's anxiety.

The Shiba Inu is not your typical kind of dog. They don't bark quite as often as other breeds or make unnecessary noises without cause. This breed is also not as affectionate as most dogs but uses the same vocalizations to communicate their feelings and emotions. The “Shiba scream” is a distinguishable trait, though!

Shiba Inu can swim if they are safely trained to do so at an early age. They have a reputation for preferring to stay dry, but with some patience and encouragement, swimming can become a new activity for you to do together and one that your Shiba Inu can learn to love.

Are Shiba Inus Good Family Dogs? With older, dog-wise children, the Shiba Inu can make an excellent pet, particularly if they are willing and able to take part in exercise and training. Shibas may find life with very small children and babies a bit too exciting, and as a result may be noisy and hard work to live with.

Some people may reason that since Shiba Inus are independent thinkers, they would respond better to aversive training techniques, such as collar corrections or alpha rolls. This is false. Shiba Inus are also extremely strong-willed and stubborn. They will fight back if they feel threatened.

Shibas can never be trusted off leash.

Because they are an hunting breed, they have an incredibly strong prey drive. You will never be more interesting to them than the bunnies and squirrels you will come across on your walks. Even the most well trained Shiba does not come when called in many situations.