Breed Information/FAQ
These are a selection of questions previously asked
Q What was the Japanese Shiba Inu bred for ?
A They were bred for Hunting small game. This instinct is very strong and once a shiba gets a scent, no matter how much shouting you do it will fall on deaf ears. Speak to any Shiba owner and I bet the ‘flexi lead’ is their lifeline. Of course you can get the 1 in a million, I’m lucky Jaffa & Cassey could be let of leads & Ki, but try it with Angel, Magic ..... you would not see them for dust!! I would suggest you find somewhere that is a fenced in area & start at an early age letting them off the lead, rope in the help of another dog owner to they can learn off them what a recall is, although you wouldnt be able to trust them off the lead in an area that isnt enclosed I cannot see any reason why they can go off lead in a safe area that if they spot that bird or rabbit they cant get beyond the fence boundary
Q What size do they grow to?
A Quite small as only up to 14-16” to the shoulder (but they don’t think so as they have big dog attitude)
Q How do they get on with other dogs?
A I used to have Dobermanns and they used to get on fine (but the Shiba’s are boss) any large breed will be fine, but small breeds can be picked on quite badly although our Border Terriers seem to mix with no problem. Certainly they are not suitable with same sex (two males/two females) & I would always suggest opposite sex if you are looking to get more than one or have a dog already
Q Are they a yappy breed?
A No, in fact they are very quite. The only noise’s they tend to make sound like cats, sometimes they chatter to you
Q How easy are they to toilet train ?
A very easy, again they are clean by nature - like cats
Q Do they need much exercise?
A No more than any other small dog. But if you havn’t a very secure garden he’ll exercise himself !. They are known to escape artists and will disappear through the smallest of holes. But if your a fond lover of the lakes they'll still be running around at the top
of Scarfell when your out of breath & your legs are like jelly!
Q Will they get on with the other animals in the house?
A If brought up with cats then this will not be a problem, our cat sleeps with the puppies... I would like to think he loves the puppies but more than likely the heater he loves. But if the children have rabbits, hamsters or other small rodents please take care as these will be thought of a lunch.
Q Everybody keeps telling me of the ‘Shiba Scream’ what is it?
A The Shiba scream is a very high pitched screech, be warned hearing this for the first time will shock you. It is only the equivalent of a childs tantrum so don't worry
Q What kind of home are they suited too?
A Shiba's are a very strong willed breed, they will given half a chance rule the roost, so owners need to be very strong willed too. You often see dogs in breed rescue with issues & this is because owners have allowed them to get away with too much & they now think they are top dog in the household. The need lots of early socialisation or they will be very aloaf with strangers so people need to make sure they have the time to get them out & about as puppies or you will have a very nervy dog
Shiba Inu Property Laws
1. If I like it, it’s mine.
2. If it’s in my mouth, it’s mine
3. If I had it a little while go, it’s mine.
4. If I can take it from you, it’s mine.
5. If it’s mine, it must never be yours
6. If it just looks like mine, it’s mine.
7. If I saw it first, it’s mine.
8. If you are playing with something else and put it down, it’s mine
9. If I am chewing something up, all of the pieces are mine.
10 If it used to be yours, get over it.
11 If it’s broken, it’s yours!!!
Want to read about the Shiba try ‘Japanese Shiba by Andrew De Prisco’ (Pet Love) Look out for the picture of Cassey on the inside cover and the picture of us competing at Crufts on page 25 (we are on the right hand side )
Any other questions ?......................... please E mail me or give me a ring (best time is after 8pm)- I will talk through the good point & bad points of a shiba for as long as you need all I ask if that you pay for the phone bill!
Marie
