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The Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed. This breed was originally bred to hunt animals, such as wild boars, in mountainous areas. Despite its small size, this confident breed is known for its ability to hunt bears, and is also known for being loyal and affectionate. However, like other dogs, the Shiba Inu has some temperament issues that you need to consider. If you are thinking about adopting a puppy, you should carefully decide if a Shiba is right for you.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Decide if the Shiba Inu is right for you

1. 

   Consider the species' hunting instincts. The Shiba Inu is originally a hunting dog that specializes in catching small prey (birds) and sometimes even larger, more dangerous prey (eg wild boar). Today, however, they are often kept as a loyal pet instead of a companion in hunting.Although the Shiba Inu are small in size (the Shiba weighs between 7.7 and 10.4 kg), they are strong, strong dogs with strong hunting instincts. Shiba often jumps over a fence or running off a leash when he sees something he wants to pursue. They are more supple and stronger than they appear, so they need to be trained to obey.

2. 

   
   
   Training can be challenging. Shiba are particularly intelligent breeds, but unlike other breeds, they often use their intelligence to serve themselves and are one step ahead of their owners. Some Shiba owners have reported that their dogs sometimes "intrigue" and plan to deceive them or overcome prohibitions or training. In short, the Shiba Inu is not always an easy dog. However, if you have experience with dogs before and want to find a challenge, training a Shiba will be the complete experience for you. Watching how they use their sharp mind is an incredibly exciting job.
   • The ideal person to keep a Shiba dog should be exceptionally patient and spend a lot of time training. This is a working breed, when bored, the energy of these dogs will often be turned to destructive purposes. Be ready to train your dog not to chew on the furniture or escape over the yard.
   • Note that, like humans, there are always dogs that aren't in the majority. Some Shiba are also obedient and can easily adapt to a new life.

3. 

   
   
   Understand that the Shiba is an independent breed. The Shiba Inu is famous for having more resemblance to cats than dogs. They feel comfortable alone and have an independent mindset. This trait makes them lack the motivation to please their owner and the training will be more difficult, as they do not need the owner's reward or attention as much as other breeds.
   • The Shiba's independent spirit is a very popular trait in the breed community. They are not dependent and flattering dogs, but dogs exuding dignity and composure.

4. 

   
   
   Reconsider the breed if you want a petting dog. Most Shiba Inu are very fastidious about their bodies. They can be "cheeky queens," such as overreacting to minor health problems. Even if they only hurt a little, they can howl with sobs. Aside from responding to pain, many Shiba dislike being touched or carried, most will not curl up on your lap on an armchair like some other breeds.
   • Shiba is a good choice for dog owners who do not like the habit of constant physical contact in cuddly breeds. The Shiba Inu will remain loyal and loving you, even if they won't hang around with you.

5. 

   Beware of the Shiba Inu's aggressive reactions. As mentioned, Shiba dogs prefer to be alone, often having a tendency to become aggressive and bite if their individual boundaries are violated. Therefore, they are not the best breed if your family has young children. Shiba also don't get along well with other pets, they will chase and force dogs they deem weaker than themselves. Shiba Inu are highly possessive with their belongings and food, so you need to keep an eye on them, especially when there are other pets and children in the house.

6. 

   Consider choosing a male or female dog. According to dog breeders, the male Shiba Inu is more active and interactive than the female. Females are usually more relaxed and seek less attention than males. Choose the sex of the dog that matches the traits you would expect from your pet.

7. 

   Prepare for hair care. Although most Shiba Inu dogs do not shed their hair throughout the year, they change their coat regularly in spring and fall, every few months. Be prepared for a fur storm at these stages. They have a very thick double coat; You will need to brush each week to spread the natural oils evenly and keep the outer coat from tangling. If you put in a little extra effort and tolerate shedding, you can enjoy the beautiful Shiba's fur.

8. 

   Think about the breed's longevity and health concerns. The Shiba Inu has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. One of the most serious health problems for the Shiba Inu is a chronic allergy, which leads to an especially itchy condition. There is currently no cure for allergy for Shiba, but the condition can be controlled. However, the cost of treatment will be quite expensive. Shiba dogs are also susceptible to hypothyroidism and cataracts. Although Shiba has been reported to have hip dysplasia, they are not as susceptible to it as other larger dogs. The Shiba Inu is also more likely to suffer seizures and epilepsy than the general dog breeds average. If you are considering raising a Shiba Inu, make sure you can take care of them when any of these problems arise.

9. 

   Don't ignore the strengths of the breed. The traits listed above seem negative, but they do offer warnings about potential problems that could arise. The Shiba Inu has a strong personality and is extremely loyal as they become attached to their master. Fans of this breed are absolutely infatuated with them. advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Choosing a healthy dog

1. 

   Find a reliable dog breeder. A good breeder will allow you to see all puppies and dogs at any time. They should be happy when you peek around, and must be proud of their facilities. They should also have a return policy - a dog breeder will not let you return your dog for any reason, meaning they are not responsible for the breed they breed. A responsible breeder will also not mate more than usual for a year.
   • Make sure the mother has her vaccinations on time, and that puppies begin regular parasitic treatment at 4 weeks of age.
   • In the United States, look for "confidential information" posted by the American Breed Dog Association (AKC) about the Shiba Inu at AKC's qualified breeding facilities near you.

2. 

   Recognizing the signs of an unreliable Shiba Inu mate. In general, you should stay away from breeders adopting puppies before 8 weeks of age. Puppies under this age are still too young to safely separate the mother, and no responsible breeder should try it. Dirty or overcrowded crib conditions can also be signs of poor mating performance.
   • Get rid of a breeder who cannot give you puppy health checkup information.
   • Similarly, if you can't see the mother, leave. No matter how convincing the breeder gives you about not being able to meet the mother, don't take their word for it. This is the classic guise of rogue breeders and mass breeding camps. Buying a puppy from them only promotes this unscrupulous commercial activity.

3. 

   Evaluate the dog's health. Even if you are working with a reputable breeder, you still need to be careful of sick or weak puppies. The physical factors that you need to evaluate include:
   • Energy: The puppy should not appear sluggish, but alert and energetic
   • Clear eyes and nostrils: There should be no pellets or lumpy layers around
   • Breathing: the puppy should not cough or sneeze too much, breathing softly
   • Hygiene: puppies should have clean genitals, be free of feces, scaly pus or an unpleasant odor
   • Weight: the puppy should be round and have baby fat around the chest
   • Coat: The coat should be clean and shiny, not dirty or dandruff. Loose hair or bald patches are a warning sign.
   • Hearing: clap your hands for a few hours behind the dog's head to make sure he responds and turns toward the sound
   • Sight: Gently roll a ball towards the dog (within the range he can see) to make sure he reacts to the moving object.
   • Limbs: watch your puppy move and run for signs of limp, stiffness, or soreness

4. 

   Evaluate the parent dog's appearance. Especially when you are planning on taking this dog to the test, it is important that your dog meets all breed standards. It can be difficult to know how a puppy grows up, but parents will help you visualize your puppy as an adult. In the United States, the AKC summary criteria for the Shiba Inu breed include:
   • Size: Males are about 37-42 cm tall and weigh about 10.4 kg. Females are about 34.3-39.4 cm tall and weigh about 7.7 kg.
   • Head: Shiba should have a confident look with dark brown and black colored irises. The forehead is wide, flat, slightly wrinkled, the dog's snout is straight. Teeth are not charred and not bitten back.
   • Body: The back is straight from the nape of the neck to the tail. The dog's body is well muscled, the chest depth (from the shoulder to the lowest point of the sternum) is about half or slightly shorter than the height from shoulder to ground. The tail is arched once instead of two.
   • Coat: acceptable colors are red, sesame, or black. The outer coat is hard and straight, the inner coat is soft and thick.
   • Dogs with biting back joints or chuckles, males exceeding 41.9 cm in height or 36.8 cm in height, females over 39.4 cm in height or 34.3 cm in height are not eligible to participate .
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Method 3 of 3: Evaluate the dog's personality

1. 

   Study a litter of puppies. When choosing a dog, it is important to consider the whole herd and observe how the puppies interact with each other. Shiba Inu puppies should be curious and not afraid of people. Also, watch for puppy interactions while playing, avoid choosing puzzled and confusing puppies. In general, a dog with a temperament that is not too aggressive and not too shy is a good choice.
   • In the Shiba Inu breed, aggressive, bullying puppies are more likely to become aggressive dogs when they grow up.

2. 

   Don't be fooled by your puppy's cuteness. Puppies Shiba Inu can resemble teddy bears. However, don't let their looks distract you from character assessment.

3. 

   Find a dog with a natural curiosity about people. Keep in mind if your dog comes into contact with you first and for how long. This will help you gauge how friendly your dog is and how much he likes to be with people.

4. 

   Make sure the puppy is well socialized. Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to all sorts of different experiences for 3 to 18 weeks of age. Puppies will learn to accept everything they encounter at this age, which will make the dog stable and confident. Socializing is especially important for all puppies, but even more so for the Shiba species. They have a strong personality and are easy to express their own opinions. What you do not want the most is an easily frightened or anxious dog that can use its anxiety energy to destroy.
   • Puppies should have at least 1 and a half hours a day to interact with humans.
   • Ideally, choose a puppy that is raised in a human family / home, rather than in a kennel. This is beneficial because puppies have been exposed to the sights, sounds, and scents of family life from the very first days of life.
   • Puppies raised in outdoor kennels will be more distant from normal life than other puppies. With the Shiba Inu's independent nature, the breeder must make extra effort to ensure that the puppies are well socialized.

5. 

   Check your dog's receptive level. While it is difficult to predict a puppy's future as an adult, you can tell at a glance even when they are young. Give your dog a toy and see how easy or difficult it is to get it back. You can also try giving your dog food in exchange for a toy. This will help you assess how your puppy responds to training, whether you still have to deal with the dog fight.

6. 

   Do a little test of aggression. Roll the dog on his back and gently hold him in that position. Although there is some controversy about how useful this approach is, many experts have used it as a predictor of an adult's aggressiveness. If your dog barks and tries to push you away, there's a good chance he will become aggressive. If he lays down fully submit, (very rare in a Shiba!) He will likely become too docile. The best response is in the middle, meaning that the dog will try to struggle without barking or biting. advertisement