If you’re planning to buy a Shiba Inu puppy, then you have to explore everything about their physical and mental characteristics. Shiba Inus are lively, handsome, and independent, so they would not be a smart choice for first-time dog owners. Many people fall in love with these pooches, at first sight, however, there are important things you need to know about Shiba Inu’s temperament and personality.
Is Shiba Inu the right dog breed for you?
Widely recognizable for their foxy appearance, pointy ears, and curly tails, Shiba Inus are one of the most Instagrammed dog breeds in the world. People go crazy for them dressed in adorable dog clothes that make them stand out from the crowd. Whatever Shiba wears, it looks like no one can beat their unique facial expressions.
Aside from these facts, every potential owner of these dogs should know everything about their main personality traits. They are independent, stubborn, great guards, and graceful. That’s why first-time owners might find it difficult to properly tailor their personalities. However, with the right training lessons and consistency, every dog can grow into a confident and well-behaved pet.
Shiba Inu Temperament and Personality- Revealed
High-energy dogs
Shiba Inus are not for lazy humans who would rather lay on the couch than enjoying outdoor adventures. A highly active Shiba Inu is always in the mood to search for a new activity that will satisfy its hunting genes. Therefore, as an owner of this breed, you have to be prepared to spend hours and hours outside hiking, running, swimming, and cycling. Since Shibas were bred to hunt, they require an exhaust valve to release the pent-up energy.
Independent nature
Independency is one of the main characteristics of Shiba Inu temperament and personality. That’s why these pooches might be the right pick for owners who wouldn’t love to live with Velcro dogs that require 24/7 attention. Unlike many other dog breeds, such as Frenchies and Labs, Shiba Inus don’t need the affection of their humans. A fluffy Shiba would rather play with toys and search for any type of indoor and outdoor activity than sit in their owner’s lap.
Aggressive toward other dogs
Shiba Inus can act aggressively toward dogs of the same sex. That’s their way to defend their territory and show dominance. So, if you’re planning to live with two dogs, it would be best to choose dogs of opposite sexes or teach them to live together from an early age.
Escape artists
Since Shiba Inus possess strong hunting instincts, you should never let him off the leash. These little foxes can run away in a second. Whether it’s a cat or a small bird in your yard, a Shiba will always tend to hunt small creatures from your environment.
Strong temperament and stubborn nature
Another important trait of Shiba Inu temperament and personality is stubbornness. These fluffy leaders need confident owners who will know how to outfox their stubborn minds. A Shiba always thinks it’s right, and that it should be only one king in their kingdom. Therefore, if you want to live with an obedient pet, the crucial thing is to teach him who is the boss. In other words, you should become the pack leader who will be treated with respect.
Keep your Shiba always occupied
To prevent your Shiba from chewing and destroying home items due to boredom, we recommend you keep him occupied with interactive toys. Shibas are very intelligent, so they can solve even the most difficult puzzle toy. They’re masters of keeping their minds busy, so teaching them to spend time in their crate zones will be of great importance in preventing them from unwanted behavior.
Chew toys, interactive toys, and squeaky rubber toys can keep your pet busy for a few hours. However, no dog should be left alone all day, especially if you own a highly active pooch like Shiba.
Territorial dog
Possessiveness is one of the most challenging sides of Shiba Inu temperament and personality. These pooches don’t love to share toys, food, and their stuff, so it’s nothing odd to see them bark or growl on someone who tries to take these possessions from them. Therefore, people with kids should pay special attention when tailoring Shiba’s personality. Kids and dogs should never be left without supervision.
