Shiba inu-does anyone have one and what are they like?

[totoromama]

We have been thinking about getting a dog for a long time. We are thinking about getting one in the next year. We've researched what would be suitable. And have decided that a shiba inu meets all the specification. I'm going to be contacting breeders in England but was wondering if anyone could tell me first hand what's like having one?

I had to google, beautiful dogs.

Is it your first dog?

I don't have much experience with the breed but I have known 2 owned by different people and they have both been a bit snappy.

My neighbour has one it is a stubborn aloof wont do as it is told bugger the neighbour is very patient with her though neighbour says it is like having a toddler

Do you and your neighbours like the sound of frequent high-pitched screamy yapping and yodelling? Very clever dogs; foxy in appearance, fairly high-maintenance, temperamentally speaking.

First dog as a family. I've had labradors, a border collie and setter growing up and DH had spaniels, terriers and Yorkie growing up and as an adult,pre me.
We want a small dog that's good with children and I lived in Japan for years and the dd's are obsessed with Japan we thought a shiba inu meets all our needs.

If the dog is aloof and unforgiving of kids, as a Shiba Inu might well be, his Japanese heritage will mean nothing. I would suggest a Maltese, Lhasa Apso, King Charles, Pekinese, spaniel, maybe Border terrier. Obviously some of the above have their health issues (esp Peke and CKCS) but I would have thought that in your situation, you want a very kind, sociable little dog.

Doesn't sound like a family dog unless you have a huge amount of time to put into training

Oops, meant Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, not just "spaniel".

My neighbours dog has this weird yowl/yap going on is that the yodeling? Neighbour is often seen sighing and waiting on her dog to move

Personally, I think they can be very special dogs but put it this way, even as an experienced dog owner, I would think twice about having one.
They need a lot of stimulation and have the potential to be quite aggressive if not trained and socialised properly. Personally they're not a breed I would recommend for a young family.
You may find this useful:
www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/shibainu.html

Hodge thanks for that. We have a 6ft fence and the dog won't be left for more than 2 hours at most . I work 15 hours a week mostly at weekend. And my dd's are 12 and 10. And won't be alone with the dog. I've always trained any dogs and would take to training classes.

Have you had a look at a Japanese Spitz, they are a lot more suited to a family dog.

Your children are not young they sound keen to help but as long as they know it might not be a lovey dovey dog

I met a really nice Shiba inu on the train - his coat was in fantastic condition, he spent the journey curled up next to me or his Dad spending a few minutes with each of us I spent the journey talking to him and giving him far too many kisses, his owner thought I was a nutter - he did ask me out though, apparently he trusted his dogs opinion of people, but I am married so declined, had I not been I'd have probably dated him just to spend time with the dog!

However, he did say it's just him and the dog, they went everywhere together and the bond was clear, he must have put a huge amount of time into training the dog and building his bond.

But I can say I've met a really lovely one, so as with all breeds, I think there are horror stories and behaviour traits to be aware of, but I wouldn't rule them out totally as a possibility

@totoromama I had made the assumption that your children were younger - my apologies.
I think as long as you are going into this with your eyes open (which you seem to be doing) then you sound like a potentially perfect shiba owner :) I wish all wannabe dog owners were like you!!!

I think the trick will be finding the right breeder, not as common breed over here as in Japan ;) I may also demand you come back and share pics ;)

Hodge- thanks. All the KC breeders seem to be in Lincolnshire Wales or further north. As we live in Dorset and don't have a car ATM could be a problem.

Might be worth joining the rescue group?
www.japaneseshibainurescue.co.uk/

I know a rescue might not be exactly what you're after, but less common breeds like this tend to have a small and passionate community around them. You never know!

Have you had a read of this page on the breed club site? Well worth doing so if not, especially the list of pros and cons at the end.

They're not necessarily a great first breed and they're certainly very different to the breeds you and your DH have had before. Have you met many? If not I'd recommend doing so, which isn't always easy with a breed that's not so common. Shows are an excellent way to meet dogs and also chat to owners/breeders/breed enthusiasts.

Dh was in Central Park in New York a few weeks ago and heard what he thought was a young child having one of the worst tantrums he'd ever heard - he turned the corner and it was a Shiba Inu getting frustrated with its owner about something .... google Shiba Inu scream

I had a friend who had three of these little blighters.

Stunningly beautiful dogs; easy care coats because although their coats are very thick they're pretty much waterproof; in every other respect bloody hard work - disobedient, stubborn, keen to have a scrap, real escape artists, easily bored, destructive and they SCREAM!

However, although they tend to be one-man-dogs, they are very loving and protective towards "their" human.

Not a dog for an inexperienced owner, and personally I wouldn't have them where there were young children because they are very reactive and can nip before they realise they've done it, and they get over-excited easily.

They are VERY pretty though.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/2981599-shiba-inu-shedding

Saw this - thought it might be a deal-breaker for you OP

They are a pain is the ass, super-shedding, neurotic nightmare of a dog. Wouldn't be without mine 😄

She hasn't read the breed manual. Adores kids and all people in general. Hates other dogs, sometimes - depends on the day of the week. Fussy feeder, lazy and stubborn as hell. Vet visits are mayhem, and not of a funny kind.

Good breeders waiting lists are about three years long. Lots of dodgy breeders though. Do not get a cross breed, it rarely works out well for owner or dog.

Do read up heavily on the breed, they are hard work, very rewarding and not like 'normal' dogs. The Shiba rescue is amazing and the owner will tell you all you need to know.

She hasn't read the breed manual

Bet she ripped it to bits, though Jenny.

Friends felt just the same as you - the dogs were a PITA but there's no way they would have been without them. Two of the three were rescues. It must have been a Spitz breed rescue rather than a Shiba one though, because I remember them saying that one of the dogs they'd considered was an akita, but they were worried about the size difference if the dogs took a while to settle with each other (they already had two the time).

As it happened they introduced a dog to their two bitches and there were no problems

She hasn't read the breed manual

Bet she ripped it to bits, though Jenny.

Friends felt just the same as you - the dogs were a PITA but there's no way they would have been without them. Two of the three were rescues. It must have been a Spitz breed rescue rather than a Shiba one though, because I remember them saying that one of the dogs they'd considered was an akita, but they were worried about the size difference if the dogs took a while to settle with each other (they already had two the time).

As it happened they introduced a dog to their two bitches and there were no problems

Sorry - don't know how I double-posted.