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?

[JennyTaylior]

Mine loves being touched and is incredibly good with kids. Even little ones. I made sure she had loads of exposure as a pup. I do make sure she is held tightly when meeting them - and anybody - as she does jump. Haven't been able to train that out of her. 🙄
They're generally fine with older kids.

Strong prey drive, so will chase and hunt things that rustle and run. And they are very, very strong. The kill is quick (mice, birds).
Some cannot be let off leash as recall depends on whether they feel like it's worth coming back...

Mine is very not food oriented at all, which has made training almost impossible. They need very gentle and positive training methods. Mine is scared of the clicker, ffs.

Re the breed manual 😄 She is supposed to need a lot of exercise (but hates walking), Aloof - sometimes, yes. She'll take herself off somewhere quiet if life cats get too much. But I didn't want a needy dog. Mostly though, she's lying under my feet.
Basically, all shibas are very, very different from each other, and this is why they're fun.

[JennyTaylior]

Schadenfreude An Akita (especially the American one mostly seen) is considerably bigger and heavier than a shiba. An Akita Inu (Japanese one) is a different dog, big, but much finer boned. And pretty rare in the UK.

[SchadenfreudePersonified]

Don't know what type of akita is was Jenny - I can just remember them saying that there was an akita available and they had been tempted because she was a beautiful dog.

However - and especially knowing that bitches in particular can be "funny" (aggressive) towards each other - they decided not to take the risk, and instead re-homed a lovely dog. Their girls took to him almost immediately, and of course, he was delighted with his little "harem" (all of them were neutered, but you know how blokes like to brag ).

I don't think I would have risked it either TBH - akitas are powerful dogs and Wouldn't have to break up a fight where one was involved.

They never let their three off leash in public places though, because they chased any and everything, and took no notice when they were called back, even when they knew treats were involved. I think that they honestly got so focussed on what they were after they didn't hear.