Shiba inu

[LaBelleDameSansPatience]

Has anyone got a Shiba inu? I have read that they are very popular in Japan and, looking at ads for breeders, Wales …
We are thinking of getting one. We have a cockerpoo at present, two cats, chicken and smaller pets …

Shibas are stunning dogs, however may not be the best choice for a household with smaller animals.. they were bred for hunting and are known to love chasing after cats, birds and other critters and are very capable of injuring them. Similar to huskies (being a spitz) they often can't be trusted off lead and are very good escape artists. They tend to be independent and cat-like in temperament. Dog aggression can be a possibility with this breed, even with careful early socialisation.

Wales gives the impression of being Puppyfarm Central...

Have you checked out FB for any Shiba pages? That might be a source of advice.

There are only about 200 bred each year in the U.K. I would imagine you’d need to wait and travel for a puppy. What attracts you to such a specialist breed with so few dogs in the U.K.?

A friend has one and he's fabulous and has also happily co-habited with cats. But this was not her first dog and she had excellent support from the breeder for advice and training. He even has his own Instagram account:
www.instagram.com/michaeljfoxshibainu/

They're not an easy breed so definitely find a good KC registered breeder, one who offers a lifetime of support and advice. I did hear of a litter which was imported into the country illegally and got seized and ended up in rescue so there are definitely dodgy breeders out there too!!

My rescue dog is almost certainly part Shiba. Didn’t know this when I got her.

I would love a full Shiba eventually, but probably won’t get one. They have high prey drive, and a proper recall is almost impossible to teach. I don’t want a dog I can’t let off the lead.

Mine can be aggressive with small dogs. She tolerates the cat. I wouldn’t trust her with any small furry.

Check out Shiba Inu rescue on Facebook fir more information about the breed.
www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=japanese%20shiba%20inu%20rescue%20(uk)

I really wouldn't recommend them with cats and smaller animals in the home.

They have a very strong prey drive and are practically impossible to recall - and I say that as someone who has a beagle!

A couple I know have one that they rescued and they've said they just cannot let her off the lead - ever. If she wants to run it has to be in an enclosed field because she just will not come back!

She's a lovely dog and she's very friendly but her prey drive would put me off. I also second what a PP said about Wales being the home of puppy farmers. Be careful.