I LOVE AKITAS BUT I THINK I WANT A SHIBA?

Favorite Answer

http://lifewithaservicedog.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/shiba-inu-are-you-right-for-a-shiba/
http://dog-breeds.suite101.com/article.cfm/is-a-shiba-inu-right-for-you
http://www.wagoninn.rescuegroups.org/info/display?PageID=1941
http://national.shibarescue.org/listings/index.php/about-shiba-inus

Some excerpts from the above sites:
"They are not for a new dog owner. They take very special handling. If you don’t know what you are doing, you will end up with a very hard to handle, aggressive, disobedient, unhappy dog."

"You have to be calm when they scream like you are killing them. Every Shiba makes very odd sounds that can be quite unsettling for a lot of people. Shibas can howl, screech, yip, scream, yodel, and cry. Shiba’s have their own language, and you need to be willing to learn what they are telling you."

"Shibas shed a LOT at least twice a year. They can shed more than a dog twice their size."

"Shibas need clear, fair, and firm leadership. If they don’t get that they will take over your house. This means they will guard things (growl and snap at you for coming near it). They will not allow company into your home. They will be aggressive to other dogs and people. If you give them the leadership they need then they can be a wonderful addition to your home."

"Simple things like brushing, nail clipping, bathing, and brushing teeth will start a major fight. It will take a lot of work to get your shiba to trust you enough not to fight you about these things. I know some Shibas who never grow out of that and will fight you forever."

"Training is a MUST for these dogs. They can NEVER be trusted off leash in a non-secure area. They will run off and you will have a very hard time getting them back. Many many Shibas have died from getting loose and running into traffic. Fences don’t always stop a Shiba from getting loose. So Shibas should not be left outside alone, EVER. They should always be supervised."

"These dogs are expensive. You cannot go bargain hunting when looking for a dog, especially a Shiba. If you do not go with a very careful breeder, you could end up with a dog that is overly aggressive or overly fearful from poor breeding."

"Shibas form a strong bond with their masters, but they are often standoffish and would prefer a game of “chase” than a belly rub. They’re playful, but they are happy to entertain themselves with their toys if no one can pay attention from time to time. That is not to say they prefer to be alone; quite the contrary, they want to be close at all times, just on their terms. They will not sit in laps or cuddle, which is difficult for some to understand because they are “just so cute.”"

"Shibas are known for escaping pens, crates, leashes, harnesses, collars, yards, houses, everywhere. While it is possible to train a Shiba to walk nicely without a leash or wait by an open door, there is always a possibility that he will run."

"Shibas are very intelligent, but they are difficult to train because their inborn attitude is, “what’s in it for me?” rather than, “how can I please you?” Training must be done in short bursts, because the Shiba will become bored quickly and move on to something more entertaining, like that stuffing that’s beginning to leak from his toy. These dogs will also need to be socialized early and their strong will is sometimes just enough to earn a one-way ticket to the shelter."

"If you want a dog that is:
*Cute and adorable from birth
*Cat like with it's grooming habits requiring few baths
*Independent and aloof
*Quiet, Most shibas don't bark much
*Alert, Bold and Confident
*Extremely smart
*Very curious about everything around him
*Lively and high spirited
*Small sized, athletic, strong with a "BIG DOG" personality
Then the shiba might be for you.....

Now, if you DON'T want a dog that:
*Can not be let off leash unless in a secure fenced area
*Is cunning, manipulative, strong willed and dominant
*Does not like to be held, restrained or cuddled
*Can be aggressive to other animals
*Has strong prey instincts and chases small animals that run
*Can be possessive of his food and toys
* Has the tendency to bolt through open doors
*Has the ability to climb fences or dig under them
* Is double coated and sheds large amounts twice a year
*Is a breed that is not always tolerant of young children
*Can emit a piercing "Shiba Scream" when unhappy or afraid
*Needs constant socialization with animals, people, sights and sounds
Then the shiba is not the right dog for you."...Show more

I've owned a Shiba and she was an excellent fit for me... may not be for you though! I'll give you some pros and cons of the breed. You need to do your own research though, Y!A cannot get you information on a breed when entire 200 page books have been written about it.

Down Side
-constant *need* to escape and run (off-leash fun is not an option!)
-daily grooming during shedding season (they shed minimally normally, but when they blow coat it's madness!)
-not incredibly affectionate (they'll cuddle SOMETIMES when they decide it's time)
-very "same sex" dog aggressive and territorial, need excellent socialization to avoid this
-stubborn, territorial and dominant breed (inexperienced dog owners would do best with puppy obedience classes)
-may not do well with other pets (bred for hunting and retain that instinct well)
-very cat-like (if you want a doggy-dog, find another breed!)
-it's becoming more and more popular so more BAD breeders are trying to make money from pups whose parents weren't health checked.

Up Side
-very quiet dogs (only bark when somebody is on your property/something is wrong)
-super intelligent (once motivated the right way you can teach tons of neat tricks!)
-great with children (when socialized properly)
-very cat-like (if you don't like very doggy-dogs, this is perfect)
-easy to groom (even during shedding)
-no "doggy odor" (barely any odor at all)
-very neat, clean breed (will lick dirt/mud off of paws/seldom needs baths)
-small (can fit in apartments, crate won't take up much space, cheaper to feed)
-few genetic health problems (find parents who have been health checked!)

I loved my Shiba Inu to death. She would still be with me today had she not been poisoned. :(

The main differences between the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu are as follows:

SIZE (obvious, right?)
Akitas are more playful
Shiba bond equally with all family members, Akitas tend to pick one "favorite" person
Akitas provide more protection from home intruders
Shibas will be less expensive to "maintain" so to speak. Less food eaten, less genetic problems=less vet visits.
While they both shed the same way, Akitas are bigger so they have MORE fur to lose.
Shibas need less exercise. They'll walk with you forever, but they don't need much to stay in shape and stay calm.

I'm sure there are tons more differences since I'm not totally familiar with the Akita Inu... but this is what I know.
Good luck!...Show more

I have an Akita & she is the sweetest lady, I recognise akitas have a foul wrap, BUT ANY DOG CAN BE AGGRESSIVE!!! it's all in the best way you carry & teach them . I do not know a lot approximately Shibas ( sorry) I feel the thought of having them each younger & whilst is a satisfactory thought. If the kids are ancient sufficient have them support within the coaching, it is going to be satisfactory for each the children & the puppies. The key to god coaching is being consistant within the coaching. My lady has under no circumstances been competitive to anybody & she is virtually two years ancient now, once more it is all in the best way their raised.......Show more

Just recently got a Shiba Inu. Love it. Super intelligent, never barks and potty trained itself in one day....Show more

before you make your decision, check your local animal shelter. you may find a mutt that is just perfect for you!...Show more