7 things you need to know before owning a Shiba Inu

If you are thinking about getting a Shiba Inu and you have a vision of a cute, cuddly, sweet dog attentive to your every need and command, running on the beach together without a leash?:  Think again! Cute? Absolutely.  Attentive?  Most of the time ‘no’, on purpose.  Off the leash? Fuggedaboudit!

Here are 7 things you need to know before owning a Shiba Inu that I wish someone forewarned me about before I got my first Shiba.  You may get lucky and not experience these traits with your Shiba. But these are common traits you should know about so that they don’t come as a surprise to you:

1. They are stubborn

It is known.  My mom got me a Japanese book called “How to train a Shiba Inu” (loosely translated) after I got my first Shiba. In it, one of the very first words you see is “ganko” (pronounced gun-ko) meaning “stubborn.” Thanks a lot for the forewarning, Japan!  They are strong willed, bull-headed creatures that once they set their mind on something, no amount of treats can sway their opinion.

Stubborn Shiba Inu refusing to continue to walk
Get used to this look. When a Shiba Inu decides that she’s done with the walk, she will hit the breaks, hunkers down and refuses to go any further.

2. They are drama queens

You think I’m being dramatic but I really am not.  They do have a high-pitched ‘Shiba scream’ that can make your blood curdle.  They tend to scream when they think they are being wronged somehow.  One time, a loose string from a stuffed animal got stuck between my Shiba’s teeth and she stood there screamed bloody murder (with the stuffed animal dangling from her month by the string) like something was trying to kill her. This can make the bath time, nail clipping or vet visits a fun experience for all those involved!  Note, some of them scream when they are happy too, which makes it a double pleasure…

3. They are not hard to train

They just decide when to listen!  Shibas are so smart.  They can learn pretty much everything so quickly. For example, potty training for Shiba puppies has been a breeze probably also due to their fastidious nature to be clean all the time.  All other training, though, I KNOW that they know their commands.  They just choose not to listen when it’s inconvenient for them. I’ve watched my Shiba go through mental, visual assessment to see what’s in it for her if she obeys that particular command then decides to make an informed decision to do or not to do!

4. They are independent

Because of their independent nature, many Shibas will come across aloof.  Some people say that because of this trait, Shiba Inus are cat-like. I’ve noticed this a little more with my female Shiba than my male, who is my little shadow when we are inside of the house (outside, he has more interesting thing than me to check out).  But they all have an independent streak in them that they just do what they feel like doing instead of following you around all the time.  So, off-the-leash walking is not possible for many Shibas.

5. They are loyal

Loyalty is never a bad thing.  Once you have their trust, Shibas are so loyal and their display of affection becomes something that’s so precious to you.  But because their trust must be earned, they tend not to do well with strangers.  I have so many friends that just want to pet my Shiba because he is so cute.  But until he gets to know the new person, he will stay away and even bark at them to warn them to stay away.  Depending on the Shiba, it might take anywhere from a several minutes to a several, separate encounters to become comfortable with someone new.

6. Strangers will stop and talk to you

If you are, like a Shiba Inu, independent and reserved, you have to understand that you will get stopped by strangers on the street.  People will pull over their cars to ask what kind of dog it is that you are walking. Little do they know that a) you are, in reality, being walked BY the dog and b) you are kind of tired of being asked that same question over and over.

7. They shed, like, a lot

There is no way around this one.  Shibas constantly shed and they BLOW their dense undercoat twice a year – once in the spring and once in the late fall.  Be prepared to constantly brush them and vacuum the house.  Wearing black/navy wool or fleece clothes will become maddening as they are magnets to Shiba fur.  And wearing lip gloss is like putting on the primer to have wooly lips for the rest of the day.

Now, after going through these things you should know about Shiba Inu and think to yourself, “these traits sound just like ME” or someone else you know (possibly a teenager?!), you may be a good match for a Shiba since you already know what to expect.  Or, you may decide not to add a (yet another) diva into your household.

Ready to get a Shiba Inu?

You’ve made up your mind and are ready to dive into the world of Shiba Inu ownership? Check out this ultimate guide of essential items every Shiba Inu owner needs!

Are there any other facts out there you think the new owners need to know about Shiba Inu? If so, please leave comments below!

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21 COMMENTS

  1. Sheri | 3rd Jan 24

    We have owned 3 Shibas, 2 females and a male. Our females were more lap friendly than our male but our boy was more laid back and easier to train! The male and one of females loved company but out last female did Not like strangers and hid under the bed till they left! The Shibas are smart dogs and make wonderful pets.

    • admin | 3rd Jan 24

      Thanks so much for sharing Sheri! It’s so cool to hear about the different personalities of Shibas. We’ve had 2 males and one female and our males were more cuddly and my female was still friendly but more independent and just wicked smart! Goes to show that even with these similarities, individual Shiba still has their own unique personalities. Love them all!

  2. Kate | 11th Nov 22

    Talk about people asking what they are! My dog is 50% Shiba, 50% boxer, lab, beagle, German Shepard mix! 😂 I get stopped EVERY DAY

  3. Tricia Schmorde | 17th Feb 22

    Yes, and Shibas often is very shy of strangers or will take time to warm up to them. Good info on our breed thanks for the post.
    Dakine Shiba Inus of Oregon and California
    Expert Dog Speaker for the Ultimate Dog Summit 2019

  4. Kevin Behan | 3rd Nov 21

    I’m impressed after reading this article. I’m now wondering to have a Shiba Inu. Will buy it soon.

  5. David | 8th Jul 21

    These 7 things are really important to know for the new Shiba Inu owner.

  6. Valindia Amabile | 12th Apr 21

    Thinking about owning a Shiba Inu someday and really appreciate the article and all the comments. This is real food for thought.

  7. Lauren | 2nd Oct 20

    Thanks for your reply! I live in Japan so I will definitely check out the Japanese one you mentioned. Oh gotcha! I read it in Japanese pronunciation first and then like gung with the u sounding like umbrella haha. I wasn’t sure if it was a common term used with Shiba owners both foreign and Japanese alike so I thought if it was maybe someone might get confused, so I just wanted to mention it just in case. Thank you so much for your advice! After reading your article I went on YouTube just listening to Shiba’s screaming. I told my husband about it and he said it sounds like our little baby who literally sounds like a meow/screaming cat.😂 I will definitely come back and let you know☺️

  8. Lauren | 30th Sep 20

    Sorry, I forgot to ask! If it’s not too much trouble, may I ask what book you read? I’m interested in reading it before I consider getting a Shiba myself.

    Thanks!

    • admin | 1st Oct 20

      Thanks Lauren! Yes, “ganko” with the short A like “About” is the correct pronunciation. I was thinking more for the American audience, since we typically pronounce an A in the middle as a long A, like “gag.” So, “gunko” was an easier explanation for it 🙂 As for the book, the Japanese book I was referring to is called “Shiba-Ken no shitsukekata.” But I find the books in English were more suited for American lifestyle. I’ve read a lot of books, both breed specific and non-. But there are some quirkiness about Shiba Inus that no training can change or it just takes a lot of patience and consistency. But maybe that’s part of the charm about this breed! Read as much as you can but obedience school and early socialization were the two things that really helped me. Good luck & please let me know when/if you get a Shiba! ❤

  9. Lauren | 30th Sep 20

    Hi! Great article. Short, sweet, and to the point. I just thought I’d mention a tiny Japanese mistake I found in the article. 頑固 (Ganko) is actually pronounced exactly like that, “gahn-ko”. Not “gun-ko”. I’ve always wanted a Shiba so thank you for writing this, all great things to consider!

  10. Mara Reinson | 14th Sep 20

    Omg I had to laugh because your so right on. People need to know how these dogs are. They have a mind of ther own BIGTIME! I adopted a 5 year old Male Shiba. I’ve had him now for 9 years. I did a ton of research on Shiba Inus and talked to people who have them. It’s funny to me now when he refuses to do something because I’ve learned how get him to do what I want him to do. The Shiba scream…holy crap! The 1st time I gave him a bath he screamed so loud. It sounded like I put clamps on his toes and hung him from the ceiling. When I walk him he hardly even notices other dogs around him but if he happens to see something like a opossum he has this super loud high pitched (chirping) sound, it’s hard to even explain. One thing for sure is everyone within range will instantly turn there heads and give you a look like ” WHAT THE HELL”. Shibas aren’t for everyone that’s for sure. I love them.

    • admin | 15th Sep 20

      Your descriptions are hilarious, Mara and SO right! My male does the high pitched chirping sound too but when he’s begging food from me! That must be the crazy Shiba-speak for “I want it!” You definitely get noticed when you walk your Shiba one way or another! Thanks for sharing your story! 🙂

  11. Beth Shields | 28th Jul 20

    It is so important to understand the temperament of the pet you are looking to have. It is a commitment and knowing this makes not only the transition of ownership easier, its the right thing to do so you can enjoy the pet. So important. And I had to chuckle at your descriptions of these temperaments…diva! Thanks for sharing. And a good concept to do for any pet someone is going to have.

    • admin | 4th Aug 20

      Yes! Especially with this breed, Shiba Inu, potential owners need to be aware of their quirks so that they can make an informed decision to own one. Thanks for your comments as always, Beth!

  12. Trenton B Cloutier | 12th May 20

    They’re also neurotic. We have an 8 yr old Shiba (our 2nd) and a 3 yr old Shihtzu. Prior to Shiba’s we had Akitas and after a brief detour with a “regular old dog” found we like our dogs to be more like cats. (Our cats are unimpressed). Our first Shiba was spazzy if anything stuck to his fur or his bum and would run screaming as if he was on fire if any type of prickle-burr touched him. Our current diva is like a horse when it comes to uncertain footing. He will not climb stairs, step over things like vacuum hoses, and will randomly decide certain areas of pour house cannot be traversed evidently because the floor becomes lava. He must be carted up to bed every night, as leaving him downstairs results in him yodeling at us until we come get him.
    He is typically anti-social to other dogs but has adopted the Shihtzu like an annoying little brother and has been surprisingly tolerant (random “know your place” tiffs aside). And he is super cuddly. Other Shiba owners we’ve met marvel at how we can pick him up and he likes to climb up on our laps if we’re sitting around outside. All in all, I don’t think we’ll ever be able to go back to a so-called “normal” doggo…….

    • admin | 13th May 20

      hahahahaha Thanks for sharing your experience with your Shibas, Trenton! These are seriously funny but realistic accounts of how neurotic they can be! But you are right; once you go Shiba you can never go back!

  13. Lisa | 7th Apr 20

    Our Shiba is 12. All applies except he loves children. They are wonderful dogs but definitely a challenge 🙂

    • admin | 12th Apr 20

      I love hearing about Shibas that do well with children! I’m sure it has something to do with you properly socializing your Shiba, Lisa!

  14. Kathy | 28th Feb 20

    This is all so true. I have a Shiba who is now 9 years old. She is the coolest, funniest and most frustrating dog I have ever owned. Sometimes all at the same time! She listens when she chooses. She is extremely food motivated. To the point of being sent to bed because she just won’t give up. I love her and would get another in a heartbeat. I would not recommend this breed to someone with small children or as a first dog. I walked mine in the park several times a week when she was a tiny puppy to socialize her so she is good with people but small children don’t always understand how to handle a dog.

    • admin | 29th Mar 20

      Thanks for your comments, Kathy! Great point about small children, too. As they got older, my Shiba even had less tolerance with small children and just wanted to stay away.

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