Shiba Inu Owners’ Dictionary

Dog owners have a language of our own.  There is now a whole new lingo called DoggoLingo that represents the dogs’ own language that’s used broadly on the Internet and social media.  Words like “puppers,” “heckin,” and “hooman” are all part of this dog owners’ lexicon.

As you become a new Shiba Inu owner for the first time, learning a new  language is a rite of passage.  Here is the dictionary of words that new Shiba Inu owners should know including the most frequently used DoggoLingos for Shibas for your easy reference.

If you are a first time Shiba Inu owner: Be sure to also check out the list of essential tools for Shiba Inu owners!

Airplane Ears

We used to also call them Yoda Ears. This is prevalent for dogs with pointy ears. It’s when the Shiba is happy, he pins his ears down to the side, making the ears look like little “wings.” The airplane ears are usually accompanied by a smile that’s formed with squinty eyes and lips pulled back to form a grimace. Sometimes they show their teeth while they “smile” which is so sweet and ridiculous at the same time.

You should feel very special when you are subjected to the airplane ears. Shibas don’t dish those out to just anyone!

Blep

Definitely not breed specific.  But it’s so cute when they do this that it’s used frequently by Shiba owners.  It’s when they leave just the tip of their tongue out unintentionally. 

Butt Attack / Butt Slam / Butt Toss / Booty Bump

It’s called a few different things.  But it’s a surprise tactical attack that Shibas use to bewilder their play-fight opponent.  It starts by dogs facing off each other.  But the Shiba would spin 180 degrees while tossing his butt into the other dog’s face.

As an owner, you’ll sometimes become a victim of the butt slam to your face or legs.  But it’s an effective way to get you to start giving them butt scritches that they absolutely love. 

Cat Dog

A new Shiba Inu owner will soon come to find out that Shibas are a breed of their own.  They are Cat Dogs.  They have both dog and cat traits that make them quite unique that are endearing for the owners but a bit baffling for bystanders.  See all the ways that make them earn the reputation of being a cat dog.

Chimkin Wing Paws

Probably not widely used, but it’s what I call the paws when my Shiba lays on his back and their paws are dangling forward.  He gets in the position when he’s goofing around, playing with his hoomans.  I tell him that his paws look like little chimkin wings and that I am going to eat those.  (Then I think twice about even pretending to eat those because they smell like Fritos!) 

BTW, “Chimkin” Nuggets are what dogs call chicken nuggets. 

Doge

Based on the 2013 Internet meme which originated from a Japanese blogger.  The blogger overlaid English words, some of which were misused, over a picture of her Shiba Inu to capture the Shiba’s inner thoughts.  Doge is now the intentional misspelling for “dog” but is often also used to reference a Shiba Inu.

Sheeb / Sheebs (plural)

It’s the pet name for the breed by Shiba owners.

Shiba 500 / Zoomies

When a Shiba gets really excited (seeing his favorite person, for example), he runs in circles, as big circles as the space allows, as fast as he can. This pointless solitary race can go on for a while.

Shibatude

It’s the aloof, aristocratic attitude that even the owners will be subjected to.  It’s kinda like dealing with some teenagers.  They will do what they want and if you don’t like it, you are still the one that’s judged, sometimes in a long awkward silence…

Shiblings

Shibas in the same household, that are considered “siblings.” Not necessarily biological siblings. Whether they love each other or hate each other, one thing’s for sure: They are in cahoots to take over the household.

Shina Ibu / Shibu Ina

These are some of the jacked-up ways that people pronounce “Shiba Inu” when you first introduce this breed to them.  For some reason, Shi-Ba I-Nu is hard to say until you get used to it!

Shiba Scream

It’s an experience that you will never forget. Shibas are known to let out the blood curdling, Banshee-like scream to let you know that they are displeased with their situation. If they don’t like baths, nail clipping, getting stuck somewhere, they will let you know with this unnerving, high-pitched scream.  Most of the time, they are not physically hurt.  It’s only to indicate their disapproval.

Not every Shiba does it. And some Shibas scream also when they are happy. So, consider yourself lucky if you never know what I’m talking about!

Sploot

Originally associated with Corgi.  But many Shiba Inus do the same thing.  They lay down flat on their belly with their back legs stretched out behind them.  We sometimes call them “frog legs” too.  But they seem to do this when they are totally relaxed. 

Any other Shiba Lingo?

If you already are a Shiba Inu owner, let me know what other words should be included in this Dictionary for New Shiba Inu owners that I may have missed!

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