Shiba Inu?

[wildhorseluvr]

My DD and DSil lost their Akita last weekend. She was old so not a surprise. They thought they might go without a pet for a few years, but now they've decided the house is just too empty and they want to start over with a puppy again. They've done some research and are considering a Shiba Inu. Anyone have one or know anything about this breed? 

[Maura]

I think they are just like the akita but in a smaller package. We fostered one for eight months. Very nice dog, but very independent. She had been on a chain all of her life (we think), never been in a house. She adapted quite readily. Very smart, trainable, but independent. Not stubborn, but not for someone who wants “I say jump, you say how high”. Good pet, but not clingy.

[fordy]

.............My Akita lasted 12 years ! Shiba are beautiful dogs , one thing I learned , doNOT feed these type(s) of dogs close to another dog . They retain that trait like the wolf.........you take my food , you take my life ! IF , there is an older dog present , it may attempt to eat out of the shiba's bowl , big , big mistake . The shiba won't allow such to happen before a fight ensues , even if the shiba is still a puppy . , fordy

[countrymom22]

Shiba's are great dogs, very intelligent, very clean. But, they are very independent and do not like to spend time alone. They can become very destructive when left alone, as can any dog. They are very cat like in demeanor. If you want a dog that is as intelligent as it's owner, that will keep you on your toes, this might be that dog. Their grooming requirements are minimal. I believe that they do not have a true bark, more of a yodel, if I remember correctly.

[wildhorseluvr]

Thanks for the feedback. Their Akita, a huge female, was also 12 yrs old. She was going downhill but might have made it another year had she not ended up with a twisted gut. 

Their Akita was fairly aloof, so they are used to that and the independence. The aggression over food can be worked around. This dog will be their only pet, but would be cared for by family when DD and DSil are gone on occasional weekends. We all have our own pets, but could separate at feeding time. Do Shibas have a tendency to kill small animals? Their Akita allowed only their other dog on their property. Slow cats and skunks didn't survive long. 
Also, are they escape artists and runners? I've heard that they are very good at getting out of fences and running the neighborhood. 

Destruction when left alone might be the biggest issue.    They own a business so would be taking the dog to work with them each day, but there are times the dog would have to stay alone for part or most of a day. They have a very nice home so a dog deciding to take the place apart would not be good. 

[countrymom22]

wildhorseluvr, now that you mentioned it, I do remember something about then being escape artists and they could possibly have an issue with smaller animals. I don't know that it's a true prey drive or if its more an I'm interested in you...oops! kind of thing. Obviously the dog would have to be crate trained in the environment you mentioned. Any dog left alone has the potential to get into trouble!

[Maura]

I could not have chickens until after the Daisy was rehomed. She killed other small animals as well, like a cat.

She was afraid to go indoors. We were building a house at the time and not living in it, but were in a ‘shed’ across the driveway. I would sit at my computer in the little shed and toss her a treat. It only took once for her to stand at the open door looking at me. Tossed a treat again. A minute later she is back with smiles and tail wags. I dropped the treat on the floor so she would have to come in. After that, she just stayed away for half a minute, then would come back and she was taking it from my hand. She was training me. That night, after three days, she slept inside. Smart dog.

I’ll see if I can post her picture.

Here it is. www.foreverhomebook.net Daisy is on the cover.

[wildhorseluvr]

Well, looks like we will soon find out what they're like, DD and DSil have purchased a female puppy and are having it shipped from Missouri on Friday. It's white with rust colored ears...a really cute fluff ball. DD is now thankful she held off on getting new carpet.