There are many breeds of dog that have experienced something of a burst in popularity thanks to popular and mass media attention. From St. Bernards after the Beethoven movies to Chihuahuas and other lap dog breeds following Paris Hilton’s ascent to fame, dog breeds can be as much fads as anything else. The Shiba Inu, now its own Internet meme that, admittedly, does not entirely make sense, has come to enjoy quite a bit of popularity of late, even having a cryptocurrency (dogecoin) named after the meme!
Before you run out and ironically get a Shiba Inu of your own, you should pause to consider whether or not you are really, truly prepared to raise and care for a dog. While a relationship with a dog can be a very happy and fulfilling one, it requires a lot of responsibility, knowledge, and patience. Dogs, after all, are an entirely different species; they think, live, and communicate differently from you or I. As such, connecting with them, training them, and living with them can be, at times, quite difficult. This is no less true with the Shiba Inu, whose own particularly quirks make them more attractive to some and less attractive to others. Which side of the fence do you fall on?
So Advantages
The Shiba Inu offers a number of advantages over most other breeds. For example, the Shiba Inu is a very conveniently sized dog; this may seem like a small thing (pun not intended…) but if you’ve ever owned a large dog while living in an apartment or other small space, then you know that a dog’s size can quickly become a factor not only in how comfortable you are in the space, but your dog’s comfort as well as your ability to raise and care for that dog. After all, we all need our space.
The Shiba Inu is also different from the lap dogs we previously mentioned in that they have a lot of energy, are very bold, and have a strong spirit. They are brave and willing to take on any challenge; consequently, you won’t see them hiding behind you when a challenge presents itself. They are go-getters, and you will need the right amount of energy to keep up with your Shiba Inu. If you want a more laid-back lifestyle, then this breed is probably not for you!
Much Responsibilities
As previously mentioned, the Shiba Inu has a lot of energy. As with any dog that exhibits quite a bit of energy, they require regular exercise and other outlets for their physical and mental energy. When they don’t get those outlets, they find them – often in the form of tearing up and destroying furniture and anything else they can get their jaws on. It’s up to you to provide as many opportunities to exercise as possible if you want to save your home from your dog!
Similarly, the Shiba Inu breed needs to be properly socialized if it is to behave appropriately around strangers and other dogs. If your Shiba Inu is not regularly exposed to other people and dogs, they will begin to exhibit a suspicious nature that could even turn towards aggression, especially against other dogs as well as cats. Nobody wants that! Yet, if you take the time to care for and raise your Shiba Inu right, you will have an amazing companion in the years to come.
+Neil Kilgore loves all dogs equally, but the Shiba Inu has a special place in his heart! He regularly blogs about dogs, breeders and puppies on the Greenfield Puppies website.