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The Shiba Inu - A Unique Dog Breed

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How I Discovered Shiba Puppies & Shiba Dogs

Fifteen years ago I was introduced to the Shiba dog breed when I added a new member to our family by the name of Tess. The first thing about her that captivated me was her alert, intelligent eyes even though she was just a young puppy. I knew she was going to be extra special, So off I went, taking my Shiba puppy home. I just didn't know at the time how special she would grow to be!

Like most people, my first reaction when hearing the name of the Shiba breed the first time was, "What the heck is a Shiba Inu?" Read on and learn all about this captivating breed, their unique characteristics, their unusual history and well, just a whole lot more really good stuff about Shiba puppies and Shiba dogs.

photo courtesy of Netsirksmada

Where Do Shiba Dogs Come From?

Shiba Inu, The Most Popular Dog In Japan

Shiba puppies, or more appropriately, Shiba Inu's hale originally from Japan. They are loosely related, kissin' cousins if you will, to the Akita. Shiba dogs are the smallest dog of the Japanese native breeds and are currently the most popular breed in Japan.

It's easy to see why Shiba puppies are so popular, just how cute can a dog be??

Shiba dogs are thought to be the oldest breed of dog in Japan, but after World War II they were close to extinction. Thanks to combining the three main blood lines, the breed was preserved. The first Shiba Inu came to the US in 1954 and the first documented litter was born in 1979, perhaps the Shiba puppies we love today are descendants of this litter! In 1993 the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

photo courtesy of KLuu

A Match Made In Shiba Heaven - Or Not...

Is The Shiba Dog The Right Breed For Me?

A Very Important Question.

 The most important question every future dog owner should ask themselves before acquiring a dog. Dog shelters and rescue shelters would be significantly less crowded if everyone would take this oh-so Important Step.

Every Breed is Not Right For Every Body.

Like people, dogs have characteristics and personalities that require different needs.

For example if you live alone, work many hours and live in an apartment, you wouldn't want to adopt a dog that requires extensive exercise and attention. In fact this is a recipe for disaster that would cost you untold damage due to an under exercised, bored, starved for attention, extremely unhappy dog. Not fair to you and really not fair to the dog, now is it?

Now before you ask, of course I was unable to find a photo of a Shiba Inu behaving badly.....you didn't think I would, did you....wink, wink.

Seriously, any dog will behave horribly if she is not in the correct environment.

Would You Consider Owning A Shiba Inu?

You don't have to be a member to participate Cast your vote, it's fun

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What Makes Shiba Puppies So Special?

My Shiba Dog

I want to tell you what makes my Shiba puppy so special.


She is fifteen years young and still runs, jumps and plays like a puppy. Sure, she takes the stairs a little slower now and she seems to have some senior moments, but I take the stairs slower and have my share of senior moments....that doesn't make me old, does it? So when I refer to her as my puppy, I'm sure you understand....I'm still a kid, right?

Tess has an almost feline quality about herself, never had that in a dog before. She sprawls across the back of the sofa like a cat, cleans herself like a cat and possesses that cat like grace when walking or jumping up on her chair or her sofa. Yes, like a cat, she seems to think she allows the rest of us to use her home! My Shiba dog even squints her eyes like a cat.

Tess is very smart, protective and a great watch dog. She is a little stand offish to new comers, (Hey! - Just like me!) but once she gets to know you, she never forgets you, even if she doesn't see you for a couple of years.

More Info About Shiba Puppies and Shiba Dogs



My Shiba dog is by no means a lap dog, but she loves to be near us, laying up against us on the sofa or leaning her head on a foot while she is laying on the floor. She will nudge your hand with her nose repeatedly, or prod you with her paw if she wants a pat on the head or to be rubbed. It's not an option to say no!

Photo courtesy of The Daily Puppy

Favorite Shiba Names - You Decide!

Please Vote For Your Favorite Shiba Name

Since the Shiba Dog comes from Japan and they have such cool, adorable looks, many Shiba owners find unique Shiba-like names for them. Here are a few that I've found here and there.

1

Vote Up

Kitsune

Means: "Foxy"6 points

2

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Kaida

Means "Little Dragon"2 points

3

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Kenji

Don't know the translation, but it was cute!2 points

4

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Kani

Means: "Brave"1 point

5

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Kobe

No, Not Bryant1 point

6

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Ninja

Self Explanatory1 point

7

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Yuki-san

Means: "Mr. Snow"1 point

Help Training A Shiba

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Check Out These Cool Lenses

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Shiba Stats

Here Are Some Shiba Inu Facts

Shiba Puppies Arrive Here on Earth in Three Adorable Flavors:



Red - like a fox, folks ask me all the time if Tess is part fox!
White - An angel of a dog, must be sent here from heaven!
Black and Brown - A mischievous looking little devil, isn't he?

They range anywhere from 15 - 20 pounds, give or take. An ideal, take anywhere size, don't you think?

Their tails do that cute little curly thing over the top of their backs - makes their tail wag with an unusual little swish!

They love a yard to run in, but can do well with some daily exercise. Yes, that means you have to go too!



Photo courtesy of Breeder Info Center

Is The Shiba Dog Right For Me?

Shiba Puppies - A Major Hit "Reality" Video

You will love this video, Shiba Puppies with their mamma. It was at one point the most watched YouTube video of all time. The mamma looks just like Tess!
powered by Youtube
Important!

The Most Important Thing About Adopting A Dog

Whether adopting a Shiba Inu or any dog breed, please, please, please do your research before bringing the wrong dog home. There are far too many dogs in shelters abandoned by those who didn't research properly before adopting.

By researching before adopting the right dog for you, you are part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

Shiba Puppies Starring On You Tube

Shiba Inu puppies, 6.5 weeks
by cflammen | video info

428 ratings | 319,114 views
curated content from YouTube

Is A Shiba Dog Right For Me?

A Very Important Decision

*Resources are readily available, you wound up here, didn't you?? Pat yourself on the back, job well done!

*Narrow down your choices to your favorite few....OK maybe your favorite one!

*Review the general information you've gathered - You are smart, you have done your research - You are almost there!

Make a small investment in a big decision about Shiba puppies. It will pay off Big for many happy years to come with your new best friend.

photo courtesy of Netsirksmada

Cool Stuff To Pamper Your Shiba Puppy

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Shiba Dogs - All Grown Up

Learn More About Shiba Dogs

So what do you think?

Do you agree that they are really cute, captivating dogs?

Would you like to learn more about them?

I can say Tess has been the most captivating dog I have ever owned and there have been quite a few. Not that I'm old (remember up there towards the top of the lens?), but I've had quite a few dogs in my day and almost always two at a time. Tess has been with me the longest and has captured my heart in a very special Shiba way!

Photo courtesy of The Daily Puppy

Do You Love Shiba Puppies?

Do you have a Shiba Inu? Do you now dream of owning a Shiba? Let's talk....

submit
  • Reply
    AkitaJitsu Feb 14, 2012 @ 9:32 pm | delete
    Such cute pics of Shibas! I almost want to get one...but I'll stick with Akitas for now.
  • Reply
    RealityTV Mar 17, 2011 @ 6:39 pm | delete
    "Lucky Leprechaun Blessings" from a Squid Angel. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
  • Reply
    EverydayMiracles Mar 5, 2011 @ 2:20 pm | delete
    I think they are beautiful dogs, but I could never do a Shiba Inu. I did a ton of research before being sure on the breed of our dog, and we chose a Rottweiler. There is no going back. Rotts are the best breed ever! LOL

    But not for everybody ;)
  • Reply
    Ken Feb 20, 2011 @ 12:07 pm | delete
    Kato, our Shiba, is our 4th dog. We selected him from a breader's litter because he was the largest pup and we wanted to make sure that he could walk long distances in the woods near our home (north of Toronto), and, have the stamina and all climate comfort that our Husky had. He loves to be around people and be petted - but must always be on a leash (by law). Crate training is a must since he this is his home.
  • Reply
    Shibamom Feb 22, 2011 @ 8:04 am | delete
    Kato sounds like a wonderful dog. Tess, even though she is approaching 15 still has a lot of stamina to go for walks. I don't take her hiking or long distances any more though, but a couple of miles and she's still going strong!
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What About Shibamom?

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Shibamom

Hi There. I'm Sheri, aka Shibamom. I hope you enjoyed your visit here. If you have a Shiba Inu or are considering this unique dog breed, please take... more »

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