This is a breed that we are hoping to get in the next few years, certainly not soon as we are not in a position for another dog at the moment but I've been researching them in preparation for when we are ready. From the research weve done it is certainly a breed we like the sound of but as I learnt when I got my huskys no amount of research prepares you for the arrival of the real thing and their individual personalities that come with them!

I was just wondering if there are any owners out there that can give me an idea of what owning a shiba is really like and your different experiences of them? Thanks

hi i am an owner of 5 japanese shiba inus and i adore them,i must say they are not a breed for everyone as they can be challenging,can be bossy around other dogs [smaller breeds]of not the same breed i find my inus better with bigger dogs then themselfs but very loveing and i have found my inus great with children,love being with the family,love walks but also love the cuddles on the sofa,shed a great deal fur gets all over in your dinner on your clothes every were,not reccomened to let of lead as they were bred for hunting ,not good with small furrys,can do well with cats from a young age,i have found them good watch dogs will let you know if any one is around that shouldnt be,also can be aloof with strangers early socialiseing is a must,just a fantastic dog and very addicted 1 is never anough,all my inus are very different characters i have a clown he is 9 and acts like a pup,1 is a mums girl wants to be by my side 24-7 she would be stuck to my hip,1 who would go with anybody she would let a burglar in as long as she got a tummy tickle, all so different ,also when owning a shiba be prepared when out walking is that a fox if i had a £1 every time i get asked i would be rich,shibas are just a fab breed good luck in your search

thanks for getting back to me your post is really helpful. I must admit Shibas don't sound dissimilar to the huskys I own, particularly the part about them not being let off the lead, the high prey drive and of course the shedding! Great to know they are good family dogs too. How noisy are they? Are they very barky as this is sometihng I'm not used to with my two huskys at the moment. I've heard that when excited Shibas scream!

hiya i have found my shibas not noisy at all though will let you know if there is something they dislike it is a yodel more than a bark,they do greet you with a yodel or two when you have been out because they love being with the family, my neighbours didnt relise i have 7 dogs in the house 5 are shibas they said you never hear them so i dont think there a loud breed .

Hi, We have had several Shibas over the years and currently have a female, Missy, who lives very happily with our 12 Sibes and our Leonberger. She fits in very well with the sibes and Leo as she is scared of nothing and doesn't take any nonsense. She loves her cuddles (on her terms) and is more of a guard dog than either the sibes  (totally useless) or the Leo (pretty much useless). Over the years we have known loads of people with both sibes and shibas and they do appear to be very compatible.