The Shiba Inu is an unusual dog in that some people have described it as being one of the least domesticated dogs that exist today.  That is not to say it is wild and untrainable, it is, however, independent. The hunting instinct is very strong in this breed of dog. For this reason a Shiba Inu should never be off lead outside.  If the dog spots a squirrel, or rabbit, anything that kicks in the prey drive, the Shiba will give chase and simply will not hear its owner calling it back. They do like to roam and can be very headstrong.
     This breed will need to have an outdoor run, not just a fenced in yard.  This run will need to have a roof and be built with a cement floor. Its nature is to be an escape artist, and they are very clever.
     The Shiba is extremely intelligent, almost cunning, but this does not necessarily mean to say  that the dog is obedient.  This dog is inquisitive, active, and good natured. It can be loyal and affectionate to those humans that earn its respect. The Shiba is reserved and aloof towards strangers, and will not be interested in seeking friendship from outsiders.
     The Japanese refer to the temperament of the Shiba as possessing three traits:
          Kani-i - spirited boldness, coupled with
          Ryosei - good nature, and finally,
          Soboku - alertness.
     The Shiba Inu is very confident in its superiority, and will gladly take over a household .  It is not a lap dog, nor is it subservient.  It may be small in size, but this dog is not for the faint of heart.
The Shiba sets the terms when it comes to showing affection, it hates to be cuddled unless it is what they want at that particular time. Some breeders will not sell Shiba puppies to families with very young children for this reason. Young children sometimes insist that the puppy needs to be held, the Shiba puppy does not realize that it has very sharp teeth and are not aware of the strength of their bite. These dogs are always thinking of how they can get whatever it is that they want, they are problem solvers. They love toys, balls are absolutely the best, and are very possessive and territorial.  This territorial nature is what makes the Shiba very good at being a watch dog.  They are normally quiet dogs and will not bark unless there is something to bark at.
     An interesting facet of this breed is that it has surprised some owners by being able to go from a flat-footed stand on the floor to the table top without effort.  It has been known to be able to clear six foot fences.  It also loves to climb.  This breed of dog is compactly built and efficient in movement.
     The Shiba is a fastidiously clean dog, these dogs never have a "doggy odor" about them. They are very easy to house train.  Some breeders swear that the dog is born housebroken. Even in its kennel, it will soil only in one area. In many ways the Shiba is very cat-like. Many owners believe that they do not own the Shiba, the Shiba owns them. It is not a hyperactive dog, but it is ready for any activity.
     Training a Shiba Inu must start from the time it is a puppy, around 3 weeks of age or when its eyes and ears have opened. It is imperative that this breed have early socialization with its human family, handling, petting, training, and constant exposure to household activity and noise. This is the only way to keep the puppy from becoming fearful and distrustful of humans.  Rescuing a Shiba is very difficult for this reason. It can take upwards of a full year to gain an adult dog's trust.
Obedience classes are also very important. Sending the youngest member of the family with the dog to obedience classes is one way of sending the dog the message that the youngest child is to be obeyed, and is dominant to the dog. Dogs, normally, do not recognize children as smaller sized human beings and they try to dominate the child.  This is why obedience classes attended by the child and the dog will help set up a family hierarchy.  Set the rules with everyone in the household, and enforce the rules consistently, firmly and fairly.  To bring out the full potential of this breed, harsh methods of physical training will not work. The Shiba Inu does not ask its human, "What can I do for you?", instead it wants to know "What's in it for me?" Positive reinforcement, lots of praise and petting work better than food, and is better for the dog.
     Same sex dog aggression is common in this breed, therefore, if you wish to have more than one Shiba, you may wish to consider a pair, male and female, so that dog fighting does not become an issue in the household.  Even spaying or neutering does not always work.
     The life span of a Shiba Inu is 13-16 years.
     Males and females should be distinctly different from each other in appearance.  The males should measure no less than 14-1/2 inches at the withers, and no more than 16-1/2 inches.  The males weight should be about 23 pounds.
     Females usually measure no less than 13-1/2 inches at the withers, and no more than 15-1/2 inches.  Their average weight should be about 17 pounds.
     The Shiba's coat should have a very plush feel to it, soft and thick. It is a double coat of medium length.  The colors are red, black and tan, and red sesame (red with black tipping evenly dispersed over the coat).  All the colors have what the Japanese refer to as "urajiro", a cream to white color on the underside of the body (the chest, belly, inside of the legs, and underside of the tail). They do shed their coat twice a year, but usually a simply brushing on a weekly basis is all that is necessary.  When shedding, the dogs will need daily brushing.
     The standard calls for a harmony and balance of form, color, movement, and temperament.
     Small pets, such as birds, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs, or rabbits should not be in the same household.  These are the small prey Shibas hunt by instinct.  Cats, unless the Shiba is raised from puppyhood with them, could equally be in danger.

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