I owned a Shiba Inu, and even though I LOVE the breed I wouldn't recommend them!
They are absolutely gorgeous dogs, everyone who sees them says that they are cute and look like foxes and asks what kind of dog they are.
However, they are VERY difficult dogs to live with.
They are the "CAT" of the dog world... but they have all of the cat's worst faults.
Shibas are very clean and very smart. But they are also very independent. They generally are one-person dogs and even that... you have to "ASK" your Shiba to do something, they are not naturally obedient and willing-to-please like most dogs are!
My Shiba was very aloof and she was always suspicious of commands. "COME"? Why? Am I going to get a treat? Go for a walk? Or is it to get a bath or go to the vet? I had to negotiate and "trick" her into obeying me sometimes.
They also hate water.
If you don't like dogs that shed (Jack Russells have very short, tight coats) the Shiba may not be for you either. They have a coat that feels like a German Shepherd... and a dense wooly undercoat that they shed once a year... you will have grey wooly hair everywhere and I strongly suggest getting one of those shedding blades that rip the undercoat out. They shed a LOT for such a small dog.
They are very playful and active, but are not off-leash dogs. My Shiba was fairly well-trained but sometimes would sneak out the front door and then refuse to be caught. She would run around the neighborhood while I called her... knowing that if she came, her free playtime outside would end. Smart dog.
If you decide to get a Shiba, I HIGHLY suggest getting it from a reputable breeder (which, considering the breed is a little rare, will be difficult) and being able to spend some time with the dogs. They really are not for everyone.
If you are a cat person and have a LOT of patience and don't need a dog that is loveable and easy to train, then you will love the Shiba!
Andrea
Edited to add: Please do not get one from a pet store. This is exactly why my own Shiba was ill-fated. I purchased her from a pet store simply because it was "cheaper and easier to get than a good breeder." I ended up having to euthanize her at the young age of four years. She had genetic, severe allergies that got worse as she aged. She was so miserable (constant drugs and medicated baths (which she HATED... water!) that increased each summer) that the kindest thing I could do was to put her to sleep. Yes, a breeder is most likely NOT going to be local, and you will have to ship your dog. Yes, a breeder may charge more than a pet store and you will have to pay shipping. But you will get a dog that is better socialized and healthier than a pet store. My second dog that I bought (have had lots of dogs from local shelters, which I would recommend first and foremost!) was from a breeder, I paid a thousand dollars for a pet-quality puppy... it was a mini aussie. But he is the best dog EVER. Beautiful, smart, and very healthy. Wasn't show quality only because he had "conformationally weak thighs". Doesn't affect him one bit and he's more than perfect as a family member!!!
I learned my lesson and just wanted to share.
Here is the "devil dog"... "FOXGLOVE" in her short summer coat... not the fluffy winter coat.
I promised my husband I wouldn't get another Jack but would like a nice smaller dog. Any ideas? I usually go to the pound and probably will again but thought I would ask.
