Next best thing to having a dog....

[movie zombie]

is this a good breed around cats?
i know many cats will "train" a dog....but i looked this breed up and it seems to be rather strong willed........

however, i understand the urge because who wouldn't want a double wide sausage with appendages in the air asking for belly rubs?! if only they stayed that way........

 

[Matata]

is this a good breed around cats?
i know many cats will "train" a dog....but i looked this breed up and it seems to be rather strong willed........

however, i understand the urge because who wouldn't want a double wide sausage with appendages in the air asking for belly rubs?! if only they stayed that way........

They are compatible with cats. Their personalities appear to be much the same as my savannah cats so I think the match would be good. I've been looking at shibas for a number of years and I would like to have a dog again, BUT --- and there are a million reasons behind that "but" for why I don't have a dog now and until or unless I resolve them all, there won't be a canine addition to the house. In any event, I'd really prefer a rescue over a puppy.

 

[movie zombie]

.......... I'd really prefer a rescue over a puppy.

i agree. whether car or dog, rescue is for me.

 

[webdiva]

I have no idea how it happened, I think I went into an altered state of consciousness started looking at shiba breeders near me, and then I splashed some cold water on my face, came back to the computer went directly back to my happy place and found myself looking up Japanese baby girl names. I am perched at the lip of the abyss.

They are pretty adorable! However, definitely research the breed extensively, see if there's a rescue where you can meet the dogs and then look into rescue. They are not the breed for everyone- more so than any other breed. Many "northern breeds" are like this. People buy/adopt them for their looks and are forced to rehome them after they can't handle them.

However, all dogs are different and meeting an adult rescue is great because their personalities are set! Our oldest dog is a high energy breed (husky), but he's a total couch potato. The rescue I volunteer with (who deals with a very similar breed - jindos) works closely with a Shiba rescue. Look up "shiba rescue" and your state for more info. There are also shiba forums you can lurk on to read about their characteristics.

While a generalization, you can expect some shibas to be aloof/not affectionate, not all that fond of other dogs, can have a high prey drive, are very stubborn, have a high pitched scream when excited/upset, and have a tendency to escape/run off (must always be kept on leash). If you have certain traits you definitely want in a dog, work with a rescue to find a dog with that particular temperament. We ended up with a non-husky-ish husky after months of searching.

This is a good intro:
http://www.dogster.com/forums/shiba_inu/thread/415626

 

[DiamondBrokersofFlorida]

I know a breed that loves babies, cats, and any other animals. It is the Clumber Spaniel. I have one as well. Here is my Beau.

These dogs are very gentle, hardly ever bark and are very smart.

 

[AGBF]

I know a breed that loves babies, cats, and any other animals. It is the Clumber Spaniel. I have one as well. Here is my Beau.

These dogs are very gentle, hardly ever bark and are very smart.

Just gorgeous, Jan. You haven't seen our latest addition. We have a two year old male Newfie (Newfoundland) who weighs 134 pounds. He is the gentlest dog I have ever owned, and I have owned a very gentle spaniel; a lovely Golden Retriever; and a Lab. This dog is very careful in how he takes food from your hand, very careful with children, and incredibly loving. He will come over to you and lean into you to be hugged, then raise his outer paw in hopes that you will put a hand under it and rub his body!!!

Deb/AGBF


Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend


This is Griffin.

 

[movie zombie]

puppy update: they really are puppies now! eyes open, walking, sitting, faces less round and elongating. no longer double-wide sausages with appendages but beginning to assume "dog"-like appearance. so wonderful to see.