Shiba Inu in the Media - good or bad?

Did you watch the now famous Shiba Inu puppy cam? Who didn't? Have you heard about the upcoming movie "Hachiko" which is about a loyal Akita, but Shiba Inu puppies were used in the movie. The Shiba Inu is getting more and more exposure, and I have to wonder if that is a good thing or not.

Yes, I loved watching the Shiba Inu puppy cam. I have a Shiba Inu, so re-living those cutesy puppy days was a lot of fun. I know many Shiba owners felt the same.

What concerns me are the people that enjoyed watching the puppy cam and now want a Shiba Inu based on the extreme cuteness. I guess it's just like when 101 Dalmatians became a movie, and the upcoming movie "Marley & Me" will probably have the same effect - it brings interest towards a specific breed and a lot of people/kids will want one.

The Shiba Inu is not for everyone. Sushi and I are still sorting each other out and it's been 5 yrs! Shibas are very intelligent and can continue to challenge you whenever they feel like it. They can be a lot of work. Yes, the learn quickly, but they can also be very stubborn.

So, for anyone out there considering adding a Shiba Inu to their family, Sushi and I beg that you do A LOT of research and be SURE that this is the breed for you (and that you are the right family for the Shiba!).

All that being said, here are some very important links to very important websites that really tell you what life is like with a Shiba Inu.

THE MISANTHROPIC SHIBA

A SHIBA INU PROFILE

Consider adopting a Shiba, there are many looking for their forever home on PETFINDER

DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT BUY FROM A PET STORE or ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS - THESE ARE MOST OFTEN PUPPY MILLS OR BROKERS!!!

If you want to get a Shiba Inu from a breeder, again, do your research first. When you are ready to visit a breeder, read the following tips on how to identify a good dog breeder below:

When Can I Bring My Puppy home?

Not before the pup is 8-10 weeks old. If the pup is removed from it's Mom before 8 weeks, the pup could possibly end up with serious behavioural or health issues.

Choosing the Right Breeder

How to Identify a Good Dog Breeder - Tips from The Humane Society of the United States

Look for a breeder who at a minimum:

-Keeps her dogs in the home and as part of the family--not outside in kennel runs.
-Has dogs who appear happy and healthy, are excited to meet new people, and don't shy away from visitors.
-Shows you where the dogs spend most of their time--an area that is clean and well maintained.
-Encourages you to spend time with the puppy's parents--at a minimum, the pup's mother--when you visit.
-Breeds only one or two types of dogs, and is knowledgeable about what is called "breed standards" (the desired characteristics of the breed in areas such as size, proportion, coat, color and temperament).
-Has a strong relationship with a local veterinarian and shows you the records of veterinary visits for the puppies. Explains the puppies' medical history and what vaccinations your new puppy will need.
-Is well versed in the potential genetic problems inherent in the breed--there are specific genteic concerns for every breed--and explains to you what those concerns are. The breeder should have had the puppy's parents tested (and should have the results from the parents' parents) to ensure they are free of those defects, and she should be able to provide you with the documentation for all testing she has done through organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals(OFA).
-Gives you guidance on caring and training for your puppy and is available for your assistance after you take your puppy home.
-Provides references of other families who have purchased puppies from her.
-Feeds high quality "premium" brand food.
-Doesn't always have puppies available but rather will keep a list of interested people for the next available litter.
-Actively competes with her dogs in conformation trials (which judge how closely dogs match their "breed standard"), obedience trials (which judge how well dogs perform specific sets of tasks on command), or tracking and agility trials. Good breeders will also work with local, state, and national clubs that specialize in their specific breeds.
-Encourages multiple visits and wants your entire family to meet the puppy before you take your puppy home.
-Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee and allows plenty of time for you to read it thoroughly. The breeder should not require that you use a specific veterinarian.

In addition to the above criteria, you'll want a breeder who requires some things of you, too. A reputable breeder doesn't just sell her puppies to the first interested buyer!

The breeder should require you to:

-Explain why you want a dog.
-Tell her who in the family will be responsible for the pup's daily care, who will attend training classes, where the dog will spend most of her time, and what "rules" have been decided upon for the puppy--for example, will the dog be allowed on furniture?
-Provide a veterinary reference if you already have pets or, if you don't have other pets, she should ask which practices you are considering for your new puppy.
-Provide proof from your landlord or condominium board (if you rent or live in a condominium complex) that you are allowed to have companion animals.
-Sign a contract that you will spay or neuter the dog unless you will be actively involved in showing him or her (which applies to show-quality dogs only).
-Sign a contract stating that you will return the dog to the breeder should you be unable to keep the dog at any point in the dog's life.

(note from Bonnie: when visiting a breeder, ask to see the parent's pedigree before making a decision; take a good look at it; parents should not be from the same litter. Also, if a breeder refuses to show you all of their dogs or where they "live", etc...walk away right then and there.)

Bonnie & Sushi

Shiba Inu "coat"

Humph!!! Mom said that since my undercoat has refused to grow in and I get cold at the park, that she had to buy me a jacket. Can you believe that? She did promise to not make me look completely ridiculous and says I look quite distinguished in it. Some pals have said the colour goes perfectly with my colouring, whatever THAT means. I guess it's ok, now that I've learned I can still pee and poop! Shiba Inus are double coated, and normally I blow my coat every Christmas, but I was early this year...still waiting for it to come back...

Toronto Shiba Inu Meetup Howliday Pawty

32 Shiba Inu, 2 Korean Jindos and 2 non-Shiba pooches took over Doggie Central for the Toronto Shiba Inu Meetup group's Annual Howliday Pawty.