Is this the creature you are referring to???
Everyone else has given you some good advice, and great links.
Shibas are most definitely NOT for everyone. They can be very stubborn little brats, but will steal your heart.
As far as the questions you've asked, I'll answer them with my personal experience. They CAN be good family dogs, if socialized and trained properly. An unsocialized Shiba is a bad thing. They are very independent in nature, and could really care less if you are around, for the most part. Kito doesn't like when we leave the house without him, but when we're home he's usually napping in another room. They CAN get along with other dogs too, but may not necessarily like them. I'm pretty sure Kito would prefer that he didn't have 3 canine siblings, but that was up to us not him. He could really care less about them, unless they come too close when he is by his mommy. He was the first dog here, and is the alpha at our house too. As for kids, my shiba doesn't like them, but he's only been around a few. If a shiba is raised with children, and supervised, they can be ok.
They really are unique dogs. Very cat like, and can be vocal. Kito doesn't bark much, but he does "sing." In a Shibas world, everything is "mine."
Kito sleeps in our bed, but won't get on the furniture. He eats when he feels like it, and goes out when he feels like it. He hates to go out in the rain, but loves the snow. He loves when people come over. He bosses the other dogs around, especially our rottweiler. He doesn't love baths, but doesn't hate them either. He doesn't mind having his nails clipped, but I've heard they are absolutely the worst dogs when it comes to nail clipping.
I love my Shiba, but I know they aren't for everyone.
One more thing: A fenced in yard is a MUST with a Shiba. They absolutely CANNOT be trusted off leash, no exceptions. They do have a very strong prey drive, as the breed originated for rodent hunting, and will take off.
Emily, Kito, Abbey, Riley, and Jada
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