shibu una

Can anybody tell me about the shibu una breed? My son is thinking of getting one and I don't much about them. I know they aren't a very big dog, I think they look like a fox at least the ones I've seen. Are they good family dogs? do they get along with other dogs? what about little kids? Any information would be helpful. Thanks Daisybee

I think the are called a Shiba Inu, I have never herd of that breed, and this one I have told you about is the one that looks like a fox, they are a pretty good breed and can soemtimes be mildy aggresive, its always good to research and/or talk to a breeder, people who have had past experience with the breed!;)

Here's some info on them, but please do more research after reading this. Just type in Shiba Inu in your search engine and I'm sure you'll pull up a lot of helpful websites.

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/shiba.html

This is another helpful website with rescue links and breeder referrals (I personaly would go with a rescue):

http://www.shibas.org/rescue.html

Please make sure your son does lots of research on this breed. They are definatly not for everyone. They are for experienced owners ONLY. Like most spitz dogs, the are independant, strong willed, and stubborn. They have high prey drives. They need to be socialised with other dogs and children very well as they have a tendency to be dominant and assertive. One will not tolerate rough handling and shouldn't be left with small animals. Never let this dog think that he is boss or he will rule the roost. One must also not be let offleash in an unfenced area, and they are diggers.

On the other hand, shibas are VERY intelligent dogs. They are lively, bold, and affectionate towards their owners. Very fast and very agile. Charming little guys. They don't bark often, but they have a typical shiba "yodel." They have a double coat that needs to be brushed everyday and they are heavy seasonal shedders. But bathing isn't usually a problem -- shibas act very much like cats and will lick themselves clean. They usually don't smell bad either.

Hope that helped. Here are some sites about shibas. :)

http://www.littlewolf.com/faqs.htm
http://dogbreedinfo.com/shiba.htm

Shibas are definitely not for everyone. Shiba people are the first to tell you that...LOL

Here are a couple more links for you (and your son) to look at.

http://www3.sympatico.ca/shiba.inu/not4ev.htm

http://www.creslane.com/shibas.htm

If your son does end up getting one, please please tell him to start desensitizing the dog to getting it's nails cut from day one. Shiba's are one of the toughest breeds, that come into work, to cut the nails of. I don't know why, but that has just been my experience with them.

lovemyshiba, ownes one by the name of Kito.
Hopefully she will notice your post.

I believe they can be a stubborn and independent breed.
Sometimes referred to, as an Akita in a smaller
package.

Is this the creature you are referring to???

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...4/f5eafd84.jpg

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.

There is a Shiba in a kill shelter in my town that needs to be rescued/adopted:

I tried to post the link, but it didn't work so:

www.countypets.com

go to: look for lost pets

then: see pictures of out shelter animals