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Shiba Inu.
Adorable.
Stunning.
So cute!!
How about affectionate??
Well, if you're wondering how affectionate Shiba Inus are. It's likely that you've never had one before and are possibly considering one in the future right?
Aaaand because you're wondering if Shibas are big on affection, you're likely a typical dog lover (or fan) that appreciates an affectionate and loving dog.
While Shiba Inus are loyal, family-oriented dog - they often fall short in the affection category.
Shiba Inu Loyalty
One of the first words that come to mind when describing any dog is loyalty.
Dogs are loyal to their owners to a fault.
Once they have become attached to a particular human, they will do anything to please that human.
All dogs are loyal, but some are more loyal than others.
Shiba Inus are an especially loyal breed.
They give their whole heart to their owner and family and want to spend time with them.
However, with that said, they are also quite independent and are perfectly happy to go off and do their own thing when their person or people are busy.
All of the above factors play a big part in Shiba Inu's popularity.
They mesh well with a number of different human personality types, and it's no surprise that they are the number one companion animal in their home country of Japan.
However, keep in mind that loyalty and affection are two different things.
Some dog breeds are very loyal, but that doesn't always mean that they are also affectionate.
A dog may love his or her owner and family very much, but that doesn't always mean that the dog will be all that excited about cuddling on the couch or about sleeping in his or her owner's bed.
Some dog breeds are known for being affectionate and love to snuggle.
Breeds that are well-known for affectionate qualities include Labrador Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, Collies, Great Danes, Alaskan Klee Kais and Pomeranians to name a few.
So if you're looking for a dog that loves receiving and giving affection all of the time - consider the dogs mentioned above instead of a Shiba Inu
Just How Affectionate Are Shiba Inus?
Shiba Inus have many wonderful qualities, but they are not known to be especially affectionate.
There may be outliers for sure.
But for the most part, the majority of purebred (quality bred) Shiba Inus run more on the aloof, independent side vs. affectionate and "spoony".
But Shiba Inus really do love their owners and will remain devoted to them for a lifetime.
Both Shiba Inus and Shiba Inu owners are well tuned to each other's mood. And most owners know when they can receive affection and when they should leave their Shibas be.
Shiba Inus may come off as stand-offish but they simply like to give and receive love and attention on their own terms.
The independence of Shiba Inus may not be right for every dog owner. However, for people who prefer "less needy breeds", this breed can be an excellent choice.
If you love having a dog around, but don't want to be overwhelmed with attention all the time, a Shiba Inu may be right for you.
Does This Mean Shiba Inus Are Mean Dogs?
No not at all.
Shiba Inus are not - or at least should not be mean dogs.
Properly bred and reared Shiba Inus should be calm and dignified dogs as mature adults.
Some Shibas may exhibit same-sex aggression, though this usually resolves with proper socialization, obedience training, and de-sexing.
Sure, a Shiba Inu's aloof and uppity personality can sometimes make them appear a bit 'mean' to certain people.
So instead of "mean", maybe "stuck-up" would be closer on the mark in terms of personality description.
Are Shiba Inus Difficult Dogs?
For a novice dog owner, Shiba Inus can be described as being a difficult dog breed.
Due to their 'primitive' / basal dog breed nature, Shiba Inus still contain "wilder" traits than their more domesticated counterparts such as Labs and Retrievers.
This means that proper socialization and obedience training at a very young age is paramount in raising a well-adjusted and obedient Shiba Inu.
Without proper socialization, Shiba Inus can be exceptionally stubborn and difficult to train.
Some may develop anxiety and or aggression issues as well.
What makes this even worse is bad breeding.
Due to the rising popularity of Shiba Inus, many puppy mills and backyard breeders have increased their breeding of inferior Shiba Inu puppies.
These poor puppies along with their parents often live in inhumane conditions.
The resulting Shiba Inu puppies are often sickly dogs that don't conform to proper Shiba Inu standards - both physically and temperamentally.
Please do your research before considering bringing a Shiba Inu puppy home. Quality Shiba Inu puppies are not easy to come by.
Reputable breeders usually have long waiting lists. You'll never, ever, ever find a quality Shiba Inu puppy on Craigslist or online websites.
Wonderful Shiba Inu Qualities That Don't Require Affection
There are so many great things to know about Shiba Inus.
Hopefully, their inclination toward independence won't cause you to discount this incredible breed.
If a Shiba Inu is properly trained and socialized, they make great family dogs.
They are also happy with a single owner - and make great apartment dogs.
Due to their independence and stubbornness, they can be challenging to train. However, if you start training at a young age, Shiba Inus enjoy learning and can soon follow instructions and commands.
Like any dog, they love rewards and for Shibas, this usually involves food.
Shiba Inus are moderately active dogs. Although they don't mind spending time alone, they also require enough physical and mental exercise to keep them in tip-top shape.
They have a strong prey drive so you'll need to walk yours on a leash and if you have a fenced-in yard, you'll need to reinforce it.
Shiba Inus can be "judgey dogs" and always keep an eye on their owners to see "what's up". Sometimes, we feel that we're the ones who constantly have to "please" our Shibas.
Finally, Shiba Inus are simply one of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world.
Owning a Shiba Inu is akin to being in the presence of a celebrity.
Admirers can't get over the cuteness and "kawaii" factor of Shiba Inus.
With full mochi cheeks, pointy, curious ears, and exotic almond eyes - the sheer beauty of Shiba Inus more than make up for their subpar cuddliness ratings.
In Closing
Hopefully you've learned that while Shiba Inus are not the most affectionate dogs on the planet - they still are loyal, loving, and absolutely devoted to their master.
It's important to understand that affection and love are distinct from each other and one doesn't require the other to be meaningful.
Some affectionate dogs are simply that - affectionate. They may or may not love you. (Some dogs are just wired to be affectionate due to the evolutional advantage).
While some not-so affectionate dogs are also simply that - not affectionate.
However a Shiba's love is like an invisible supernova that can only be felt by someone who ever had the honor of receiving love from a Shiba.
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