Do you enjoy a challenge? Then the unique shiba inu may be the right dog for you. When considering a shiba inu rescue, bear in mind that they require a lot of time and attention. But this will be repaid with loyalty and affectionate joy. This dog resembles a fox or a miniature Akita. They are the smallest of the original six spitz-type Japanese dogs. Some of these six are already extinct. The shiba inu itself almost became extinct during the World War II bombing of Japan and afterwards in an outbreak of distemper. It is not clear whether “shiba” means “brushwood” or “small” in Japanese, or if it’s a combination thereof. However, in Japanese, “inu” specifically means “dog.”
The shiba inu will bond with its owner, and daily walks will help to avoid behavior issues. However, the owner needs to be firm (top dog if you will). A shiba inu rescue organization will tell you they need socialization as puppies. If the shiba inu feel they are the pack leader, they will become stubborn and make up their own rules. Since they were originally bred to hunt birds and small game, they cannot be trusted with rodents or small birds, and they should not be off leash for this reason. The shiba inu are very fastidious and are easy to housebreak. They are less domesticated than other breeds and therefore have a larger genetic variety, which is a general health benefit. DNA analysis has confirmed that they are closely related to the grey wolf, the forefathers of all dogs.
Many rescue organizations serve one specific breed. The Shiba Inu Rescue Resource of American (SIRRA) is one such example. They are a national organization that serves as a central point of contact for shelters and others who can no longer care for their dog. Their regional offices provide for the care and adoption of the breed, as well as educational information to the public. If a caregiver cannot afford expenses which are over and above the norm, they have an avenue for you to explore for help.
Many words have been used to describe the shiba inu, including alert, lively, loving, brave, clean, charming and open. Although your shiba inu rescue dog will bark very little, if they are provoked or unhappy, they will sound a loud, high-pitched scream. This can also occur during handling if you request of them that which they would rather not do. Conversely, they will make this sound also during times of great joy, like when you return home from an absence.
