Are Shiba Inus Good with Kids? A Dog Lover‘s Perspective

As a devoted dog lover and veterinarian, one of the questions I hear most often from families is: "What breed would be best with my kids?" While every dog is an individual, it‘s important to understand the traits, history and tendencies of a breed to determine if they‘ll likely be a good fit for your household. If you‘re considering an adorable Shiba Inu as a four-legged addition to your family, you may be wondering – are Shibas good with kids?

The short answer is that with proper training and socialization, Shiba Inus can make delightful companions for families with kids. However, this is a spirited, strong-willed breed that requires an understanding of their unique needs and quirks to live harmoniously with little ones. Let‘s take a closer look at the Shiba Inu breed and what makes them tick.

Shiba Inu 101: Get to Know this Iconic Japanese Breed

Shiba Inus are an ancient breed hailing from Japan, where they were originally used as skilled hunters in dense mountain terrain. The breed nearly went extinct in World War II, but was brought back from the brink by passionate breeders and has since captured hearts around the globe.

Some key Shiba stats and characteristics:

Size: Compact, with males standing 14-17 inches and females 13-16 inches tall at the shoulder. Most weigh between 17-23 pounds.
Lifespan: 12-15 years with proper care
Coat & Grooming: Thick double coat in red, sesame, or black and tan. Sheds heavily twice a year and requires weekly brushing.
Personality: Independent, bold, and alert, with a penchant for mischief. Can be aloof with strangers but deeply loyal to family. High prey drive.
Trainability: Highly intelligent but has a mind of their own. Responds best to positive reinforcement and patience. Early socialization is a must.
Exercise: High energy and needs plenty of daily activity. Excels at hiking, agility, and other dog sports.
Ideal Environment: A securely fenced yard and active family dedicated to training and exercise. Can adapt to apartment life if sufficiently exercised.

According to the American Kennel Club, Shiba Inus rank as the 44th most popular breed in the United States as of 2021. While still relatively uncommon compared to retrievers and shepherds, their numbers have steadily risen, perhaps in part due to their internet fame as the face of the "doge" meme.

"Shibas are a primitive breed, meaning they retain many of their wild instincts and independent nature," says Mika Harada, a Shiba Inu breeder and rescuer with over 20 years of experience. "They aren‘t typically ‘velcro dogs‘ who want to please their humans at all costs. You have to work to earn a Shiba‘s respect and cooperation."

This independent spirit is part of what draws many fanciers to the breed, but it‘s something to be aware of in a household with children, where cooperation is key for everyone‘s safety and sanity.

Benefits of Shiba Inus for Families with Kids

While Shibas may not be an ideal match for every family, there are certainly many endearing qualities that make them wonderful playmates and companions for kids. Some of the benefits of having a Shiba Inu in a family with children include:

Portable, Apartment-Friendly Size: At under 25 pounds, Shibas are easy for kids to walk, cuddle and travel with without being overwhelmed by a huge dog. This makes them well-suited for smaller homes and apartments, as long as they still get plenty of outdoor exercise.
Endless Energy & Enthusiasm: Shibas seem to wake up each morning with a zest for life, ready to take on the day with gusto. They adore being active and make tireless playmates for high-energy kids who want to spend hours running, hiking, playing fetch or zooming around the backyard.
Loyal & Affectionate Nature: While Shibas can be a bit aloof or picky about their people, they tend to form incredibly deep bonds with their families and are known for their loyalty. Many Shibas shower their favorite humans with kisses, snuggles, and constant companionship.
Quirky, Entertaining Personality: There‘s rarely a dull moment with a Shiba in the house. This breed is notorious for silly antics like the "Shiba 500" zoomies, dramatic play bows, and unique vocalizations ranging from "yodels" to "Shiba screams." Kids tend to be delighted and amused by the entertaining Shiba spirit.
Clean & Odor-Free: For a family concerned about shedding and doggy odor, Shibas are remarkably clean and fastidious. They groom themselves like cats and have very little smell. While they blow their coat twice a year, regular brushing keeps them neat and tidy.

"Shibas can be such clowns and provide endless entertainment for a family," shares Harada. "I‘ve placed puppies with families who report back that their kids adore the dog and are constantly giggling at their zany antics and snuggling up for movie nights. With proper socialization and supervision, the bond between a child and Shiba can be really special."

Potential Challenges of Shibas with Kids

As with any breed, there are some traits and tendencies of Shiba Inus that can pose challenges in a household with small children. Being aware of these is important for deciding if a Shiba is a good fit and to be prepared for training and management.

Some potential challenges of Shibas with kids include:

High Prey Drive: Shiba Inus were bred to hunt small game, so they have strong instincts to chase anything that moves quickly, like cats, squirrels, and even running children. This can pose a safety risk if a Shiba decides to take off after a little one, so teaching a solid recall and keeping the dog on-leash or in a fenced area is a must.
Resource Guarding: Some Shibas are prone to resource guarding, meaning they may growl, snap or bite if approached while eating or chewing a treat. While this behavior can be improved with training, kids need to learn never to bother the dog while they have food or toys.
Strong-Willed & Vocal Nature: As an independent breed, Shibas can be headstrong and aren‘t always eager to please. They‘re also notorious for their dramatic vocalizations, ranging from ear-splitting screams to loud yodels. Kids may find a loudly protesting Shiba intimidating or scary to be around.
Escape Artists: The "flight" instinct is strong in many Shibas, and they are master escape artists who can quickly dig under or climb over fences. A securely contained yard and keeping the Shiba on-leash is non-negotiable for their safety, which can be challenging with kids going in and out of the house often.
Same Sex Aggression: Shibas, especially females, can display significant aggression toward other dogs of the same sex if not spayed/neutered. In a home with multiple dogs and children underfoot, scuffles can pose a bite risk and be scary for kids to witness. Early training and socialization is important if you plan to have multiple dogs.

"Shibas are a brilliant, sensitive breed that often isn‘t well-suited to the chaos and noise of a household with very young children," cautions Dr. Bethany Johnson, a veterinary behaviorist who specializes in working with independent breeds. "They can easily become overwhelmed by too much poking, prodding or rough handling and may lash out with a growl or nip. Constant supervision and giving the dog a quiet ‘safe zone‘ is a must."

Tips for Successfully Raising a Shiba with Kids

If your heart is set on adding a Shiba Inu to your family, there are steps you can take to set everyone up for success and safety:

Choose a reputable breeder: Work with a responsible breeder who carefully selects breeding dogs for sound temperament, performs applicable health testing, and starts puppies off with extensive socialization. Avoid pet stores, backyard breeders or online ads.
Consider an adult dog: Puppies are certainly adorable, but a lot of work. With kids underfoot, you may appreciate adopting an adult Shiba from a rescue that has been fostered in a home with children and has a more settled temperament.
Invest in positive training: Enroll your Shiba in reward-based training classes as soon as they‘ve had necessary vaccinations and have fun practicing at home as a family. Teach kids how to participate in training games and use praise and treats.
Teach respectful interaction: Show kids how to pet the dog gently, avoid hugging, and never approach a sleeping or eating dog. Rough play like tugging on ears/tails or chasing should not be allowed. Toddlers should be closely supervised at all times.
Exercise mind and body: A well-exercised Shiba is a happy, well-behaved Shiba. Commit to plenty of daily walks, playtime, and enrichment with puzzle toys and food-dispensing gadgets to keep that active mind occupied.
Give the dog space: Make sure your Shiba has a quiet spot to retreat to when overwhelmed, like a crate or room with a baby gate. Teach kids that when the dog is in their "alone zone," they are not to be bothered for everyone‘s safety.
Supervise, supervise, supervise: Did we mention supervise? Shibas should never be left unattended with small children, no matter how well-behaved both parties typically are. It only takes a second for an accident to occur if a child trips over a sleeping dog or grabs a toy.

With dedication to a Shiba‘s unique needs and thoughtful interactions between dog and kids, a Shiba can absolutely be a cherished member of an active family. But if you are looking for a totally bombproof, easy-going couch potato, this may not be the breed for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shibas & Kids

As a vet and breed fancier, I often hear the same questions come up about Shibas and their suitability for families. Let‘s address some common queries:

Q: Do Shibas like to cuddle with kids?
A: Every Shiba is an individual, but many enjoy being near their favorite people, whether that‘s cuddling on the couch or simply supervising playtime from across the room. They may not be as overtly snuggly as a Golden Retriever, but most Shibas do welcome affection and petting from trusted family members.
Q: Are Shibas good with babies?
A: Shibas tend to do best in homes with older children who understand how to respectfully interact with a dog. A screaming baby or grabby toddler can easily overwhelm the sensitive Shiba, triggering a growl or nip. It is possible to raise a Shiba puppy with a baby, but constant supervision is required. Waiting until kids are a bit older is often easiest.
Q: How much exercise do Shibas need?
A: Shibas are active dogs who need at least an hour of exercise daily, broken up into walks, playtime, and brain games. Older children can be great helpers in tossing a ball or going on adventures like hikes to tire out the dog. Without enough physical and mental stimulation, Shibas can get bored and destructive.
Q: Are Shibas one-person dogs or do they like the whole family?
A: While some Shibas may have a special bond with one person, most enjoy being with their whole "pack" and will happily spend time playing and relaxing with each family member. Sharing in the Shiba‘s daily care like feeding, walks, and grooming can help strengthen these ties.
Q: Can Shibas be aggressive toward kids?
A: Any dog can bite under the "right" circumstances, especially if they are scared, hurt, or pushed past their limits. Shibas are not an inherently aggressive breed, but they are sensitive and do not tolerate rough handling or mistreatment. Proper socialization, supervision, and respect for the dog‘s boundaries goes a long way to keeping the peace.

Alternatives to Shibas for Busy Families

If you adore the look of a Shiba Inu but worry they may be too much dog for your family at this stage, there are some other spitz breeds you may want to consider as an alternative. All of these dogs still need plenty of exercise and training, but may be a bit more forgiving of a hectic household:

Japanese Chin: A smaller companion breed known for their loving, playful dispositions. Chins are adaptable and tend to do well with respectful children.
American Eskimo Dog: Eskies resemble a miniature Samoyed and are known for being bright, trainable, and great with kids. They come in toy, miniature and standard sizes.
Keeshond: These fluffy, fox-faced dogs are known for being great family pets thanks to their gentle, easy-going natures and love of snuggling.
Pomeranian: Tiny but mighty, Pomeranians pack a ton of personality into a compact, kid-friendly package. Regular brushing is a must to keep that poof in check.
Alaskan Klee Kai: Often described as a "mini husky," the AKK is an energetic, smart companion who tends to be less independent than their Shiba cousins. Still best for school-aged children and up.

Remember, while breed traits matter, the individual dog‘s temperament and the effort you put into training and socialization are most important for a successful kid/dog relationship.

Final Thoughts: Are Shibas Right for Your Family?

At the end of the day, only you can decide if a Shiba Inu is a good match for your family and lifestyle. They can certainly make incredible companions for active households with respectful, older children, but the constant supervision and training required can be a lot for new parents or those with unpredictable schedules.

If you have the time, determination and sense of humor to embrace the unique challenges of raising a Shiba, you‘ll be rewarded with a loyal, entertaining friend for the whole family. Just make sure everyone is on board with the requirements of the breed and committed to teaching both the dog and kids how to interact safely.

With the right preparation, socialization and a whole lot of love, a well-trained Shiba Inu can absolutely be a fun-loving, faithful sidekick for the kids in your life as they grow up together. Watching their bond blossom is one of the greatest joys of being a dog lover and parent.