How to Choose a Shiba Inu Puppy

The Shiba Inu breed is the smallest of the Japanese breeds. Shibas look very much like foxes, complete with reddish fur and ears that stand up straight. Whether you're looking to breed or just for a wonderful pet, Shibas have great personalities and are fun to share your home with.

Instructions

    • 1

      Decide if you want a male or female. Each gender has its pros and cons, but generally, males have more stable moods but can be aggressive if not socialized; females are moodier but can offer a sweet, soft side as well. If you're buying a puppy to breed, figure out if you'd rather take care of a low-maintenance male stud or a female that will go into heat regularly but bear puppies.

    • 2

      Refer to the AKC breed standard. If you plan to show or breed the dog, he must conform to the standards. If you're going to have your dog sterilized, only think about what you, personally, will be happy with. AKC standard states that acceptable colors are bright orange-red, black with tan points and sesame; all colors should have "urajiro," a whitish undercoat and markings. Also know that the AKC requires that no dewclaws be on the hind legs, which are removable with surgery, if your dog has them; that the dog have a proper bite, not over- or undershot and that the coat be short, with no long or woolly hair.

    • 3

      Select a breeder. Ask questions of the breeder over the phone to ensure that these puppies are coming from a good home. Find out what the puppies are fed, how much they've been exposed to children, strangers and other animals, if they're had their first set of shots, etc. Ask about the parents to see if any physical or behavioral problems have arisen in the puppies or lineage. If you're planning on breeding, make sure the owners are offering full AKC registration with breeding rights. Set up a time to go to their house and view the puppies.

    • 4

      Look at the litter as a whole. Step back and watch them interact. It's hard to predict the temperament of an adult dog when they're only 8 weeks old, but the basic rule is to pick a puppy that's average. You don't want the bravest, largest puppy of the litter, nor do you want the shy runt.

    • 5

      Pick one puppy to take aside. Evaluate him by himself and see if you form a bond. You want a Shiba Inu who's confident even when not around his brothers and sisters. You may need to play with a few individually to make up your mind.