Shiba Inus, with their fox-like looks, mischievous spirit, and independent character, might not be as outwardly affectionate as other breeds, but their love is no less real or profound. They show their affection in their unique, subtle ways. Here are five undeniable signs your Shiba Inu loves you.
The Shiba Smile
One of the charming traits of a Shiba Inu is their ‘Shiba Smile.’ It’s a serene and gentle expression that says, “I’m happy and content.” If your Shiba Inu often greets you with this enchanting smile, it’s a clear sign of their affection.
The Tail Wag
Shiba Inus have a unique, curly tail that they often wag when they’re happy. If your Shiba Inu’s tail wags when you walk into the room, it’s a sign of their joy at seeing you. It’s their way of saying, “I’m glad you’re here!”
The Respectful Distance
Shiba Inus are known for their independence and sometimes aloof demeanor. They show their love differently, often by respecting your space. If your Shiba Inu often sits nearby but not on top of you, it’s a sign of their respect and love for you. They’re saying, “I enjoy your company, but I respect your personal space.”
The Playful Attitude
Shiba Inus are spirited and playful, and they enjoy sharing their playfulness with the ones they love. If your Shiba Inu often initiates playtime, brings you toys, or enjoys a good game of fetch with you, it’s a sign of their affection. They’re saying, “I trust you and enjoy having fun with you!”
The Trusting Eye Contact
Shiba Inus are known for their alertness and attentiveness. If your Shiba Inu often maintains eye contact with you, it’s a clear sign of their trust and love. They’re showing they consider you a part of their pack and feel safe in your presence.
Each Shiba Inu has a unique way of expressing love, but these are common signs you’re likely to see. Understanding and respecting their distinctive signs of affection can deepen your bond with your Shiba Inu and help you build a relationship based on mutual respect and love.
The love of a Shiba Inu is as distinctive and endearing as their personality. It’s a love that’s expressed through serene smiles, joyful tail wags, respectful distances, playful engagements, and trusting eye contact. Shiba Inus might not shower you with constant cuddles or kisses, but their love is as sincere and deep as any other breed’s. Experiencing the love of a Shiba Inu means understanding their unique language of love and cherishing their independent yet affectionate nature. It’s the kind of love that respects your space while appreciating your company, values playtime as a bonding experience, and sees trust as the ultimate expression of love. To be loved by a Shiba Inu is to be part of their pack, to share in their joy, and to know a love that’s as unique as their curly tail and as captivating as their bold spirit.
FAQs
It's a love that's expressed through serene smiles, joyful tail wags, respectful distances, playful engagements, and trusting eye contact. Shiba Inus might not shower you with constant cuddles or kisses, but their love is as sincere and deep as any other breed's.
What do Shiba Inus love? ›
Inquisitive, very playful and generally good-natured, a Shiba Inu will love being involved in everything around the home and will be a loyal and loving companion to any owner.
Do shibas like to cuddle? ›
As cute as they may be, Shiba Inus might not be the poster pups for cuddling. But if you're patient, gentle, and understanding, you can nurture a beautiful bond that even involves a few cherished cuddles. Remember, every Shiba is unique, and so is their relationship with cuddling.
Why does my Shiba sit on me? ›
To Show Affection
If your dog is a particularly loving and affectionate breed, they may choose to sit in your lap as a way to bond with you. Some dogs just really enjoy being close to their people and do whatever they can to keep in contact with them, including sitting on them.
How do Shibas show loyalty? ›
Shiba Inus can be protective and standoffish around other people, which only highlights how loyal they are to the people they care about the most. Shiba Inus can easily become a part of the family, and before long, they will treat you as one of their own, and that is something many people are looking for in a dog.
Do Shiba Inus pick a favorite person? ›
Breeds that tend to bond strongly to one person include: Basenji. Greyhound. Shiba Inu.
How to tell your Shiba loves you? ›
If your Shiba Inu often initiates playtime, brings you toys, or enjoys a good game of fetch with you, it's a sign of their affection. They're saying, “I trust you and enjoy having fun with you!”
Do Shibas like being picked up? ›
If you're looking for an affectionate dog that loves to cuddle and craves attention, shibas are not it. Hoju pretty much follows us around everywhere, but he'd much rather be a few feet away than in our laps. He only likes being pet on his terms. Shibas are loyal and territorial.
Are Shiba Inus one-person dogs? ›
They can be strong-willed and independent. With early exposure to people and training, a Shiba Inu can get along with the whole family and become less hostile towards strangers. Shiba Inu's are colloquially known to have a similar temperament to cats, as they are generally aloof and independent.
Are Shiba Inus clingy? ›
Shibas are very aloof and independent.
They enjoy their alone time, need their space respe-pcted, and are not “cuddlers”. They are very hand-shy and will snub strangers, dodging their hands when they attempt to pet them.
Dogs sometimes use eye contact to let you know how they feel, and a lot of the time it's to say that they love you. A dog's loving gaze has been found to release a 'feel-good hormone' known as oxytocin in both you and your dog.
What does it mean when Shiba licks you? ›
Your dog licks you to show they care, to get attention, to understand you better and because they enjoy it.
Does my dog know I love him? ›
Yes, your dog knows how much you love him! Dogs and humans have a very special relationship, where dogs have hijacked the human oxytocin bonding pathway normally reserved for our babies. When you stare at your dog, both your oxytocin levels go up, the same as when you pet them and play with them.
Why are Shibas so special? ›
The spirited Shiba is a self-assured and versatile breed suited for a variety of activities, from hunting to dog sports. They can be reserved toward strangers but are typically affectionate with family members and people they're familiar with.
How intelligent are Shibas? ›
Shiba Inus are considered to be smart dogs. They are above average in almost every category. Shiba Inus are emotionally intelligent, but they are also smart enough to put their own wants and needs before yours, which can make them hard to train and hard to handle in public.
What do Shibas like to do? ›
Shibas love going for walks. They're not overly hyper, but they do need daily exercise. Shiba Inus aren't typically destructive breeds if left alone, but some can suffer separation anxiety. Crate training helps give them a space to spend time in when their owners are gone.
What is a Shiba Inu favorite food? ›
Chicken, beef, fish, or lamb are excellent protein options. Shiba Inus are a small to medium-sized breed, so select a dog food with kibble that is appropriate for their mouth size. This helps with chewing and digestion. To avoid your Shiba Inu gaining weight, it's important to control their calorie intake.
What kind of treats do Shiba Inus like? ›
Sardines are one of the top food motivators for my Shiba Inu. He will almost always work for sardines including go into his crate, tolerate nail clipping or grinding, and much more. Sardines are also useful for recall training. In order to make the sardines less squishy and sticky to hold, I usually freeze it first.
