Just because I love my dog

[Mythsaje]

http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=webfirstdog26&date=20060626&query=gregoire

Apparently Governor Gregoire and I have something else in common. We both harbor a sly, independent, and friendly Japanese immigrant.

I'm talking about the Shiba Inu. Mine is named Kitsune, and I've had him for about five years now. He's a wonderful dog, one of the best I've ever owned...as long as you don't expect your dog to do tricks. Kits will sit and stay, which, for the most part, are the commands I insist my dog knows. He doesn't bark much at all--though he'll yodel (a noise peculiar to Shibas) at strange cats or squirrels.

I wonder if the Governor knows what she's in for. The article suggests she has some idea, which is good. Shibas are notoriously troublesome. They're known for literally screaming when they get a bath or get their nails trimmed. Mine doesn't, but he's an oddball. His trust in us is damn near complete. When we torment him in this manner, he just sits there, sighs, and waits for it to be over. And then he gets a cookie.

He knows he gets a cookie.

Since we got him my wife and have become something like experts on the breed. We've fostered and socialized several Shibas, and have quite a reputation with the local Shiba community, at least, as miracle workers with troubled dogs.

Shibas are members of a primitive breed--recent genetic studies suggest they're among the closest to wolves of all the domesticated breeds. They're very pack oriented...which means they like knowing who's boss. Unfortunately, a lot of people see a cute dog that doesn't get too big and don't bother learning enough about the breed. If you refuse to be pack leader, it doesn't take all that long for the dog to decide S/HE is pack leader. Not something anyone wants--least of all the dog.

The Shibas are a hunting breed, and a smaller cousin to the Akita (A breed which few people know was introduced to the U.S. by none other than Helen Keller). They're notorious escape artists and some have been known to scale a six foot cyclone fence to do it. They're also door darters...not recommended for homes with smaller children or kids who can't remember to close the door quickly and watch for the dog as they go in and out.

My wife was a little upset by the news story, since that sort of thing is likely to prompt people to go out and buy a dog of the same breed, without much research, and that always lands a whole host of animals in rescue, or gets them killed when they're taken to the pound.

I'm hoping those people most interested in emulating the Governor are smarter than that.

Hoping.

[LisaM]

1. "Not really interested in a puppy" - famous last words!

That's how we got dogs.....I fell in love with two puppies, and remember saying, sadly, "I know we can't get a puppy"...but we got two.

[maxsolomon]

2. well, the first gentleman better be alpha

cuz christine ain't going to be around enough.

shibas just aren't demonstrative enought for me. cute but standoffish. maybe they're different with family.

[Mythsaje]

4. My dog's pretty standoffish with us...

He's like a cat...when he wants attention, he'll come ask for it. He LOVES strangers, particularly kids. I used to tell him he had his own kid, then he got to meet my oldest last Thanksgiving. They absolutely fell in love with each other.

I figure they'll be near inseperable when he comes up for a week next month.

[Kajsa]

3. Thank you for sharing a great story.

Kitsune sounds like a very neat dog.
He is very lucky to have you and your wife
for his family.:D

[DELUSIONAL]

5. Basenjis Yodel -- and they don't bark

[Mythsaje]

7. Yes...among Shiba people, they're called the hairless Shibas...

Among Basenji people, Shiba's are called furry Basenjis.

I actually thought about that after I'd posted...

Kits CAN bark, he just very rarely does.

[leftofthedial]

6. behaviorally, sounds much like Siberian Huskies

my boy is a great, but v-e-r-y independent dog

an escaper, a door darter, impossible to train beyond a couple of basic commands (sometimes he'll "come" or "stay"; but usually he won't).

but a great, affectionate, playful, energetic, happy boy.

he also talks, yodels, moans, snaps his jaws and occasionally howls. I've only heard him bark twice--both times just one bark. He is very pack oriented and wants to play all the time.

[Mythsaje]

8. Another primitive breed...

And well known for their vocalization... I've always liked Huskies.

Kitsune's favorite pasttime? Laying on our front porch watching the people doing people thing out on the street in front of our house.

My wife calls him the nosy neighbor dog.

[leftofthedial]

11. funny!

My boy sometimes watches out the front door and comes to "tell" me about it.

[smokey nj]

9. Thanks for the smile, Mythsaje.........

I love the doggy stories. There are times when I absolutely long for a pooch, but it's more of a pipe dream considering that my husband and I live in a relatively small apartment with 6 kitties.

[Mythsaje]

10. A cozy of cats is a bit like a pack of shibas...LOL

They just take up less room. And don't need to be walked.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

12. You are not allowed to post about a dog without a picture.

It is an unwritten rule here at DU!! :evilgrin:
Duckie

[xchrom]

13. i love those independent dogs -- why? cause

it's such a big fat lie!

oh they act all ''indifferent'' -- but for those who spend time around them -- we all know they could not live with out us.

i had a huskie -- again not a barker -- but boy he would TALK your ear off if it was about the right subject.

and he could leave you -- but if you left him -- devastating -- what a worrier.

[Jon8503]

14. Thanks for that interesting story on the breed. I hope that what your

wife is worried about does not occur. I have had Dalmations in the past. You probably remember what happened to them as a breed after the movie. They are a great dog to have if you have the time to spend with them as you should with any dog. Very protective of the family. We are not able to have a dog now with our working hours, so we just have our cat who we love and enjoy. Would like to have a dog again but would not be fair to him as could not devote the time and care he would need.

Thanks again.