When trying to choose a specific kind of dog to buy or adopt, you may be faced with the question of whether to select a purebred Shiba or a mixed breed. This can, in fact, be a difficult decision, since there are so many factors to weigh. In other words, what's right for one owner may not be right for another.
It is important that you keep in mind that every dog is an individual, that no two are exactly alike, even if they do happen to be the same breed. Therefore, each dog will have his own personality, his own likes and dislikes, his own feeding pattern, his own health concerns, his own way of viewing the world and the people and pets in it.
Still, there are some general characteristics that most purebreds share.
Standard Physical Appearance It can be said that purebred dogs tend to have certain distinguishing physical characteristics. In other words, they have a genetic predisposition to look a certain way. If you catch a glimpse of a purebred puppy, you have a good idea of what the dog will look like as he matures. Still, you should be prepared for some variations in color, coat, and size within a specific breed such as the Shiba Inu. If you encounter a dog with a short face, long body, and giant build, be prepared to deal with health problems, since such physical characteristics tend to be warning signs.
If you want a Shiba that looks a certain way, you'll need to work with a skilled breeder. Such a professional will have the knowledge necessary to choose parents who will produce offspring that have a certain appearance. A breeder who is just starting out will not have the knowledge base necessary to make accurate predictions, and you could be sorely disappointed in the results of his fledgling breeding program.
Purebreds Tend to Have a Certain Temperament The temperament of a purebred tends to be established at conception, in the genes. Also, behavioral characteristics are often more pronounced in purebreds than in mixed breed dogs. For instance, a purebred tends to be more energetic and more obstinate than a dog of mixed breeds. Of course, the disadvantage to this situation is that, if a dog's temperament is really in the genes, it can be a real challenge to change--no matter how diligent you are with discipline.
Purebreds are Non-conformists If you want a dog that simply follows the crowd, a purebred may not be a good bet. That's because purebreds are often reluctant to conform--even if it is in their best interests to do so. Simply put, a purebred--particularly a Shiba--is not your typical canine companion. That can be both a tremendous advantage or a terrible liability--depending on your perspective.
Good luck, Bernard Scala For more information on this wonderful breed of Japanese dog and to get your 10 day mini course please visit our website:-"The Shiba Inu Pet Guide" here. --> http://akita-shiba-inu-pets.com/
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