Are Shiba Inus Good Guard Dogs? Shibas Watchdog Ability

Everyone looking for a dog wants a protective one that alerts them of any threats. If burglars break into your home when you’re away, it’d be nice if your Shiba Inus scares burglars away. So, you may ask, are Shiba Inus good guard dogs?

Sadly, Shiba Inus aren’t the best guard dogs. All they do is bark and not attack in case of a threat. Shibas aren’t good enough for physical protection and thus aren’t effective guard dogs. That’s due to the breed’s small body size, which an intruder can easily handle. They’re more of companion dogs than guard dogs.  

In this Shiba Inu guide, we’ll show you why your fur friend isn’t the best guard dog.

Are Shiba Inus Good Guard Dogs?

Shiba Inus aren’t the best guard dogs when you’re away, but they’re alert, fearless, and loyal. Thus they can alert you in case of any danger.

Shiba Inus are avid barkers when they see something unusual. So, in case they notice some sort of a threat, you’ll hear a sharp bark to let you know. Also, they’re alert all the time, thus can tell when an intruder is approaching.

Since the early days, Shiba Inus were never guard dogs. They were companion dogs for hunting birds. Therefore, they can’t make effective guard dogs since intruders have an easy time handling and overpowering them.

Also, Shiba’s small body size puts them at a disadvantage. There is not much they can do to scare an intruder unless barking. Hardly do Shibas attack even for physical protection.

However, we must applaud them for barking. They do it incessantly. Now, if you’re looking for a dog that protects you physically, it’s clear that Shibas might not be your best pick.

In addition, intruders can easily hurt your Shiba if they try attacking them. Although some Shibas are loyal to try and protect you, others are selfish and might not even bark at an intruder.

Can Shibas Be Good Guard Dogs?

Shiba Inus can be good guard dogs for alerting you, but not for physical protection.

If you’re raising a Shiba Inus, you might want to know if the dog can become a good guard dog in the future. Shibas that grow from being puppies at home can become good guard dogs. They protect their families and owner.

Also, since this dog is naturally fearless, they don’t mind showing protection to the family. So, you can train your Shiba to become a good guard dog in the future.

However, the emphasis is that you need to use proper training. When training comes to play, Shibas are not the best despite being intelligent. They can be a little challenging to train as they have an independent mindset.

Although it’s not recommended, you can train your Shiba to become an excellent guard dog. But I’m afraid you’ll have to use a lot of time and effort before achieving a good outcome.

Check our post on, are Shiba Inus good apartment dogs?

Are Shibas Enough Guard Dogs to Protect Their Owner?

Shiba Inus are not good enough guard dogs to protect their owner physically.

However, they bark at intruders to alert you in advance. So, don’t expect your Shiba Inus to offer good physical protection. Besides, with their small body shape, intruders can easily hurt them.

Some Shiba Inus can be excellent guard dogs. Although it happens rarely, some Shibas have extreme aggression to chase away an intruder. It isn’t common, though.

One of my friends who owns this cute fluffy dog tells me how his Shiba Inu girl is overprotective. She does chase away people outside the gate if off-leash. So, Shibas can still become good guard dogs.

Although Shibas aren’t that protective thus, you can’t depend on their protection. Basically, Shibas have different personalities. Some can be excellent in defense, while others aren’t.

But always have in mind that Shibas small body puts them at a disadvantage. If you want a suitable dog for protection, you might want to consider other dogs with strong body build.

Can You Train Shiba Inus to Be Good Guard Dogs?

Yes, you can train your Shiba Inus to become a good guard dog, but the process has its drawbacks.

Although they’re intelligent, Shiba Inus aren’t the best dogs when it comes to training. Shiba Inus ignore their owners’ commands, thus proving difficult to train.

So, if you want to try, be aware that your Shiba won’t always follow what you say. They can be quite ignorant at times.

They have lead instincts which kick in any time. Instincts make Shibas do what they want or feel is right for them, thus ignoring you. Now, if these instincts come during training sessions, you must try another time.

Training Shiba Inus to be responsible has always been a challenge. Most dog trainers argue that Shibas are among the most challenging breeds to train.

Now, if trainers struggle to train them, you can imagine how hard it may be for you to do it yourself. So, if you’re looking to teach your Shiba to become a good guard dog, try it. Maybe it may turn out to be great.

Read our post on, are Shiba Inus hard to train?

Why Are Shiba Inus Not Good Guard Dogs?

Shiba Inus aren’t good guard dogs due to their small body build and thus little body strength.

As we all know, guard dogs are muscular and strong enough to wrestle with an intruder. Now Shiba Inus lack that energy and strong body build.

Therefore, they’re not strong enough to become guard dogs.

In addition, like many other dogs, Shiba Inus were never guard dogs or watchdogs. Shiba Inus were suitable for hunting birds and other small animals. As such, guarding their owners was never their work.

With a small body build, you don’t expect Shiba Inus to be good guard dogs. Although Shibas are resource guarding, that doesn’t apply to their ability to become guard dogs. So, don’t depend on your Shiba for protection if you aren’t ready for a surprise.

They hardly have enough body energy to fight an intruder. That makes it easy for intruders to handle them in case they want to attack them.

Are Shiba Inus More of Guard Dogs or Companion Dogs?

Shiba Inus are more of companion dogs than guard dogs as they’re loyal, affectionate, and like attention a lot.  

Shibas are excellent companion dogs that give a good company and make perfect partners. They are agile, have a considerate amount of strength, and are intelligent, making a unique breed worth having.

Unlike most companion dogs that are more docile and extra cuddly, Shibas are companion dogs but with a different personality; they’re aggressive and bold.

Although they have a small body build, Shibas radiate with a one-of-a-kind personality. I can tell this for a fact as a Shiba Inus owner, currently in my 5^th year with Piko.

However, Shibas aren’t the best dogs for first-time dog owners. Handling Shibas can be weird at times when they decide not to listen to you or ignore you. So, you need a lot of persistence and calmness before you get along well.

Shiba Inus become excellent companion dogs and even become the cuddling partner.

Also, Shiba Inus are affectionate hence perfect for a companion dog. This dog becomes affectionate with the owner or family.

However, they’re picky; they tend to pick a favorite person in the family to show affection and loyalty. Often the person who feeds them.

What Is the Difference Between Guard Dogs and Companion Dogs?

A companion dog provides companionship to the owner without the need to fulfill security tasks like protection. But a guard or watchdog offers protection and security to the owner.

Now, think of a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd, the most popular breeds I know. There are noticeable differences like body frame and energy; that’s the difference between a companion and a guard dog.

Companion dogs are affectionate and friendly to their owners and sometimes to strangers. On the other hand, guard dogs might show a bit of affection and friendliness but always stay bold.

Guard dogs need a strong body build to be able to offer protection and attack when needed. Good guard dogs can secure your home from burglars by chasing them away.

Guard dogs are more alert, suspicious, and aggressive to stay ahead of the game. Of course, their senses are helpful as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shiba Inu Protective?

Shiba Inus are protective, especially with their toys and anything they think belongs to them. Besides, Shibas can be protective of young children.

Although Shibas tend to lay back with strangers, they can sometimes become protective. Also, they’re aggressive and never hesitate to show it to strangers.

Can Shiba Inu Fight?

Yes, Shiba Inus like to fight with other dogs that don’t submit to them. As we all know, Shibas have a high prey drive; this can prompt them to trigger a fight very fast.

However, if you don’t want your Shiba to fight when you meet new dogs, socialization is key. Also, you can train the pet in obedience to improve his reaction to other dogs or people.

What Is the Best Guard Dog?

The best guard dogs include Bullmastiff, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweilers, German Shepherd, Komondor, Puli, and Rhodesian Ridgeback, among many others.

Basically, you can gauge the best guard dogs as the ones with strong bodies and rage. Some dogs have strong bodies but don’t have the courage to fight a stranger.

Are Shiba Inus Aggressive to Other Dogs? 

Yes, Shiba Inus are aggressive to other dogs because of being highly territorial and possessive. So, they think other dogs want to attack you, thus protecting you.

However, Shibas of the opposite sex are hardly aggressive to one another. Aggression is common between two intact males.

Are Shiba Inus Destructive?

Yes, Shiba Inus can be destructive, especially when they get bored. Also, excess energy makes Shibas destructive if you don’t frequently exercise them.

Thankfully, you can train Shiba Inus against destructive behavior easily. You only need to teach your Shiba the basic commands like “No,” “Sit,” and “Come” so that you can use them to caution your furry friend.

Conclusion Sentiments on, Are Shiba Inus Good Guard Dogs?

Shiba Inus are good dogs for alerting you whenever there’s an intruder around, but they might not be perfect for physical protection.

Besides, Shibas aren’t good with strangers as they tend to be protective and territorial. Thus, they’ll attack strangers in an attempt to protect you or their belongings.

However, Shiba’s might not be perfect guard dogs for physical protection. They have a small body build; hence intruders can easily intimidate them. That’s why I can’t trust them for security.

But, of course, they’re alert and warn you of anyone who trespasses or walks into the gate.