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If you’re a fan of the Shiba Inu breed, you know that they are independent, intelligent, and energetic dogs that make great companions.
But if you’re looking for the perfect companion for your Shiba Inu, you might be wondering which breed would be the best fit.
After all, choosing the right companion dog is important for both the well-being of your Shiba Inu and your own happiness as a pet owner.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best companion dogs for Shiba Inus, taking into account factors such as personality, size, and energy level.
Whether you’re looking for a playmate for your Shiba Inu or a calm and steady companion, we’ve got you covered.
So, let’s dive in and find the perfect companion dog for your furry friend!
Table of Contents
10 Best Companion Dog for Shiba Inu
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Poodle
- Border Collie
- Cocker Spaniel
- Bichon Frise
- Pug
- Beagle
- Australian Shepherd
- Welsh Corgi
What’s more;
- Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a friendly and outgoing breed that gets along well with other dogs, including Shiba Inus. They are intelligent and easy to train, making them a great companion for Shiba Inus.
Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They have a good temperament and get along well with other dogs, including Shiba Inus.
Labradors are very loyal and affectionate, which makes them an ideal companions for Shiba Inus. They also love to play and exercise, which will keep the Shiba Inu active and stimulated.
Additionally, Labradors are very intelligent and easy to train, making them a great fit for households with multiple dogs.
2. Golden Retriever
Like the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever is a friendly and outgoing breed that gets along well with other dogs. They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them a great companion for Shiba Inus.
Golden Retrievers are gentle, friendly, and adaptable dogs. They are known for their affectionate nature and their ability to get along well with other dogs, including Shiba Inus.
Golden Retrievers are also highly trainable, making them a great match for Shiba Inus. They love to play and exercise, which will keep the Shiba Inu active and stimulated.
In addition, they have a calm temperament, which makes them an ideal companion for Shiba Inus who may be prone to anxiety.
3. Poodle
Poodles are intelligent and affectionate breeds that get along well with other dogs, including Shiba Inus. They are easy to train and make great companions.
Poodles are intelligent, active, and sociable dogs that make great companions for Shiba Inus. Poodles have a friendly and playful nature, which will help to keep the Shiba Inu entertained and stimulated.
They are also highly trainable and obedient, which makes them a great fit for households with multiple dogs. Additionally, Poodles have a hypoallergenic coat, which is ideal for people who suffer from allergies.
4. Border Collie
Border Collies are intelligent, energetic, and hardworking dogs that are known for their herding abilities. They are also very sociable and affectionate, making them a great match for Shiba Inus.
They love to play and exercise, which will keep the Shiba Inu active and stimulated. Additionally, they are highly trainable and obedient, which makes them a great fit for households with multiple dogs.
5. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are gentle, affectionate, and playful dogs that make great companions for Shiba Inus. They have a friendly and sociable nature, which will help to keep the Shiba Inu entertained and stimulated.
Also, they love to play and exercise, which will keep the Shiba Inu active and healthy. Additionally, they have a beautiful and soft coat, which requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and shiny.
These dogs are also highly trainable and eager to please their owners, which means they can easily adapt to the Shiba Inu’s independent and strong-willed personality.
Additionally, Cocker Spaniels have a similar energy level to Shiba Inus, and both breeds love to play and go on long walks. However, it is important to note that Cocker Spaniels have a strong prey drive, which means they may chase after small animals.
Therefore, it is essential to supervise them when interacting with Shiba Inus to prevent any potential harm.
6. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are another breed that can get along well with Shiba Inus. These dogs are known for their happy-go-lucky and sociable personalities, making them ideal playmates for the more reserved and independent Shiba Inu.
Bichon Frises are also highly adaptable and enjoy spending time with their families, which means they will be more than happy to follow the Shiba Inu’s lead when it comes to daily activities.
Additionally, Bichon Frises are small in size, which means they are less likely to intimidate or overpower the Shiba Inu. However, like all dogs, Bichon Frises require socialization and training to ensure they behave appropriately around other animals.
Bichon Frises are also highly trainable, making them a great fit for households with multiple dogs. Additionally, they have a hypoallergenic coat, which is ideal for people who suffer from allergies.
7. Pug
Pugs and Shiba Inus tend to get along well because they share many similar traits. Both breeds are intelligent and playful, making them great companions for one another.
Pugs are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners, which often translates to a friendly demeanor with other dogs.
Their small size makes them a good match for Shiba Inus, who are medium-sized dogs.
However, it’s important to note that pugs can have respiratory problems due to their brachycephalic (short-snouted) faces, so it’s important to monitor their breathing when playing or exercising.
8. Beagle
Beagles and Shiba Inus can get along well because they both have similar activity levels and personalities. Both breeds are highly energetic, playful, and love to explore their surroundings.
They are also known for their strong-willed personalities, so it’s important to introduce them properly to ensure a positive relationship.
Beagles can be a bit more vocal than Shiba Inus, but their friendly and outgoing nature makes them an excellent match for this breed.
However, it’s important to note that beagles have a strong sense of smell and may have a tendency to follow their nose, so it’s important to keep them on a leash or in a secure, fenced-in area when outside.
9. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are a highly intelligent and active breed that typically get along well with Shiba Inus.
Both breeds are known for their high energy levels and love of physical activity, making them excellent playmates.
Additionally, Australian Shepherds are generally friendly and outgoing, which can help to balance out the Shiba Inu’s sometimes reserved nature.
However, it’s important to note that Australian Shepherds can sometimes have a strong herding instinct, which may manifest as nipping or chasing behavior toward the Shiba Inu.
With proper socialization and training, though, these two breeds can make great companions for each other.
9. Welsh Corgi
Welsh Corgis are another breed that can get along well with Shiba Inus. Like Shiba Inus, Corgis are small but sturdy dogs with a lot of energy and playful nature.
They are also highly trainable and eager to please their owners, which can help to make them good companions for the sometimes-independent Shiba Inu.
Additionally, Corgis are known for their loyalty and devotion to their families, which can make them a good match for the Shiba Inu’s strong bond with its owner.
However, as with any breed, it’s important to supervise interactions between these two dogs and provide plenty of socialization and training to ensure a happy and harmonious relationship.
Also read; Do Shiba Inus Get Along With Other Dogs?
Do Shiba Inus Need Another Dog?
No, Shiba Inus do not necessarily need another dog as a companion
While having a second dog can provide socialization and companionship for both dogs, Shiba Inus are capable of being happy and well-adjusted with just one dog or even as an only dog.
Shiba Inus are known for being independent and confident, which can make them suitable for living as the only dog in the household.
They are also known for being aloof and reserved, which may make them less interested in interacting with other dogs.
However, this does not mean that they do not enjoy socialization or playtime with other dogs.
Shiba Inus can still benefit from regular socialization and playtime with other dogs at a dog park or through organized play groups.
Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to get a second dog for a Shiba Inu should depend on the individual dog’s personality and the owner’s lifestyle.
If the owner has the time and resources to properly care for and socialize a second dog, and the Shiba Inu gets along well with other dogs, then adding a second dog to the household can be a positive experience for both dogs.
However, if the Shiba Inu is content as an only dog or does not get along well with other dogs, it may be best to stick with just one.
What Dogs Go Well with Shiba Inus
Shiba Inus are a breed of small, energetic, and independent dogs that are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong-willed personality.
Some good options include Poodles, Australian Shepherds, Miniature Schnauzers, Border Collies, and Greyhounds.
Regardless of the breed, it’s always important to properly introduce any new dog to the household and to provide plenty of socialization and training to ensure a harmonious relationship.
They are native to Japan and were originally bred for hunting small game.
Shiba Inus are generally good with other dogs, but they can be reserved or reactive towards unfamiliar dogs, especially if they feel threatened.
Therefore, it’s important to choose a dog that is compatible with the Shiba Inu’s personality and energy level.
Do Shibas Do Better in Pairs?
Yes, Shibas do better in pairs. While they can be independent and affectionate towards their owners, they are a pack animal and do well with a companion to socialize with.
They are also known to bond closely with their sibling or littermate, so having a second Shiba in the household can be beneficial for their mental and emotional well-being.
However, this does not mean that a single Shiba cannot thrive on their own. With proper socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation, a single Shiba can lead a happy and fulfilling life.
But it is important to remember that Shibas are social creatures and may exhibit signs of boredom or separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.
Pairs of Shibas can also provide mutual support and comfort during times of stress or illness. They can also keep each other entertained and engaged, which can prevent destructive behavior or boredom-related issues.
However, it is important to note that introducing a second Shiba to the household should not be taken lightly, as there may be challenges in introducing a new dog and establishing a healthy dynamic between the two.
Ultimately, whether or not a Shiba does better in a pair will depend on the individual dog and their specific needs and personality.
It’s important to consider the pros and cons of having a second Shiba and to carefully research and plan for the addition of a new dog to the household.
Do Shiba Inus Do Well Alone?
As much as Shibas do well in pairs, they can also do well alone since they’re independent and have a mind of their own.
Shiba Inus can do well alone as long as they receive proper training, socialization, and exercise.
However, like any breed, they are social animals and will benefit from human interaction and companionship.
It’s important for Shiba Inus to have a strong bond with their owners and receive plenty of attention and affection.
If left alone for long periods of time, they may become anxious or destructive, and may develop separation anxiety.
To ensure that a Shiba Inu is comfortable being alone, it is important to establish a routine and provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
This can include interactive toys, puzzles, and training sessions to keep their minds occupied. Exercise is also important for Shiba Inus, as it helps to keep them happy and healthy.
Providing them with daily walks or playtime will help them to burn off energy and stay active.
In addition to providing mental and physical stimulation, it is important to socialize Shiba Inus from a young age so that they are comfortable being around people and other animals.
This will help them to feel more confident and secure when left alone.
Overall, Shiba Inus can do well alone as long as they receive proper care and attention from their owners.
While they may benefit from having a companion, they are generally independent and capable of handling solo time with the right training and socialization.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Shiba Inu is a great companion dog for those who are looking for a loyal, intelligent, and energetic companion.
They are a perfect fit for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and running, as they are very active and love to stay busy.
However, it’s important to note that the Shiba Inu requires consistent training and socialization to ensure they are well-behaved and confident.
They can be stubborn at times, so it’s important to establish yourself as the pack leader and provide firm, consistent training.
That said, the Shiba Inu is a loving and devoted companion that will bring joy and companionship to any home.