Are Shiba Inus Good Guard Dogs? Characteristics & Qualities

If you know someone who owns a Shiba Inu, you’ve probably heard that they are adorable and delightful pets. But have you ever thought that raising a Shiba will not only make you happier but also keep your home safer? You heard it right—Shiba Inus are excellent and loyal guardians.

Read on below to find out more.

Are Shiba Inus Protective?

Shiba Inus are bright and friendly with family members. However, they can be alert or reserved with strangers. These pups are protective and constantly on the lookout.

Note that Shibas are gentle with their owners but not so much with other people. They are very territorial and really care about protecting those they love. Therefore, they’ll need proper socialization and training from an early age to become well-adjusted dogs.

What Qualities Do Guard Dogs Need?

The best guard dogs are loyal, courageous, and aware of when to stop an invader, but they aren’t vicious animals, according to the American Kennel Club. If you give these canines the necessary training, they will do everything in their power to keep you safe from any threat.

Shibas are devoted dogs that develop close relationships with their owners and enjoy taking part in household activities. They have a reputation for being independent and headstrong, though. As a result, they work best for experienced owners and households with older kids.

A Shiba Inu fits the description of a guard dog perfectly, so let’s look at some of the traits of guard dogs below:

Intelligence

Due to their high intelligence, most guard dogs are great at other tasks in addition to their ability to protect your property, including ease of training.

Protection

Guard dogs can watch over your house, whether you are home or not. They will bark and warn of strangers, thereby attracting the attention of people nearby, including possibly the authorities where you live.

They are Sensitive

Guard dogs are incredibly sensitive, which can give them advantages over traditional home security devices. They are able to smell strange scents and hear whispers in the distance, so they may become more cautious and alert you to anything strange.

Devoted

Dogs are devoted creatures. No matter how risky the circumstance, they will protect their family the best they can. They won’t hesitate to fight back when you or someone in your family is in danger because loyalty to their pack is inherent in their DNA.

They Can Be Wary of Strangers

Because most guard dogs are only devoted to people they know, they can frighten strangers and even your guests. Be aware that this is only a con if your dog is not well-trained to react gently to visitors who pose no threat to the home.

Conclusion

If you are concerned about the security of your house, you are not alone. Adopting a dog to protect your house is a great idea, and Shiba Inus make excellent guard dogs since they are extremely alert and bark loudly. If you properly train them from a young age, you will have a wonderful friend that can help you guard the house.

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Featured Image Credit: Grisha Bruev, Shutterstock