Why Do Shiba Inus Dance? Reasons & FAQ
Updated on
Some dog breeds are born to herd sheep. Some are born to be guard dogs. But one adorable Japanese dog breed seems to be born to boogie. The Shiba Inu may be a hunting dog, but their sweet dance moves have captivated internet users worldwide.
What is the reason behind this dog breed’s need to dance? It seems that Shiba Inus may dance to express their happiness or excitement. Read on to learn more about this adorable phenomenon.
Why Do Shiba Inus Dance?
The most probable reason that Shiba Inus happily dance away is that they’re excited. The “dance” they do is sometimes affectionately called “tippy taps.” And, yes, it is as adorable as it sounds. A case of the tippy taps typically involves a dog jumping excitedly from front paw to front paw. The dance is often triggered by mealtime, new toys, or a dog’s favorite words (like “walk” or “treat”).
Some pups might start tippy tapping if they’re trying to get your attention. Think of it as the doggy equivalent of a child incessantly calling your name or pulling at your shirt.
Other dog breeds will show their happiness by open-mouth grinning, jumping up and down, or getting a case of full-body shakes. Of course, Shiba Inus can also exhibit these behaviors when happy, but they’re just as likely to show off their dancing skills.
Do Other Dog Breeds Dance?
Other dog breeds can absolutely dance when they’re excited.
Can You Train Your Dog to Dance?
You can even teach your dog to dance with some time and patience. Check out this video for tips on training your pup to dance:
Dog Dance World Championship
There’s even a Dog Dance World Championship that happens annually. Check out this freestyle routine from the 2016 championship in Russia.
Are There Other Reasons for Dogs to Dance?
Unfortunately, not all doggy dances are born out of excitement.
Some health conditions, such as canine distemper, can cause involuntary twitching and loss of control of motor skills. If an illness or disease is at play, you’ll likely notice your dog exhibiting other concerning symptoms along with the “dance” behavior.
If your dog is acting like the floor is hot, like summer pavement, it may have an issue with its paws. For example, an ingrown nail or a splinter could be stuck in its paw pads.
Keep a close eye on your pup and record a video if you notice it is exhibiting strange behaviors. The video can prove helpful if you need to visit the vet and need video proof of your pup’s actions.
Final Thoughts
There is no denying how adorable the Shiba Inu dance is. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these dogs and are a witness to its dance skills, you know how special they can be.
As always, any out-of-character behaviors should be investigated further to rule out any potential health issues. But, of course, if your dog is dancing when you’re fixing its meal or about to take it for a walk, chances are it’s just really excited about what’s to come.
Featured Image Credit: Grisha Bruev, Shutterstock
