What Kind Of Dog Is That?

Yesterday evening we went down to Shirlington Village to do a little shopping and pick up dinner. Shirlington is a little main street area near our apartment. We take Henley out as often as we can so he can experience people, pups and just get some energy out. Shirlington is a great spot to do that.

Henley loves attention and so he loves when strangers stop to talk to us. Last night as we were browsing in a store, the shop owners allow pups inside, we had two sets of people come into the store just to see Henley. Several more approached us on the street. Since we clearly neglect Henley at home, he lapped up the petting and cooing.

As Shiba parents, we've become used to the inquiries about what he is and enjoy people's interest. After what is he, the most common question is, how big will he get or is he full grown?

Here are some of our stock Henley answers:

• He's a Shiba Inu, which is a Japanese breed. We tell people he's like an Akita, but we're very careful to say like and explain that the Shiba is a separate, independent breed and not an Akita bred to be a miniature.
• Yes, Henley is full grown, actually, he's large for the breed at 29lbs.
• Yes, he's great in our apartment and is independent so we don't worry about leaving him alone.
• YES! He definitely sheds, but really the big sheds are twice a year when he blows his coat and the rest of the time it's typical accumulation.
• He's been ok with kids so far, but the breed can be iffy (not aggressive, just skittish) around small children.
• No, he's not an off-leash dog, nor is any of the breed.
  
• No, Shibas are not the breed that doesn't bark, but Henley doesn't bark unless he's spooked or playing. More often then not, the Shiba whine, screech or scream is what you'll hear when he wants us to know how he feels.
• Yes, we know he has an underbite and that's individual to him, not the breed. ;)
  
• No, he's not a husky, wolf or fox. :)