Japanese Twitter personality Ishihara Takeshi (@K5dbZRmjNe77i5r), known for his Shiba Inu illustrations, recently shared a humorous comic about the "before and after" perceptions of owning a Shiba. Generally, people perceive dogs as being very enthusiastic, always ready to jump onto their owners, as often depicted in media. However, Shiba Inus, despite their gentle nature, often behave more like cats. They can be aloof, only showing affection when they feel like it, and surprisingly, they may be more enthusiastic with strangers than with their owners.
For instance, many assume that Shiba Inus are obedient because they seem so well-behaved. However, this is only true when treats are involved. Another misconception is that Shiba Inus are easy to groom due to their short coats, but they shed an astonishing amount. Their aloof demeanor often leads to them being perceived as calm and gentle, but they can quickly become distant and cold, leaving their owners perplexed.
Despite being timid, Shiba Inus often display curiosity, which can be misleading. They might appear brave when they're actually just curious. Additionally, their aloof nature means they maintain a peculiar distance, even when called. It's almost as if they're practicing social distancing. Unlike typical dogs that enjoy being petted and will lavish affection on their owners, Shiba Inus tend to reserve their affection for others, not their owners. This "just right distance" philosophy might even suggest a form of social awkwardness around other dogs.
One thing that is common among many dogs, including Shiba Inus, is their excitement when it's time for a walk or play. Despite their usual cold demeanor, the contrast in their behavior makes them incredibly endearing.
柴犬を実際に飼う前と後とでの
— 石原 雄 (@K5dbZRmjNe77i5r) July 11, 2021
認識の補正 pic.twitter.com/sago8kM7Ko
