Which to choose?

Shibakita

Hello. Like a said before I am new to this forum. I am interested in 3 breeds and will be adopting one of them from a rescue group. I am torn between the akita, basenji, and shiba inu. Space isn't a problem and I live in my own home. I want a one person dog that will be a good companion. I am drawn to these breeds because of their independent nature and catlike qualities. I want a dog that is not too energetic and will be able to be on its own. Would love to hear from owners of two or all three of these breeds. Thanks!

JessicaRabbit

If you want not too energetic, you have already ruled out two breeds. Shiba's and basenji are both very high energy dogs who need quite a bit of stimulation and exercise.
I have shared my home with two of the three (haven't had a basenji), and I adore my Akita. And he fits the qualifications of independent, good companion, he likes other people but worships my husband and I am pretty great too, he will happily take a long walk and also happily keep my couch safe and warm
Thank you for rescuing, and best of luck to you.

curlytails

Could tell you about Shibas and Basenjis if you have specific questions... Not sure what you mean by "good companion," for example.

I've only lived with one of each, but have met quite a few since. Shibas seem more abundant in rescue than Basenjis, but Basenji rescue is VERY well organized!

"not too energetic" isn't normally in the description for either Shibas and Basenjis. Unless you're interested in a senior. My Basenji could sleep all day, especially if it's rainy, but she has bursts of energy and can go for quite a while on hikes and walks. And both of them, when left to their own devices, will do mischievous things. Muahaha. They do just fine with training and a regular schedule though.

cezieg

Well, Shibas fit the bill except... they're pretty much energizer bunnies and, at least in my opinion, do better in multi-dog households where they can play with another dog to burn off their energy. If I didn't take mine for a good long run (literally a run, not fast walk) or a two mile "pull" with me on bicycle and him on harness then he'd be all hyper and get into mischief. Mainly because of too much energy, bored, and just being a Shiba lol.

Sounds like Akita is the winner More mellow but keeps the curious and sharp mental facilities of the Japanese breeds.

jellyfish

Yup. Agreed. Akita.

Kuma123

Based on the information you provided about what you are looking for- I have to agree, Akita sounds like the best fit

tjbart17

I adore Basenji's but won't have one because they are too high energy.

I would look into Akitas too if I were you as a starting point.

shibamistress

I have both an Akita and two Shibas. It all depends on what you want. Akitas are easier than Shibas I think. They are more biddable in general and I think less high energy than Shibas, though I should say that Shibas slow down considerably at around 3 or 4. An Akita will likely be more of a companion, if by that you mean a dog who is interested in what you are doing and can be affectionate but not a velcro dog. Shibas are more independent than Akitas.

Akitas, especially American Akitas are big, though, and that can be intimidating to people. They do have a tendency to be protective too, in the sense that they will bark at strangers. They really need good socialization, because they are so big, and you don't want them to become intolerant of strangers (like our boy is getting to be).

Either Shibas or Akitas will be reactive with other dogs, especially as they mature. Shibas are really difficult with other dogs, though.

American Akitas and Japanese Akitas are different and I have only had American Akitas. Which are you interested in?

Rescuing is great, and would probably especially work with someone like you who does not have other dogs (it's way more difficult bringing in an adult to a home that already has dogs, esp. these breeds which are not tolerant of other dogs). There are a lot of Akitas (American Akitas) in need, and even more Shibas in need of home, and if you work with a good rescue, they'll be a huge asset to you in helping you and the dog adjust.

If you go with a breeder, be super, super careful. Both breeds have a lot of health issues, and with both, but especially with Shibas, the potential for getting a dog who is not healthy or will have expensive and exhausting conditions down the line is a real possibility. Make sure the breeder is reputable and does all the appropriate health checks.

NotoriousScrat

While I would say that dog reactivity is really common in either Shibas or Akitas, I would challenge the idea that a Shiba WILL be reactive. I know that with Zim's breeder specifically, any dog that shows any sort of dog reactivity (or aggression towards humans) is out of her breeding program. She runs a boarding kennel and anything else is a liability for her. All her dogs are able to mix freely with one another (well, not in-heat females, of course) and the other Shiba breeder we were seriously looking at didn't need to keep her any of her dogs separate either. My impression is that a lot of Shiba breeders have been breeding successfully away from the dog reactivity. That said, I would definitely not count on not getting a dog-reactive Shiba. It definitely seems to be common. I can't really speak to what the situation is with Akitas and reactivity in contrast, though, as the only things I know about it are what I've read on this forum!

lindsayt

There are very nice biddable non-reactive "easy" temperaments in Shibas these days. It all depends on where you look. Same with Akitas.

StaticNfuzz

Howdy and welcome....

Please define not too energic. What is energetic for you many not be considered energetic for another. Any dog you bring into your home will require training and some exercise and in all likely hood if healthy it will be more active as a youngster than an adult.

You did not state adult or puppy....If you are seeking an adult there are many nice animals to choose from through official rescue groups. Also there are breeder retirement animals for sale that you can see the full temperament on when meeting too. It might help to go to meetup.com and find a group for shibas or basenjis so you can meet each breed to get a sense of it.

Any puppy of any breed (if you go this route) should not be on its own until you train it and work with it and it has matured. Like any individual some take longer than others to learn their manners.

I consider Basenji's similar to Shibas with a shorter coat. Some can be ticksters and require you to give them some daily challenges to work their brains. However, that should be a given for any breed of dog though. It's all relative and there are couch potatoes....

Basically there is a lot of variability in any breed, it is knowing who to go to in finding a decent rescue organization or a decent breeder...... having the breeder or rescue person help select a match based on meeting you is probably the best bet. Specific lines will provide different things. Personality just depends on the individual in any breed.

Yeah I know that isn't a simple answer but hope it helps : )
Snf