The last two years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership soar over the pandemic.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that sometimes appears on people’s canine wishlists is the Shiba Inu – they are one of the more unusual dogs to be seen in the UK’s parks but have a range of positive attributes that make them a great household pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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5. Belatedly born in the USA
The first Shiba Inu didn't arrive in America until 1954, when an army family brought one over. The first recorded litter of Shibas stateside wasn't until 1979, and it was only in 1992 that the breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. A winning cross
Dog historians believe the Shiba Inu is likely the result of a cross between the Jomon-jin’s dogs and dogs that came to Japan with a new wave of immigration in around 300 BC. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. War survivors
Bombing raids on Japan during World War II, combined with a particularly virulent strain of distemper, nearly wiped out the Shiba Inu. A breeding programme after the war saved the much-loved dog, with the majority of survivors the Shinshu variety. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Cleaning up like cats
The Shiba Inu is a fastidious breed that are constantly cleaning themselves - spending hours licking their paws and legs. It's one of the reasons that they often seem more feline than canine. Photo: Canva/Getty Images