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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9. An ancient breed
The Shiba Inu's ancestors are thought to have arrived in Japan with immigrant owners as long ago as 7000 BC. Archaologists have found remains of dogs that share Shiba traits in site inhabited by the Jomon-jin people, who lived from 14,500 BC to 300 AD. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Hero hound
In 2004 a Shiba Inu named Mari became a national hero when an earthquake hit the Japanese village of Yamakoshi. When her family’s home collapsed, Mari carried her puppies to safety and then woke her owner who managed to free himself from under a fallen cabinet. A Japanese movie was made based on the rescue called “A Tale of Mari and Her Three Puppies”. Photo: Canva/Getty Images