Shiba Inu

The most independent dog here, and the one to think hardest about. A Shiba is clean, quiet most of the time and usually copes well with a few hours alone, which makes it tempting for anyone working long days. It is also stubborn, rarely reliable off the lead and given to a piercing scream when it objects to being handled, so it suits a patient owner more than a first-timer hoping for an easy companion. Twice a year the double coat sheds in clumps for weeks; the rest of the time a weekly brush is enough.