A Small Shiba Inu and a Very Tall Horse Said Hello Nose to Nose
Nose to nose, and perfectly gentle. A cream Shiba Inu sits in the entryway of a farmhouse with her ears up and her dark eyes turned toward a huge chestnut horse, whose nose rests lightly against hers. The horse's eye is large and kind and looks down at his small friend. Coats hang on the wall behind them and a basket sits by the door. The Shiba is Sakura and the horse is Copper. The entryway is quiet, and the moment feels like it could last all afternoon.
Shiba Inus are small, spirited dogs from Japan, known for their fox-like faces and independent personalities. They are clean, bold, and strong-willed, and they are not always eager to be told what to do. Early training and plenty of socialization help them become calm, polite companions. A Shiba's thick double coat sheds heavily in spring and fall.
A nose touch is how many animals say hello. Dogs and horses both rely on smell to learn about each other, and a calm sniff is usually a good sign. When introducing a dog to a horse, keep the greeting short and relaxed, keep the dog's leash handy, and let both animals pull away if they want. Your vet can offer more tips for safe introductions.
Sakura holds her ground with Shiba dignity, and Copper is as gentle as he can be. It looks like a friendship has begun. They stand there a while longer, taking each other in.
