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Oil-style portrait of a cream Shiba Inu in a lace cap and ruffle collar and a dark teal gown holding a painted folding fan. 25 / 27

A Shiba Lady in Waiting Fluttered Her Fan and Said Nothing

AI imageshiba inulady in waitingfan

A lace cap rests neatly between the Shiba Inu's pointed ears, and a ruffled collar frames her round cream face. She wears a teal velvet gown embroidered with silver flowers, with lace at the cuffs, and one paw gracefully holds a painted folding fan, held open just below her chest. Her dark almond eyes look slightly sideways, with the sly calm Shibas are known for. A candle flickers in the shadows on the left, and the dark canvas is lightly crackled with age.

Shiba Inus are a small, spirited Japanese breed with a fox-like face and a curled tail. They are clean, independent and intelligent, and often described as cat-like, but they can also be strong-willed, so training needs patience and consistency. Shibas have a strong prey drive and may bolt after small animals, so a secure fence and a leash are a must. Their thick double coat sheds heavily in spring and fall, and regular brushing helps. They often need careful early socialization and can be reserved with strangers. Because they love to explore, daily walks and sniffing time keep them content. Your vet can advise on training resources and health care for your own Shiba.

The lady in waiting has fluttered her fan once, and the court has understood every word. She will now return to her cushion and look elegant, which she does without any effort at all.

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