Maru loosely translates to “round”. Maru the Shiba Inu has become popular because the pup always seems to be happy in his pictures and videos.

Shinjiro Ono, Maru’s owner, truly believes he has the best dog in the world. Ono’s Instagram is full of photos with Maru and has a whopping 2.6 million followers.

Maru is a Shiba Inu, which is typically known as charming, intelligent, and confident. If you think you would want to adopt your own Shiba Inu here are a few things you consider:

Bred for Hunting

Shiba Inus are bred for hunting and catching prey with their owners. This makes them very keen and focused dogs that will be determined to catch their prey. This also makes them somewhat stubborn and difficult to train. If you want to adopt a Shiba Inu, be sure to consult with a professional trainer and research training techniques. This way, you will be prepared and will have a patient and happy pup.

Grooming

These dogs are double-coated which means they shed often but are relatively clean. You will not need to spend massive amounts on grooming or cleaning up after your dog. You will, however, want to invest in a good dog brush and bathe them regularly. During the spring and summer, they will need to be brushed regularly to keep your pup and your home looking great and feeling comfortable. If you live in a humid and hot area, however, Shiba Inus may not be the dog for you. They are bred to withstand freezing temperatures and will not be happy in a sunny, hot area.

Temperament

Shiba Inus can show signs of dog aggression. Females, especially, can be stubborn and territorial. If you have decided to adopt a Shiba Inu, you will want to make sure you understand how to train your pup. You will also want to make your home as comfortable as possible for you and your new family member. If you have small children, you may want to reconsider adopting this breed or be sure to teach your children strict and clear commands. You should also ensure you have plenty of time to train and socialize your dog. This will make them more comfortable with you and others in your home and will create a calmer, happier dog.

Health

This dog’s life span is about 12 to 15 years. They can suffer from eye issues like cataracts and glaucoma and will often get hip dysplasia in their old age. You can help your pup stay healthy by feeding them a wholesome diet and exercising with them every day.