Prepare for unexpected vet bills
You'll be hard-pressed to find a dog out there who is fluffier, cuter, or more loving towards their family than the Imo-Inu. Part American Eskimo Dog, part Shiba-Inu, this pooch blends two continents to make one excellent pupper.
Though not recognized as an official breed, this hybrid is becoming more popular due to the effects of the calm nature of the American Eskimo on the bolder, sometimes stubborn nature of the Japanese Shiba. The result is a pooch with many of the Shiba's desired traits, which have been bred for centuries, with a touch of gentleness that makes the canine easier to train.
To make your time with your Imo-Inu even better, we've rounded up some of the very best activities that you can enjoy with this mixed breed!
To tap into this hunting desire, you don't need to track down a rabbit with your four-legged pal. In fact, it doesn't even really matter what the prey is, because it's actually the chase that the Shiba seeks.
Test your Imo-Inu's prey drive out in your backyard using nothing but a regular old garden hose. You'll likely find this game results in hours of fun, though watering your plants may never be quite the same again!
While both parent breeds love a good challenge, it is the American Eskimo Dog that is especially fond of agility courses. Your Imo-Inu will likely jump (literally) at the opportunity to run through a course of varying obstacles.
And the fun isn't just for your pooch, either! Owners can have a great time leading their puppers through different courses.
Another great thing about agility courses is that you have the option of joining an agility group, where the course is set up for you, or you can build one yourself in the comforts of your own backyard. Some dog parks also feature small courses -- which are perfect for beginning your agility journey!
The ultimate sport for clever dogs with tons of energy, flyball combines fetch, jumping, and problem-solving. This makes it the perfect fit for super smart Imo-Inus, who will always be looking for tasks to take on.
Flyball requires all sorts of props and is generally played with teams. This means that if you and your pooch want to join in on the fun, you'll have to locate a local flyball group that has room for new members.
Because the sport needs space to be played, groups often rent indoor facilities for games when the weather doesn't cooperate. Expect to dish out some cash to become a regular member -- and be ready for flyball to become your new favorite sport!
As we've now seen, Imo-Inus come from highly intelligent breeds that require lots of mental stimulation. To keep these fluffy canines from becoming bored or depressed, participate in activities like the ones we've hand-selected above. You'll be amazed at how your pooch responds to the tasks at hand -- plus, you'll find you come to understand your barky buddy better after time spent working together.
There are no bones about it, engaging in exciting activities with your Imo-Inu is just about the best way to spend time with these bouncy buddies.