Mika the Shiba Inu: The Dog with a Revving Engine Voice

Have you ever heard a dog that sounds like a revving motorcycle? Meet Mika, the Shiba Inu whose vocal talents have captured the hearts and ears of many! Mika, an adventurous spirit, has journeyed from Japan to Hong Kong, and now calls Canada home. Along his travels, he's picked up a rather unusual habit – his awoos sound strikingly similar to a cold engine revving!

In a delightful video shared by his owner, Mika lets out a deep, vibrating 'awoo' that could easily be mistaken for a motorbike purring nearby. If you weren't looking, you'd think a mechanical beast was roaring to life in the living room. But no, it's just Mika, exhibiting the quirky charm typical of Shiba Inus.

This furry musician seems to be in perfect harmony with his living situation, as he shares his home with a music teacher. His owner humorously describes him as a 'very opinionated vocalist,' and judging by his performances, we can see why. Mika doesn't just bark; he delivers a concert of growls and unique sounds that have fans dubbing him as the 'Subawoo' and even a 'V8 of cuteness.'

His fans are convinced that his love for chilly -30 degree weather might explain his internal revving—perhaps it helps keep him warm! One follower even called him a 'Doge Challenger,' likening his vocal prowess to that of a car ready to race.

Mika's captivating performances are not just random howls; they are carefully curated shows of mechanical sounds that have earned him over 9,000 adoring followers. This Shiba Inu is not only a pet but a high-performance machine in a fluffy package. With his peak main-character energy, Mika continues to charm the world with his engine-like awoos. Who knows, maybe he's warming up for his next grand performance right now!

Shiba Inus are known for their unique vocalizations and independent personality. Learn more about this fascinating breed with our Breeding Guide. The AKC Shiba Inu profile is also excellent for understanding their quirky behaviors. Our Dog Behavior Guide can help decode what your Shiba is saying.

Why Do Dogs Make Unusual Sounds?

Mika's engine-like vocalizations are unusual but not entirely surprising from a Shiba Inu. This ancient Japanese breed is famous for the "Shiba scream" — a high-pitched, dramatic vocalization that can sound like anything from a fire alarm to, apparently, a revving engine. According to the AKC, Shiba Inus are one of the most vocal dog breeds, using a wide range of sounds to communicate their emotions.

Dogs vocalize for many reasons beyond simple barking. Whining can indicate stress, excitement, or a desire for attention. Howling is a social behavior inherited from wolves. Grumbling and "talking" often occur during play or when seeking interaction. And some dogs, like Mika, develop unique sounds that become their trademark way of communicating with their owners.

Vocalizations are just one part of the canine communication toolkit. Dogs also use body posture, ear position, tail carriage, facial expressions, and even the direction of their tail wag to convey meaning. Research published in the journal Current Biology has shown that dogs wag their tails to the right when experiencing positive emotions and to the left when anxious — a subtle signal most owners miss. Our Dog Behavior Guide covers these signals in depth.

Understanding the Shiba Inu Temperament

The Shiba Inu has become wildly popular thanks to internet memes and their undeniably cute fox-like appearance. However, potential owners should understand that this breed has a very distinct temperament:

• Independent thinkers: Shibas are not eager-to-please dogs. Training requires patience, consistency, and a good sense of humor. They often decide whether a command is worth following based on what is in it for them.
• Strong prey drive: Shibas should always be kept on leash in unfenced areas. Their hunting instinct can override even the best recall training.
• Cat-like grooming: Shibas are fastidiously clean dogs that groom themselves much like cats. They are relatively low-maintenance in terms of cleanliness.
• Loyal but not clingy: Unlike many breeds, Shibas bond deeply with their family but maintain their independence. They are content to be in the same room as you without demanding constant attention.
• Not ideal for first-time owners: Their stubbornness and unique temperament can be challenging for inexperienced dog owners. Take our Lifestyle Matcher quiz to see if a Shiba Inu matches your experience level.

Whether your dog revs like an engine or communicates through subtle glances, learning to understand their unique language is one of the most rewarding aspects of dog ownership. Check out our Training Guide for tips on building clear communication with your four-legged companion.