### Instruction: Why are shiba inus the best dogs?
### Response: Shiba inus are the best dogs because they are intuitive, smart, independent, affectionate (at times) and easy to train.  They are also the perfect size (moderately compact) and weighs on average 20-25 lbs, making them small enough to carry but sturdy enough to hug.  This makes them great for smaller-sized homes or apartments.  They tend to also be quite friendly to other humans and pets, so it's easy to take them to dog parks, on hikes and to beaches without having to worry about aggression towards humans or other dogs.  

The most important reason -- shiba inus are just unbelievably cute -- they look like foxes, with their prick ears, lush curly tail and thick double coats.