Nicholas Stevens has a Shiba Inu named Sawyer who is one year old. Shiba Inus are Japanese hunting dogs that were originally bred to go through dense undergrowth in search of smaller wild game like rabbits. As pets they are reserved toward strangers.

Stevens got the dog from a breeder in central Washington. "We did a little bit of research," Stevens said," and my parents have a 2 year old son and they wanted him to grow up with a dog. We all went down and got the dog together."

Sawyer is a very active dog, loves to walk and is often pulling at his leash. "When he gets really excited he jumps and spins in the air," often doing a full 360 degree turn Stevens said. "For their size they can jump higher than any other dog," he continued, "They can jump 3 1/2 feet high. It's pretty insane."

Shibas like to "ignore people...they kind of do their own thing. They don't like to listen," according to Stevens.

While Sawyer may not pay much attention to people he's got a best friend next door that he plays with and his toy allowance is pretty high because, "we give him a lot of stuffed animals but he rips them up in a couple of days," Stevens said. He's unlike most Shiba Inus in that he gets along pretty well with other dogs. "We took him to socialization classes when he was a baby, so he really likes other dogs."

How to nominate your pet for Pet of the Week:

Want to nominate your pet for Pet of the Week? Stop by the VCA West Seattle Veterinary Hospital at 5261 California Ave. S.W. and just ask for a form. A nomination is not a guarantee of appearance and your name and photo may appear in our newspaper and online.

Photos may or may not be used and our "Pet Reporter" may be in touch with you to arrange to take a photo. Pets nominated will be chosen on the basis of uniqueness of the pet and the quality of the story and information submitted.