Meet Bob: The sophisticated Shiba Inu who’s stealing hearts in Nijmegen

In the heart of Nijmegen lives a remarkable Shiba Inu who perfectly embodies what Pawness stands for: style with substance, sass with sweetness, and sophistication with sustainability. Meet Bob, the charismatic canine whose journey from a thoughtfully chosen puppy to a local Instagram star (@TheGoodestBob) captures hearts while staying true to his refined nature. Through this interview with Bob and his dogdad Marc, we discover how this dynamic duo navigates life with style, mindfulness, and a touch of that signature Shiba sass.

Bob, you’ve got quite the dose of sass and style. How would you describe yourself in three words?

“Sophisticated, sassy & surprisingly sweet. My dogdad Marc always says I was remarkably well-behaved even as a puppy. I never destroyed anything, elegantly avoid puddles (yuck, wet paws!), and prefer to stay impeccably clean. But don’t be fooled… I can be quite stubborn. If I want to walk in a different direction, I’ll just stare at you until you give in.

Despite my stylish demeanor, I’m convinced everyone’s my friend. Even barking dogs get a friendly look from me. I rarely see danger, only potential for new friendships.”

Living in the heart of Nijmegen, what are your favorite spots in the city?

“We live in downtown Nijmegen, and it’s truly delightful. Bob loves to strut through the city center as if he’s the mayor, but he also adores the Waalkade and Waal beach, where we walk along the river, sometimes among wild horses.

For coffee, you’ll usually find us at Fresca (@fresscanijmegen024), a steady favorite. Recently, we’ve fallen in love with a new gem: Foxy (@foxy.nijmegen). Not just for their excellent matcha latte (with coconut milk!), but also because it perfectly matches me (after all, Shibas are often called little foxes). And yes, of course I get my well-deserved puppuccino there while enjoying the view over the Waal (and stealing the show in the meantime).”

Marc, why did you choose a Shiba Inu?

“My love for the Shiba Inu goes way back. I first discovered them online about thirteen years ago. I was immediately captivated. Their presence appealed to me, and their personality suits me well: strong-willed, caring, and they usually only bark when necessary.

Since I didn’t have the space or time work-wise back then, the idea of getting a dog was on the back burner. When I switched jobs a few years ago and had the opportunity to bring a dog to work, that little flame slowly started growing again.

Through a friend who also has a Shiba, I found an amazing breeder in Zuid-Scharwoude: Tiny and Albert. They have their hearts in the right place and don’t just let anyone take home a Shiba. I had to come for an ‘audience.’ Tiny had also contributed to the Shiba Inu book that I had thoroughly studied beforehand. Fortunately, they saw I was serious.

Bob’s name was actually decided before he was born. In the dog world, B.O.B. stands for Best of Breed. And if I finally get to have my dream dog, it had to be from the best breeder with the most beautiful breed, the prettiest face, and the sweetest character. Today ‘The Goodest Bob’ is a nod to ‘the goodest boy.'”

What was Bob like as a puppy?

“According to his breeder, Bob was primarily stoic as a puppy. Not easily impressed and with a sweet character. I often tell people that he literally never destroyed anything. I’m still grateful for that every day. He was an incredibly pleasant puppy. Strong-willed – absolutely – but never difficult. He didn’t always listen, but he did it in such a charming way that you couldn’t hold it against him.

Now that he’s through his teenage phase, he’s actually only become calmer. When other dogs are excited or barking, he sometimes just stares at them. As if thinking: ‘Stay calm. You don’t need to bark. Let’s just be friends.'”

What’s Bob’s most hilarious or memorable puppy moment?

“What remains funny about Bob is how excited he gets when seeing familiar faces. He’s so happy that he often runs right past you without greeting first. He immediately checks the surroundings to see if there are more people. Only when he’s sure he’s mapped everything out does he come back for cuddles.

And with every greeting, Bob wants something in his mouth. Usually a sock or a toy. It seems like self-regulation, holding onto something to channel his excitement, or maybe he just wants to share what he loves most. If he doesn’t have anything? Then he comes to me to ask for something. No welcome without a toy – that’s become tradition.”

How has Bob changed your life since he came to live with you?

“I’m blessed with ADHD. Along with positive traits like creativity, empathy, and quick thinking, it also has its challenging aspects. For me, that’s mainly time blindness and waiting time. Especially the latter can be quite heavy on bad days. If I have an appointment in the afternoon, I might not be able to do anything else all day. Sometimes I would literally sit frozen on the couch waiting until I could finally go.

Since Bob arrived, my day has structure. I have to get up on time to walk him. He needs to eat on schedule. Am I staring into space? Then Bob stands in front of me because he wants to play. I feel like a different person. Bob is everything and more than I had dared to hope for. He’s my buddy.

And through his Instagram account @TheGoodestBob, we’ve gained an amazing hobby. We take beautiful photos, share our adventures, and meet the most fantastic people and animals. Including Pawness, of course!”

What’s Bob’s sassiest moment ever?

“Bob’s sassiness always appears at the most unexpected moments. He’ll be begging in front of me because he’s hungry… and then the food isn’t exactly what he had in mind? I get one look, and he just walks away. As if to say: seriously, you’re not going to do this to me, right?

Now I know that Bob loves his kibble… as long as there’s Pawness Carob Crunch with it. Or his meat? Preferably with a bit of goat’s milk or bone broth. And if you put a strange water bowl in front of him? Forget it. Bob would rather be thirsty than drink from a shared bowl. Vain? Maybe. But hey, style comes with high standards.”

Bob, what’s your signature move that wraps everyone around your paw?

“Oh yes, I definitely have one! Airplane ears, a classic Shiba move. I only show those when I’m really excited. Usually when I see my favorite people again after a long time. With my dogdad Marc, sometimes that’s just when he comes back from grocery shopping. Then those ears stand perfectly horizontal… instant melting moment.

I’ve also mastered another tactic to perfection: lying on my back and looking extremely cute. Paws up, big eyes, and nobody can resist. Works every time.”

What’s the ultimate luxury moment that Bob enjoys?

“Bob loves being brushed. As soon as the combs and brushes appear, he immediately follows along. His favorite spot? Sitting in the sliding door opening, looking outside while being calmly brushed. The best part is: he indicates himself where he wants to be brushed. He’ll gently take my finger with his teeth and guide my hand to the right spot.

After a bath, it’s a complete celebration. We use the Fresh Fetch dog shampoo, sooo nice! Followed by his favorite part: blow-drying. Bob stands there like a professional spa-goer, completely zen, I taught him this as a puppy. Afterward, we use the Fresh Fetch spray for extra shine and moisturising. And for special ocassions; a spritz of perfume. Bob knows what luxury is and what he wants, haha.”

What’s Bob’s favorite Pawness product and why?

“Ooh, that varies! Pawness is one of those brands where every product just works, the quality is superb, and the design perfectly matches our style.

For treats, we’re big fans of the Carob Crunch. It tastes like chocolate and peanut butter… no wonder Bob always goes for those. During washing, we use the Fresh Fetch line, that fresh citrus scent is so lovely that I’d secretly use it myself.

And when we go for walks? Then Bob rocks his favorite combination: the vegan leather collar and leash. His color? Orange. So of course, he chooses the Bo leash in coral, combined with a grey collar and leash with orange accents. So beautiful. Responsible, functional, and stylish – exactly how Bob likes it.”

Follow Bob’s adventures on Instagram: @TheGoodestBob Read more about Bob’s story on his website: www.thegoodestbob.com

Bob’s favourites