I'm not really sure what you mean by "are they mean?"
Obviously, I wouldn't own them if I thought they were- but your idea of "mean" and mine, might be very different. They are really independent. They don't like being hugged that much. They tend to be indifferent to most people, and they aren't the type of dog that will fawn over their owners either. My dogs are excited to see me when I come home, but they don't feel they need to be at my side 24/7.
They ARE dog aggressive. Should you decide to get a Shiba, be willing to live with the fact that your dog may not, and should NEVER be forced to like other dogs. Tolerate, yes- but if one of your greatest joys is taking your family pet to the dog park, give up on Shibas NOW.
Furthermore- if you want a cuddly dog, one that enjoys being pet, sitting on your lap, and being in close proximity to you at all times- you DON'T want a Shiba. Most Shibas *tolerate* other people, but they are by no means cuddly dogs. If you have small children in your family, I would advise you once again, NOT to get a Shiba. They *can* be good with children, but their tolerance level for childish antics (running ape around the house, ear pulling, cuddling, loud screams), is SIGNIFICANTLY lower than most other dog breeds.
If you like dogs you can take off leash- DON'T get a Shiba. They are NOT off lead dogs. No exceptions. If your greatest joy is seeing your beautiful dog run free along the beach, Shibas are NOT the dog for you.
Please, please feel free to ask more questions about Shibas- I'd like to answer anything I can. Just be aware that this breed is WRONG for 99.9% of people out there. Most people are attracted to their looks, but quickly find out that these dogs are a bigger handful than expected. They are NOT a toy breed, they are a HUNTING dog, that has 6000 years of history built in them screaming: "kill things that run away from me, squeek loudly, or resemble pigs in any way shape or form." Thus you may find that without proper training, screaming, running kids, your squeeky couch, and your neighbor's pet potbelly pigs are all at risk from your dog.
Please take a look at our national breed club as well:
www.shibas.org