Japanese Shiba Inu Picture Gallery

Japanese Shiba Inu Breeders

Japanese Shiba Inu Clubs/Associations

The Full Japanese Shiba Inu Description

The Shiba Inu is a typical northern dog breed, with a moderately compact, powerful body, a curled tail and small erect ears. The Shiba Inu moves with speed and agility in a smooth, effortless gait. It has a good natured, bold expression.
The Shiba Inu is an independent and strong-willed dog breed who requires consistent training. Affectionate and loyal to its owners, the Shiba Inu can be initially reserved with strangers.

Indicative Breed Standard

General Appearance

Small, well balanced, sturdy dog of Spitz type. Very slightly longer than height at withers.

Characteristics

Lively and friendly.

Temperament

Bright, active, keen and alert.

Head and Skull

Head appears as a blunt triangle when viewed from above. Broad flat skull, cheeks well developed. Definite stop with slight furrow. Muzzle straight, of good depth, tapering gradually. Lips tight. Black nose preferred but flesh coloured acceptable in white dogs.

Eyes

Relatively small, almond, obliquely set well apart and dark brown.

Ears

Small, triangular, pricked and inclining slightly forward.

Mouth

Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck

Slightly arched, medium length, thick and muscular.

Forequarters

Shoulders moderately sloping. Elbows set close to the body. Forechest well developed. Forearms straight. Pasterns slightly sloping.

Body

Withers high and well developed. Short loin, level back. Deep chest. Moderate spring of rib. Belly moderate tuck up.

Hindquarters

Long upper thigh; short, strong second thigh. Hocks strong and parallel when seen from rear, turning neither in nor out. Well developed. Slight but definite bend of stifle.

Feet

Cat-like with firm, tight, well knuckled toes. Pads firm and elastic. Dark nails preferred.

Tail

Set on high. Thick and carried curled or curved as a sickle.

Gait/Movement

Light, quick and energetic.

Coat

Hard, straight outer coat with soft dense undercoat. Hair on tail slightly longer.

Colour

Red: Intense, clear red. White markings restricted to eye spots, cheeks, under jaw, forechest, underparts and underside of tail and legs. No white above elbows or hock.
Red Sesame: Red with an even overlay of black guard hairs; black to be not less than 25%, or more than 50% of normal red area. White markings in Red and Red Sesame restricted to eye spots, cheeks, under jaw, forechest, underparts, and underside of tail and legs. No white above elbows or hock. The white marking on the forechest resembling the shape of a bow-tie. Colour Eye spots in Red Sesame may be tan.
Black and Tan: Dull black with a bronze cast. Tan markings restricted to eye spots, cheeks, inside of ears, legs and tail. White markings as in Red and Red Sesame. Tan markings only occur between black and white areas.
White: White coat with red or grey tinges. White undercoat.

Size

Height: dogs: 39.5 cms (151/2 ins); bitches: 36.5 cms (141/2 ins ) with allowance of 1.5 cms (3/4 in) either way.