How to Identify a Shiba Inu

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The Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed that has been around since ancient times. [1] A member of the non-sporting group of dogs, [2] they are small in size, but lovable and confident. If you're aware of the breed's temperament and characteristics, you will be able to get a better idea of whether a dog is a Shiba Inu.

Things You Should Know

  • Shiba Inu come in 4 different colors: red, black and tan, cream, and sesame.
  • Red is the most common coloring.
  • Black and tan Shiba Inu are also popular. Cream and sesame coats are rarer.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Knowing the Structure

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    Shiba Inu are the smallest native Japanese dog breed, [3] with a standard weight of about 23 pounds (10 kg) for males and 17 pounds (7.7 kg) for females. They stand from 13.5 to 16.5 inches (34 to 42 cm) tall. [4]
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    Shibas have small, perked up ears that resemble that of a wolf. The ears are triangular in shape and are angled forward atop the dog's head. [5]
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    Most Shiba Inu have curled tails, but the dog may have a less common tail type called a sickle tail. [6] Both tail types curl towards the dog's back, but the sickle tail is less curled.
    • Curled tails, or "ringed tails," are more commonly seen in purebred dogs such as the Shiba Inu. These tails are shaped as a small curl over the dog's back.
    • Sickle tails are similar to curled tails; however, sickle tails are less curled. Sickle tails are part of the AKC standard [7] but are not as desirable as curled tails.
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    The AKC standards list that the eyes of a Shiba Inu should be dark brown in color with black rims. They are described as being somewhat triangular. [8]
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    A Shiba's muzzle should be round and firm with a black nose. The jawline is strong and gives the dog a powerful expression. The muzzle can take up approximately 40% of a Shiba Inu's face. [9]
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    Shibas have round paws. These circular paws are catlike in appearance. The pads at the bottom of the paws are thick. [10]
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    Though small, Shiba Inu have a well-muscled body. They have a sturdy build that compliments their smooth gait. [11]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Taking a Close Look at the Coat

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    Shiba Inu have thick double coats. Their fur is moderately straight and short in length. The undercoat is soft, while the top coat is more coarse. [12]
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    Shiba Inu have four possible coat colors: red, black and tan, cream, and sesame.
    • Red is the most commonly seen coloring of a Shiba Inu. It is the preferred coat color of the AKC for this breed.
    • Black and tan Shiba Inu are also popular.
    • Cream Shiba Inu are frowned upon by the AKC and go against the breed standards. [13]
    • Sesame Shiba Inu are the least commonly seen. Some Shibas resemble the sesame coat pattern but are actually more of a red with black tips.
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    This Japanese word refers to a Shiba Inu's white marks. These appear on places such as the face, neck, stomach, legs, and tail. [14]
    • Because the urajiro markings can't appear on an already cream colored coat, the cream variant of this breed is not recognized by the AKC. [15]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Assessing Temperament

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    Shiba Inu are bold dogs full of confidence. They act independent in spirit. This can lead them to being difficult to train. [16]
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    Shibas are very lively and energetic. They are swift runners and should be watched while off leash. [17]
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    With their intelligence, Shiba Inu are prone to getting into trouble when left alone. Because of this, they work best in houses with large fences. [18]
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    Being bred as hunting dogs, Shiba Inu will have a strong, natural hunting instinct. [19] They may chase other animals, such as other dogs, cats, or birds. [20]

    Did you know? The ancestors of the Shiba Inu were used to hunt large game in the mountainous regions of Japan, though nowadays, Shiba Inu stick to pursuing smaller animals. [21]

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    Shiba Inu are attentive and alert. See if the dog has the attentiveness to match the Shiba Inu's bold personality. [22]
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  • Question
    Where and how popular is the Shiba Inu?
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    The Shiba Inu is ranked 44th on the AKC's list of dog breed popularity. It is a common breed in the US, and the most popular companion breed in Japan, according to the AKC.
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  • Question
    What breed are the Shiba Inus in the Roblox game, Adopt Me?
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    The breed of dog would be a Shiba Inu, as a Shiba Inu is a breed rather than a species (the species would be a dog).
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  • Question
    Is “Doge” a Shiba Inu?
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    Yes, the Doge dog is a Shiba Inu. You can tell by its red coloring, urajiro markings, and other key features of the breed.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shiba-inu/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shiba-inu/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shiba-inu/
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shiba-inu/
      5. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ShibaInu.pdf
      6. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ShibaInu.pdf
      7. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ShibaInu.pdf
      8. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ShibaInu.pdf
      9. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ShibaInu.pdf
      1. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ShibaInu.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shiba-inu/
      3. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ShibaInu.pdf
      4. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ShibaInu.pdf
      5. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ShibaInu.pdf
      6. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ShibaInu.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/shibainu.html
      8. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/shibainu.html
      9. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/shibainu.html
      10. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shiba-inu/
      11. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/shibainu.html
      12. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shiba-inu/
      13. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shiba-inu/

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