How to Identify a Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed that has been around since ancient times.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source} A member of the non-sporting group of dogs,^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source} 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]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source} 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]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
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]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubExpert knowledge, resources and advice for all things dog-related.Go to source}
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3
Notice a brushy and curly tail. Most Shiba Inu have curled tails, but the dog may have a less common tail type called a sickle tail.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubExpert knowledge, resources and advice for all things dog-related.Go to source} 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]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubExpert knowledge, resources and advice for all things dog-related.Go to source} but are not as desirable as curled tails.
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]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubExpert knowledge, resources and advice for all things dog-related.Go to source}
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]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubExpert knowledge, resources and advice for all things dog-related.Go to source}
Shibas have round paws. These circular paws are catlike in appearance. The pads at the bottom of the paws are thick.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubExpert knowledge, resources and advice for all things dog-related.Go to source}
Though small, Shiba Inu have a well-muscled body. They have a sturdy build that compliments their smooth gait.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}

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]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubExpert knowledge, resources and advice for all things dog-related.Go to source}
2
Recognize the dog's fur color. 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]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubExpert knowledge, resources and advice for all things dog-related.Go to source}
- 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.
3
Look for the urajiro markings. 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]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubExpert knowledge, resources and advice for all things dog-related.Go to source}
- 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]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubExpert knowledge, resources and advice for all things dog-related.Go to source}

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]XResearch source}
Shibas are very lively and energetic. They are swift runners and should be watched while off leash.^{[17]XResearch source}
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]XResearch source}
Being bred as hunting dogs, Shiba Inu will have a strong, natural hunting instinct.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source} They may chase other animals, such as other dogs, cats, or birds.^{[20]XResearch source}
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]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
Shiba Inu are attentive and alert. See if the dog has the attentiveness to match the Shiba Inu's bold personality.^{[22]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}

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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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What breed are the Shiba Inus in the Roblox game, Adopt Me?
Linnie
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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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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.
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Tips

If you wish to know the breed of your dog, consider using a DNA test. Taking a DNA test will confirm your dog's breed.
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Notice how the dog whines. When a Shiba Inu cries, they sound like a human baby.
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