Oakhurst, NJ 07755
Last Updated:
11/22/2009 08:05 AM
11/22/2009 08:05 AM
© 2009 WOI
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******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************    ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* The Shiba Inu has an expression that is alert and confident. His eyes are triangular in shape, deep set and slant upward at the outer corners. Each dark brown iris is rimmed in black. The ears are small triangular shaped and stand erect while tilting slightly foward. Full cheeks give the Shiba his "foxy" look. His body is compact with well-developed muscles. The male Shiba Inu stands 14 1/2 to 16 1/2 inches at the shoulder and weighs around 23 pounds while females stand 13 1/2 to15 1/2 inches tall and weigh around 17 pounds. The average life span of a Shiba is approximately 16 years. The Shiba Inu has a double coat. The undercoat is soft and plush while the outer coat is course and stands away from the body. The undercoat is usually buff or cream colored. The hair on the Shiba Inu's tail is longer than the hair on his body, is bushy and usually curls over his back. The coat of the Shiba Inu is not cut or trimmed but is left natural. Coat colors are Red, Sesame, Black and Tan and Cream. Urajiro (white to cream color) markings are present in each of the different colors and may vary. The following is a description of the urajiro markings and different colors of the Shiba Inu. Red Color: The red color can vary from a clear red to a bright orange red. Urajiro can be found most often on the throat and chest. There can be a slight black tipping on the back and tail. This color combined with the urajiro markings resembles the color of a fox. Sesame: This color has black tipped hairs on top of a rich red background. The color is often described as "wolfish". To be true sesame there shouldn't be any solid black anywhere instead there should be a light even tipping resembling a "peppered" look. The sesame areas should show enough red to appear to be at least one half red. Sometimes the sesame coloring ends as a widow's peak on the forehead. The spots above the eyes and the legs are red. Black and Tan: The undercoat is buff or gray. The black hairs should not have a bluish tint but should instead have a brownish tint.The black and tan areas should be clearly defined and should never "bleed" into one another. Tan markings are usually present as two oval spots over the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle between the bridge and the white cheeks, the outside of the forelegs down to the toes, the outside of the back legs and down the front to the toes and also on the underside of the tail. Cream: This color varies from white to cream and often has buff or pale red markings on ears and back. Sometimes you will even see a cream colored Shiba with red ears! Cream colored Shibas can be shown in the ring in both conformation and performance, but are considered a fault in conformation. Gait: The Shiba has a light athletic easy gait. Temperament: The Shiba Inu bestows an alert noble look on whatever he gazes upon. This lends him an air of dignity and beauty. He is good natured, intelligent and rather curious about everything around him. He is rather independent and much like a cat will usually not come to you when called. When around strangers he is at first aloof but then usually warms up fast. Shibas are affectionate with members of their own family and people whom they trust and respect. Shiba Inu Traits If you want a dog that is: *Cute and adorable from birth *Cat like with it's grooming habits requiring few baths *Independent and aloof *Quiet, Most shibas don't bark much *Alert, Bold and Confident *Extremely smart *Very curious about everything around him *Lively and high spirited *Small sized, athletic, strong with a "BIG DOG" personality Then the shiba might be for you..... Now, if you DON'T want a dog that: *Can not be let off leash unless in a secure fenced area *Is cunning, manipulative, strong willed and dominant *Does not like to be held, restrained or cuddled *Can be aggressive to other animals *Has strong prey instincts and chases small animals that run *Can be possessive of his food and toys * Has the tendency to bolt through open doors *Has the ability to climb fences or dig under them * Is double coated and sheds large amounts twice a year *Is a breed that is not always tolerant of young children *Can emit a piercing "Shiba Scream" when unhappy or afraid *Needs constant socialization with animals, people, sights and sounds Then the shiba is not the right dog for you. Please do your research on Shibas before adopting or buying one to add to your family. Read everything you can on the breed and talk to responsible breeders and Shiba owners. Ask us any questions you may have, if you are not sure. ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** For more information on shibas, the following websites can be used for educational purposes www.northeastshibarescue.com www.shibarescue.com |