 Shiba Inu Description |
 |
||
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unless otherwise indicated, all text and images were created by Laura Paquette.
© 2003 Laura Paquette. Web hosting and consultation provided by ZONE804.