How to Identify a Shiba Inu

• 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.

Knowing the Structure

Look at the size of the dog. Shiba Inu are the smallest native Japanese dog breed, 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.

See if the dog has pricked ears. 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.

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. 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 but are not as desirable as curled tails.

Pay attention to the dog's eye color. 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.

Look at the muzzle of the dog. 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.

Notice the shape of the dog's paws. Shibas have round paws. These circular paws are catlike in appearance. The pads at the bottom of the paws are thick.

See if the dog has a muscular build. Though small, Shiba Inu have a well-muscled body. They have a sturdy build that compliments their smooth gait.

Taking a Close Look at the Coat

Analyze the texture of the dog's coat. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

Assessing Temperament

Watch for confidence. Shiba Inu are bold dogs full of confidence. They act independent in spirit. This can lead them to being difficult to train.

Notice an abundance of energy. Shibas are very lively and energetic. They are swift runners and should be watched while off leash.

See if the dog is clever. 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.

Look for a hunting instinct. Being bred as hunting dogs, Shiba Inu will have a strong, natural hunting instinct. They may chase other animals, such as other dogs, cats, or birds.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.

Pay attention to the dog's attention level. Shiba Inu are attentive and alert. See if the dog has the attentiveness to match the Shiba Inu's bold personality.