Shiba Inu was originally a Japanese dog breed from ancient times that is extremely honored for its rich history in the country. They were primarily bred as hunting dogs but have found their home in people’s houses as their loyal companions. During World War 2, they were at risk of being extinct but careful breeding and efforts helped in reviving the breed and made it into a lovely household pet. Though they come in different coats and color shades they never fail to please the eye and make anyone fall in love with them. Anyway, do Shibas change colors? To know more interesting facts regarding Shiba Inu colors and types of Shiba Inu, keep on reading.
1. How many Types of Shiba Inu are there?
Shiba Inu coats come in four different colors: red, black, tan, sesame, and cream. The most favored and well-known color of the four is the red Shiba Inu coat. The black and tan sesame of the Shiba Inu colors are rare. (See Adorable Golden Possum that Looks like Pikachu)
2. Are Shiba Inus Good Dogs?
Shiba Inu colors are popular among people as the dogs get along well with kids as long as they are properly socialized, trained, and treated with kindness and respect by the kids. The Shiba Inu is likely to show his fiery side when around other dogs and animals. Shiba Inu are well-known for being clean and tidy dogs. They have a good sense of smell, are dedicated and cautious, and tend to run from gardens. For a seasoned dog owner, they are a wise choice. (See 8 Types of Good Emotional Support Dogs)
3. How Old do Shiba Inus Live?
Shiba Inus have a 12 to 15-year life expectancy on average. This breed is best suited for exercise, particularly regular walks, to live a long and healthy life. Pusuke, the oldest Shiba Inu was known to live for 26 years and passed away at the age of 26. Must see How Long can a Puppy go without Eating?
4. How many Shiba Inu Colors are there?
Shiba Inu colors represent the different natures of dogs. Different types of Shiba Inu colors are:
A. Red Coat
Shiba Inus typically come in red, which is their most popular and well-known hue, especially given how vividly it contrasts with their white belly. This Japanese breed, known for its outgoing nature is well suited to this highly powerful tone. However, the Shiba Inu is the oldest known breed in the Japanese archipelago. Red may be seen in other dog breeds of Japanese ancestries, such as the Akita and Hokkaido. (See Bloodhound – Dog with Best Sense of Smell)
B. Black and Tan Coat
Shiba Inu colors in black and tan are very well-liked and are becoming more popular over time. This sort of multi-colored coat mixes black, fire-engine red, and white. It also incorporates Urajiro, which are ventral hues ranging from cream to white. (See What is the Leopard Skin Colour?)
C. Cream Coat
Shiba Inus with cream coats can have light golden coats; in this case, they are referred to as cream. They resemble red Shiba Inus in appearance, but their coat color is considerably softer and has a pastel hue instead of being as intense. Despite being less well-known and having less obvious white patterns, they are incredibly stunning. (Also read Do Dogs Feel Emotion?)
D. Sesame Coat
Sesame Shiba Inu colors come in three varieties:
- Sesame: Equal amounts of black and white coat.
- Black sesame: The hair is predominantly black, in contrast to the white belly.
- Red sesame: Red hair in large quantities with black and white.
E. Whitecoat
Whitecoat Shiba Inus are a very clever and vivacious sort of breed with a severe flaw, and it is not permitted in dog shows or beauty contests. Coat of white with red or grey undertones. (See Pomeranian Fox Face: Fox cut on a Pomeranian)
5. What Colors do Shibas come in?
There are four different Shiba Inu coat colors: red, black, tan, sesame, and cream. The red Shiba Inu coat is the most popular and favored shade among the four. The real sesames are uncommon.
6. What is the Rarest Shiba Inu color?
Let us know the rarest Shiba Inu color. Shiba Inu colors come in four different coats, one of which is sesame. Sesame Shiba Inus are the rarest and most challenging to accurately describe in terms of coat color. Many new Shiba Inu owners may think they have sesame Shiba Inu when in reality, true sesame Shiba Inu is quite elusive. Cream color coat is the rarest and most unusual coat color of the Shiba Inu breed. The black coat color is regarded as the second most uncommon Shiba Inu color after cream. Must read how to pronounce Chihuahua?
7. Do Shibas change Colors?
Shiba Inu dogs can take many years for their coats to fully mature, thus as they age, the color of their coats can vary. The white markings on these dogs might fade and even vanish over time, which is one of the most obvious alterations. These marks are not considered Urajiro, and they often disappear as the dog ages. Furthermore, a lot of Shiba Inu puppies may have what seems like a coat of black sesame. However, as the dog ages, it may be possible that Shibas change colors of their coat. (See Dog Health Problems Symptoms)
8. Why are Some Shiba Inus White?
The genetics behind Cream Shiba Inu Coats didn’t reveal the exact science of the genetics of Shiba Inu coat colors which is beyond the scope. Though in a nutshell, a cream Shiba Inu is the result of having two recessive genes. These recessive genes will not allow a single black hair on a cream Shiba Inu. Check out why are my dogs whiskers falling out?
9. Are there Black Shiba Inus?
Yes, there are black Shiba Inu which usually means the combination of black sesame or maybe the black and tan kind. Although black sesame Shiba Inus may have all-black coats, they do occasionally exhibit urajiro, or white markings, on their chests, cheeks, and tails. They are not thought to be a solid black color, as many of us expect a black dog to be. The black and tan Shiba Inu, sometimes are also known as the black Shiba Inu. Some individuals refer to these dogs as black and white Shiba Inus, which is not correct. These canines still have a red base coat, but it has a black overtone.
On a black sesame Shiba Inu, a single hair could reveal three distinct tones of color which makes the dog’s coat not more than 50% black for it to be considered a black sesame color with different color combinations. (See Why Are Dogs Not Supposed To Have Chocolate?)
10. How can You know if your Shiba Inu is Pure?
They are one of the six native breeds of Japan, along with the Akita, Kishu, Hokkaido, Kai, and Shikoku. Despite being purebred canines, you could find them at shelters or with rescue organizations. Because these dogs are more prevalent in Asia, you can identify pure Shiba Inu through these factors:
- Take a look at the dog’s size. The smallest breed of a native Japanese dog, the Shiba Inu weighs an average of 17 pounds for females and 23 pounds for males. They are 34 to 42 cm tall.
- A dog’s ears may be pinched, so check. Shibas have wolf-like ears that are tiny and pricked up. On top of the dog’s head, the triangular-shaped ears are inclined forward.
- There is a curling, brushy tail. Although Shiba Inus often have curled tails, some may have a less typical sickle tail. Though both tail varieties curl in the direction of the dog’s back, the sickle tail is less curved.
11. Why is your Shiba Inu not Fluffy?
Shiba Inus don’t seem fluffy at all. A happy, healthy dog has a good diet, and it shows in the way its coat looks. A balanced diet is a fertilizer that encourages a dog’s fur to grow and shine, healthy genes are the seeds for a fluffy dog. Shiba Inu can grow into one of two different shapes: either a light shade or a bolder shade which is fluffier and fuller. The female dog is substantially bigger than the male and has a longer, plusher coat. Recessive genes cause Shibas to occasionally have thinner hair, although they still have Shiba ancestry.
The good thing about their coats is that they don’t get tangled which makes them very simple to brush and maintain looking tidy. However, if you don’t keep them groomed or take them to a professional groomer, these dogs shed a lot, especially in the spring and the fall, which can deposit a lot of hair in your home. It is possible to discover a Shiba Inu with a long coat, but these dogs are uncommon since the long hair is viewed as a significant fault in the breed. (See Why do Dogs Chew on their Nails?)
12. What is a Wooly Shiba?
The Shiba Inu with long hair is often known as the woolly Shiba. The Shiba Inu has a double coat, meaning it has a lengthier outer layer that protects the inner one and a soft, fluffy inner layer that keeps it warm in cold weather. It is theorized that this recessive gene originates from the Kawakami-ken, one of the original breeds that were cross-bred into what would eventually be known as the Shiba Inu. A woolly-haired Shiba has a very thin guard coat but an extremely thick and plush undercoat which is the rarest coat type for this breed.
Shibas are devoted and affectionate dogs that build close bonds with their owners and like taking part in household activities though they have a reputation for being independent. However, if you are thinking to buy a Shiba Inu there are many things to think about like daily exercise and routine grooming as they have a thick, double coat that sheds all year. Hope this article helped you know how many Shiba Inu colors are there, and their personality traits. (Also read Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a Pet)
