Standards for the
Japanese small size
Shibas Inu are a small-sized dog native to Japan. They are speculated to have evolved in Japan from the southern regions in the primitive ages. Remains of a small-sized dog was discovered in the ruins of Jomon period (an archaeological term designating the Japanese neoliolden times) they have been used for small game hunting in the mountain districts.
Shiba Inu are small, unsophisticated but tranquil and prudent dogs with a well-balanced body. Their framework is dry, compact with solid muscles and tendons well developed . Their constitution is strong and actions quick. They are a good guard dog and are also used for hunting small game.
| Characteristic and Expression |
| The Shiba Inu is brave and composed, whilst being alert and loyal. There is sophistication in it’s good-nature simplicity. It is sensitive without being nervous. There is agility in the dog’s overall movement and it should walk with springy steps. |
| General Appearance |
| Sex features should be distinct. Males are masculine and females are feminine. The body should be well balanced, with a solid and well connected bone structure and well developed muscles. Males should have a height to length ratio of 10:11. The female has a somewhat longer body, 10:11 bitches slightly longer. Males 15.0 – 16.25 inches tall and Females 13.75 – 15.0 inches tall with desired height in the middle for both sexes. Males 15.5 and females 14.5! |
| Ears |
| Small and triangular, angled slightly forward with the slope of the neck, and standing firm and erect. |
| Eyes |
| Somewhat triangular and slanted upwards, pointing to the base of the ear. The color of the iris should be dark liver brown. |
| Muzzle |
| The bridge of the nose should be straight. The mouth should be firm and tight. the nostrils should be tight. The lips should be drawn firmly when closed. Teeth should be strong with a correct scissor bite. |
| Head and Neck |
| The forehead should be broad. The neck should be well developed but thick, dry and powerful but never heavy. |
| Forlegs |
| The shoulder blades should be well developed with moderate angulation. The legs should extend straight down with the paws giving the appearance of a tight grip. |
| Hindlegs |
| The hindlegs should have spring and yet should maintain a solid stance. The hock joints should be resilient and the paws should give the appearance of a tight grip. |
| Chest |
| The chest should be just below the elbow, the ribs well sprung, and the breast well developed. |
| Top Line and Loin |
| The top line should be straight and the loins stout and powerful. |
| Tail |
| The tail should be thick, powerful, and either curled or sickle the full length of which should reach almost to the hock joint. |
| Coat |
| The coat should be straight and harsh. The undercoat should be dense and soft. The hair on the tail should be somewhat longer than the body hair and should stand off. Coat color should be brindle (sesame), red, black, tiger brindle, or white. Color and quality should have the typical characteristics of the Japanese breeds. |
| Deduction |
| 1. Any acquired deformations and signs of inappropriate nourishment. 2. Nose color unsuitable for particular coat color. 3. Spots, speckles, or patches of color on coat. 4. Congenital short tail |
| Disqualifications |
| 1. Lack of typical characteristics of the Japanese breeds. 2. Overshot teeth, undershot teeth and incisor bite 3. Congenitally hanging or short tail 4. Ears congenitally not pricked up 5. Bilateral cryptorchid and monorchid 6. Long coat (Shaggy) 7. Under or over minimum or maximum height 8. White(Cream) Note: Dewclaws should preferably be removed. |
| Serious Defect |
| 1. Extreme malocclusion 2. Shy in temperament 3. One or more missing teeth 4. Light eye color |
| Tail Type |
| Sickle tail, Curly tail, (Drum curl, left curl and double curl) |
| Coat Color |
| Red, Black and Tan, Sesame, Red Sesame, Black Sesame |
| Judging Resolution on Japanese Dog Standard |
| On the assumption that the Japanese dog has strong teeth, correct bite and complete set of teeth (42), the following method will be taken to correct missing teeth problems. Point deduction for missing teeth: • First Premolar – one (1) point deduction for each tooth • Second Premolar – three (3) point deduction for each tooth • Any other tooth – five (5) point deduction for each tooth |
| Bite |
| 1. Malocclusion or incisor will not be awarded as superior 2. Overshot and undershot will be subjected to an equal amount of point deduction |
Nippo Hauoli Shiba 