The Complete Guide to Shiba Inu Colors and Health

Shiba Inus come in a variety of colors that are recognized by kennel clubs worldwide.

Their most common coat color is sesame, which can range from a light cream to a dark reddish-brown hue.

Sesame Shiba Inus have a distinctive red or orange tint on their face, legs, and belly, while their back and sides remain a darker brown.

The breed standard for the American Kennel Club (AKC) lists three main colors: black, red, and sesame.

Explore further: Shiba Inu Colors Red Sesame

The iconic red Shiba Inu is a sight to behold, with its bright and vivid hue that's simply unmistakable.

This color is the most common among Shiba Inus and features white markings called 'Urajiro' on the ventral areas of the dog.

Red Shibas are truly one-of-a-kind, making them a favorite among many Shiba enthusiasts.

A cream Shiba Inu results from having two recessive "e" genes. The recessive "e" gene is rare, but having two recessive "e" genes is even rarer.

Broaden your view: Two Corgis

Genetic science can be complex, but in simple terms, the Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) creates black pigment in dogs. All Shibas have this except for cream Shibas.

The National Shiba Club of America explains that Shibas who do not carry the recessive gene for cream are EE, those that are colored and have produced cream are Ee, and cream is ee. Dogs carrying the ee gene have no black hairs anywhere on their bodies, ever.

There are variants within all four major coat colors due to genetics. The interaction of three genes made up of the Agouti Signaling Protein (ASIP) located on the A locus causes these variances.

Depending on the combination of these genes, a red Shiba can be a "clear" red, a "sashige" or "dirty red", or a "red sesame". The same gene also affects black and tan Shibas, causing some to have agouti (the agouti gene) while others are pure black and tan.

A sesame Shiba can be a sesame (sable-type), black sesame (agouti-type), or black sesame carrying the black and tan gene. All Shiba Inus carry the "white/cream" gene, which determines whether they have a cream coat or not.

Recommended read: English Cream White Golden Retriever

The dominant "E" gene causes non-white coats, while the recessive "e" gene causes white or cream coats. Colored dogs carrying the "e" cream/white gene often have lighter (diluted) coats compared to colored Shibas carrying the "E" non-cream/white gene.

Here's a breakdown of the genes responsible for coat color variances:

Shiba Inus come in four primary coat colors recognized by major kennel clubs: red, black and tan, sesame, and cream.

The interaction of three genes, including the Agouti Signaling Protein (ASIP) located on the A locus, causes variances within these main colors. These genes result in different combinations such as Ay = "Sable" or aw = Agouti - (black sesame).

A black and tan Shiba can either be a black and tan with agouti or pure black and tan, carrying both tan-pointed genes.

The E locus (extension or extension of yellow locus) gene, also known as the “white/cream” gene, affects coat color variances. This gene causes colored dogs to have lighter coats when they carry the recessive "e" gene compared to those that don't.

Related reading: Sesame Shiba Inu Puppy

Here are some examples of how these genes interact:

These variations can result in unique coat colors like sashige, which is still considered a red for registration purposes but may be mistaken as a true sesame.

The most popular Shiba Inu coat color is red, with a preference for deep, vibrant hues.

Red Shibas have a bright and vivid hue with white markings called 'Urajiro' on the ventral areas of the dog.

Breeding red Shibas with too much cream genes in the lineage can cause a "washing out" or lightening of the red coat.

The reddish-brown Shiba Inu is actually believed to be the original color of the breed and gives them a foxy-like appearance.

This color is preferred for show rings, making it the most common and popular color among all.

A properly conformed red Shiba Inu with a full and vibrant coat is truly spectacular to admire.

Here's an interesting read: Popular Pomeranian Dog

The Black and Tan Shiba Inu is a stunning variation with a tri-colored coat featuring a black base, tan points, and Urajiro areas.

This unique combination creates a vibrant gradient color on individual hairs, ranging from light cream to reddish tan to black tip.

A single strand of hair from a black and tan Shiba has all three colors, making it truly one-of-a-kind.

The black and tan coat is the most recessive variation, meaning that two black and tans can only produce offspring with a black and tan coat, regardless of their grandparents' color.

Black and tan Shibas that carry the white gene are preferred due to their brighter Urajiro and vivid tan markings, creating more balance and harmony in their coat.

These dogs often have adorable white "eyebrows" and a perfectly shaped "bowtie" on their chest area, adding to their charm.

On the other hand, black and tan Shibas without the white gene tend to be quite dark with less impressive Urajiro, resulting in an overpowering coat color.

Shiba Inu Markings are a distinctive feature of this breed. They're known as Urajiro markings and can be found on specific parts of the body.

The Urajiro markings appear on the sides of the muzzle, cheeks, under the jaw, neck, chest, stomach, and the underside of the tail. This contrasting white marking enhances the main coat color.

In Shiba Inus, the Urajiro markings can also be seen on the inside of the legs. These markings are a required feature in show-quality Shibas for all colors except cream.

The Japanese term for these markings is Urajiro. It refers to the distinct white markings of the Shiba Inu breed and can be seen on various parts of the body, including the sides of the mouth and cheeks, and underside of the jaw, neck, chest, and stomach.

Here are the colors where you might spot Urajiro markings in Shiba Inus:

Shiba Inus are generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years.

Their price can vary depending on factors like location and breeder reputation. Some reputable breeders may charge upwards of $20,000 for a purebred Shiba Inu puppy.

However, adopting from a rescue organization or shelter is often more affordable, with adoption fees ranging from $50 to $200.

If you're considering getting a white or cream Shiba Inu, don't assume that their color automatically means they're unhealthy.

The health of these puppies depends on how they were bred - if it was for their health rather than just their color, they're just as healthy as any other colored Shiba.

Some irresponsible breeders only care about making a profit and may breed relatives to increase the chance of a white or cream litter, which can lead to genetic health problems.

This is why finding a responsible breeder is crucial when looking for a healthy puppy - not all breeders prioritize their dogs' well-being over profit.

You might like: Shiba Inu Colors Cream

The price of a Shiba Inu puppy can vary depending on several factors.

On average, a responsible breeder will charge between $1,200 and $2,500 for a Shiba Inu puppy.

However, be wary if you find a breeder selling white or cream Shibas at an increased price, as this may indicate they're interbreeding close relatives to increase the chances of these colors.

Some Shiba Inu colors can command higher prices due to their rarity and demand, such as sesame colors, especially well-balanced ones.

Red Shiba Inus are the most common and iconic color variation, featuring a bright and vivid red hue with white markings called 'Urajiro' on the ventral areas of the dog.

The black and tan Shiba Inu has a rich black base coat with tan markings.

Sesame Shibas have a unique appearance with red fur that features black tips.

Cream-colored Shibas are the least common accepted color and lack the distinctive Urajiro markings found in other colors.

The rarest of the rare Shiba Inu coat colors is the "agouti type" black sesame, also known as kurogoma.

This coat color is much darker than sable sesames and presents with less urajiro - sometimes without any light coloring on the chest.

Black sesame Shiba Inus are extremely hard to find due to their rarity.

The Japanese breed standard does not recognize this coat color as a traditional Shiba Inu color, which has led to some controversy among breeders and judges.

Shiba Inus come in four primary coat colors recognized by major kennel clubs.

The most common and iconic is the red Shiba Inu, which features a bright and vivid hue with white markings called 'Urajiro' on the ventral areas of the dog.

Black and tan Shibas have a rich black base with tan markings.

Sesame Shibas have red fur with black tips.

The least common accepted color is cream, which lacks the Urajiro and is not as favored in show rings but is loved by many for its soft appearance.

As Shiba Inus grow and develop, their coat colors can change significantly. Puppies born with a black and tan coloration may show a lightening of the tan as they mature.

Shibas can darken slightly as they grow, but this is most noticeable in cream puppies. Sesame Shibas may see an improvement in the distribution of black tips on their fur over time.

It's essential for potential owners to understand that adult color can differ from their puppy coat.

As your furry friend grows and develops, you might notice some changes in their appearance. Shiba Inu puppies can change color as they develop.

Puppies born with a black and tan coloration may show a significant lightening of the tan as they mature. This is a normal part of their growth process.

Cream puppies may darken slightly as they grow, resulting in a different adult coat than their puppy one.

Shiba Inus undergo a significant transformation from birth to senior years.

Their coat changes dramatically during this time, starting with young puppies that are actually quite dark due to their puppy mask.

The puppy mask usually fades by the first two months and is gradually replaced with a redder and redder coat.

A Shibas muzzle color on puppies is also usually quite dark, almost black at times, which will lighten up as the pup ages.

As a Shiba grows into adulthood, its coat continues to transform over the next three to four years.

Once a Shiba reaches senior age, around 7-8 years old, their coat starts to lighten and fade, similar to humans growing grey hairs.

Explore further: Elderly Dog Boarding