Shiba Inu Sesame Red: Exploring Colors, Markings, and Variations

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Posted Oct 2, 2024

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Woman Taking Selfie with Shiba Inu
Credit: pexels.com, Woman Taking Selfie with Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu Sesame Red is a unique and striking variation of the breed. This color combination is characterized by a sesame base coat with a deep red overcoat.

In the Shiba Inu Sesame Red, the sesame color is a result of a specific genetic combination that affects the production of two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. This combination creates a warm, golden coat with a subtle red tint.

The red overcoat on a Shiba Inu Sesame Red is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other Shiba Inu colors. This overcoat can vary in intensity, ranging from a light reddish-brown to a deep, rich red.

On a similar theme: Golden Retriever Red Coat

Colors

Shiba Inus come in a variety of colors, including reddish-brown with cream markings, red, black and tan, sesame, and cream.

The official colors recognized by kennel clubs are red, black and tan, sesame, and cream.

Shiba Inus can also exhibit non-standard colors due to genetic factors or the influence of other dog breeds in their ancestry.

Suggestion: Cream Shiba Inu

Credit: youtube.com, 5 Types of Shiba Inu Colors Which Is Your Favorite ? / Shiba Inu Colors Types

These color variations do not impact the health, temperament, or overall quality of the Shiba Inu breed.

In fact, the breed standard for Shiba Inus was written by the National Shiba Club of America and includes the four official colors: red, black and tan, sesame, and cream.

All accepted coat colors should display the required white markings, called a Urajiro pattern.

The sesame Shiba Inu boasts a unique coat pattern that sets it apart, with individual hairs adorned with a mesmerizing blend of black and red.

The sesame color is actually the rarest color for Shiba Inus, requiring a specific combination of black and red to be considered true sesame color.

If there's too much or too little black in the coat, or if the dog lacks proper red eye patches and leg markings, it will be penalized in the show ring.

Color Variations

Shiba Inus come in a variety of colors, but surprisingly, none of these variations affect their temperament or health.

Credit: youtube.com, Black & Tan, Red, and Sesame Shibas competing at the Gavilan Kennel Club show Oct 9, 2021

Reddish-brown is the most common color of Shiba Inu, believed to be the original color of the breed. It's also the preferred color for show rings and is the most popular among Shiba Inu owners.

Genetic factors or the influence of other dog breeds in their ancestry can lead to colors outside the breed standard. These colors don't impact the dog's quality or overall health, but rather reflect their genetic diversity and individuality.

Shiba Inus can change coat colors as they shed their puppy coat, and markings may change too. It's not uncommon for the adult Shiba to be a lighter color than its puppy coat suggests.

For more insights, see: Ridgeback Dog Colors

Dogs' Color Variations Beyond Breed Standards

Shiba Inus can exhibit color variations that aren't officially recognized by kennel clubs or breed standards, yet these colors still add to the breed's beauty and uniqueness.

Genetic factors or the influence of other dog breeds in their ancestry can lead to colors outside the breed standard in Shiba Inus. This can occur due to genetic mutations affecting pigment production, distribution, or expression.

Credit: youtube.com, 10 Most Unusual Variations of Dog Breeds

Shiba Inus can carry recessive genes for non-standard colors that may remain dormant for generations until expressed through specific breeding combinations. Introducing other breeds in a Shiba Inu's lineage can also contribute to the appearance of non-standard colors.

Colors outside the breed standard do not impact the health, temperament, or overall quality of the Shiba Inu breed. They reflect the dog's genetic diversity and add to the individuality and charm of each unique Shiba Inu.

Some puppies are born with white markings on the chest and/or toes that are NOT part of the Urajiro pattern, and these will fade away with time.

Urajiro Pattern

The Urajiro Pattern is a distinctive feature of the Shiba Inu breed. It's a pattern of white or cream markings that can be found on the underside of the dog.

All Shiba Inus are required to have the Urajiro pattern, which includes markings on the lower muzzle and jaw, neck, chest, belly, insides of the legs, and under the tail.

A Smiling Woman Lying on a Sofa with Her Shiba Inu Dog and Using Her Phone
Credit: pexels.com, A Smiling Woman Lying on a Sofa with Her Shiba Inu Dog and Using Her Phone

The Urajiro pattern is a key characteristic of the breed standard, and dogs that do not have it may be penalized in the show ring.

The Urajiro pattern should be pale, or white, and is not just a small spot or marking, but rather a larger area of color on the underside of the dog.

As mentioned in the breed standard, all accepted coat colors of Shiba Inus should display the required white markings, including the Urajiro pattern.

The Urajiro pattern is a unique and beautiful feature of the Shiba Inu breed, and is an important part of what makes them so recognizable.

Rare Colors

Shiba Inus come in a variety of colors, but some are rarer than others. The rarest Shiba Inu color is the sesame color, which has a complex pattern and specific requirements to be considered true sesame.

To be considered a true sesame, a Shiba Inu needs to have just the right amount of black in its coat, and proper red eye patches and leg markings are also a must. If there's too much or too little black, or if the eye patches and leg markings are missing, the dog won't qualify as a true sesame.

Related reading: Sesame Shiba Inu Puppy

3 Rare Colors

Credit: youtube.com, 20 Unique Animals With Rare Color Patterns

There are four recognized colors for Shiba Inus, but one of them is particularly rare. The red color is one of the four accepted colors for Shiba Inus.

Sesame is another rare color that Shiba Inus can come in. It's a combination of black and brown hairs, but the exact shade can vary.

Cream is the rarest of the four accepted colors, and it's often the most sought after by breeders and owners alike.

For more insights, see: Are White German Shepherds Purebred

Rarest Color

Sesame Shiba Inus have the rarest color for the Shiba Inu breed.

This unique color requires a complex pattern with specific requirements to be considered true sesame color.

The presence of too much or too little black in the coat will result in penalties in the show ring.

Information and Pictures

The Shiba Inu Sesame Red is a rare and unique color variation of the Shiba Inu breed. It's characterized by a reddish-brown coat with a sesame-colored mask.

Credit: youtube.com, Shiba Inu | CKC Breed Facts & Profile

This color variation is the result of a specific genetic combination that affects the production of the pigment eumelanin, which gives the coat its color. The sesame-colored mask is a distinctive feature of the Shiba Inu Sesame Red.

The Shiba Inu Sesame Red has a short, straight coat that's dense and rough to the touch. It requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

This breed is known for its fox-like appearance, with a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, and a curled tail. The Shiba Inu Sesame Red is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build.

In Japan, the Shiba Inu Sesame Red is considered a rare and valuable breed, with a strong following among dog enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

They're delightful little dogs with charming personalities, and they make great companions.

They're a bit stubborn, but they're also alert and make good watchdogs. They have a fair amount of energy, love to play, and adore their people.

Credit: youtube.com, Red sesame shiba inu puppy of 8 weeks playing with ball

They're easy to housetrain since they like to be clean, but they can never be trusted off-leash in an unfenced area.

A properly bred Shiba Inu is a rare companion who will be with you for over a decade.

Doing research before making the commitment will ensure that you both enjoy those years together.

You can't ask for a more appealing dog, they're big enough to join you on long walks or runs, friendly enough to be safe around well-behaved children, and cuddly enough to enjoy couch time with you in the evenings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How rare is a sesame Shiba Inu?

A sesame Shiba Inu is extremely rare, found only on red Shiba Inus with unique piebald characteristics. This unique coloration is nearly impossible to find outside of Japan.

How much does a sesame Shiba Inu cost?

The cost of a sesame Shiba Inu from a reputable breeder in the United States is typically between $1,400 to $2,200. If you're considering bringing a sesame Shiba Inu into your family, learn more about their origins and hunting background.

How to get a sesame Shiba?

To get a sesame Shiba, breed a Sesame Shiba with a black & tan Shiba, which has a 50% chance of producing sesame puppies. Alternatively, breed an aw/at or Ay/at Shiba with a black & tan Shiba to produce a sesame Shiba with a 25% chance.

What is the temperament of a sesame Shiba Inu?

Sesame Shiba Inus are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, forming strong bonds with their owners, but they can be sensitive and may require extra attention and care. With proper attention and socialization, they can thrive as loving companions for the right family.

Maxine Hermann

Senior Writer

Maxine Hermann is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge and expertise with readers worldwide. With a keen interest in canine breeds, Maxine has established herself as a go-to authority on Hungarian dog breeds and their characteristics. Her articles offer a unique blend of informative content and engaging storytelling, making complex topics accessible to readers of all levels.