Are you looking to get yourself a new pet, but cannot decide on a Shiba Inu color? Don’t worry, I highly doubt you are the only one.
The Shiba Inu dog breed is well-known for its good looks and spunky personality, as well as their success in dog sports.
These little pups originate from ancient Japan, where they were bred to hunt small game in harsh terrains. Nowadays, they are beloved by pet owners worldwide.
They have a double coat with a thick undercoat that requires extensive brushing. However, it’s easy to forgive all those loose hairs once you see how beautiful shades these pups come in!
So, just how many Shiba Inu colors are there? Which are the rarest ones, and are there some you should avoid?
Here’s everything you need to know!
Accepted Shiba Inu Colors
Before we get started, it’s important to understand the difference between accepted colors and those that are considered unofficial.
The breed standard, which is determined by the local kennel club, states how a dog should look. This includes factors such as height, body built, but also coat colors.
In the United States, the main club is the American Kennel Club (AKC), but there is also the National Shiba Club of America (NSCA).
There is a big reason why you should always look for colors that are a part of the breed standard – and no, it’s not just due to the participation in show rings, but this can play a part.
The truth is that standard colors are naturally found in the dog’s genetics. This means that a dog in standard colors is more likely to be purebred.
Also, none of these colors is linked to any health conditions.
Finally – yes, if you plan on breeding these compact Japanese dogs (something you likely need a license for!) or to participate in conformation shows, your dog needs to be in the right color, among other things.
Remember—there are various kennel clubs, and sometimes, the breed standard can vary depending on your region. For example, a dog of a specific color might be recognized in the US but unapproved in Europe.
Still, to make things clearer, I’ll only focus on the AKC in this article.
Without further ado, here are four standard Shiba Inu colors:
1. Sesame Shiba Inu
While it’s one of the Shiba Inu primary colors, sesame is a truly unique coat pattern that’s like no other.
It consists of individual hairs that are black or red in color, creating a one of a kind blend that looks like a mosaic!
In other words, this pup should have a red base coat, with a smooth blending of black strands and black tips over the red (but, keep in mind, this is different from sable!).
These black hairs mustn’t take more than 50% of the dog’s coat, and there shouldn’t be any spots with a heavily concentrated black pigment – although white markings are allowed.
You might also know about these pups under the names agouti type Shiba or the kurogoma Shiba.
2. Red Shiba Inu
Red is probably the most common Shiba Inu color out there. When they think about Shiba Inus, most people will imagine dogs with red coats with white markings, black noses and eyes, and tall, fluffy, curled tails.
The red will rarely be bright, typically resembling orange or dark tan. However, it shouldn’t be dull in any way.
Both red females and males are known for their beauty, so it’s no wonder why they are so popular. Just look at that cute muzzle!
3. Black And Tan Shiba Inu
Black and tan Shiba Inus are lesser known doggies, as most of us don’t imagine this breed coming in dark colors.
These pups have a black base coat with tan points on the both sides of the muzzle, above their eyes, and on the legs and paws.
They also have a white mask, white chest, inner parts of the legs, tail, and stomach.
There is some sophistication in a black and tan female and a black and tan male that isn’t found in any other coat color.
Not to mention how their white chest marking commonly resembles a bow tie!
4. Cream Shiba Inu
The cream color is another popular shade of the Shiba Inu pups.
It can vary in hue from light, velvety cream to almost a pale shade of tan.
While allowed in the breed, cream is considered a fault, since the trademarked Urajiro pattern isn’t prominent. Because of this, Cream Shiba Inus are fairly rare.
The cream color itself is the result of recessive genes, meaning it should be inherited from both parents to express itself.
However, it also means it can spontaneously appear in litters of parents of other colors – most commonly, red.
For years, there was an ongoing dispute on whether the Shiba Inus that come in a cream shade are more prone to certain health problems, just like white doggos, but this turned out not to be true. These pups are as healthy as dogs in any other recognized color!
Unaccepted Shiba Inu Colors
If you look at various listings of Shiba Inu puppies, you might notice some colors that aren’t on the aforementioned list. This is because Shiba Inus can also come in a few unaccepted colors.
There are many reasons why the American Kennel Club might not recognize these colors.
Some are the result of recessive genes, making them rare and unwanted as they usually appear spontaneously by two parents that were in different shades. Others are connected with certain health issues, so their intentional breeding was banned.
Finally, some colors simply don’t come in the breed’s genetics, so if a pup comes in them, it is likely the result of crossbreeding and should be considered a Shiba Inu mix.
Most reputable breeders will stay away from breeding these colors. Their goal is to produce healthy pups that will do well in dog shows and achieve prominent results in the ring.
Of course, dogs bred with the sole purpose of being house pets are technically allowed to come in any possible color, but considering you won’t be able to register them, breeders typically avoid them.
Many times, the ‘breeders’ who sell these dogs are actually puppy mills who don’t care about the well-being of these pups.
This is why you should be extremely careful when choosing a doggie that comes in a rare color. You might unintentionally end up supporting a terrible breeding practice that harms the breed.
Here are some of the unofficial Shiba Inu colors you might run into:
1. Black Sesame Shiba Inu
We’ll start with what is likely the rarest Shiba Inu color – the black sesame Shiba Inu.
This color variation showcases just how truly unique Shiba Inu’s coats can be.
These doggies have a black base coat with a slightly lighter overcoat, which still gives them that sesame pattern.
Also known as Goma, black sesame Shiba Inus might be registered simply as ‘sesame’ if black doesn’t take more than 50% of their bodies.
Despite their astonishing appearance, black sesame Shibas are considered faulty. Even if you manage to register them, they won’t do well in dog shows.
2. Red Sesame Shiba Inu
Another unofficial variation of the sesame Shiba, this color is quite similar to the standard sesame. The biggest difference is that the base coat is bright red, compared to the duller red, which most sesame Shibas typically sport.
Just like standard sesames, these pups are easily confused with sable Shibas. However, the genetics between the two colors are quite different, and upon closer inspection you’ll easily spot the difference / but more on this later on.
Some of these pups carry the gene for piebaldism, which might result in their noses and paws turning white. However, this is extremely rare.
3. Cream Sable Shiba Inu
Here is it – the famous sable Shiba Inu I’ve mentioned a few times so far.
Similar to sesame, sable isn’t a true color but rather a specific pattern in which the individual hairs are two-colored; you have a lighter base color and a black tip.
This will give your doggie a somewhat confusing appearance, as you might have a difficult time determining your dog’s true color.
Cream sable Shiba Inus are the result of a recessive gene inherited by both their parents. Most will have white markings on their forehead, as well as white hairs on their cheeks, muzzle, and chest.
Many times, if a sesame Shiba doesn’t adhere to the strict breed standard I’ve talked about, it will be classified as sable – although I am certain most people can easily spot the difference between the two after looking at the picture.
4. White Shiba Inu
Many people are wondering if white Shiba Inus exists or if they are just a myth or a crossbreed.
The truth is, there are no solid white Shiba Inus, unless they have albinism. The white gene simply doesn’t exist in their bloodline.
Also, dogs with predominantly white coats are extremely rare and are considered faulty.
However, all Shiba Inus have the renowned Urajiro marking, as well as white markings on their chest, paws, and tail tips.
Without these gentle white touches, it’s difficult to say whether Shibas would even look like dogs we know and love today!
5. Fawn Shiba Inu
Most fawn Shiba Inus can be registered as red, considering just how similar these two colors are.
Fawn Shibas come in a beige or light tan color that is more elegant than the standard red but still darker than cream. The Urajiro is still pretty visible, and there is no black sabling present in sesame dogs.
Many dog owners consider this to be the most elegant Shiba Inu color, and this is something hard to disagree with.
6. Brindle Shiba Inu
Brindle is yet another color that is really more a pattern. It consists of a base coat – typically red or fawn – and darker stripes that give the dog a tiger-like appearance.
While a typical color for many breeds, such as Boxers, this color is pretty uncommon in Shibas.
It is also a rather undesirable shade, since these pups don’t have that elegant feel other Shiba Inu colors have.
Brindle is almost always followed with a white mask, chest, and paws, and these pooches are no different. They might be considered faulty, but they truly are gorgeous!
7. Blue Shiba Inu
Blue Shiba Inus are extremely rare.
They are the result of a dilution gene that turns the black pigment into a unique shade of bluish silver that can vary in shade.
This dilution gene affects all black pigment on the dog’s body, so the Shiba Inu’s nose, eye color, eye rims, and lips are also blue.
Sadly, this dilution gene is usually the result of crossbreeding, as it isn’t naturally found in the breed.
Also, the blue dilution gene is connected to color dilution alopecia, a genetic condition that results in skin irritations and hair loss.
Because of this, most people are staying away from blue Shiba Inu puppies – which can be hard once you realize they are Shiba Inus with blue eyes.
8. Pinto Shiba Inu
Finally, you have the pinto Shiba Inu, a dog many people have heard about but don’t know what this term really means.
Pinto Shiba Inus, also known as piebald Shibas, are purebred Shibas that carry a piebald gene, also known as the gene for white spots or markings—other than the Urajiro marking.
All pinto Shibas are considered faulty, and their breeding is highly discouraged as the piebald gene is connected with some health problems in certain breeds. This is why they are so challenging to find.
However, some backyard breeders and puppy mills will still breed and sell these pups and put them in a high price range at that. This is because these people don’t really care about the benefit of the breed and are only looking to gain some money fast.
Pinto Shibas can come in any coat color I’ve already listed. The only important thing is that the white markings are larger than the standard Urajiro, sometimes even taking more than 50% of the pup’s coat.
Do Shiba Inus Change Color?
If you’ve bought a young Shiba Inu, you might notice that its puppy coat seems to change as it’s becoming older.
No, you’re not imagining things. Many Shiba Inus will change their coat color as they’re maturing or entering senior years.
For example, black and tan Shibas will usually experience some lightening of the tan marking, which can be very bright in puppies but much duller in older dogs.
Sesame Shibas will typically become darker over time, as well as cream pups.
Even Urajiro will establish itself entirely after the dog has matured!
Some owners have even reported their red sesame Shiba losing the black in its coat and becoming fully red.
All of this is perfectly normal and isn’t a sign of concern. In fact, only a few dogs will stay the same throughout their life.
Color changing from puppyhood to adulthood is quite common in a few other dog breeds, such as Shih Tzus or even Dalmatians.
However, as changes happening to Shiba Inus are not as drastic, not many people are talking about them, keeping this entire process a mystery.
Why Are Coat Colors Important?
Most aspiring dog owners want to know what Shiba Inu color is the most beautiful or popular, and they’ll pick that one. While there’s nothing wrong with that way of thinking, there is much more to coat color than just appearance.
For example, a color can indicate whether your pooch has been crossbred. For example, if you run across a brown Shiba Inu, you can be certain this is some mix and not a purebred dog. Genes for brown color are simply not found in this breed.
On the other hand, some coat colors are connected with certain health conditions. I’ve already mentioned how blue and white can be risky. Similarly, merle, a unique tricolor pattern, can also result in deafness and blindness.
Finally, a breeder who intentionally breeds a dog in a risky color is likely not entirely ethical, which often means they are not following regulations. This can result not only in an unhealthy dog that doesn’t look the part but also in a Shiba Inu with behavioral issues.
As you can see, there is more than one reason why you should try to find a dog that is ethically bred and in the right color.
However, the decision is yours and yours only, and as long as you’re supporting good breeders, there is nothing wrong with choosing a dog that is the most beautiful for you.
Vanja’s passion for writing started at an early age, which is why she pursued Journalism as her college degree. She can research any topic and find all the information before you bat an eye, which is a great thing for her job but a terrible one for her husband.
Even as a young child, she fell in love with everything fluffy – but dogs have a special place in her heart due to her childhood companion, a Corgie named Archie.
Motivated by her experiences and driven by a desire to give back to her four-legged companions, she spends her free time volunteering at a local dog shelter.