Color Variations

Shiba inus come in all different colors, well not all, but these dogs come in different color versions. They have three accepted colors: red, red sesame, and black and tan. These colors represents the main color of the coat covering a large portion of it's body. In addition, all Shibas should also have urajiro or a pattern of white colored hair on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, inside the ears, neck, belly, inside of legs, on the abdomen, and the underside of the tail. 

Red is the most common color of the breed varying from pale orange to a deep mahogany red, ideally a vivid orange. This color with the urajiro pattern gives them a fox like appearance.

(This picture really resembles Chloe, don't you think?)

Red sesame, black tipped hairs on a rich red background or simply red shibas with black hair inserts The color is really beautiful and is rare as well. Many breeders consider the red sesame as the most difficult color to breed. Hope I'd be able to see one in the future.

Black and tan shibas, often referred to as a tricolored dog. Nothing much to say, what you see is what you get. I was thinking of adopting one someday to be Chloe's partner in crime.

The cream color, it was not on my list earlier because this color is considered a major fault in the show ring because it doesn't display a distinct urajiro pattern to be correct. However, this cosmetic characteristic has no bearing on the suitability of it as a companion and there is no doubt of how elegant the cream color is.