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Japanese Shiba Inu

A recent newcomer from Japanand still only regisered in the Import Register, the Shiba Inu is a neat, tidy Spitz-style dog, and one that shows every sign of becoming popular. A very alert, small dog, he gives the inpression of being interested in everthing going on around him. On first sight one expects that he could be a somewhat yappy animal, but in fact he tends to watch and study rather than shout the odds. The thick dense undercoat keeps him very warm and it also copes with rain very efficiently. Colourwise, most of the specimens so far seen here are red, but the standard allows him to be black and tan, plus brindle, as well as white with red or grey. A breed to watch as its genetic base increases with more imports coming in from Japan and elsewhere.

General Appearance ** Small, well balanced, sturdy dog of Spitz type. Very slightly longer than height at withers.

Characteristics *** Lively and very friendly.

Temperament *** Bright, active, keen and alert, also docile anf faithful.

Head and Skull *** Head appears as a blunt triangle when viewed from above. Broad skull, cheeks well developed. Definite stop with slight furrow. Muzzle straight, of good depth, tapering gradualy. Lips tight. Black nose preferred but flesh coloured acceptable in white dogs.

Eyes *** Relatively small, oval, set well apart and dark brown.

Ears *** Small, triangular, pricked and inclining slightly forward.

Mouth *** Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite,i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck *** Medium length, thick and muscular.

ForeQuarters *** Shoulders moderately sloping. Elbows set close to the body. Forearms straight. Pasterns slightly sloping.

Body *** Withers high and well developed. Short, level back. Deep chest. Moderate spring of rib.

Tail *** Set on high. Thick and carried curled or curved as a sickle. Extended, tip nearly reaches hock.

Gait & Movement *** Light, quick and energetic.

Coat *** Hard, straight outer coat with soft, dense undercoat. Hair on tail slightly longer.

Colour *** Red Black, Black and tan or brindle. White with red or grey tinge.

Size *** Height: dogs : 39.5 cms ( 15 ins ); bitches : 36.5 cms ( 14 ins ) with allowance 1.5 cms 9 inch 0 either way.

Faults ** Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note ** Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.