Appearance
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Build: Compact, muscular, and agile — built for quick movement and climbing.
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Face: Foxlike — with a pointed muzzle, dark eyes, and small, triangular, upright ears.
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Tail: Thick and curled over the back in a ring or sickle shape.
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Coat: Double coat:
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Outer coat: stiff and straight
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Undercoat: soft and dense
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Common colors:
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Red (most typical)
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Black and tan
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Sesame (red with black-tipped hairs)
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Cream (less common)
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All have the trademark “urajiro” — white or cream markings on the chest, cheeks, and legs.
Personality and Temperament
Shibas have big personalities in small bodies — they’re spirited, confident, and very clean.
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Independent: They like affection but on their terms.
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Loyal and alert: Deeply bonded with their family but reserved with strangers.
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Smart but stubborn: Extremely intelligent, but prefer to do things their own way.
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Clean: Often compared to cats — they lick themselves, avoid mud, and have little odor.
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Vocal: Known for the “Shiba scream” — a high-pitched, dramatic cry when excited, scared, or displeased.
They’re not typically “lap dogs,” but they’re affectionate, loyal, and protective companions.
� Exercise and Care
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Exercise: Moderate — about 1 hour of physical activity daily.
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Enjoy walks, hikes, and playtime.
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Need both physical and mental stimulation.
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Training:
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Start early — positive reinforcement works best.
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Consistency and patience are key (they’re clever escape artists!).
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Socialization: Crucial from a young age to prevent aggression or aloofness.
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Grooming:
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Brush weekly (more during seasonal shedding — they “blow coat” twice a year).
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Bathe rarely (they’re naturally clean).
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