Shiba inu coat colours and colour changes

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Shibas come in a small variety of colours. Possibly the most well-known and classic colour is Red, as pictured here. All shibas have white 'underfur' known as urajiro. 

Red shibas can vary a lot in colour. Some can be very dark (known as dirty red), while others can be very bright orange, and some may be pale. Pictured here is a dirty red with black tipping down the back.

Red shibas are often born very dark, sometimes with black muzzles. As they grow, they almost always lose this black tipping and turn into a very nice, classic red and white. A shiba inu puppy without any black tipping will most likely fade to an extremely pale, washed-out red whenever they are grown. Pictured is the same puppy 3 weeks apart.

A dark puppy does not usually turn into a dirty red. A puppy may turn out dirty red if the parents are dirty reds or if they are exceptionally dark, but we really do not have dirty red puppies that often anymore.

Another common colour is black and tan, as pictured here. Black and tan shibas can vary -- some have bright white urajiro and little to no tan on their feet and face. Others have a lot of tan and smaller urajiro. Some are so dark, they almost look solid black with just a small amount if white on the tail, cheeks, and feet! Often, black and tan shibas get brighter white as they get older.

Sesames have an extremely specific agouti pattern all over the red of their coat. We do not have sesames anymore, but we may be able to point you in the direction of other responsible breeders who do!

Cream shibas are solid white, usually with some tan on the ears.