Shiba Inu is one of the ancient breeds of Japan besides the Shikoku, the Kai Ken, the Kishu, the Hokkaido, and the Akita. Among all these Japanese pups, the Shiba Inu and the Akita Inu have huge similarities. No wonder why people always mistake one for the other.
The beginning of the 19th century was difficult for native dog breeds of Japan, including Shiba Inus. These dogs were almost extinct because of the wars and the import of western dogs into Japan.
Thus, a selective breeding program was launched to save Shibas from extinction. Three different Shiba strains, the Shinshu Inu, the Mino, and the San-In, were merged into one single breed. The whole point of the merge was to standardize the breed and introduce variations.
Cream Shiba Inu coat color is one of the outputs of that breeding program.
A selective breeding program was then launched by the native breeders of Japan to prevent the breed from extinction.
Cream Shiba Inu is one of the most desirable coat colors. It has a pure creamy base and a white urajiro area. Urajiro is a Japanese term which the National Shiba Club of America interprets as white markings unique to the Shiba Inu breed.
What Is The Cream Shiba Inu?
Photo from: @yuri.creamshibe
Cream Shiba Inu is a distinctive coat color of the Shiba Inu breed. It’s a unique color variation, quite beautiful in its way, and popular among many Shiba Inu lovers.
You should know that this is one coat color option and not a separate Shiba Inu breed.
Origin of The Cream Shiba Inu
The cream White Shiba Inu comes from Japan. Even though the Shiba Inu breed is ancient, the cream color isn’t that old – it’s quite recent.
Because of the already-mentioned breed problems in the early 19th century, the breed has to be re-developed and merged into one. Many variations were introduced through that process, including the beloved cream Shiba Inu.
Are Cream Shiba Inus Rare?
Photo from: @stark_theshiba
Cream color coat is definitely the rarest and most unusual coat color of the Shiba Inu breed. Other than cream, the black coat color is considered the other rarest Shiba Inu color.
Is The Cream Color Controversial?
Despite its popularity, the cream Shiba Inu coat color is facing some controversy with the breed standards.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a cream Shiba Inu is considered a serious fault because of the urajiro area. The area is not prominent, and it settles down with the cream base. In other words, the cream color is not preferred by the standards.
Facts About The Cream Shiba Inu
• Cream Shiba Inus and white Shiba Inus are different, but they’re considered the same.
• Not all white Shiba Inus fall into the cream category. But, all cream Shibas do fall into the white category.
• The pure white Shiba Inu doesn’t have similar characteristics as the cream Shiba Inu. Pure white Shibas can be Piebald, Albino, or Pinto Shiba Inus.
• Cream color coat is considered a severe fault for the show ring.
• Cream Shiba Inus aren’t supposed to be bred, as the experts claim. The biggest reason is their defect in their coat color, which breaks the breed standards.
How Different Are Cream Shiba Inus From Other Shibas?
Although the red Shiba Inu is the trademark of the breed, the cream Shiba Inu is truly a unique canine in its own way.
When it comes to differences between these dogs, we can say that the coat color is the only difference. Biological similarities are expected.
Is The Cream Shiba Inu Recognized By The Kennel Clubs?
The Shiba Inu breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1992 when the first Shiba Inu was documented.
In 1993, the breed was included in the non-sporting group of the AKC. Still, the breed was first brought to America in 1954.
The British Kennel Club registers cream Shiba Inus as they’re up to their breed standards.
Shiba Inu Cream Color: Appearance Traits
According to the Nippo standard, the Shiba Inu is a dog breed popular for its fox-like ears, face, and legs. Of course, there are no similarities between the Shiba and foxes.
The appearance of the Shiba Inu dog depends on the spitz breed standards. The Cream Shiba Inu is one of the six spitz breeds of Japan.
They have pointed ears, an innocent-looking face with a pointed muzzle, and a heavy double coat with short hair.
Their tail is not the only trademark of the spitz breed. It also saves Shibas in cold weather by curling up to protect the nose and face.
Cream Shibas have well-developed muscles, with a compact body and a white urajiro area on the belly, neck, chest, or cheeks.
Cream Shiba Inu: Personality And Temperament
Photo from: @bringingupyoshi
The personality of Shiba Inus is defined in three Japanese words, Kan-i, Ryosei, and Soboku. The combined meaning of the last two words means that they are alert and good-natured dogs, while the first word means confidence, power, and strength.
Shibas are stubborn and sometimes uncontrollable, but all their personality traits are in perfect balance.
Shiba Inu Scream: What Causes Such Behavior?
The biggest misconception about Shiba Inus is that they scream or cry a lot, especially when it comes to the specific condition. This is believed to be a natural or genetic trait.
Situations that may trigger such behavior are bathing and nail trimming. The reason behind their screaming isn’t the grooming session; it’s poor training.
With proper training and early socialization, Shiba Inus are silent and obedient dogs without any outbursts.
Should I Get A Cream Shiba Inu As My First Dog?
Even though Shiba Inus are considered good dogs, they still have some issues with adapting to every type of person.
These pups are not recommended for first-time owners. It would be best to own a cream Shiba Inu only if you have some prior experience with the breed.
No one will tell you that you can’t have a Shiba as your first pup. It’s only that you’ll need lots of patience and hard work to get them on the right path.
Shiba Inu Coat Types And Colors
The coat of all the Shiba Inus, including the cream, consists of a thick double coat, i.e., the inner coat and the guard hairs. The inner coat of the breed is plush and quite soft while the outer coat is straight and a bit hard.
The cream color coat is quite similar to redone, but with relatively low intensity.
There are four primary color coats of Shiba Inus, which are as follows:
• Cream: The cream color coat is the rarest color coat of the Shiba Inu breed. The cream color is closely intact with the red gene. It shades to a lighter color on the belly. Unfortunately, the cream coat color is not accepted by the AKC due to nearly invisible white markings.
• Red: The red colored coat is the most common Shiba Inu color. It is the original color of the breed, and it gives the popular foxy trademark look. This is the preferred color for the show look.
• Black and Tan: Black and tan color coat is a unique one. They have a rusty and black base, with tan points, and a white urajiro area, meaning these are tri-colored dogs.
• Black Sesame: Black sesame is also one of the rarest colors of the breed. The base color of the sesame black Shibas is always red, with black color running throughout the body. The black color shouldn’t be more than 50% in order to be recognized by the official show-ring organizations.
Cream Shiba Inu Full Grown Size, Weight, And Height
Larger male Shiba Inus stop growing at the age of 14 months. Smaller males stop growing around their first birthday. Female Shibas usually stop growing around their first birthday, too.
The average Shiba Inu weighs from 17 to 23 pounds, and stands tall at 13,5 to 16,5 inches at the shoulder. These aren’t small lap dogs. This is a big doggy demanding lots of care.
Lifespan: How Long Do Cream Shibas Live?
Cream Shiba Inus are small- to medium-sized dogs. Their lifespan varies from dog to dog.
The average life expectancy is around 12 to 16 years. It’s quite equal to other dog breeds.
Cream Shiba Inu: Food And Dietary Requirements
A good and responsible Shiba Inu owner needs to find a balance in the food and dietary plan for their dog. If you’re not capable of doing this, then ask your vet to help out. A sudden switching of the diet may upset your puppy’s stomach. You need to do it gradually.
The Shiba Inu puppy food should contain 15% to 18% fats, and 30% protein, according to the National Shiba Club of America.
The adult Shiba should have 1,5 cups of high-quality dog food a day, divided in two meals.
Shiba Inu puppies eat a lot. And, that’s a good thing! They need good-quality food for their growth and development. However, this doesn’t mean they can eat as much as they can because this breed is prone to obesity.
There is a formula to calculate the exact amount of calories your puppy should take according to its weight.
You get the recommended daily calorie intake when you calculate 30 x weight in kilos + 70. For example, a Shiba Inu of 8 kg will need 30 x 8 + 70 = 310 calories per day according to the formula.
Exercise Requirements: How Much Exercise Does A Cream Shiba Inu Need?
Photo from: @yuri.creamshibe
Regular exercise is a critical factor that can extend your dog’s lifespan. Shibas are highly active and energetic. Therefore, they need both mental and physical stimulation daily.
An adult Shiba Inu needs 30 to 40 minutes of daily exercise. Shibas adapt well to any activity you’re taking them on. If you’re fond of hiking and mountain activities, then this is the ideal dog breed to accompany you.
Camping is also an excellent idea. It gives the Shibas an opportunity to go back to their origins when they used to be tracking and hunting dogs.
Still, make sure your Shiba doesn’t wander off. They have a sharp nose, which allows them to catch scents from miles away. The only thing you can do to prevent them from running away is to train them correctly.
If you want a well-mannered, obedient, and controlled Shiba Inu, you will need to fulfill all training requirements.
This is a stubborn dog breed that needs lots of training as well as early socialization in order to merge with people. Truth be told, they’re not easy to train, especially not for new owners. However, they can be taught, but it takes time and patience.
The rewarding method of training is one of the best ones to use for Shiba Inus. The point is to give them a reward, a treat, or a pat on the back no matter if the dog did something successful or not.
This will motivate the dog to perform much better next time.
Patience, consistency, and persistence are keys to successful Shiba Inu training. Your cream Shiba Inu isn’t a type of dog that shows affection all the time. But, if you train them by using positive reinforcement, the dog may become more open towards you.
Cleaning And Grooming Needs
Photo from: @miriotheshiba
Shiba Inus are a dog breed that hates to get dirty. They always try to clean themselves. You can only imagine how a cream Shiba Inu feels about dirt on their lovely cream coat.
The cleaning and grooming needs of cream Shiba Inus are the following:
• Shiba Inus should be bathed once every three to four months because their double coat is odor free.
• Since Shibas have an undercoat, they should be brushed once a week to remove dead hair.
• Avoid bathing often because a Shiba’s skin is sensitive and may become dry.
• Nails should be trimmed once every two weeks or once a month.
• Body parts like ears or eyes should always be inspected for redness, bad odor, or any other signs of infection.
Pros and Cons Of Owning A Cream Shiba Inu Dog
Photo from: @miriotheshiba
There is no such thing as the perfect dog. All of them have faults, but also some good traits. If you’re thinking of getting a cream Shiba Inu, then you should consider checking out this pros-and-cons list. It will help you decide whether this dog is for you or not.
Pros
• They love being in the center of attention. This can be a pro or a con, depending on what kind of dog you’re looking for.
• Shibas are elegant and appealing.
• They’re observing, intelligent, and sensitive dogs.
• They have a well-proportioned body, which is a sign of agility, power, and strength.
• A Shiba’s loyalty is widely known. Once this dog establishes a strong bond with its owner, it won’t be easy to break it.
• Shiba’s are easy to housebreak, and they have instincts to keep themselves clean.
• Cream Shiba Inus are a naturally healthy Japanese dog breed. They have a fairly long lifespan of around 12 to 16 years.
Cons
• Cream Shiba Inus are sometimes aloof. They’re mostly reserved and rarely show affection.
• If not trained properly, Shibas have a genetic tendency to scream or cry, which may be quite creepy.
• They have a sharp nose, which means they might leave everything behind, even you, to go and chase a scent.
• If they’re not in the mood, they won’t do what you’re asking them no matter how hard you try. Shiba Inus are very stubborn.
• Shiba Inu’s coat may be problematic because they shed it extensively twice a year.
What’s The Average Cost Of A Shiba Inu Puppy
A cream Shiba Inu puppy will cost you around $1,200 to $2,500. The price depends on the location, the type of breeder, and the demand.
Superior pedigree cream Shiba Inus cost even more!
If you’re on a tight budget, but you desperately want a Shiba Inu, try adopting from a local shelter or animal rescue center. The adoption prices are around $330 to $500, which is significantly less than buying a puppy from a breeder. This covers veterinary care, vaccines, spaying or neutering, a microchip, and tick and flea treatment.
Sure, finding a well-bred cream Shiba Inu at a rescue center or a shelter might give you a headache, but the pursuit is worth every trouble.
The average initial expense is around $1,600 to $1,700 when you get your Shiba home. These expenses cover vet examinations, vaccines, and other necessities.
The average monthly cost of owning a cream Shiba Inu is around $200 to $1,000, depending on which dog food you buy, where you take your Shiba for grooming and training sessions, as well as whether you have pet insurance.
Cream Shiba Inu Puppy Near Me
A cream Shiba Inu puppy can be bought from several places. But, a well-bred Shiba Inu comes only from particular dog breeders.
There are three primary sources from where you can get a cream Shiba Inu:
• professional and reliable breeders
• accidental backyard breeders
• animal shelters
Professional breeders are probably your only choice in order to get a well-bred Shiba without any major issues. These breeders have health guarantees for their puppies, and they provide lifetime support in case you want to give your puppy back due to numerous reasons.
Accidental or backyard breeders are simply dog lovers and owners who don’t plan to make a profit out of breeding. Their dog must’ve accidentally mated with another dog, or they purposely mated their male or female Shiba Inu before getting them fixed. They sell puppies at a low price or even give them for free.
Animal shelters and rescue centers are great choices to find a Shiba Inu for the lowest price possible. You can even find a well-bred puppy there if you’re lucky enough.
Sadly, cream Shiba Inus are rare in the USA because the AKC rejects the cream color coat.
Cream Shiba Inu Health Problems
Shiba Inus are genetically healthy dogs, but they still have some health concerns that can shorten their lifespan.
Cream Shiba Inus are prone to the following health problems:
• Tail Chasing/Spinning
• Chylothorax
• Glaucoma
• Patellar Luxation
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Hypothyroidism
Spinning / Tail Chasing
Spinning is an abnormal and awkward condition when the dog becomes obsessed with chasing its tail and spins around for hours. It’s usually a brain disorder and a kind of seizure that causes this behavior. It can be treated with phenobarbital and other meds.
Chylothorax
Chylothorax is a condition when the chest cavity of a dog is filled with fluid. It makes the dog difficult to breed. Other symptoms include coughing, loss of appetite, and lethargy. It’s treated by removing the fluid and giving low-fat diets, but surgery is also an option.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which pressure is built in the eyes. It may result in loss of vision and pain. Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, but mostly surgery is needed.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar Luxation is the condition when the kneecap of a dog slides out from its original place and then gets back to it. It causes tremendous pain, and can be treated only with surgery.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is an eye disorder that happens when the rod cells in the retina try to destroy themselves gradually. It can result in complete blindness, and there’s sadly no cure for it.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland become imbalanced. It slows down the metabolism of the body.
If not treated, hypothyroidism may affect other body functions. Common symptoms are fatigue, rapid heartbeat, and sudden weight loss. The condition can be easily managed with meds.
Final Thoughts
Photo from: @luana_diary
Cream Shiba Inu is one of the most desirable color coats for Shiba Inu dog lovers, other than black hair Shibas and red sesame Shibas.
Unfortunately, the cream color is controversial because it violates the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards.
The breed’s trademark white markings are not prominent on the cream color coat the way they’re prominent on the red coat or on the tan Shiba Inu.
However, the British Kennel Club equals cream Shiba Inus with a regular sesame Shiba Inu, claiming the cream color is not a fault.
Either way, the cream Shiba Inu is a cute Shiba that is quite unique, very affectionate, and perfect for housebreaking.
Besides being stubborn and somewhat hard to train, this cute dog is one of the best Japanese breeds that is fit and ready for any home to feel their love.
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