The Japanese have been raising Shiba Inu dogs for centuries. They are considered the smallest and oldest Japanese dogs.

Eyes: The shape is somewhat close to a triangle, set deep and tilting upward and toward the outside of the ear base. Eye color is dark brown. Eye circles are black.

Ears: Triangular in shape, firmly erect, small, but in proportion to the head and body. The ears are set widely apart and tilt directly forward, with the sloping backs of the ears blending into the arched neck.

Head: Medium in size, in proportion to the body. Forehead: The forehead is broad and flat with slight grooves.

Stop: Moderate.

Muzzle: Firm, full, round, with a strong lower jaw projecting forward from the cheek. The bridge of the nose is straight, tapering slightly from stop to tip. The length of the muzzle accounts for 40% of the entire head length (distance from occipital bone to nose). A full beard is ideal. The lips are tight and black. The nose is black. The bite is a scissors bite, the dentition is complete, and the teeth are strong and even.

Serious Fault: Four or more missing teeth are a very serious flaw.

Disqualification: Overshot bite or undershot bite.

Neck: Stout, strong, of moderate length.

Topline: Straight and level (to base of tail).

Body: Dry and muscular, showing no signs of sluggishness or roughness. The forechest is very well developed.

Chest depth, measured from the withers to the lowest point of the sternum, is approximately half the height at the withers or slightly less.