White Shiba Inu: Complete Guide

White Shiba Inu is often used interchangeably with Cream Shiba Inu. In fact, many are often confused between the two and often wonder if the Shiba Inu they’re looking at is a White or a Cream Shiba Inu.

In our comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the White Shiba Inu and the Cream Shiba Inu. We’ll tell you the difference between the two so the next time you see one, you’ll know whether it is a White or Cream Shiba Inu.

We’ll also go over their common health issues, grooming and exercise requirements, dietary needs, ideal living conditions, and more! If you’re still interested in either the White or Cream Shiba Inu, we’ve provided a list of breeders you can get in touch with. Let’s first start with a breed overview of the White Shiba Inu.

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White Shiba Inu: Breed overview

Other Names	Japanese Shiba Inu White, Cream Shiba Inu, Inu Shiba White
Purity	Purebred
Purpose	Companion dog
AKC Recognition	No
Size	Medium
Weight	17 – 23 pounds
Height	13.5 – 16.5 inches
Coat Colors	White, Cream
Child Friendliness	Moderate
Canine Friendliness	Low
Training Difficulty	Moderate to High
Grooming Upkeep	Moderate
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Health	Moderate
Lifespan	12 – 16 years
Puppy Costs	$1,000 – $2,500

What is a White Shiba Inu?

A hunting Japanese dog, Shibu Inu White is a color variation of the Shiba Inu. In this article, we will refer to the White Shiba Inu as any Shiba Inu that looks almost entirely white, or light in color, resulting in hiding the trademark Urajiro markings of a Shiba Inu. This may include the Cream Shiba Inu and the albino, piebald, and pinto Shiba Inus. 

Urajiro is the Japanese term for the unique white markings usually found on the sides of the mouth and cheeks of the Shiba Inu. It is also found on the underside of the jaw, chest, neck, and stomach.

What is a Cream Shiba Inu?

Cream Shiba Inu has a light-colored coat with tinges of red and gray. Because of this, the Urajiro white markings are not very obvious or prominent giving them the appearance of being white-colored. 

Four official Shiba Inu colors

The four (4) recognized colors of the Shiba Inu are the following:

• Red.
• Black and tan.
• Sesame.
• Cream.

Any deviation from these colors is not accepted by any Shiba Inu societies.

Red is the most common and most preferred among the colors. The Urajiro is not well-defined around the edges since the gene responsible for the red color lightens towards the belly.

The black and tan Shiba Inu is a tri-colored Shiba Inu. They have predominantly black markings on the body with tan points in the eyebrows, ears, and legs. The Urajiro white markings are distinct around the cheeks, chest, and belly.

Sesame Shiba Inus have a red base coat with a black tip overlay. The black should be evenly blended without any heavy concentration or patches on any part of the body.

Cream Shiba Inu is the least desirable among the four (4) standard colors since the Urajiro is barely discernible. 

Is White Shiba Inu or Cream Shiba Inu recognized by AKC?

The Cream Shiba Inu is accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but the color is considered a serious fault during judging. An all-white Shiba Inu is not recognized at all.

Cream Shiba Inu controversy

Since the Urajiro marking is very important in judging the standard for the Shiba Inu, the Cream color is not preferred. The white Urajiro marking is present among Cream Shiba Inus but the marking is so inconspicuous as to deem it undesirable among judges. 

Cream Shiba Inu history

When the Shiba Inu almost became extinct during the first half of the 20^th century in Japan due to wars, illness, and the introduction of Western breeds, breeders tried to revive it by crossing three breeds that contain the surviving bloodline. The resulting breed standard was then recognized as one of Japan’s national dogs.

Shiba Inu Cream genetics

The color Cream is a result of two recessive “e” genes. These genes restrict the color black from ever appearing in the coat.

Are Cream Shiba Inus rare?

Yes, Cream Shiba Inus are rare and considered unusual for the breed. 

Is White Shiba the same as Cream Shiba?

People sometimes interchangeably refer to the Cream Shiba Inu as White Shiba due to their light-colored coat. But, the Urajiro is still present in Cream Shiba Inu as opposed to a completely White Shiba Inu. 

It is more accurate to say that, all Cream Shiba Inus are White, but not all White Shiba Inus are Cream.

5 Interesting Facts about all White Shiba Inu

• Any light-colored Shiba Inu without the distinctive Urajiro is considered White.
• Real White Shiba Inus do not share the same characteristics as the Cream Shiba Inu.
• Other examples of White Inu Shiba are the albino, piebald, and the pinto.
• They belong to an ancient breed of dogs from Japan.
• White Shiba Inus are rare.

5 Interesting Facts about Cream color Shiba Inu

• The Inu Cream is referred to by some as White Shiba Inu.
• Shiba Inu enthusiasts want to wean the color Cream out of the gene pool.
• The Urajiro trademark is barely visible in Cream Shiba Inus.
• Cream-colored Shiba Inu is considered a major fault in many dog show conformations.
• Many believe that the Cream Shiba Inu came about due to crossbreeding with the Kishu breed which is predominantly white.

Are Creme Shiba Inu different from other Shiba Inus?

Other than their coat color, Creme Shiba Inu is not different from other Shiba Inus in terms of physical characteristics and temperament.

Albino Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu albino has a completely white coat. There could also be de-pigmented eyelids and lips.

Beige Shiba Inu

Beige Shiba Inu is similar to Cream Shiba Inu in that they have a light yellowish-brown color. Urajiro markings are also discernible.

White Shiba Dog Physical Appearance

White Shiba Inu has a fox-like appearance like any Shiba Inus. The eyes are triangular that slant upward towards the ears. The ears are triangular and pointed. The skull is proportional to their body and the muzzle tapers slightly towards the nose. The tail is thick and bends or curls toward the back. 

Shiba Cream physical appearance

Cream Shiba Inu share the same physical appearance with all Shiba Inus with only their coat color as their distinguishing factor.

White Shiba Inu dog size, height, and weight

The height and weight of a full grown White Shiba Inu will depend on the size and gender.

White female Shiba Inu tends to be smaller than males.

Puppies tend to have a growth spurt during their third and seventh month. A smaller male Shiba Inu White full grown is at one year of age while a larger male will continue to grow until 14 months.

White Shiba Inu full grown should look compact and well-balanced.

Below is a growth chart of the White Shiba Inu:

Age	Weight (Males)	Weight (Females)	Height (Males)	Height (Females)
3 months	14 – 19 pounds	12 – 16 pounds	10 – 12 inches	9 – 11 inches
6 months	19 – 22 pounds	16 – 17 pounds	12 – 14 inches	11 – 12 inches
9 months	22 – 24 pounds	17 – 18 pounds	14 – 16 inches	12 – 13 inches
12 months	24 – 25 pounds	18 – 20 pounds	16 – 17 inches	13- 16 inches

Mini White Shiba Inu

Mini Shiba Inu White is 35% to 50% smaller than a standard Shiba Inu. White mini Shiba Inu weigh around 10 to 14 pounds and stands at around 11 inches tall when they reach maturity. 

Shiba Inu colors Cream

Cream Shiba Inu has a light-colored coat with a unique white Urajiro marking on the cheeks and neck that is not prominent. 

White Shiba Inu coat colors and types

It is important to note that White Shiba Inu can be albino or piebald. Albino Shiba Inu has no pigmentation on their skin and hair whatsoever. Piebald has white spots of varying degrees on a light-colored coat. 

Here are other White Shiba Inu coat color variations:

Shiba Inu black and White

Black and White Shiba Inu have a black coat overall with white Urajiro markings on the cheek and face. Black and White Shiba also exhibit an attractive bow tie marking on their neck. White markings on the tail are also present in a Shiba Inu black White.

What separates the Black and Tan Shiba Inu from the White and Black Shiba Inu is that there are no tan markings for the Shiba Inu dog black and White.

Red and White Shiba Inu

Red and White Shiba Inu have a red base coat with a white piebald pattern on the nose and paws.

Shiba Inu brown and White

This color variation has a light brown base coat with white piebald markings on the body.

White Cream Shiba Inu

White Cream Shiba Inu has a very light tan coat with white spot markings on the body.

Fluffy Shiba Inu White

Shiba Inu White fluffy has thicker and longer coats. A colder environment is the reason why fluffy White Shiba Inu has such coats. That’s because having a thicker undercoat protects them from freezing temperatures. 

One way to retain the coat of a White fluffy Shiba Inu is to use a slick bristle brush instead of a de-shedding brush. Bristle brushes only grab loose dead hair while a de-shedding tool will pull out all hairs including live hair.

Shiba dog White and Cream colored Shiba Inu temperament

Shiba Inus have a high prey drive because they are natural hunters. They are fairly energetic and can often display aggressive behaviors towards other animals. They are very loyal to their family but can exhibit stubbornness, independence, and confidence.

Shiba Inu Scream: What causes this behavior?

It is not uncommon to hear a Shiba Inu shriek or make a noise that is part howling, barking, and screaming. This is just their way of communicating or expressing excitement, fear, or anxiety which is a throwback to their gray wolf ancestry.

Do Shiba Inu dog White and Shiba Inu Cream color make great family pets?

Because of their independent and somewhat impatient personality, Shiba Inus can easily be provoked by playing with children, so adult supervision is necessary.

They can also be dominant towards other dogs who have a similar bossy attitude by jumping on them. White Shiba Inus and Cream Shiba Inus tend to get along well with tamer breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Chihuahuas.

Are Shiba White dogs and Cream colored Shiba good for first time dog owners?

White, Cream, or any color of Shiba Inu is not recommended for novice dog owners. That’s because Shiba Inus have a tendency to be the boss of the house and Shiba Inu owners should have patience and confidence in handling a high-spirited dog.

Are pure White Shiba Inu affectionate dogs?

Shiba Inus typically are independent-minded and are not known to be clingy or cuddly. They can follow you everywhere but they usually want to stay a few feet away from you.

Shiba Inu White dog training

White Shiba Inu has quite a stubborn streak and will not always listen to your commands. Therefore, it’s important that your White Shiba Inus or Cream Shiba Inus undergo obedience training and basic commands as early as puppyhood.

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Shiba Inu White and Cream Shiba Inu exercise requirement

Cream and White Shiba Inu need at least 30 minutes to one hour of daily exercise that can be split into two sessions. Try to incorporate physical activities with mental stimulation to keep them active and engaged.

Inadequate exercise can cause boredom and anxiety for your Shiba Inu which could lead to destructive behaviors like furniture chewing.

Shiba Inu White and Cream Shiba Inu living conditions

Shiba Inus can adapt to any type of dwelling, including small apartments, just as long as they are properly trained and socialized. They can also be left alone for up to 8 hours provided they are thoroughly exercised to prevent boredom and anxiety.

Many Shiba Inu owners will allow their canine companions to roam freely in their backyard during the day. This allows their furry friends to have some fun and get some sun and fresh air even when the owners are not at home.

If you also allow your White Shiba Inu or Cream Shiba Inu to roam freely in your yard, make sure your backyard is fully fenced. Some towns or counties may have zoning laws that prohibit the installation of physical fences.

If you’re in this situation, a great alternative is to install a wireless dog fence, which will also keep your four-legged friends safe. Many Shiba Inu owners actually prefer the invisible dog fence because it is adaptable to various types of terrains including mountainous and hilly terrains.

Not only will the wireless dog fence keep your pooch safe, but it also will not obstruct your beautiful and scenic mountain views.

But before you go ahead and install a wireless dog fence, make sure you have an electronic dog door in place, especially if you allow your Shiba Inu to head outside to the yard or patio on her own during the day. Many dog owners love the automatic doggy door because it saves them so much time. They no longer need to open or close the door every time their precious pups want to head outside or come back into the house.

Shiba Inu White and Cream Shiba Inu grooming and cleaning

Since both the White and the Cream-colored Shiba Inus shed, be sure to brush their coat as frequently as possible. To reduce shedding, why don’t you try using a de-shedding tool like Furminator?

Here is a de-shedding brush we use on our two canine family members:

It’s also a good idea to bathe your White Shiba Inu or Cream Shiba Inu once a week to remove debris and dirt from his coat. You’ll want to use a dog shampoo that not only cleanses your dog’s coat and skin but also leaves your canine friend’s skin and coat moisturized, healthy, and smelling nice!

To care for his oral health, regular teeth brushing using enzymatic and non-foaming dog toothpaste is good for him. And, in case you are having trouble trimming his nails, you may want to start using a dog nail grinder for a more precise trim and to prevent you from injuring your dog’s quick.

For grooming needs and frequency, please consult the table below: 

Grooming Needs	Grooming Frequency
Hair Brushing	Daily.
Bathing	Once a week.
Nail Trimming	As needed.
Teeth Brushing	Three to four times a week.

Is White Shiba Inu or Cream Shiba Inu hypoallergenic?

Shiba Inus, in general, are not hypoallergenic. Therefore, both White Shiba Inu and Cream Shiba Inu are not hypoallergenic. They shed their undercoat throughout the year, especially during the fall and spring seasons.

White Shiba Inu and Cream Shiba Inu food and diet

During their puppy stage, Cream and White Shiba Inu requires a diet that consists of 15% to 18% fats and 30% protein. An 8-week-old puppy needs approximately 1/3 cup of food three times daily. As they mature, the amount is gradually increased and feeding times to twice daily. Adult White Shiba Inus and adult Cream Shiba Inus require 1 to 1.5 cups of food daily.

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White Shiba Inu and Cream Shiba Inu common health issues

If you think that a White Shiba Inu and Cream are less healthy due to their coat color, you are mistaken. Fortunately, the recessive gene responsible for the White or Cream coat color has nothing to do with their overall health.

Though the White Shiba Inus and the Cream Shiba Inus are generally healthy dog breeds, there’s always a possibility of health issues that are passed down to them from their parents.

In most cases, health issues will not show up until 6 months of age and older. But, if you want to learn early on about the possible inherited health problems, you can perform an at-home dog DNA test using a dog DNA testing kit right from the comfort of your own home. 

Through this dog DNA test, you will learn about the inherited health problems of your furry family member. This allows you to prepare for it financially and hopefully, through vigilance and wellness exams, you and the vet can prevent the health problem(s) from worsening.

Here are the six (6) possible health issues that your White Shiba Inu or Cream Shiba Inu may inherit: 

1. Cataracts

An eye problem that is commonly diagnosed at an advanced age, cataracts occur when the eye lens is covered with thin and cloudy film. Cataracts are inheritable eye diseases that are unfortunately quite common among Shiba Inus. 

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2. Dental Disease

Dental disease is not uncommon among dogs. Shiba Inus, whether White Shiba Inus or Cream Shiba Inus are more likely to develop some forms of dental disease such as gum infections. If left untreated, a simple dental disease may eventually affect the body organs including the heart and kidneys. 

3. Pyometra

If you are caring for a female White Shiba Inu or Cream Shiba Inu, she may be predisposed to pyometra, which usually occurs after her heat cycle. During her red days, hormones fluctuate which causes the growth of cells in her uterus in the anticipation of pregnancy.

If she did not get pregnant, the uterus becomes a breeding place for bacteria to grow and multiply. If pyometra is not addressed, it may eventually lead to loss of life. 

4. Thyroid Problems

Shiba Inus tend to suffer from thyroid problems like hypothyroidism. This is a hormonal disorder where the thyroid gland fails to produce the right levels of thyroid hormones. Signs are aggression and hair loss. 

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5. Hip Dysplasia

A painful skeletal disorder, hip dysplasia is when the ball and the socket in the hip joint area failed to grow uniformly. The signs to look for are lameness and loss of muscle in the thigh area. 

6. Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome (VKH Syndrome)

An autoimmune disorder that is commonly seen among Shiba Inus. This happens when the overactive immune system attacks melanocyte cells. These cells are the ones responsible for the pigmentation of the eyes and the skin. The symptoms involve eye inflammation and whitening of the skin, nose, lips, coat, nails, and footpads. 

White Shiba Inu and Cream Shiba Inu lifespan

Both the White Shiba Inu and the Cream Shiba Inus are healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. 

White Shiba Inu breeder

Getting a puppy is not as easy as it seems unless you would opt to get a puppy from puppy mills which we highly discourage. Instead, you may want to go to the National Shiba Club of America website or your country of residence for the directory of registered Shiba Inu dog breeders.

Here is a list of how you can determine if the breeder you are talking to is responsible or not:

• Google the name of the breeders and you will get vital information such as good and bad reviews from their previous customers. 
• Responsible breeders will always show the health certificates of the parents and the puppies.
• They should always welcome their buyers to their kennels for inspection and puppy observation. 
• Puppy-warranty is given.
• Puppy Lemon Laws (effective in some states in the US) should be emphasized to the buyers.

White Shiba Inu puppy

Shiba Inu puppies White are considered rare and it may be a challenge to look for a Shiba Inu puppy White. The main reason why it’s not easy to find breeders who are producing White Shiba Inu puppies is that this color is considered a fault by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or AKC dog shows.

Just the same, in case you want to bring home a baby White Shiba Inu, the care he requires is the same as with any other Shiba Inus sporting other coat colors. 

When you are choosing a Shiba Inu White puppy, pick the one with the friendliest disposition. The all White Shiba Inu puppies that do not allow you to hold them are often shy and nervous.

It’s best to bring home a White Shiba puppy that has a curious and active personality. Also, check if the White puppy Shiba Inu of your choice is reacting to sounds and movements as these are good indications that the pup has no hearing problems. 

Cream Shiba Inu puppy

Same as the White Shina Inu puppies, the Cream Shiba Inu puppies are not easy to find. But they are out there and it just takes patience to find a breeder who may have Cream Shiba Inu puppies. 

Black and White Shiba Inu puppies

When a Shiba Inu Black and White puppy is born, you have to understand that his color may change as he grows older. A Shiba Inu puppy Black and White who does not have much white color on the chest may eventually have more by the time he reaches 6 months of age.

It is also possible that a Black and White Shiba Inu puppy who is born with black coat on the muzzle, legs, and neck may eventually grow up having lighter shades on those areas. 

Regardless of coat color, Shiba Inu pups including Shiba Inu puppies Black and White are born with their ears drooping. At 6 months, their ears will begin to straighten up.

All of these physical changes are normal and ethical breeders should be able to predict and let you know which color markings will stay the same in adulthood. 

White Shiba Inu price

If you are wondering how much is a White Shiba Inu is, the White Shiba Inu puppy price is an average of $1,900.

The Shiba Inu White price varies depending on where the location of the breeder is as well as the reputation of the breeder in terms of producing show-quality pups.

Not to forget that it is not easy to find White Shiba Inu, thus, the Shiba Inu White puppy price may be a bit higher. But, if you will compare it with other dog breeds, the White Shiba Inu cost is not as steep. 

Cream Shiba Inu price

The average cost of Cream Shiba Inu is $1,000 and $2,400. 

Black and White Shiba Inu price

The average price of a Black and White Shiba Inu is $1,450.

White Shiba Inu adoption

Do not worry if you find the price of Shiba Inus to be too high for your budget. You have another option and that is to adopt a puppy. You can visit adoption or rescue centers. Most likely you can adopt a puppy for $150 to $400, depending on the age and overall health of the Shiba Inu puppy. 

Places to find White Shiba Inu puppies for sale

We’ve listed breeders who could have White Shiba Inu puppy for sale. We made an effort to review these breeders so you do not have to worry whether they are selling quality Shiba Inu White puppy for sale or not. 

White Shiba Inu puppies for sale in California

The Shibbas of Copperdots (shibasofcopperdots.com) is located in Santa Rosa, CA and they have been breeding Shiba Inus since 1995. You can send them an email to inquire about available White Shiba Inu or Cream Shiba Inu.

White Shiba Inu puppies for sale in PA

Rodel Shibas (shibas.net) have been producing show-quality Shiba Inus in Aspers, Pennsylvania. Feel free to call them and ask if they currently have a litter that has a White Shiba Inu puppy. 

Places to find Black and White Shiba Inu puppies for sale 

You may find breeders of Black and White Shiba Inu puppies at AKC Marketplace (marketplace.akc.org/puppies/shiba-inu). You can message the breeders directly for the cost and other information you may want to learn about the pups. 

Places to find Cream Shiba Inu puppies for sale

Brushwood Family Pets (brushwoodfamilypets.com/shiba-inu.html) have Shiba Inu pups for sale that come in different coat colors including Cream. Prices start at $1,500. Call them or send an email so you can schedule a visit to their kennel. 

Finding a healthy White Shiba Inu near me 

For adult White Shiba Inu for sale, we recommend these two (2) breeders who have adult Shiba Inus for sale. You’ll want to contact them and ask for adult Shiba Inu White for sale. 

If you live in Oklahoma and are looking for adult White Shiba Inu for sale near me, check out Anderson’s Shiba Inus (andersonsshibainus.com/adultshibas).

You can also try your luck at Kaizen Shiba Inus (kaizenshibainus.com/adults) which is also located in Oklahoma. 

White Shiba Inu and Cream Shiba Inu: Pros and Cons 

Not sure yet if you want a White or Cream Shiba Inu? Here are the good and the not-so-good: 

Pros	Cons
Generally healthy and sturdy.	Very stubborn.
Intelligent.	Tends to be aloof and independent-minded.
Does not bark too much.	Has a high prey drive.
Very loyal.	Sheds a lot.
Does not have a doggie odor.	Adult supervision is a must when playing with kids.
Ideal for apartment living.	Can be aggressive to cats and other dogs.

White Shiba Inu Mix

If you have a White Shibu and you want to mix him with other dog breeds, be sure to perform dog DNA testing to lessen the chance of breed-specific diseases from passing on to their puppies. You can crossbreed him with either a Husky or a German Shepherd. 

White Shiba Inu Husky Mix

The Shiba Inu Husky Mix White is also known as Shiba Husky has a loving personality but best cared for by seasoned dog owners to correct aggressive and stubborn tendencies. Most likely the fluffy coat will be two-layered with white markings all over the body. 

White German Shepherd Shiba Inu Mix

A highly athletic dog that will most likely sport an all-white coat. This dog is not suitable for novice dog owners because of his energy level and stubborn streaks. 

Is the White Shiba Inu and Cream Shiba Inu right for me?

Are you someone with an active lifestyle? Do you have a long background in caring for dogs? Do you have the time and patience to train a dog? Do you know how to mellow down the stubborn behaviors of a dog? If you answered ‘yes’ to all those questions, then a White Shiba Inu or a Cream Shiba Inu is the right canine companion for you. 

Related Questions

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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Resources:

https://www.shibas.org/

https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/puppy_lemon_law_2013.pdf