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These adorable pups are known for their distinctive coloring and playful personalities.
Pinto Shiba Inus are characterized by their white and red patches, while Piebalds have a more splattered appearance with white and red spots all over their body.
A Pinto Shiba Inu has the piebald gene strand, which introduces strong white markings on the body. The white spots usually appear in places they shouldn’t and are easy to spot.
Both variations are considered rare and unique within the Shiba Inu breed.
In this article, we will delve into the history and characteristics of Pinto and Piebald Shiba Inus, as well as any potential health concerns to be aware of.
Whether you already own one of these beautiful dogs or are considering adding one to your family, this article will provide valuable information on what to expect from these lovable pups. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Pinto Shiba Inu Coat Standards
Pinto Shiba Inu has the usual Shiba Inu coat with distinct flat white markings appearing in unusual body locations, like at the back.
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This unique Shiba Inu breed has a piebald gene that triggers these body markings. The white markings should be brighter than the usual urajiro color, the ventral surface white in a Shiba.
In addition, the urajiro and pinto markings can be coded by different genes, with the common gene being sp allele, commonly known as piebald.
Avoid confusing the Pinto Shiba Inu with Pinto-headed black and tan Shiba. The two can be confusing.
Although the distinct white markings on the Pinto Shiba Inu coat aren’t standard coat variations, the breed has no unique features far from those of normal Shiba Inu dogs.
Average white markings are allowed in Shiba Inu shows and are considered standard coats. However, easily noticeable markings are considered a mismark.
Misconceptions Of Pinto Shiba Inu
There are many misconceptions about Pinto Shiba Inu dogs, and it’s important to address these to understand and appreciate these beautiful dogs.
One common misconception is that Pinto Shiba Inus are aggressive or dangerous. While they may have a strong prey drive and be protective of their families, they are not naturally aggressive.
Proper socialization and training can help prevent any negative behavior.
Another myth is that Pinto Shiba Inus require a lot of exercise and are high-energy dogs. While they do need regular exercise, they are actually a more moderate-energy breed.
They do well with a daily walk and playtime, but don’t necessarily need intense physical activity.
Some people believe that Pinto Shiba Inus are difficult to train or stubborn.
While they may be independent and have a strong will, they are actually highly intelligent and can be very responsive to training with positive reinforcement techniques.
Another myth is that Pinto Shiba Inus are prone to certain health issues. While all breeds can be prone to certain health concerns, it’s important to choose a reputable breeder and provide proper care and nutrition to prevent any issues.
It’s also a misconception that Pinto Shiba Inus are not good with children or other pets. With proper socialization and training, Pinto Shiba Inus can get along well with children and other animals.
It’s important to do research and seek out reliable sources of information about Pinto Shiba Inus. These misconceptions can lead to misunderstandings and unfair judgments of the breed. With proper care and understanding, Pinto Shiba Inus can make wonderful companions.
Red Pinto Shiba Inu
Red Pinto Shiba Inu have white markings on different body parts, especially on their back. The rest of the body is red or dirty red in color.
Red Pinto Shibas have white markings in unusual areas as seen above at the end of the tail. The white markings are a result of the piebald gene strand.
Therefore, the strong whiteness can appear anywhere on the Shibas body.
Bald Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus should only be bald when undergoing treatment procedures and under the instructions of a vet.
You shouldn’t shave your Shiba Inus coat for any other reasons. The Shiba Inu plushy coat has a beautiful appearance which can trigger you to shave or trim it.
Shiba Inu plushy coat plays a key role in regulating body temperature and preventing their skin from harsh winters.
Shaving your Shiba Inu coat exposes their skin to dirt, and infections, thus high likelihood of becoming sick. You should refrain from shaving your pooch friend for personal reasons.
How Much Does a Pinto Shiba Inu Cost
The cost depends on whether the puppy is registered with AKC or not.
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Puppies from reputable breeders with limited registration cost between $1400 to $2200. On the other hand, puppies with complete registration will cost anywhere between $2000 to $3500.
The cost of all Shiba Inu puppies has risen recently due to the growing fame of this unique breed. So, don’t be surprised by the prices.
Nevertheless, if you’re not ready to part with this high amount, you may want to consider getting a Shiba Inu from a shelter.
There are lots of Shiba Inus in shelters because first-time owners get them for their fame without considering the breed’s unique traits.
Although challenging, you may be lucky to find a Pinto Shiba Inus in a shelter.
In shelters, you can be lucky to get one going for $500 to $100. However, I don’t advocate you get a Shiba Inu from a shelter.
Shelter dogs often experience trauma due to the handling of previous owners. So, this may affect their behavior permanently.
What Are Common Health Problems in Pinto Shiba Inus?
- Glaucoma
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Eye Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Hypothyroidism
- Seizures
- Allergies
- Pyometra
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cancer
- Chylothorax
What’s more;
Glaucoma
Pinto Shiba Inus eyes are vulnerable to several complications, including glaucoma. It slowly interferes with the optic nerve in your Shibas eye.
However, it starts with a build-up of a whitish fluid in the front of the eye. This fluid creates pressure on the optic nerve, destroying it in the long run.
There are different types of glaucoma based on the severity. Thankfully, this disease is treatable to some extent. If you notice it early enough and inform the vet, they can do surgery to treat it.
In addition, if you fail to treat it, glaucoma causes partial vision loss. In the long run, it causes complete blindness.
There are drop treatments that treat the fluid building up inside your Shibas eyes. Also, surgery helps remove the fluid to correct the tissue.
Read more about Glaucoma in Shiba Inu here.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA also affects Pinto Shiba Inu eyes. Besides, it is a degenerative disease. That means it can result from the genetics of your Shibas lineage.
It occurs due to failing photoreceptors at the back of Shiba Inus eyes. When the receptors begin to fail, your Shiba starts to experience difficulties seeing in the dark.
Vision loss continues to worsen as the disease progresses. After some time, the affected Shiba begin to experience difficulties seeing in broad daylight. The result is usually complete blindness.
Although there is no cure, diagnosis helps manage the condition. As such, there is enough time for the owner to prepare for blindness.
Eye Cataracts
Eye cataracts are common to senior adult Pinto Shiba Inus, those with 10+ years. It occurs in the last stages of Shiba Inu’s life.
Cataracts in your Shiba Inus can result from the opacity of the eye’s lens. In the end, the lens tears giving the pupil a “cloudy” appearance.
There are different types of eye cataracts in Shiba Inus. Thankfully, surgeries help manage the condition. In addition, some treatments treat eye cataracts.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar Luxation happens when your Shibas knee becomes weak and dislocates from its normal position. You’ll see that your Shibas kneecap shifts in and out of place.
Also, this condition results from being predisposed at birth. Injuries also cause Patellar Luxation. Corrective surgery helps but might not be the final solution.
The symptoms include abnormality of the gait and inability to walk due to pain. Their legs develop a lot of lameness, making your Shiba immobile.
Treatment depends on the degree of a hindrance on the kneecaps. Since this condition is common in many dog breeds, various treatments exist.
It isn’t a life-threatening complication.
Hypothyroidism
This condition often occurs to Shibas when the thyroid fails to develop ultimately. The thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolism.
Therefore, incomplete development of the thyroid directly affects your Shibas metabolism. When Shibas are facing this condition, they become lethargic.
Other common signs include loss of hair and becoming obese. Your Shiba might also be having excess urination
If you observe any of these signs, you might want to test your Shiba Inus for hypothyroidism. If you fail to address it, it develops into a more severe condition.
Good enough, there is a treatment medication that treats this disease.
Seizures
Seizures in dogs aren’t similar to what humans know. They cause Shibas to run around ceaselessly, find corners to hide in confusion, bark excessively, and freeze.
Seizures aren’t life-threatening to Shiba Inu. Besides, hardly will you experience a seizure with your Shiba Inus. They rarely occur. Seizures can tell of a more severe condition within your Shibas body.
If your Shiba experiences a seizure, mind seeing your vet. Ensure they diagnose your pooch friend.
Seizures resulting from epilepsy are treatable using medication.
Allergies
Allergies are a common occurrence in Pinto Shiba Inu. Allergens are likely to affect Shiba in summer-like climates or warmer areas.
When your Shiba has allergies, they develop runny eyes, excess sneezing, and swollen eyes. Also, other signs include clogging of the nasal passage, causing mucus flow.
If you observe the signs above, your Shiba Inu is experiencing allergies. You should take the necessary measures immediately.
Allergies in Shibas spur from various things, including food, products, and airborne components.
See your vet’s assistance as soon as possible. They’ll help you diagnose whether your Shiba is suffering from allergies.
Pyometra
This condition occurs in female Shibas after spaying. When the heat cycle comes, cell growth in the uterus is at its highest, triggers bacteria to migrate there, and can cause a severe infection.
This condition is a bit more prominent with female Shibas.
Hip Dysplasia
This condition affects all dog breeds, not Shiba Inus alone. However, it’s common in heavy dogs with muscular body.
Dip dysplasia results from displacement of the thighbone and hip joint. The effects of this condition on your Shiba Inus include lameness in the legs, the presence of an abnormal gait, and difficulty when walking.
Also, it causes varying degrees of pain to your Shiba Inus, thus resulting in immobility. There are tons of treatments for this condition.
However, dogs normally correct their gait and continue living perfectly healthy lives. Extreme cases require corrective surgery.
Hip Dysplasia isn’t a life-threatening condition. It varies a lot in severity.
Cancer
Cancer in dogs is an emerging issue of concern. It doesn’t only affect Pinto Shiba Inu but affects all dog breeds.
Cancer isn’t particularly rampant with Shiba Inus and results from an overgrowth of malignant cells. The symptoms include swelling and sores with difficulty healing.
You’ll also observe excessive bleeding from your Shibas openings, difficulty breathing, and bloating.
Chylothorax
This disease results from an accumulation of fluid in your Shibas chest. Thus, it causes a lack of appetite, coughing, wheezing, and extreme fatigue. It may also cause general body weakness.
It indicates the presence of a more serious health condition within your Shibas body. Its treatment involves removing the fluid.
Also, you can incorporate a low-fat diet for your fur friend. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary to correct the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pinto Shiba Inus Good with Children?
Like other Shiba Inus, a Pinto Shiba Inu will require training and socialization before letting them roam around children.
Although they’re not bad with children, you’ll want to do some training and socialization early enough.
Are Pinto Shiba Inus Friendly?
Pinto Shiba Inus are super friendly and have a lot of energy. So, they’re so close to their owner and family members.
However, they aren’t friendly with strangers. I’d say they’re territorial and possessive and fear strangers.
Are Pinto Shiba Inus Prone to Separation Anxiety?
Yes. Pinto Shiba Inus are prone to separation anxiety. This happens when you separate them from their owner.
Separation anxiety manifests itself in pacing, biting, drooling, or having excess destructive behavior.
Are Pinto Shiba Inus Prone to Ear Infections?
Pinto Shiba Inus are prone to a skin allergy known as “atopy,” which makes them rub their ears and face causing ear infections.
Also, if your Shiba is the type that likes playing in the water, then skin infections might be common.
Are Pinto Shiba Inus Allergic to Anything?
Pinto Shiba Inus are allergic to several products. They include food allergies, skin allergies, and bites by fleas.
Food allergy comes from such foods as beef and chicken. Their skin is allergic to pollen, especially when they visit new environments.
Concluding Sentiments on Pinto Shiba Inus
Pinto Shiba Inus are a beautiful breed and interesting to have around. In fact, most people often confuse a Pinto Shiba Inus with a dirty red Shiba Inus.
However, with the help of this Pinto Shiba Inus guide, we hope you’ll be able to tell what a Pinto Shiba Inus looks like.
Basically, finding a Pinto Shiba Inus isn’t as easy, plus the white markings are not yet clear at a young age. Nevertheless, you may want to seek the assistance of a breeder to assist you in identifying one.
Pinto Shiba Inus are every bit Shiba Inu genetic-wise. So, they should receive the same love, adoration, and cherish as other standard Shiba Inus.