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Sesame Shiba Inus are a unique and beautiful breed of dog that are quickly gaining popularity around the world.
These intelligent and energetic canines are known for their distinctive coat colors and friendly personalities. A sesame Shiba Inu is quite elusive due to the specific coat requirements.
A true sesame Shiba Inu should have a red coat base and an even distribution of the black color throughout the coat.
Originally from Japan, Sesame Shiba Inus have a long history of being used as hunting dogs and companions. They are agile, athletic, and have a strong prey drive, making them excellent at tracking small game.
In this article, we will delve into the history and characteristics of Sesame Shiba Inus, as well as the best ways to care for and train them.
Whether you are considering adding a Sesame Shiba Inu to your family or simply want to learn more about this fascinating breed, this article has something for you.
Table of Contents
Sesame Shiba Inu Coat Standards
A sesame Shiba Inu will always have a red base coat. This means that they have red coloring at the base of their hair.
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This informs you that the term sesame Shiba Inu is redundant. The reason is that all sesame Shiba Inus must be red sesames.
In addition, the second coat standard is the black tip overlay that’s above the red base coat. Besides, the black tip overlay follows the pattern of a black and tan Shiba Inu.
Also, the black overlay must have an even blending throughout the Shiba Inus body. So, the black overlay should not be at a specific area but the entire body.
Notably, they must not have a black mask or heavy black concentration anywhere. The black overlay must be light and even across the body.
The only exception with regard to the breed pattern standards is the allowance of a widow’s peak.
A sesame Shiba Inu with widow’s peak won’t have black tipping. Instead, this whole area will remain red.
Of importance, a sesame Shiba Inu should not have more than 50% black color. So, the black-tipped hair should have the correct pattern, and the red percentage must not be too light or too dark.
Also check, Shiba Inu coat colors.
How Much Does a Sesame Shiba Inu Cost
The cost depends on whether the puppy is registered with AKC or not.
Puppies from reputable breeders with limited registration cost between $1400 to $2200. On the other hand, puppies with full 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.
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There are lots of Shiba Inus in shelters because first-time owners get them for their fame without considering the breed’s unique traits.
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 Sesame Shiba Inus?
- Glaucoma
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Eye Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Hypothyroidism
- Seizures
- Allergies
- Pyometra
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cancer
- Chylothorax
What’s more;
Glaucoma
Sesame 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.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA also affects sesame 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 sesame 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, there are treatments that 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 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 sesame 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 sesame 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 Sesame Shiba Inus Good with Children?
Like other Shiba Inus, a sesame 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 Sesame Shiba Inus Friendly?
Sesame 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 Sesame Shiba Inus Prone to Separation Anxiety?
Yes. Sesame 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 Sesame Shiba Inus Prone to Ear Infections?
Sesame 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 Sesame Shiba Inus Allergic to Anything?
Sesame 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 Sesame Shiba Inus
Sesame Shiba Inus are a beautiful breed but hard to find. In fact, most people hardly identify a true sesame Shiba Inu.
However, with the help of this sesame Shiba Inus guide, we hope you’ll be able to tell what a sesame Shiba Inus looks like.
Basically, finding a sesame Shiba Inus happens by luck. Also, you can connect with reputable breeders who can help you identify one from an early age.
From when they’re young, sesame Shiba Inus hardly show any signs until they’re one year old. However, full sesame Shiba Inus markings appear when they’re at least two years of age.