our breeder finally had puppies. We were hoping for a black and tan boy but they only had red, sesame and cream males. So I want to see what everyone in the forum thinks. Wife wants cream, I'm more interested in a red. We will love it either way but wanted to see what you all think?
I say go for whatever puppy you connect with, if you can. If you are able to visit the pups before choosing, play with them and find out which one you like best by their personality. If not, then get pictures and decide together what pup you should get.
I personally would want a sesame if I was choosing on color alone, then cream, and red last since I've got a red Shiba already but that's just me.
we will attempt to meet the puppies at around 5 weeks. the breeder seems pretty open to us meeting them, but wants to be sure we dont until they are about 5 weeks old. The breeder is going to send pics and is going to help keep an eye on them to let me know about the pupd attitunde as much as possible.
In my experience with all the Shibas I have met, the cream ones seem to be much more mellow in terms of temperament...but that could just be some odd coincidence based on my personal experiences.
I think you should meet the pups first. Color will change (generally speaking - cream is cream over all) but you really want to be sure the pups are healthy and have the temperment and personality that is compatible to you. Like you said, you'll love the Shiba the same either way.
Best of luck, and I can't wait to see pics, and hear more about your Shiba!
I agree with the everyone else - meet the pups then decide.
I've never noticed a personality difference between the coat colors in Shibas. I've known/fostered shibas with every possible color combo and they've all been similar in as many ways as they are different.
Coat color does not determine temperament. End of story. Best to meet them several times and get a feel for which puppy will be a best fit for your lifestyle.
Masakado Shiba Inu www.masakadoshiba.wordpress.com "Common sense isn't so common"
You'll have to decide, though of course your breeder should have some tips for you. Actually, often breeders don't let you pick, so if you get to, well, that will be lucky for you, as often they pick which will go to show vs. pet homes, and which will have the temperament they think will best suit your situation. You'll probably find out more about them as they get older, and the breeder should be able to guide you.
I personally love the red Shibas, so I'd pick a red one, but the cream make just as lovely pets, so you'll just have to see who you connect with most (or who wins in terms of color choice! ;) )
i would say get a red shiba. cream shibas arent considered true shiba inu's according to the national kennel club. Only b&t, red, and sesamie shiba inus are considered part of the bread. The interesting thing about red shibas is that they change color and they have a more foxy look. but really to be honest, its a life long companion so choose the one you like best and you click with the most.
@robes325 "cream shibas arent considered true shiba inu's according to the national kennel club."
That is absolutely false. Who ever has told you that is full of poop and this is how misinformation is spread. Perhaps you intended to comment on the fact that cream color is unacceptable for breeding or showing and is a disqualification, which is true except in the UK. The national breed clubs, not the Kennel Clubs, vote on the standard the breed is to follow. They are 100% Shibas, it is only a color fault, so even then, that has nothing to do with their companion qualities.
Masakado Shiba Inu www.masakadoshiba.wordpress.com "Common sense isn't so common"
"the cream ones seem to be much more mellow in terms of temperament"
Just a theory, but I think Shiba pups that are cream or more novel (ie. long hair, unusual pattern, etc) may get handled more as a pup. It's less because of temperament genetically linked to that feature.
I was set on a black and tan but ended up rescuing a red. Now I'm pretty partial to reds and red sesames....but the other day I saw a really cute cream and thought maybe someday I would have one of those! I wouldn't want to support a breeder who breeds for creams, but I think that there are enough that result from responsible breeding practices (or are already in rescue) to meet any demand. The black and tan is probably last on my list now just in terms of appearance. I think that the colors are purely a matter of preference, and having a dog that looks the way you want but doesn't have the right temperament to mesh with your personality/lifestyle sounds like a bad plan.
@shibamistress, my shiba has definitely changed colors--the red has gotten lighter, the black on his tail has spread, and the white on his chest is spreading as well.
In terms of cream shibas, when i said "cream shibas arent considered true shiba inu's according to the national kennel club." I was refering to:
It says "Cream is a color not recognized by any major kennel club"
When describing shiba inu coloring it says: "Shibas may be red, black and tan, or sesame (red with black-tipped hairs), with a cream, buff, or grey undercoat. They may also be cream, though this color is considered a "major fault" and should never be intentionally bred in a show dog, as the required markings known as "urajiro" (裏白?) are not visible. "
The coat marking isn't recognized to be judged by the kennel club, but saying a dog born with those markings isnt' a true (insert breed) is incorrect. A cream colored shiba conceived by two shibas is just as much a shiba as a red or b&t... like a chocolate lab conceived from two yellow labs. Genetics just happen, they are still shibas though.
