Shiba Inu Coloring Pages

A cute curled tail! Japan's favorite Shiba Inu!

The Shiba Inu is a dog loved in Japan for a long time. It has pointy ears and a cute curled tail! Even with its sharp expression, it is super charming and has fans all over the world. It is a special dog designated as a Natural Monument of Japan.

How long have they been in Japan?

The history of the Shiba Inu is very old! People think they have lived together with Japanese people since the Jomon period. Long ago, they ran around lively in the mountains and fields as hunting dogs to catch small animals like rabbits and birds.

Features of the Shiba Inu's body

The Shiba Inu has a sturdy, well-balanced body with strong muscles. Their biggest feature is their tail, called a curly tail, which curls right over their back! Their fur is short, and they have double layers of warm fur so they do not mind the cold season at all.

What coat colors do they have?

Shiba Inu dogs come in many different fur colors! The one you see most often is the brown "red coat". There is also the "black coat" with eyebrow-like marks on a black body, the "sesame coat" which is a mix of white, black, and brown, and even dogs with a pure "white coat"! Many of them have white fur on their belly and under their chin, which is called "Urajiro" (white underside).

Smart and loyal to their owner!

The Shiba Inu is very smart and brave! They love their owners very much and stay loyal forever to someone they trust. They might be a little cautious around strangers, but that just shows they are trying to protect you! They love exercise, so they get super happy when you take them for a walk!

How to Choose Colors

Shiba Inu come in many fur colors, so try coloring your Shiba Inu in any color you like! You can make a popular brown Shiba Inu, or a cool black Shiba Inu.

• Body color: They can be brown (reddish-brown or a yellowish-brown color), black, or a whitish cream color.
• Patterns on the tummy and face: Make the tummy, cheeks, and eyebrow spots white or light cream to look just like a real Shiba Inu. Making only the tips of the paws white looks super cute, just like they are wearing socks!
• Ears: Color the inside of the ears a little bit of pink or light skin tone to make them look real.
• Collar: You can draw a collar in your favorite color or pattern to make your Shiba Inu look stylish!

Let's Show the Short Fur!

A Shiba Inu's fur is short and a bit firm rather than fluffy. Try coloring while thinking about the direction the fur grows.

• When using colored pencils: Layer short lines along the direction the fur grows. This will show the feel of the fur.
• When using crayons: Color gently without pressing too hard. This will give your Shiba Inu a simple, gentle look.

How to Make It Look 3D: Think About "Shadows" and "Lights"!

Imagine where the light is coming from. This will make your Shiba Inu's round body and sharp face look 3D.

• Shadow places: Color under the tummy, between the legs, the base of the tail, and under the chin with a darker color to make it look 3D.
• Light places: Color the forehead, back, and top of the curled tail a bit lighter, or leave them white. It will look like light is shining on them, and your Shiba Inu will look lively!

Draw a Background and Imagine a Story!

• Walk scenes: Color the green of a park or the light blue of the sky to make a Shiba Inu enjoying a walk. Adding fallen leaves or acorns is great too.
• Inside the house: Drawing a room with tatami mats is wonderful and fits a Japanese dog. It is also nice to draw a favorite toy right next to it.

Tips for Enjoying Your Coloring Page!

It does not have to be real colors! Using your favorite colors is the best choice. A polka-dot Shiba Inu or a rainbow Shiba Inu is super unique and wonderful too. Have fun coloring freely, and finish your very own special Shiba Inu!