Curled tails, or “ringed tails,” are more commonly seen in purebred dogs such as the Shiba Inu. These tails are shaped as a small curl over the dog’s back. Sickle tails are similar to curled tails; however, sickle tails are less curled. Sickle tails are part of the AKC standard[7] X Research source but are not as desirable as curled tails.
Red is the most commonly seen coloring of a Shiba Inu. It is the preferred coat color of the AKC for this breed. Black and tan Shiba Inu are also popular. Cream Shiba Inu are frowned upon by the AKC and go against the breed standards. [13] X Research source Sesame Shiba Inu are the least commonly seen. Some Shibas resemble the sesame coat pattern but are actually more of a red with black tips.
Because the urajiro markings can’t appear on an already cream colored coat, the cream variant of this breed is not recognized by the AKC. [15] X Research source
