The conformation of the Japanese dogs

The native Japanese dogs are of the classic northern type. Some typical features are a squared body, with strong and firms legs, wedge-shaped heads, a fox-like facial expression (Shiba), slanted and almond-shaped eyes, upright, triangular ears ("prick ears"), short, thick stand-off coats, and the tail is curled up over the back.

Ideal ratios (Shiba):	height at withers	100%
	body size	110%
	circumference of carpus	19-20%
	breadth of hips	28-30%
	depth of chest	45-50%
	volume of chest	116-120%
	breadth of chest	36-38%

A dog's skeleton can be divided into four parts: the spinal column (backbone), thorax, head, and extremities. The skeleton, in general, is formed so the dog can run fast, hunt and chase. For example, the dog's shoulder blades are not tightly connected to its skeleton, so the dog has potential for greater motion and flexibility. The skeleton of the domestic dog has an average of 321 bones, with variation reflecting differences in the number of bones in the tail and the presence of a dewclaw, an extra digit on the paw (Norwegian Lundehund).

© Dr. Holger Funk 2006