Judging

Nihon Ken Hozonkai Standard for the six native Japanese breeds

Judging Resolutions Concerning the Japanese Dog Standard

Teeth

The premise of the Japanese dog is said to be definitely correct strong teeth, bite, and tooth number. The following method is used to try to correct missing teeth.

Missing teeth have the following deductions:

First premolars, one mark for each tooth

Second premolars, three marks for each tooth

Any teeth other than the above, five marks for each tooth

It will be enforced as given against missing teeth from the time of the Spring 1985 show.

The dog that has missing teeth is not awarded the "Excellent" evaluation. However, for the small size dog [Trans note: the Shiba] minus two marks is permitted for a while.

The large and medium size dogs can have up to three minus marks, and the small size dog up to four minus marks and still get the "Very Good" award. The dog having missing teeth exceeding this will rank below "Good". [Trans note: this means that the highest ranked dogs can be missing no more than two first premolars. A dog having four missing first premolars or the combination of one first premolar and one second premolar missing is still acceptable although would not be top ranked. Any missing incisors, third premolars, molars or first and second premolar combinations exceeding one first and one second premolar would be effectively disqualified although these dogs would not be dismissed. It is now common for all 600-700 dogs at the Nippo National to have complete dentition and scissors bites.]

Missing teeth are treated the same whether inborn or acquired.

The limits for broken teeth, poor quality teeth, small weak teeth, or rotten teeth are up to the judge's discretion.

If a tooth is located midway between the canine tooth and the third premolar, and it can not be determined whether it is a first premolar or second premolar by its shape, it should be considered a second premolar.

Level Bite and Irregular Incisors

About abnormal bites

A dog with either a level bite or irregular incisors cannot be awarded "Excellent."
Overshot is treated the same way as undershot. [Trans note: the basic standard specifies both as disqualifications.]

Color of the Eyes

The iris of the eye has different colors according to the quantity of accumulated pigment: very dark brown, dark brown, brown, yellow, and ash gray appear. Very dark brown is the ideal, but it should not become a black color.

Judgment of the Color of the Eyes

Very dark brown is the color specified in the standard, and the dark color is maintained when the iris is seen dark and as one color with the pupil of the eye.
According to the color given in the standard, eyes that are a little light but that maintain the dark brown color can be awarded "Excellent."
According to the color given in the standard, remarkably light eyes, with the iris looking like a snake-eye pattern because of light brown or yellow color are a demerit mark.
The iris of the eye showing a light yellow or ash gray color is a large demerit mark. [Trans note: a light iris that contrasts markedly with the pupil is not acceptable.]

What the Eyes of the Small Size Dog Should Be

It is recognized that the shape of the triangle differs from the medium size dog.
Along with the iris being a very dark brown, a strong gaze should be encouraged. [Trans note: the dog should maintain steady eye contact with the judge.]

Coat

Permissible limits of fur spots of the large size dog. [Trans note: the Akita. This subsection does not apply to the Shiba.]

Spots are permitted, except for extremely unsightly spots, and large spots in the fur of the trunk.

Note: Large spots in the fur on the trunk are what is called "peony spots." Also, the extremely unsightly fur spots that are called patches (like the Holstein) are not like the Japanese dog. [Trans note: In the Akita only, small spots are acceptable, but pinto is not.]

About White Markings in the Coat Color

The white fur on the following parts of the dog are considered to be "white markings," not fur spots. [Trans note: according to judge's written commentaries, the Japanese Dog is required to have no. 1, 2, and 3, while the markings in 4 and 5 are optional.]

The mouth sides and cheeks of the face (however the reverse mask is excluded). [Trans note: the reverse mask is white to the eyebrows covering the entire face,including white over the bridge of the muzzle. It is the reverse of a black mask.]
Each under section of the jaw, neck, chest, and stomach.
The forechest and extending as far as the shoulder joint, but not extending onto the shoulder itself.
The forelegs to the elbow joint, the rear legs to the knee joint.
The tip of the tail.

Note 1: White markings are a distinctive feature of the Japanese dog, but the guiding principle is that the area of white fur should not be expanded, even for white markings.

Note 2: Obvious spots (cotton print) [Trans note: freckling] in the white fur on the legs are a demerit mark.

Coat of Stained White

What is stained white? It is the white fur color that has faded red on the upper part of the ears, neck, back, and hips, on the legs, and also the tail. This is not desirable but is acceptable for white coats.
Stained white coats that have spots with distinct edges are not approved.

Coat of the Small Size Dog

White fur in the small size dog is not desirable and is a demerit mark.

Fur Color of the Medium and Small Size Dogs

It is clear and intense. The guiding principle is that these deep colors be devoid of muddiness.
What is the reverse mask? It is white fur spreading over both cheeks from the upper borders of the eyes and sides of the mouth. It is not desirable and is a demerit mark.
As for fur color, the correct guiding principle is to endeavor to prevent faded color.

The Fur Colors Regarded as Ideal for the Small Size Dog

They are red, sesame, and black. [Trans note: Nippo calls black and tan simply black.]
The good sesame is that which has a reasonable mixture of black, red, and white all over. Those with a strong black predominance in areas are not desirable. [Trans note: a black saddle pattern on the back, black mask or a too heavy black overlay is not desirable. Nippo Chief Judge Higuchi states that the dog should appear not less than 50% red to be considered a red sesame. More black than this percentage would be defined as a black sesame and not desirable in the Shiba although perfectly acceptable in the middle sized Shikoku breed. It is important that the black overlay be present throughout the red coat as stated, rather than sprinkled on the back only. Nippo is currently working to improve this color.]
Black should be rust color.

Note: Regarding the rust color, it should not be a shiny jet-black. It is said to be black with a touch of brown, like a hint of smudging or smoked color.

Black Fur [Trans note: black and tan]

All of the following things are undesirable and are demerit marks:

That which mars the dignity of the face (the reverse mask).
The spreading of the four eyes pattern [Trans note: meaning the tan spots over the eyes.]
An excessive amount of tan on the head, neck, back, trunk, etc.
Showing a gray-black color or an eggplant dark blue color on maturity.

Body Height

All of the following things are undesirable and are demerit marks:

Body height is measured a little behind the tip of the shoulder blade, pressing down the coat.
As for body height, the mean is the ideal. The ranking order for body height is as given in the standard, with the maximum and minimum body heights ranked according to their deviation from the mean.
Body height that is not within the range given in the standard for each size is a demerit mark.

What the Sides of the Mouth and the Stop Should Be

The firm sides of the mouth project from the full cheeks.
In addition to the sides of the mouth being firm, it is important that they be thick, full, and round.
The stop is defined, and neither shallow nor deep. A particularly shallow stop is undesirable and is a demerit mark.
An obvious bulge on the bridge of the nose is a demerit mark.

About the Ear

Thinness of the ears, narrow breadth of the ear root, ears set high, long ears, bending of the tip of the ear, incorrect ear lines, lack of forward tilt, etc., all strongly hereditary, are not desirable and are demerit marks.

About Nose Color

Regarding the demerit item in the standard (nose color not corresponding to body color), this means a colored dog that has a red nose, and it is a demerit mark. Restricted to the white dog, the red nose is permitted.
In a colored dog, an extremely light colored nose is considered to be faded color and is not a trait of the Japanese dog and is not desirable. This faded color is considered equivalent to a red nose in the colored dog and is a demerit mark. In the case of the faded nose, the stained white of the approved white dog should not be regarded in the same way as the colored dog.
The pigment of the coat color, nose color, lips, anus, eye color, color of the skin, etc. are observed and the demerit stipulation is applied.

About Small Spots in the Nose Leather

This is the circumstance where a small spot or spots are on some part of the nose leather. In some cases, this is a temporary condition.

Of course, these are not desirable, but when the pigment generally is thought to be what it should be, then merely these small spots are not necessarily a demerit.

Tongue Spots

Tongue spots are undesirable. However, if they are just trifling, this is permitted.
Regarding these trifling tongue spots, when they are in a position where they can be seen, they should be no bigger than about the size of a fingertip. Consideration of how large a spot is allowed depends on the size of the dog.

About the Lower Jaw

A weak lower jaw (duck's bill) is not desirable.The level of deficiency should determine the level of demerits.

About Slackness of the Lips

Slackness of the lips with the upper lip hanging down remarkably, is a demerit mark.

Chest Depth

A chest depth which is about half the body height is regarded as good. A shallow chest, though, which is less than 45% of the body height, is a demerit mark.

Definition of Straight Back

The general definition of the back is from the first thoracic vertebra to the thirteenth thoracic vertebra, this definition by itself does not connote the straight area. From anatomical studies we know that the straight back area applies to not only the thirteen thoracic vertebrae, but also the seven lumbar vertebrae, and one sacral bone (three sacral vertebrae). Looking at the dog, the back and hips [Trans note: the topline] from the root of the tail, are straight.

Joint Angles of the Four Legs and the Elbows

The joint angles in the accompanying illustrations are regarded as the correct angles for the Japanese dog.
A shallow angle of inclination of the shoulder blade, incorrect limb joint angles, poor development of the forechest, out-turned elbows, all of these are demerit marks.

Deformity or Abnormality of the Hip Joint or Pelvic Area

Deformity or abnormality of the hip joint demands attention, and is a demerit mark.
Weakness of the hip joint and pelvic area is a demerit mark.

About Tightly Grasping Feet

Very slackly grasping feet are undesirable and a demerit mark.

Acquired Damage

Acquired damage that mars to a great extent the expression of the traits considered to be of the Japanese dog is a demerit mark.
If this damage is of intended nature, this should be dealt with strictly.

Conduct of the Handler

Lifting up the head in order to hide improper joint angles, or conceal turning out of the elbows, is prohibited.
The handler is always situated behind the dog. As for the pose in the ring, the dog should stand in a natural way.

Reproductive Organs

The dog with one testicle will get less than a "Good" evaluation.
Both testicles missing is a disqualification.
A confirmed polyp is a disqualification. However, if the dog is completely recovered, it is satisfactory.

Back to Overview

Reformatted and reprinted by permission of Lynda Birmantas, USA

	First premolars, one mark for each tooth
	Second premolars, three marks for each tooth
	Any teeth other than the above, five marks for each tooth

	The dog that has missing teeth is not awarded the "Excellent" evaluation. However, for the small size dog [Trans note: the Shiba] minus two marks is permitted for a while.
	The large and medium size dogs can have up to three minus marks, and the small size dog up to four minus marks and still get the "Very Good" award. The dog having missing teeth exceeding this will rank below "Good". [Trans note: this means that the highest ranked dogs can be missing no more than two first premolars. A dog having four missing first premolars or the combination of one first premolar and one second premolar missing is still acceptable although would not be top ranked. Any missing incisors, third premolars, molars or first and second premolar combinations exceeding one first and one second premolar would be effectively disqualified although these dogs would not be dismissed. It is now common for all 600-700 dogs at the Nippo National to have complete dentition and scissors bites.]
	Missing teeth are treated the same whether inborn or acquired.
	The limits for broken teeth, poor quality teeth, small weak teeth, or rotten teeth are up to the judge's discretion.
	If a tooth is located midway between the canine tooth and the third premolar, and it can not be determined whether it is a first premolar or second premolar by its shape, it should be considered a second premolar.