Nippo Articles

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Here are some articles by Nobi Atsumi that I felt may be of some interest and help to understand the subtleties of the shiba

At a Nippo Show By Nobi Atsumi

Nippo Objectives: Nippo (Association for Preservation of Japanese Dogs) was established in 1928 by a group of academics that felt it was important to preserve indigenous breeds of Japanese dog as a cultural heritage. Herein lay the fundamental difference between Nippo and JKC (Japan Kennel Club).

The Nippo objectives are;

Establish standard of Japanese breeds.

Give guidance on breeding of Japanese dogs.

Issue pedigree and maintain register.

Conduct researches and publish reports.

Sponsors shows and seminars.

Nominate judges for shows.

Introduce Japanese dogs to other countries.

Promote Japanese dogs for hunting, pets, etc.

Publish official newsletters.

In spite of such efforts by Nippo, it is regrettable to note that the membership is declining very fast recently from the peak of about 24,000 members in 1984 to about 13,000 members in 1998.

An Excellent Example of Shiba Nippo Style Handling

Nippo Shows: Nippo shows are usually held on Sundays during Spring and Fall.

Six age groups for shibas are divided as follows:

1. Youchiken Kumi (Kinder Class): Small puppies up to 4 months old.

2. Youken Kumi (Puppy Class): Puppies over 4 months to 7 months old.

3. Waka Inu I-Kumi (Young Class I): Over 8 months to 12 months old.

4. Waka Inu II-Kumi (Young Class II): Over 1 year to 1 1/2 year old.

5. Souken Kumi (Young Adult Class): Over 1 1/2 year to 2 1/2 year old.

6. Seiken Kumi (Adult Class): More than 2 1/2 year old.

In a Nippo style judging, Kinder classes and Puppy classes are judged only once in the morning for the soundness of body and temperament. All puppies judged to be in conformation with the standard are given “Excellent” rating. Those with faults are rated as “Good”, “Fair” or “Pass”. We do not have much disqualification these days. There is no comparative judging for puppies and they are judged only on their potential to develop in the future. The Puppy Merit Awards are given to top half of the entries.

Older classes are judged twice, individually in the morning and as a group in the afternoon. In the morning session, judges would check dogs for conformation to the standard. Handler should stand behind the dog and try to keep the dog very still at a full attention. All dogs are checked for dentition and height by assistant judges. Dogs are trotted at slow gait in triangle so that judge can observe dogs in motion from all sides. Comparative judging is made in the afternoon. All dogs in each class are lined up and carefully compared against each other for placement from the 1^st to the last. This is when Kan-I, Ryousei and Soboku as well as finer points of the standard are compared. There seems to be a misunderstood notion in the States that Japanese dogs are faced off at the ring to show Kan-I quality. The Nippo rule on the manner of showing in the ring clearly states that “Handler should stand behind the dog and let the dog take a natural stance. Handler should take care to avoid fighting and aggressive posture.” Overly aggressive dogs do not have Kan-I and are given demerit marks at Nippo shows. The Class Merit Awards are given to top one third of the entries in each class. Just as in the puppy class, “excellent” and “good” ratings are announced. The top two or three dogs, depending on the number of entries, from Souken and Seiken Classes of each sex are judged for the Best of Sex and the Nippo Merit Awards. Than the best dog and best bitch are judged for the Best Shiba and the Best Opposite Sex.

What are the judges looking for when marking each items of the score sheet? Mr. Saito, a friend and a judge, once said it is the total balance of the dog, which gives the judges a strongest impression. In one of the very old research papers by Dr. Kume on the Explanation of Standard refers to importance of body parts as follows. Essential Qualities and its Expression 15%; Total Balance 10%; Face, Head and Neck 15%; Ears 8%; Eyes 4%; Front legs 10%; Rear legs 10%; Chest 10%; Back and Hip 8%; Tail 5%; Hair and Coat 5%.

An Excellent Example of Kishuken An Excellent Exaple of Shikokuken

I believe the essence of shiba is expressed from the internal qualities and eyes are one of the most important parts to be checked for such qualities. Ears, muzzle, forehead and cheeks supplement the expression of eyes. Some may disagree but I would venture to say that facial expression centered on eye expression is more than half the shiba. I understand that in the States, strong emphasis is placed on hips, knees and other finer parts of shibas but I believe the expression of internal strength, which include among others confidence, pride and dignity is what shiba is all about.

Nippo Judges: Judging in a show is always a controversial issue. As in any beauty contest, it is almost impossible to be totally objective. Politics may play a role... The experience and knowledge of judges are different... Some like it thin, some like it fat...

Given all that, we exhibit the result of our hard work to be judged by them.

In the final of the Nippo Grand National, a group of judges score the sheet and vote for the Best of Breed and the Best of Show. I wish judging by plural judges could be done even in a local show for more objective results. Nippo try to continuously educate and inform judges on thorough understanding of the standard of Japanese breeds. There are general meetings of judges every year in June for such purpose.

It is not easy to be a Nippo judge. First, one must be a member in good standing for at least five years. If a person wants to be a judge, he has to be recommended by the local chapter and be assigned as an assistant judge in chapter shows for five years. During this period, he needs to take seminars and tests not only on dogs, shows and standards but also on general knowledge. He must prove himself to posses a high moral standard. Only after passing the final examination given by Nippo, he would be assigned as a judge. To remain a judge he must dutifully carry out assignments and requirements set by Nippo. Personally, I respect anyone who goes through such long period of apprenticeship and numerous tests.

Notwithstanding the fact that shows are never totally objective, without shows there are no other ways to assure breeders that what they have produced is correct according to the standard. This contradiction is something we all have to live with. At Nippo, some members strongly feel that shows are not the end in itself. The purpose of breeding Japanese dogs for them is to maintain the esthetic value of Japanese breeds as a cultural heritage and for this end breeders are looking for more than a big win at the shows. For them, there is no “Perfect Dog” but only an “Ideal Dog”.

Black and Tan Shibas by Nobi Atsumi

Introduction： In three Nippo shows I went to last fall including the Grand National, I noticed that a relatively high number of black and tan shibas were placing in the top positions. Total of 975 shibas were exhibited in these three shows, of which 139 or about 14 % were black and tans. In the shows, 99 shibas received top three positions in their respective classes of which 20 or about 20 % were black and tans. In the Saitama Chapter Show, 12 % of entries was black and tans but 29 % won top three positions. I can not offer any explanation on these statistics but it led me to look in to what constitute a good black and tan shibas.

Old Black and Tan Shibas

Takarako Go Kuroaki Go

What Nippo Standard Says About Black and Tan Color： There is very little specifically about black and tan color in the Nippo Standard except to say that ideal colors of shibas are red, sesame, and black/tan. The judging resolution says a little more about the color. It says that black hair should not be shiny with sheen but rather lusterless black of rusting iron containing brownish tint. It goes on to say that points are deducted on the followings. 1. Reverse masks which lacks dignity. (Reverse mask is an urajiro white extending over the eyes from cheeks) 2. Tan spots above eyes that spill over and extend around eyes like eyebrow. 3. Too much tan on head, necks, back and sides. 4. In older dogs, dark bluish or gray blackish colors of faded black are not desirable. Black saddle pattern on back as in Beagle is not desirable. The standard emphasizes on quality of hair more than color of hair stating that guard hair must be straight and bristle hard while undercoat should be soft and very dense like cotton.

Japanese breeders are presently very much concerned with the deteriorating coat quality of red shibas. The quality of guard hairs of black and tan is much coarser and abundant than the reds and for this reason many breeders in Japan breed black and tan on reds to improve soft and short hair problem. This problem as well as light color of red is increasingly evident recently with certain lines of shibas in Japan.

Bow tie shape of white urajiro markings on chest is an issue many American breeders expressed their keen interest, however, shape of markings on chest is not as important as true black color of shiba as long as it is not overly extended. Urajiro should be clearly visible at under jaw, cheeks, throat, chest, belly, tail and inside legs.

What Japanese Breeders are Saying: Every Japanese breeder I talked to mentioned “Sanshokumou” when talking about black and tans which literally means “Three Color Hairs”. They would like to see for example, white at paws gradually turning to tan on forearms and fading into black at arms and shoulders. Ideally each individual guard hairs should also be “Sanshokumou”, which is a gradation of three colors from white or cream to reddish black and finally lusterless black at the tip. It is very important to note that black of shiba is not jet black of many western breeds like Schipperkes and Rottwieler. One thing I am certain at this point is that the shiba black is not the shiny velvet black the breeders of western dogs like to see. Japanese breeders talk about “rusty black” in shibas, which I believe, means mixture of reddish tan with black hair. They also say that black and tan shibas should look as if they just came out of a dusty tunnel. I believe it means that cream/white under coat shows through black guard hairs giving it a dusty look. According to an old timer, gradation of colors is very important. The border of two colors should not be clear cut but rather fading into each other.

Many breeders I talked to said that recent entries in Nippo shows are getting too dark. Mr. Araki of Honjo Arakiso mentioned that even top winning black and tan shibas in Nippo Grand National of past few years are too black and not truly correct. In fact, true black and tan shibas are very rare these days he said. I recently met Mr. Yano of Izumo Yanoso, he is a very well known Shikokuken breeder with forty years of experience with Japanese dogs. I asked him about the ideal colors of black and tans in shibas. He said that over the years opinions of judges changed again and again and created some confusion on the issue. These days, he rarely sees a kind of black and tan color he had seen many years ago. In his words, “ black of shiba should be a color of used iron kettle. It should never be a color of crow. When seen against the sun, hair should never be shiny purple black.”

Kuroyuume, my first b/t female pup Shunriki Go, a son of recent G.N. winner

Watanabe of Sagami Murasakiso, a black and tan specialist who bred Koban of Sagami Murasakiso said that it is very difficult to maintain perfect coat condition of black and tans for shows. The color of black and tans changes with different stages of shedding. For example, the color and shape of tan dots above eyes may change depending on different stages of coat condition. Tan shade of dots may also vary. Mr. Sakashita of Sasashita Kensha, an old hand at shiba breeding said that true black and tan shibas are like very black sesame. I am sure sesame color and black and tan color are quite different but I can understand what he was trying to say. He also said that black shiba should be black and TAN and not black and WHITE. It means that urajiro white or cream should have tan shade fading into black at the brim and urajiro white should not stand out too much from black in a clear contrast.

When I discussed the issue of correct black and tan color with Mr. Uki, Secretary General of Nippo, he mentioned that only difference between reds, sesames and black/tans is quantity of black tipped guard hairs. Guard hairs of reds should be tipped with only red color hairs to be a clear red. The sesame would have mostly red tipped guard hairs with some black tipped guard hairs evenly and sparsely spread all over. Black and tans would have mostly black tipped guard hairs. He said that regardless of red tipped or black tipped guard hairs, the hairs should always have white/beige color at the root. Mr. Sato, a Nippo judge said that what is lacking in some black and tans these days is “SHIBUMI” which could be translated as “deep, sober, quiet taste” implying that black and tan should not be bright and gay as most b/t shibas are today.

Breeding with Black and Tans: I would like to introduce a study made by Mr. Yamakawa, which derived from 30 odd years of extensive breeding experience with black and tans. He divides shiba black color into three categories, one color black (isshokumou), two color black (nishokumou) and three color black (sanshokumou). One color black means guard hair with glossy, pitch-black color from root to tip. This is not desirable color for shiba and breeding this kind of shiba with red shiba would often produce so called black saddle pattern and faded sesame. Such breeding will rarely result in a nice clear red. Two color black hair has cream white or gray up to one third from the root. This color lacks the SOBOKU quality (refined simplicity and modest elegance) required in Japanese dogs. Three color black is the ideal black for shibas. One third from root is cream white or gray, next one third is rusty color and last one third to the tip is dull black. Rusty color means reddish brown black of oxidized iron, typical of Japanese dogs. Such three-color black and tan shiba is rare and valuable since such shiba bred to red shiba would improve hair quality and color. The red would be nice clear red, the sesame would be ideal red sesame and the black and tan would characteristically have soboku quality. Typical three-color black and tan shiba has tan color on the bridge of muzzle. Also such shiba have shade-off tan dots above eyes and not clear white dot says Mr. Yamakawa.

As Mr. Yamakawa said in his article, the color of shiba is a difficult subject to explain. Especially so, I am sure, with American shiba fanciers when it is quite different from other western breeds. I am afraid that this article might have been more confusing to some readers but it is my hope the article has added a little more information on the issue of ideal black and tan color.

NIPPO STANDARD REVISITED by Nobi Atsumi

show he is trying to ascertain the intrinsic qualities of Japanese dogs as a whole rather than evaluating separate parts of the dogs. The intrinsic qualities are KAN-I, RYOSEI and SOBOKU. “ KAN-I means the intense strength of intrepid character and dignity. Shibas may be fierce and brave without being excessively aggressive to the state of noble excellence. RYOUSEI means faithful and obedient. Dogs should have total trust and attachment to the owner, expressing full bond and partnership. SOBOKU means the natural beauty of seasoned maturity and modest appearance. Its expression is the feeling of refined simplicity and sober elegance.” At the Nippo shows, inner qualities such as concentration, intellect, and dauntless presence are considered the most important aspect of shibas. As hunting dogs, shibas have to be self composed with full of confidence. When required shiba has to be courageous with quick and bold movements. “Shibas should have sharp and keen senses, quick and nimble movements together with light, elastic steps.” Such expressions only come from shibas with top physical condition and balanced body.

WHAT MAKES SHIBAS A SHIBA-INU 　 by Nobi Atsumi

Introduction: In June 1999, FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) adopted a decision to consider the American Akitas as a separate breed and named it the “Great Japanese Dog”.　 Many American Akita fanciers are furious about the decision and objecting strongly.　 Why this happened is not the subject of this article, however, I believe Shiba fanciers need to take note of the current Akita issue very seriously.　 It may be worthwhile for Shiba fanciers world over to reflect on what he or she is breeding now and how they plan to breed in the future. 　I think there is a danger of Shibas becoming separate breeds like Akitas if the fanciers from different parts of the world go on breeding their own separate ways.

The world has become a very small place in the modern era of inter-net communication and it is not difficult to have a common understanding of what makes shibas a “Shiba-Inu”.　 I believe a close communication between the fanciers around the world and correct understandings of standard are the keys. An exchange of information and breeding stock by shiba fanciers is an important prerequisite. The standard established by Nippo (The Association for Preservation of Japanese Dogs) in 1934 is a basic standard used by many organizations in and out of Japan for Shiba Inu.

Meihou Go (old shiba) Azuma no Jou Go (recent shiba)

The Three Important Words: Nippo was established in 1928 to preserve the endangered indigenous breeds of Japanese dog as a cultural heritage. The Government of Japan recognized shiba-inu as a natural monument in 1936. Unlike many other Western breeds such as Bulldogs, Chihuahuas etc, Japanese did not “create” shibas with particular purposes in mind. It is a “natural” breed. Since the establishment of Nippo, the members have been endeavoring to maintain the intrinsic qualities of indigenous hunting dogs, which existed in the mountainside of Japan for many centuries. In the seventy years history of Nippo, there has been some deviation from the original phenotype but I think the intrinsic qualities have been maintained to a large extent.

The intrinsic qualities of Japanese dogs are Kan-I, Ryousei and Soboku as stated in the original standard. The essence of the nature of Japanese dogs is expressed in these three very important words: KAN-I means the intense strength of intrepid character and dignity. Shibas may be fierce and bold without being excessively aggressive to the point of refined excellence. (Shibas must express a dauntless and noble presence, which may even be called majestic.) RYOUSEI means faithful and obedient. Dogs should have total trust and attachment to the owner, expressing full bond and partnership. (It is often said that the Japanese dogs would have only one master in his lifetime.) SOBOKU means natural beauty from a seasoned maturity and a modest appearance. Its expression is the feeling of a refined simplicity and a sober elegance. (A showy quality, appreciated in the West, may be considered the exact opposite of Soboku. Such gay and loud quality is considered coarse and lacks elegance.)

In order to comprehend the intrinsic qualities of Japanese dogs, I must mention the feelings I had when looking at the photographs of wild wolves taken by Mr. Monty Sloan of the Institute of Environmental Learning (USA). The wild wolves are not faithful and obedient but the majestic natural beauty of these wolves was apparent. I thought many of these wolves had “Kan-I” and “Soboku” qualities. The concepts, therefore, are not unique only to the Japanese culture. To me intrinsic qualities of Shiba Inu are in the “smell” of the wildness as if shibas are co-existing with nature.

Conclusion: Nippo shows in early days were the place to present the result of how successful Nippo members have been with conserving once endangered species. However, the recent Nippo shows have become the conformation shows, just like JKC shows, and many breeders began to breed only “cute, pretty” shibas to win at the shows. As a result, we have seen a significant deterioration of coat quality and lack of the above-mentioned intrinsic qualities, especially Soboku quality, in some shibas. Nippo judges are very much aware of this fact and feel responsible. I just hope that there still are enough breeders left in Japan who have not forgotten the original intentions of the pioneers of Nippo.

A Thought on Coat Color and Quality by Nobuo Atsumi

After visiting the Nippo Grand National Show last year, some foreign breeders might have gotten an impression that Japanese are going for lighter coat color with shibas. Not only in the Grand Nationals but also in the local chapter shows, very showy shibas with eye-catching urajiro are winning more top positions than in the past shows. Such shibas stand out in the show ground and breeders and even some judges seem to go for them. I have been aware that pretty shibas were preferred in JKC shows but never thought Nippo shows will go in the same direction.

One of the reasons for such trend in Nippo shows is that Gen line shibas are doing very well in the shows recently. Gen line shibas are very showy and have much merit such as balanced body, strong eye expression and Kan-I. However, some Gen line shibas tend to have yellowish rather than reddish coat color and when judged in totality, such shibas may be placed above more correct color shibas.

Shino of Sanuki Mizumotosou, winner of the Grand National last year is a very nice Gen line bitch but I think her coat color is little light. Her half sister, Kiyotakame of Fuji Hachimansou, who won 1^st Seiken Class at the same show, also has quite light coat with almost white face. As I mentioned in some of my earlier articles, it is common to see a tendency for Gen line shibas to get light on face very early in their development. It is not fair to give an impression that all Gen line shibas have light color coat and I must mention that I have seen many nice deep red color shibas from the Gen line.

Another reason perhaps may be that when Mr. Higuchi was the Chief Judge a several years ago, he advocated to eliminate sashige (black tipped hairs) on red coat and established a very strict guideline for sashige. Mr. Higuchi strongly emphasized clear red color as an ideal color for shibas. Subsequent to such guideline given to Nippo judges to eliminating sashige, the number of sesames in the shows noticeably decreased. Many judges I know feel that in the process of trying to clear the coat color, the number of shibas with light color coat increased. I feel the same and believe that in the process, the coat quality also deteriorated and it is not as hard and coarse as required in the standard. Nippo has discussed the issue of light color and soft coat several times at their annual meetings of judges and agreed that it is a problem, which needs to be corrected. Nippo judges have reversed the Higuchi guideline and are now more lenient on sashige at shows. Nippo is encouraging breeders to improve coat color and coat quality. Many breeders feel that mating reds with black and tans without fearing the consequence of sashige may improve the problem.

I think light yellowish coat color with too much urajiro, although very gay and pretty spoils the natural beauty of soboku expression. The word "artlessness" is some times used to define Soboku quality. It means "natural" and "simple" and never artificially pretty. I have translated Soboku as "the natural beauty of seasoned maturity and modest appearance. Its expression is the feeling of refined simplicity and sober elegance." Nippo judges need to reemphasize that deep sober red color is an important part of Soboku quality and clearly indicate the need for its value and appreciation in the show grounds.

Whatever the reasons of recent tendency to have lighter coat color, we should not compromise on hair color and quality, a very important part of shiba characteristics. Mr. Higuchi was correct to pursue the ideal clear deep red color for shiba-inu. It is the breeders who are to be blamed for deviating from the standard in the process. I hope with the effort of Nippo, the current trend for light coat color will be reversed in a near future. I must add that too dark so-called brick red color is an unpleasant color and should not be mistaken for clear deep red color. I feel it is more offensive than light color.

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