Speaking of Shiba Inu, especially many young girls have starry eyes, thinking that little Shiba Inu dogs are really cute, especially the ones that can smile, becoming more and more beloved. However, some owners find their Shiba Inu's ears a bit large and begin to suspect if they bought a Shiba Inu with poor conformation?

Are Shiba Inu's Big Ears a Sign of Poor Conformation?

        Actually, it is quite possible to buy fake or poorly conformed Shiba Inu puppies, and it’s hard to tell when they're young. The standard Shiba Inu ears are triangular, firmly erect, and small, proportional to the head and body size, but the ear position should not be too low, nor should the distance between both ears be too wide. Remember if: a 3-5 month old Shiba Inu’s ears seem relatively big, by 6 months the ears will start appearing smaller. So when owners find their Shiba Inu's ears are big, there’s no need to worry excessively, because before 6 months old, the dog's ear proportion really looks larger, but after 6 months, the skull development accelerates, and the ear proportion will approach a normal level.

Are Shiba Inu's Big Ears a Sign of Poor Conformation?

        Therefore, it is not recommended for beginners to buy Shiba Inu online or at crowded dog markets, where it's easy to buy fake or impure Shiba Inu. Sometimes the reason the ears are very large is due to impure breeds. If your financial condition is good and you want to buy a Shiba Inu, it’s advised to go to a reputable kennel, as dogs sold there generally have better overall quality. You can also check if the kennel has any pathogens by observing it. If your budget is limited, buying a home-raised Shiba Inu puppy is safer.

Are Shiba Inu's Big Ears a Sign of Poor Conformation?

        If conditions are average and you really cannot avoid buying at a dog market, it’s better to buy from a stall that maintains a fixed location, as the chance of getting a bad dog is lower. Be cautious about those with high mobility, appearing here today and there tomorrow—try to avoid buying from them.