Shiba Inus are unique and eye-catching dogs—their pointy, foxlike ears, small size, and curly tails make them stand out among other breeds. They have a unique, orange-tinged coat with hints of white throughout their fur that resembles our fox friends as well! Shiba Inus originated in Japan and many Shiba owners like to honor that lineage by naming their pets after the language of the country.

Continue reading below to see some popular and unique names for your foxy pooch, including some of Japanese origin.

Japanese Dog Names

As mentioned, the Shiba Inu breed originates in Japan. This dog is still quite popular in the country but has made its way across the globe as a popular choice. If you’re looking for a name that coincides with their origins, you can try using a Japanese word. Maybe there’s a word that reminds you of your pup’s personality or a unique Japanese word that relates to what they look like!

Think of words that relate to things like the color of their coat, the breed, their temperament, where you got them, and more.

Names Based on Gender

Some dog owners like to draw on their dog’s gender to name them. This is very common around the world and across different dog breeds—think of Paris Hilton’s dog Tinkerbell. If you are so inclined to keep your dog’s femininity or masculinity at the forefront of their introductions, think about names that represent that.

Also, this is only for when it suits them. Maybe your Shiba is a girl but she’s fierce and a little territorial; a name like Princess might not suit her very well. If you know that these types of names will suit your new Shiba pup, continue reading for some ideas.

Male Shiba Inu Names

Female Shiba Inu Names

• Related Read: Male vs Female Shiba Inu: The Differences (With Pictures)

Unique Shiba Inu Names

What if your Shiba Inu seems to have a little bit of an extra spark, or you notice that this dog is just too unique for a regular name? Maybe they are the dog breed you’ve been dreaming of since you were young but your sister was allergic to dogs so you could never have one. Dog people know that getting your first pup all on your own makes them feel like your children and part of the family.

When you know this special creature is about to enter your world, you can’t name them something common. This is your moment to choose a unique, one-of-a-kind name for your new furry friend. Read below for a list of unique dog names for your Shiba.

Dog Names Based on Appearance

There are varied coat colors among Shiba Inus. While most of them have the fox orange coat, there are some that are redder in color or some that have darker fur. You can choose to name them after their color. For example, a red Shiba can be named something like Poppy or Blaze, whereas a black Shiba can be named Oreo or Cookie.

Maybe you even want to name them something based on looking like a fox; if your child is a fan of Dora the Explorer (or maybe you are), you can name them after Swiper the fox. Check out our list below of Shiba Inu names based on their appearance.

Final Thoughts

There are so many different ways you can choose to name your new Shiba Inu. Think about what makes the most sense based on what they look like, how they act, the origins of their breed, and more. Maybe your favorite snack makes the most sense, or there’s a Japanese word that resonates with you and would be perfect for your furry friend.

Featured Image Credit: Anastasiia Cherniavskaia, Shutterstock