How Tall Is Your Dog? Understanding the Official Size Standards of Nihon Ken

1. Introduction

“Isn’t this Shiba Inu a bit large?” “That Akita looks like it has short legs...”You may have heard comments like these when looking at Japanese dogs. Each breed has an ideal size, but accurately judging a dog’s proportions requires a clear standard. For Nihon Ken—the native dog breeds of Japan—that standard is taikō(体高), or height at the withers.

In this article, we’ll break down what taikō really means, how it’s measured, and the breed-specific standards for height. By the end, you’ll have a better sense of whether your dog fits the standard—and how it might be evaluated at a show.

2. What Is “Taikō”?

Taikō refers to the height from the ground to the top of the shoulder blade, just behind its highest point. It’s not simply “up to the shoulder.” According to the Nihon Ken standard, it should be measured “from the base of the forefoot to just behind the top of the scapula, pressing down the coat for accuracy.”

If the dog’s posture is off or the fur is fluffed up, measurements can easily be skewed. This is why, in shows and formal evaluations, dogs are placed in a natural, balanced stance and measured while the coat is gently flattened. Proper stacking itself is a skill—perhaps a topic for another day.

3. Why Is Height So Important?

Taikō isn’t just about looks. In Nihon Ken judging, deviations from the standard height are considered faults. For example, Shiba Inus have an acceptable variation of ±1.5 cm, while medium-sized breeds like the Kishu or Shikoku allow ±3 cm. Going beyond these margins can lower a dog’s score.

In addition to height, proportion matters. Male Shibas, for instance, should ideally be 39.5 cm tall and 43.5 cm long—giving a 100:110 height-to-length ratio. Females tend to have slightly longer bodies in comparison to height.

When these proportions are off, it can lead to unbalanced appearances like “short-legged and long-bodied,” “top-heavy,” or “too lanky”—traits that detract from the ideal aesthetic of a Nihon Ken.

4. Breed-Specific Height Standards

Breed	Sex	Standard Height	Acceptable Range
Shiba Inu	Male	39.5 cm	±1.5 cm (38–41 cm)
	Female	36.5 cm	±1.5 cm (35–38 cm)
Medium Breeds (e.g. Kishu, Shikoku, Kai, Hokkaido)	Male	52 cm	±3 cm (49–55 cm)
	Female	49 cm	±3 cm (46–52 cm)
Akita Inu	Male	67 cm	±3 cm (64–70 cm)
	Female	61 cm	±3 cm (58–64 cm)

Note: For Kai and Hokkaido breeds, a height 2 cm shorter than the standard is also acceptable.

5. Measuring at Home: A Simple Method

You don’t need professional equipment to get a rough measurement of your dog’s height. Here’s a simple method:

What you’ll need:

A hard, flat floor (wood or tile is better than carpet or tatami)
A straight wall (to mark height)
Measuring tools (ruler, tape measure, level if available)
A flat object (like a book or ruler) to lay across the dog’s shoulders

Steps:

Let the dog stand naturally and squarely—no sitting or slouching.
Gently place the book or object across the top of the scapula.
Mark the height on the wall or door frame.
Measure from the floor to the mark.

Tip: Use a leash or treats to help your dog stay calm and still.

6. What Height Means in the Show Ring

In NIPPO (Nihon Ken Hozonkai) shows, height is one of the most critical physical metrics. Judges prioritize moderation—even within the acceptable range, dogs closest to the median are more highly rated.

In the young dog class (10 to 18 months old), if a dog has not reached standard height by that age, it may not be eligible for a “yūryō” (excellent) score. So taikō isn’t just a number—it reflects development, proportion, and breed fidelity.

7. Conclusion

Understanding your dog’s height helps you track its growth and health—but also deepens your appreciation for the balance and dignity of the Nihon Ken.

Especially with popular breeds like Shiba and Akita Inus, “small and cute” may be trendy, but smaller isn’t always better. The traditional Japanese aesthetic values a harmony of strength and elegance, and taikō embodies that balance.

So next time you look at your dog, consider the silhouette—from the ground up.