Urajiro in Japanese Dogs: Understanding the Standard of “Good White” vs. “Undesirable White”

If you have ever seen a Shiba Inu or other Japanese dog, you may have noticed patches of white fur around the muzzle, chest, or underside of the body. In Japan, this feature is called urajiro, and it is considered one of the defining traits of the native breeds.

Unlike general “white markings” found in many dog breeds, urajiro is carefully regulated in the Nihon Ken Standard (the official Japanese dog standard). It clearly distinguishes between what is considered “good white” and what is seen as undesirable.

Where Urajiro Is Allowed

According to the standard, urajiro is defined as white fur appearing in the following areas:

• Face: on the muzzle and cheeks (but not on the nose bridge or as a reverse mask)

• Underside: on the lower jaw, neck, chest, and abdomen

• Forechest: allowed up to the shoulder joint, but not spreading widely onto the shoulder

• Legs: up to the elbows on the forelegs, and up to the knees on the hindlegs

• Tip of the tail

White fur in these specific locations is classified as urajiro and is considered a characteristic trait of the Japanese breeds.

“Good White” vs. “Undesirable White”

Acceptable (“Good”) Urajiro

• Appears only within the defined areas

• Harmonizes with the dog’s main coat color (red, sesame, black, brindle, or white)

• Does not diminish the clarity or balance of the coat

  
  

Undesirable White

The standard also lists several cases where white markings are not acceptable:

• Excessive urajiro: when white spreads too far and overshadows the main coat color

• Reverse mask: white extending across the nose bridge or around the eyes

• Sarasa (freckling): conspicuous white spots scattered on the legs

• Yogore-jiro (“dirty white”): white areas stained with reddish tones; technically allowed as “white,” but regarded as undesirable

• Pinto (piebald) spots: distinct patches of white in areas not defined as urajiro; these are not recognized and are subject to penalties or disqualification

How This Differs from Overseas Standards

In many overseas kennel clubs, Japanese dogs are described as having “white markings” or “cream markings,” but the term urajiro is rarely used. More importantly, the Japanese standard specifies exact locations and boundaries for acceptable white, while overseas standards tend to be less detailed.

This does not mean that urajiro is visually unique to Japan—white markings appear in many breeds worldwide. What makes the Japanese approach distinctive is the precise regulation: defining where white is acceptable, where it is not, and how it affects official judging.

Conclusion

Urajiro is not just a random patch of white—it is a carefully defined element of the Japanese dog standard.

• White in the correct places = good urajiro

• White that spreads too far, forms spots, or creates a reverse mask = undesirable

  
  

By understanding these distinctions, we can better appreciate why Japanese dog standards are so detailed and how they protect the unique traits of native breeds like the Shiba Inu.

So next time you see a Shiba Inu’s white muzzle or chest, remember: it’s not just white fur—it’s urajiro, and it has an official place in the tradition of the Nihon Ken.