The Japanese have kept Shishi Inu for centuries, and they are considered the smallest and oldest Japanese dog.

Eyes: somewhat triangular in shape, set deep and sloping upwards and towards the outside of the base of the ear. Eye color is dark brown. The eye rims are black.

Ears: Triangular in shape, firmly erect and small, but in proportion to the head and body. The ears are well spaced apart and sloping straight forward, the back of the sloping ears blending with the arched neck.

Head: Medium in size, in proper proportion to the body. Forehead: The forehead is broad and flat with a slight groove.

Stop: Moderate.

Muzzle: Firm, plump, and round, with strong jaw protruding forward from cheek. The bridge of the nose is straight, tapering slightly from stop to tip. The length of the muzzle is 40% of the length of the entire head (the distance from the posterior occiput to the nose). Keeping a full beard is ideal. The lips are tight and black. Nose is black. The bite is a scissors bite, the teeth are complete, the teeth are strong and neat.

Serious defect: 4 or more missing teeth are very serious defects.

Disqualification: Mandible or Mandibular.

Neck: Strong, strong, of moderate length.

Topline: Straight, horizontal (to the base of the tail).

BODY: Dry and muscular, without any sluggishness or gnarly appearance. The chest is very well developed.

Chest depth, the distance from the withers to the lowest point of the sternum is approximately half the height at the withers or slightly less.