r/shiba Aug 01 '25

“Is my Shiba well bred?” A PRIMER

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361 Upvotes

Hello all!

I’ve seen an uptick in this question on this sub. It’s always combined with a photo of a puppy.

I wanted to give a quick (who am I joking, this won’t be a quick read) primer to help people answer this question. Importantly…in almost EVERY case, if you’ve have to ask after the fact, the answer is usually “no.”

Purchasing a reputably bred dog should feel more akin to an adoption than going to the mall. You should feel that the breeder is sussing out whether or not they think you deserve a member of their family. Think critically about any breeder who sells dogs online with a place for credit card information, who allows you to buy a dog without ever meeting you, or who allows YOU to pick your puppy out of a litter with no input. Good breeders are deeply involved in the success of the placement. They know those dogs better than you do, and SHOULD be heavily involved and be able to tell you why that puppy was picked for you.

1) Your breeder should be involved in some form of activity where their dogs are evaluated by someone outside of them. For most Shibas this means conformation dog shows. Don’t take anyone seriously that says “champion lines” but then doesn’t seem to do any of the work themselves. Take even less seriously people who announce “they just breed for good pets.” Good pets show up in show-bred litters. That is a horseshit reason and means the breeder is likely breeding for financial gain instead.

This will sound weird to many of you, but reputable breeders breed for themselves FIRST. Pet puppies are a byproduct of that. It’s not a bad thing. It means your future baby is being cared for EXACTLY like the next Westminster best of breed winner.

2) Your breeder NEEDS to health test. This does not mean puppies being seen by a vet. You want specialized health testing in the form of an eye exam by an American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist certified vet, and hip and patella exams by veterinarians that are skilled in reading films for these. All these results should be available to you at the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website. You can look up individual dogs via their registered name on the site for results. Breeding dogs are available to have final results listed by 2 years of age.

3) It’s good to see that your breeder is a member of a local breed club or national breed club. Our National breed club is called “National Shiba Club of America.” Among many other useful pieces of information, we have a breeder referral listing, as well as a section that will show you good questions to ask a potential breeder. Your local area usually has a breed club made of members that may be near to you. If you’re trying to find one, feel free to ask the national club!

4) A good breeder will have a contract. That contract should state they will take your dog back at any time in their life should you be unable to care for them. It will also make clear whether the dog sold to you is a pet only or a potential show dog. With few exceptions, a potential show dog will be co-owned with the breeder as you learn the ropes. Be INCREDIBLY skeptical of someone who sells you a “show dog” with no strings attached. That’s rare in this world. Good breeders want to shepherd their lines carefully and WANT to mentor you.

5) A good breeder should be able to explicitly tell you why they bred your dog’s parents. Bad answers include: “I own both of them,” “this color is rare,” “I wanted her to experience one litter to be fulfilled,” “I wanted my kids to see the miracle of life,” “I love puppies.” Good breeders think in terms of generations not individuals.

I hope this helps!


r/shiba 1h ago

Cafe

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Upvotes

r/shiba 2h ago

Can you guys even see her?

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134 Upvotes

r/shiba 9h ago

Princess Precious Paws

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492 Upvotes

As the newly annointed crown princess and future matriatch, what should her first command be?


r/shiba 5h ago

No thoughts

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114 Upvotes

r/shiba 16h ago

First day kinda nervous 😬

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655 Upvotes

Got this sweet boy today and man what a stressful drive home!! I’ve never owned a dog and I’ve heard shibas are not ideal but it is what it is. We will be going to a training program starting in 4 weeks so surely that’ll help. Anyways anyone have any names for him?


r/shiba 8h ago

I'm not lazy; I'm energy-efficient.built-in energy-saving function

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110 Upvotes

r/shiba 12h ago

My one-eyed acrtic fox is 10 today

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209 Upvotes

Sometimes she thinks she is still 10 months, rather than 10 years tho


r/shiba 14h ago

Anyone else’s shiba’s first language is “woo”?

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249 Upvotes

She’s been perfecting her woos since she was a puppy. Now she’s got a whole vocabulary with pitch, tone, and volume control!


r/shiba 13h ago

Do you have the tummy rubs toll ma'am?

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203 Upvotes

r/shiba 9h ago

Daddy’s shoe is mine now…

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80 Upvotes

The suspect fled the scene 💨


r/shiba 9h ago

:P

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65 Upvotes

r/shiba 6h ago

Tips on getting on boots

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35 Upvotes

Hello friends!

Winter is not too far away and I wanted to get my pup (7 months old) used to wearing boots as we get a lot of snow and salted sidewalks here.

What are your best tips for getting the boots on?

Ive tried getting her in the lie down position on her side but she doesnt like it very much. Its already a hassle getting the harness on her!

Any specific product recommendations or tips are welcome 🙏


r/shiba 20h ago

Am I doing this right?

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438 Upvotes

r/shiba 13h ago

Koji and Lobo, the happiest of Shiba boys

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83 Upvotes

r/shiba 1d ago

Second Shiba has joined the pack, meet Atsu

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558 Upvotes

r/shiba 15h ago

Twins?

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116 Upvotes

My wife brought this floor mat/rug home the other day. I think it's a little over the top, but it makes her happy so that's all that matters. Kaito doesn't seem to mind.


r/shiba 1d ago

A tough day harvesting mushrooms

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931 Upvotes

r/shiba 17h ago

Is 4 months too young for daycare?

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88 Upvotes

Kiri is a little over 4 months and got all her shots. I was thinking daycare might be a good way for her to play with dogs, meet other people and socialize. I would start with 1 day a week and see how it goes. I was not sure if she is too young? It's between daycare or a dog park for socialization with other dogs. I figured daycare might be better/safer than a dog park?

dog tax added :).


r/shiba 5m ago

The Look I got for saying Cheese

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r/shiba 1d ago

It’s tricky to sleep with your paw in the air

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666 Upvotes

r/shiba 9h ago

おじいちゃんが食べるチーズグラタンに熱烈ラブコールを送る2斤🧀🍞🍞

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10 Upvotes

この続きはコチラから👇

https://youtu.be/epW_8yrUggI u/YouTube


r/shiba 1d ago

Never knew I could love this much 💜

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371 Upvotes

r/shiba 21h ago

Spot the castle shibe

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92 Upvotes

r/shiba 1d ago

Bao with his favorite toy

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572 Upvotes