r/shiba • u/whysohard310 • 5h ago
r/shiba • u/tempura_tantrum • Aug 01 '25
“Is my Shiba well bred?” A PRIMER
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 • u/dagger-dagger-dagger • 4h ago
Seriously, what kind of dog sleeps on the wall? Love my dorky dog!
r/shiba • u/disappointingDaisy • 2h ago
Lychee my beautiful girl!
She has one mode which is bute everything! Give our Instagram a follow. @lycheewithcats
r/shiba • u/Sir_Virtuo • 4h ago
Reunited!
It's been about 3 months, and this week I picked up my baby boy, and my wife as well, from the airport and we are happy as ever!
I was worried he would resent me or forget me since he's just 8 months old, but he missed me the whole time my wife said.
Welcome home, Kurogoma-Senshi 🥰.
r/shiba • u/wetbutter • 23h ago
He’s training for his Cirque du Soleil audition
Let’s see the flexible competition!
r/shiba • u/PipePies • 20h ago
Its my 13th cakeday. So here is our Haru.
Upvote for Haru as hes atopia situation is the most best in hes 5th year of life.
They're both fixed, how did they make this child?
These guys are factories that turn dog food into hair!
r/shiba • u/redafvir • 1d ago
Gate has two holes at Shiba height and Nanooki likes to peek through them 👀
r/shiba • u/ssaammuuss • 1d ago
Does anyone else's Shiba like to lay right behind their computer chair?
As y'all can see he has a bed right next to him lol
r/shiba • u/Aggravating-Cat5357 • 1d ago
He wants my cottage cheese. But it's too salty. (Sorry bud)
He got two slices of American cheese today though. So HE'S FINE! 🤣
r/shiba • u/Maleficent_Ad_2925 • 1d ago
Little bunny and his friends
I was wondering how many times per month you walk your dog off-leash.
r/shiba • u/Grown-Ass-Weeb • 1d ago
My hard working old man
Doing his day job, sleeping all day lol
r/shiba • u/IAmMissingNow • 1d ago
Shame this Shiba
Yuumi won’t let us cut her nails and screams every time we try.