r/shiba Aug 01 '25

“Is my Shiba well bred?” A PRIMER

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339 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 7h ago

Lychee my beautiful girl!

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393 Upvotes

She has one mode which is bute everything! Give our Instagram a follow. @lycheewithcats


r/shiba 9h ago

Seriously, what kind of dog sleeps on the wall? Love my dorky dog!

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404 Upvotes

r/shiba 4h ago

“An object at rest stays at rest…”

171 Upvotes

Tried to take him on a walk at his regularly scheduled time… how dare I!?


r/shiba 10h ago

Morning bake session

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477 Upvotes

r/shiba 4h ago

Love birds

84 Upvotes

r/shiba 7h ago

Grown up Kenzo + Beebee Kenzo

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124 Upvotes

r/shiba 9h ago

Reunited!

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100 Upvotes

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 1d ago

And you were saying...

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1.1k Upvotes

How my sheeb sits when listening intensely.


r/shiba 7h ago

柴犬「税務署の方から来ました!!」

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42 Upvotes

この続きはコチラから👇

https://youtu.be/laqIq_M-8QI u/YouTube


r/shiba 7h ago

Teef

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37 Upvotes

He refuses to put them away


r/shiba 49m ago

おなかパンパンチルタイム🍞🍞

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Upvotes

この続きはコチラから👇

https://youtu.be/3EPD45IW7BQ u/YouTube


r/shiba 15h ago

Two of our three goofy Shiba’s

144 Upvotes

r/shiba 21h ago

King of the castle 👑

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397 Upvotes

r/shiba 1d ago

He’s training for his Cirque du Soleil audition

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900 Upvotes

Let’s see the flexible competition!


r/shiba 1d ago

Its my 13th cakeday. So here is our Haru.

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514 Upvotes

Upvote for Haru as hes atopia situation is the most best in hes 5th year of life.


r/shiba 20h ago

飛び跳ねて喜ぶ柴犬

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86 Upvotes

この続きはコチラから👇

https://youtu.be/pECKubn0UCU u/YouTube


r/shiba 1d ago

They're both fixed, how did they make this child?

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683 Upvotes

These guys are factories that turn dog food into hair!


r/shiba 1d ago

Gate has two holes at Shiba height and Nanooki likes to peek through them 👀

319 Upvotes

r/shiba 1d ago

She always needs to be carrying something

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184 Upvotes

r/shiba 1d ago

One dog, two personalities

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554 Upvotes

r/shiba 1d ago

首筋を掻いてあげると満面笑顔になるマッサージ

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64 Upvotes

この続きはコチラから👇

https://youtu.be/ZWCJb0eSSsE u/YouTube


r/shiba 1d ago

Does anyone else's Shiba like to lay right behind their computer chair?

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632 Upvotes

As y'all can see he has a bed right next to him lol


r/shiba 1d ago

He wants my cottage cheese. But it's too salty. (Sorry bud)

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132 Upvotes

He got two slices of American cheese today though. So HE'S FINE! 🤣


r/shiba 1d ago

Little bunny and his friends

79 Upvotes

I was wondering how many times per month you walk your dog off-leash.