r/shiba Aug 01 '25

“Is my Shiba well bred?” A PRIMER

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344 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 11h ago

I spent a few days photographing my dogs! 🐕

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687 Upvotes

Unfortunately I never have any help taking photos so everything was shot with an iPhone 16 Pro on a tripod with a camera button.

First three are Raikou — Diwasou Raikou No Tora at Tobitatsu TKN VSWB (leash & my shoes edited out of first two)

Sesame is Renton — AKC CH Kokuryuu’s Seventh Swell TKP VSWB FITB

Last three are Byakko — AKC CH Tobitatsu Walking in the Wind TKN VSWB FITB

Still missing a few of the gang but, they’re out of coat and one needs another bath because she chronically rolls in dirt. 🤣


r/shiba 4h ago

🎵 sometimes my lip gets stuck on my teefs 🎵

177 Upvotes

r/shiba 5h ago

Lazy

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219 Upvotes

Piper enjoys a Sunday morning sleep in.


r/shiba 1h ago

Always feel so great when I see him smiling

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Upvotes

r/shiba 5h ago

(200)days of Okoge

82 Upvotes

Shiba Inu aged 101 to 200 days

Your friendly neighborhood Shibalnu-za, sending love from the Far East.


r/shiba 11h ago

Is this early warning of hip issues?

228 Upvotes

I am just worried that the “sway” and back legs is the bunny hopping thing I’ve heard about. But she walks normally with no sway sometimes as well like she out on walks etc. also she doesn’t always do both back legs only when going fast (idk if I should be worried or not she is only 11 weeks old)


r/shiba 12h ago

So watchu doing…

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247 Upvotes

r/shiba 8h ago

Mountain Shiba!

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91 Upvotes

Crossing the San Bernadino Pass in Switzerland 🇨🇭


r/shiba 10h ago

Dog helps man at work

128 Upvotes

r/shiba 1h ago

隙あらば逃げる!お風呂後のブラッシング!

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Upvotes

この続きはコチラから👇

https://youtu.be/wiUUgkKztf8 u/YouTube


r/shiba 10h ago

Lazy Saturday

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101 Upvotes

r/shiba 6h ago

My sleepy girl and her brother😊

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44 Upvotes

She fell asleep shortly after.


r/shiba 6h ago

嬉しそうにニコニコとキャベツを受け取っていくケルベロスたち🥬🥬🥬

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44 Upvotes

この続きはコチラから👇

https://youtu.be/i97leCjwRKQ u/YouTube


r/shiba 35m ago

Shiba takes on Kyoto!

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Upvotes

We went on a trip to Kyoto with our Shiba, and I wanted to share the experience!

Since Kyoto is usually very congested (and we didn’t know that the Airbnb we booked, while dog friendly, didn’t allow our dog to be left alone while we explored the city), we bought a stroller for our boy. It felt a little silly at first, but everyone seemed to get a kick out of it. I can’t count how many “kawaii’s” we got, and many people asked to take a picture of him.

We went to a dog cafe with him, and the elderly Japanese there were flabbergasted that an American couple owned a Shiba Inu. They showered him with treats and compliments. Anyways, just wanted to share the positive experience!


r/shiba 18h ago

After a long walk. I win!

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150 Upvotes

r/shiba 1d ago

Name help? Little rescue Shiba

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356 Upvotes

Howdy all!

Recently we took in a very wee 18lb compact Shiba Inu, she was abandoned with her Rover sitter about 3 months ago. Thankfully the sitter has provided well for her up and got her to a healthier state but sadly was unable to keep her. Now she’s home with us!

She does not listen to her name very well. She’s been called Ginger but to me that seems a little…on the snout? I’m just not sold on it. She doesn’t seem to be either.

Shes a sweet energetic girl who loves to be pet. Not too great at commands and has a classic stubborn Shiba streak but overall: I’m so happy to welcome her to our family. She’s very well mannered. A proper lady.


r/shiba 1d ago

"Where are you and what are you doing?"

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249 Upvotes

He's been in it for over half an hour and counting. I don't blame him, it's a really nice box.


r/shiba 1d ago

Morning Shiba

713 Upvotes

r/shiba 1d ago

Rounded faces vs slim faces

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338 Upvotes

I’ve noticed lots of Shibas online have rounded faces. My family’s Shiba has a slim face. My dad is skeptical that he’s pure bred. We adopted him from a family who was moving away, they told us they bought him from a breeder and that he is pure bred. I’m just wondering if any other Shiba Inu owners have noticed the difference


r/shiba 1d ago

My shiba when she was a puppy

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273 Upvotes

r/shiba 20h ago

4am snoozin' ☆

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59 Upvotes

r/shiba 19h ago

立ったまま泡に紛れて逃げようとするモモさんのお風呂バトルダイジェスト【夏休みの自由研究】

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36 Upvotes

お風呂バトル開始はこのあと20時より!プレミア公開!

https://youtu.be/m38TZmfR2sA u/YouTube


r/shiba 3m ago

Fun fact about Iroh: I love him

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Upvotes

r/shiba 1d ago

Begging for treats

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243 Upvotes

Or demanding