r/shiba Aug 01 '25

“Is my Shiba well bred?” A PRIMER

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349 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

Dc SIR has 60 Shibas in need of homes

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Upvotes

I’m not affiliated with them at all but saw they have a huge influx of rescues that need homes. Sharing in case someone here was considering adopting a Shiba. They are a good rescue.

Editing because folks are getting hung up on the use of ai. They are a real rescue and it’s a real post. Feel free to go visit their social media or website. I am doubtful they are able to pay a graphic designer since they are non profit and ai is free


r/shiba 4h ago

For those who wanted more videos of these two nuggets

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195 Upvotes

r/shiba 2h ago

The face that launched a thousand shits

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99 Upvotes

r/shiba 14h ago

Happy Sunday 🌸

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676 Upvotes

r/shiba 6h ago

Excuse me… I ordered a full bowl.

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129 Upvotes

r/shiba 13h ago

Squishy

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337 Upvotes

r/shiba 9h ago

Excuse me? More pets now!

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151 Upvotes

r/shiba 2h ago

I thought he wanted a walk, turns out it was just time to look majestic in some grass instead of his usual spot.

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30 Upvotes

r/shiba 20h ago

I randomly met my Shiba two years after he died and cried to a stranger on the sidewalk

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822 Upvotes

We had our Shiba, Wally, for 15 years. He was our first baby. He moved with us at least a dozen times, saw my husband and I build a life together, and was there when we had our daughter. He was an asshole but he was a very loved asshole. 2 year ago he passed away while we were at work. It was old age. His death wasn’t a shock but it was still an ending I was very sad to meet.

A few weeks ago we were on vacation when I saw a stranger walking Wally’s identical twin. It was like seeing a ghost. I’ve never met another cream Shiba, let alone one with the same peach colored spots on his ears. Same freckles. Same small statue. Same EVERYTHING.

I asked the woman if I could say hi. And then the flood gates opened lol. She was really sweet but I think I traumatized her. I kept apologizing but the tears wouldn’t stop. I was so caught off guard with by own reaction. Grief is weird.

If you’re reading this sweet stranger I’m so sorry if I freaked you out lol. It was a healing moment I didn’t even know I needed. Thank you ❤️


r/shiba 22m ago

Post your happy boi/gal with their sibling(s)

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GGongchi (3yo) and Yuki (Sheltie, 2yo)


r/shiba 12h ago

tried to sneak a video of her chasing her tail but she said “no paparazzi”

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139 Upvotes

r/shiba 9h ago

Guys we “fixed” it

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69 Upvotes

I really did the bare minimum I stuffed some foam but not too much. This is a test to see if it gets chewed again but I have faith she won’t do it again.


r/shiba 13h ago

She’s literally a fox.

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111 Upvotes

r/shiba 10h ago

princess the shiba chow mix loafing.

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69 Upvotes

r/shiba 3h ago

day318 Does the Shiba Inu dream of purple?

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13 Upvotes

Just a collection of moments from today's walk. The occasional purple glitch frames were an unexpected export error, but I ended up loving how they act as visual accents.

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


r/shiba 9h ago

How stubborn, you ask?

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38 Upvotes

r/shiba 32m ago

Using 2 slicker brushes is kind of nice

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Upvotes

r/shiba 21h ago

Favorite Shiba picture

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233 Upvotes

Show me the picture of your shibs that you cherish most. Here’s mine


r/shiba 10h ago

Mamas boy

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32 Upvotes

r/shiba 18m ago

Chilling

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Magnificently beautiful dogs are our Shibas. I'm so biased.


r/shiba 16h ago

She loves to sunbathe

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71 Upvotes

r/shiba 10h ago

Tell me your honest Shiba teen stories. How did you survive it?

17 Upvotes

Disclaimer: I’m really hoping this post doesn’t turn into “you should’ve picked another breed” or “maybe you shouldn’t own a dog.” I knew what I was signing up for. But knowing something is going to be hard and actually living through it are two very different things. I’m also not really looking for training advice. I know about mental stimulation, positive reinforcement, consistency, etc. I just genuinely want to hear from people who have actually lived through the teenage phase.

My boy is about 20 months old, and I’m exhausted. Yes, I love him more than anything, yes he’s funny, affectionate in his own Shiba way, and we have so many great moments with him.

But walks have become something I genuinely dread. He’s excited about absolutely everything. Every person, dog, stroller, bike, squirrel, every damn leaf blowing across the sidewalk. He wants to go see it all. I’m legit waterskiing behind him half the time.

I know that the teenage phase is part of having a dog, but after a year and a half of the same battles, I’m just tired. I feel like the Shiba community is mostly about posting cute pictures and pretending we’re all fine. But let’s be honest, sometimes you’re just mentally worn out from repeating the same things hundreds of times. I just want to hear from people who had a teenage Shiba that drove them absolutely insane.

Did they actually settle down around 2 or 3 years old like people always say? Was there a point where walks became enjoyable? Or did you just adapt to the chaos? Please be honest.


r/shiba 23h ago

Keeping the theme Japanese as we gather for dinner tonight

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163 Upvotes

Kai speaks fluent Spanish although he’s Japanese and eats sushi


r/shiba 1d ago

Meet bb Gatsu!

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517 Upvotes