Welcome to
SunoJo Shiba Inu

Here we will present information for those looking to add a Shiba Inu to their home as a loving companion. There are links to pictures and information on our dogs. Don't just look at the cute puppies, please read through the text to learn just what being a Shiba breeder means to us!

Ideally, we would love to meet you in person - both to show off our dogs and the way we raise them, and to be able to look you in the eye and ask: "will you provide a good home for our baby?". We realize this is not always possible, but if you are able to visit us, please do!

 We are located on Vancouver Island, in Beautiful British Columbia (Canada), and yes, we do ship internationally. BUT... we highly recommend that if you are looking for a pet puppy, to try and find a breeder in your area, so that you can visit and assess the dogs, their environment, and the breeder. I do not maintain a waiting list, as the litters tend to be small (1-3) and I do not like to tie anyone in to what may be a long wait.

whew - glad to be back inside!

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Shiba Inus

SunoJo Breeding Program

Contact Us

We are located on Vancouver Island, in Beautiful British Columbia (Canada)

We ship internationally.

Please note all images are original and the © copyrighted property of SunoJo.

About SunoJo:

In 1986, we became involved with the delightful breed known as the Shiba Inu - lively, fun loving, smart - their temperaments have been described as fox and cat. We have been active in many dog activities - conformation showing, some obedience, some agility, public relations, breed seminars, rescue, and club activities.

I an a founding member of Shiba Inu Canada, the national breed club, and was involved in gaining breed recognition with the Canadian Kennel Club in 1992. I am currently president of the club, and a CKC licensed judge for the Working and Toy Groups.

Our Shibas:

We are a small kennel, concentrating on quality, not quantity. You will not see 20 or 30 breeding animals at our home - it is not necessary to keep a "herd" to produce some of the finest quality Shibas in North America. We also do not believe the Shiba is a good kennel dog - they are very personable individuals who require attention and love on a one-to-one basis.

SunoJo Shiba Inu have been among the top-ranked Shibas in Canada since breed recognition, and we are pleased to have sent dogs to South America and Europe, as well as to the US. Click here for a list of SunoJo champions.

While we are extremely active in the conformation show ring, and plan our breedings to produce the next generation of champions, we have never faltered from our principles in selecting only the best breeding stock:

Temperament: All our dogs must be mentally sound, human oriented, and a pleasure to be around. Doesn't matter how pretty they are if you can't live with them!

Health: The breed is robust and generally healthy - BUT there have been reports of hip, knee, heart and eye problems. Reputable breeders screen for these problems using proven veterinary methods (xray, opthomology, etc.). A clean bill of health, while necessary, does not preclude hidden problems, and is no proof of a dog's genetic makeup. To view certifications from OFA, click here. (please note that only dogs with the SunoJo name are included, as this list was created by searching on our kennel name.Dogs we have brought in or used for stud will not be displayed, as they do not have SunoJo in their registered name. )

Soundness: This is the dog's physical structure, and how well it performs its function of moving a dog from Point A to Point B. The Shiba was developed as an all-day hunter - they should be able to run effortlessly and seemingly tirelessly. A dog with legs of incorrect proportion (too long, too short) will tire sooner. Legs that are not straight are prone to injury. Elbows that do not fit properly against the ribcage have too much pressure on them, and will develop arthritis. Too long a back means a weak back, and corresponding muscle issues. There are numerous other concerns, but it boils down to Mother Nature is not happy with an animal that cannot run, hunt, jump for its dinner (even when we humans supply dinner on a gold plate!).

How We Raise Our Shibas:

Our puppies are born in the house, and spend their first 4 weeks underfoot or carried around (a lot!). It is essential that Shiba puppies learn to trust humans, and this is done by lots of contact in the first few weeks of life. This is still a primitive breed, and their first instinct is to avoid everything that is not "mom". So it is our job to teach the puppies that humans are pretty wonderful friends - we bring food, warmth, and are good cuddlers!

We live on 3.5 acres, all fenced, with 1.5 acres dedicated as "Shiba Only" yard. The rest of the property is shared with some Dorset sheep, laying hens and Narragensett turkeys. The dogs all get turns running in their yard, where they can run, dig, chew, chase squirrels & mice (ew) and do all their doggy stuff. When they are in the common yard, they are not supposed to dig in the flower beds or chase the chickens!

Our dog room is attached to the house, with 5 in/out patios so the dogs can sunbathe or snooze inside as they want.

Puppies move into the dog room as their activity levels increase - and also they do NOT want to potty on paper by 5 weeks of age - they want access to the outside. Puppies become part of the family group - we have one old Akita left who is an excellent auntie, and 4 Japanese Chin who teach puppies to respect ALL dogs, no matter how small! Several of our adult Shibas are puppy-crazy, and love to play and entertain the little ones. That's a nice break for Mom and for me!

Diet & Immunizations :

We feed a combination of raw, cooked, and high quality kibble, and feel this is the best we can offer. Note: RAW bones only, cooked bones splinter and can kill your pet!

RAW: chicken parts (necks & backs) are given whole, starting at 4 weeks - not that they get much down, but they lick and start using those little teeth for more than chewing my fingers! Lamb bones are much loved. I do not recommend beef, as oriental breeds do not have the digestive enzymes to break this down. Pork I hate myself, so don't feed it to the dogs. I do however give the dogs RAW large beef soupbones - safer than Greenies, rawhides, or pig ears/hooves.

COOKED: I cook chicken, lamb, or fish to produce a thick broth, and then strain out the bones. I then pick off the meat, add rice and pureed veggies and some herbs. Also make scrambled eggs (from our accommodating hens) twice a week.

KIBBLE: We feed and recommend Go Natural - it is the best dry dog food we have found in over 30 years. Two new varieties have been introduced, one a "single protein source" and the other "grain-free". We are trying them now, and so far (through 2 bags) they seem to be as tasty and high quality as the original variety.

IMMUNIZATIONS: The American Veterinary Board recently released new protocols for immunizing dogs. It has long been believed by those in the dog world that our dogs were being over immunized, and these new protocols confirm that belief.

SunoJo puppies are seen by our vet (Dr. Rob Reiner, Mill Bay) at 8 weeks of age, when they are given their first shots (EXCLUDING Lepto and Kennel Cough). Their second shot should be given 6 weeks later. Dr. Rob gives each puppy a thorough examination, and his findings recorded in an individual health certificate.

Yearly shots are NOT required - every three years is sufficient, and further studies may show that even these are unnecessary. Rabies should be given at 6 months of age, and boosted every 3 years.

Guarantee:

We offer a 10 day purchase price refund if for ANY reason, the puppy is not as represented. We highly recommend you take your new puppy to your vet within days of receiving him/her, and to please follow our guidelines for diet, exercise, and socialization.

A two-year genetic health warranty is also part of our agreement, which covers hips, eyes, knees, and heart disease of a genetic nature.

Lifetime Support:

When you purchase a puppy from SunoJo, you become a member of the family. No, not the type that arrives on your doorstep and never leaves! We encourage you to CALL if you have any questions/concerns about that little ball of fluff - no question is silly! And this is Lifetime - from the first questions about teething, to caring for the old veterans.

Price:

Show/Breeding: If you are considering "getting into" dog shows, please be aware I will want you to prove that you ARE serious, and this puppy will be given every opportunity to develop into the champion we believe it to be. Price for show/breeding potential puppies start at $2400 US.

Companion: "Pet" puppies are sold are sold on a non-breeding agreement: they are to be spayed or neutered by 9 months of age, and NOT to be bred. Price $1500.

"But I Only Want A Pet!"

Yes, you can find a pet for much less. The SPCA and Rescue Organizations usually charge $100 - $250 for dogs of mixed breeds and unknown background. And if you are comfortable with those types of pets, I highly encourage you to adopt one of the many dogs that are in dire need of a loving home.

If you are wanting a SHIBA COMPANION, then you are looking for a puppy that LOOKS and ACTS like its breed, is HEALTHY and HAPPY, and will give you many years of love and friendship.

Benefits of a Purebred

You know exactly what the adult dog will be: size, colour, coat type, looks. There are also personality traits that can be accurately predicted. Contrary to popular belief, purebreds are NOT more prone to health, genetic, or temperament problems.

But.... this is only true of purebreds that are bred well. Unfortunately there are many people who put a male and female together and call themselves "breeders", with no knowledge of breed type, history, characteristics, and issues. They can charge less for their puppies because they have not invested in quality breeding stock, do not screen for health/temperament problems, do not invest any time, money or effort into evaluating their breeding program, and breed their bitches repeatedly to produce large numbers.

Over the years, I have heard stories of Shibas that are shy, vicious, sickly, plain ugly, etc. etc. I have tried to educate the public to visit breeders - Shibas should be clean, happy, active dogs. If the parents are nasty or shy, there is a very high possibility the puppies will be too. If they are kept in dirty squalid conditions, guess what - they will arrive at your home with parasites and other goodies. If there are large numbers of dogs, how much attention will each individual receive?

"Buyer Beware" and "You Get What You Pay For"
- two very good pieces of advice when looking for your new family member.