So You Want a Shiba...

Perhaps you saw a picture in a book or on the internet; perhaps a chance encounter at the park. Wherever it was, the desire to add a Shiba to your life has prompted you to visit this site. There is a wealth of information about the breed on the internet, and I strongly encourage you to spend some time just spending a few hours looking at pictures and reading peoples' stories about their Shibas.

I ALWAYS recommend that you try to find a local breeder - you want to see the adults, how they are raised, how they interact with each other and humans, and to build a relationship with a breeder.

I usually ask people what their expectations are of a dog: if you are looking for an off-leash dog to jog with, a Shiba is not for you. If you are looking for a dog that listens and obeys every thing you say, a Shiba is not for you. This breed is active, intelligent, and can usually push their humans' buttons with ease! They are wonderful companions, easy to live with, and relatively easy maintenance (weekly brushing, monthly nail and tooth care). Health-wise, I find them to be robust with few issues - there is the occasional slipping patella and some skin sensitivities (which is found in all dogs, not specific to a breed). Visit 'Our Breeding Program' for other breeding considerations.

The biggest concerns for me when considering new homes for my puppies are temperament and exercise requirements. Shibas are intelligent and stubborn - a challenging combination! They need socialization and firm guidelines - owners must be prepared to deal with temper tantrums and rebellion in young dogs.

Exercise is a neccessity - Shibas were developed to be able to run all day. They certainly don't 'need' to do that, but especially as youngsters, they need to have a good run at least twice a day. I don't believe a leashed walk around the block even comes close to being adequate. They need a safe, fenced area to run all out - it only takes about 20 minutes twice a day when young. Once they are a year of age, they don't need as much, but certainly enjoy as much exercise as they can get. Getting enough exercise avoids boredom, improves appetite, and helps the growth of young bodies. I do not believe Shibas are good apartment dogs - contrary to what you might read on other sites.

So You Want a SunoJo Shiba...

We do not have a "Waiting List" or take deposits to reserve a puppy. I do maintain an email list of interested people, and they get advance notice of breedings, puppies' birth and development, available adults, etc.

An Application Form is available upon request; it is very basic in that it confirms contact information, asks general questions about living environment, experience with dogs, etc. We strongly encourage potential owners to come visit; that helps establish if the breed and the people are a suitable match.

Our puppies visit the vet at 8 weeks, for the appropriate vaccinations, wormings, and checkup. After a 24 hour observation period (to ensure there is no reaction to shots, etc), they are then able to go to their new homes. . All puppies are sold on a written contract, and come with the veterinary checkup folder, puppy care manual, various articles relevant to Shibas, pedigree, and family photos. We offer a full 30 day return (if for ANY reason the puppy is not as represented), a limited warranty up to 2 years of age for genetic health issues (hips, patellas, eyes & heart), and offer lifetime support.

Available Dogs and Puppy News

Price:

Show/Breeding: If you are considering "getting into" dog shows and breeding, 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 $2500 CDN.

Companion: "Pet" puppies are sold are sold on a non-breeding agreement: they are NOT to be bred, and to be spayed or neutered by 9 months of age. Price is $1500CDN, and includes CKC registration and transfer (upon receipt of the spay/neuter certificate).

"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. BUT 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.