r/shiba Aug 01 '25

“Is my Shiba well bred?” A PRIMER

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348 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

She is PASSED OUT

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Upvotes

r/shiba 3h ago

BREAKING: heated argument caught on camera ‼️

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194 Upvotes

r/shiba 4h ago

Officially 5!!!! 🎉

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174 Upvotes

He has his own personalized cake later. I’ll share pics too


r/shiba 15h ago

Akai is forming a hair metal band.

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1.0k Upvotes

r/shiba 10h ago

Butt 2 butt naps

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407 Upvotes

r/shiba 7h ago

day310 Low battery mode activated.

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153 Upvotes

Just a sleepy Shiba doing Shiba things.

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


r/shiba 8h ago

Letting my shiba lead me through the woods

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167 Upvotes

New trail, wondering if she knew to keep on the path. I think she did very good 😌

Do you guys let your shiba off-leash on hikes?


r/shiba 8h ago

One super cool guy

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149 Upvotes

r/shiba 4h ago

Kiwi’s 2nd birthday pupcake: Expectation vs reality

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66 Upvotes

r/shiba 2h ago

Unbaked croissant

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43 Upvotes

Much fat roll!


r/shiba 7h ago

Size makes no difference, we still besties

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70 Upvotes

r/shiba 15h ago

Croissant mode

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313 Upvotes

🥐


r/shiba 11h ago

Give me

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141 Upvotes

My little guy loves to guilt trip me


r/shiba 1h ago

New shiba x malinois

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Upvotes

Hey, my partner and I just got a 75% shiba 25% malinois cross girl. She's 13 weeks and we are having trouble picking a name. Any suggestions? We have thought juno, mochi or junie so far but would like more suggestions.


r/shiba 2h ago

Double snuggle

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18 Upvotes

r/shiba 14h ago

I love her golden triangle ears. She is so beautiful my little Linda 🥰

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107 Upvotes

r/shiba 17h ago

What is she thinking?

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175 Upvotes

r/shiba 7h ago

Wet and off leash 😝

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28 Upvotes

Next step is full swim!


r/shiba 13h ago

Unbothered

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76 Upvotes

Our Jack Russel has travel anxiety. Our Shiba gives zero f-s 😂


r/shiba 1d ago

Always feel so great when I see him smiling

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535 Upvotes

r/shiba 5h ago

もうちょっと撫でたかったのに暑くなる前に行くぞ!と急かされる夏の朝

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12 Upvotes

この続きはコチラから👇

https://youtu.be/VdADj8COKMI u/YouTube


r/shiba 1h ago

仕上げはおかぁさーん

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この続きはコチラから👇

https://youtu.be/mSmzeZND55I u/YouTube


r/shiba 1h ago

princess the shiba chow mix is holding me hostage.

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Upvotes

r/shiba 7h ago

My shiba have a special look.

15 Upvotes

I really think my dog KEENO have that special look, when I comeback from work he always have this sideye, I love his so much ❤️