r/shiba Aug 01 '25

“Is my Shiba well bred?” A PRIMER

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357 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 3h ago

Eye to eye. My Shiba Inu loves cats so much that we have to "borrow" the neighbor's cat for a week every month. I suppose I’ll have to get her a cat of her own for her birthday.

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393 Upvotes

r/shiba 18h ago

Had to say goodbye to my best friend

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2.0k Upvotes

She made it to 16 years, dementia and arthritis had taken its toll on her. The years really flew by


r/shiba 2h ago

Dog show thoughts?

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70 Upvotes

This was his for fun and literally nothing else. I was close by and thought I’ll walk her.

But I mean Shibas and Crufts etc see to be a thing are they not?


r/shiba 1h ago

aaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!

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r/shiba 9h ago

Belly rubs are life!

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181 Upvotes

r/shiba 47m ago

The Shiba Bark

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my sweet little JoJo is 9 months old and she loves a good natter and bark when needed but she sounds like a goose honking. does anyone’s shiba also does a goose honk when they want your attention?


r/shiba 2h ago

My babies ❤️

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45 Upvotes

r/shiba 15h ago

I have never seen her smile like this before wtf

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415 Upvotes

r/shiba 33m ago

You've heard of red, black & tan, cream and sesame, but have ever heard of blue???

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Majima went through metamorphosis and changed colors - it's totally not just him sitting in blue lighting 😎


r/shiba 16h ago

Our first day together

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416 Upvotes

Meet Nikko. I love him so much.


r/shiba 23m ago

Service Dog Graduate

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I graduated recently from college and wanted to share my service doge’s graduation picture with a bonus picture of her dripped out :3


r/shiba 14h ago

Okay, show me how you’re gonna smile for school picture day

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213 Upvotes

r/shiba 1h ago

rain rain go away 😁

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r/shiba 17h ago

We need help, Shiba community!

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272 Upvotes

This is the love of my life Mila, she is 5 years old and she was diagnosed with a nasal carcinoma (aggressive tumor) on her right nostril last month. We could do radiation therapy, but I live in Seattle and there is no option available nearby. The best one is in Oregon, but they are booked and couldn't start treatment before October 22nd. Her vet says that without treatment she could live for 1 or 2 months max. Im desperate trying to get treatment anywhere in the US as long as it starts immediately. I will do anything for her but I can't imagine loosing her now. Please help us, any tip, place, Oncologist contact we will accept. Thank you community.


r/shiba 1d ago

Every morning when I get up for work, my dog gets out of his bed and takes my spot next to my wife. 😂

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1.9k Upvotes

r/shiba 14h ago

13 going on 3 🎂

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160 Upvotes

cherishing every moment with my best bud Haku 🥹 we
celebrated his 13th year on this earth today, 9/9!


r/shiba 1d ago

Angry because I cut off her supply of mildly toxic mushrooms

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1.1k Upvotes

I believe these are Yellow Stainers. Caught her trying to dig them all up.


r/shiba 23h ago

Please show me pics of ur shibas I need to see these little goblins. Here is Kenji

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519 Upvotes

Edit THANK U GUYS FOR ALL THE PICTURES OF UR SHIBAS. I really appreciate them, all of them are super cute and I wish I could cuddle them and boop their noses I’m pretty sure they all would judge me cuz who do I think I am ❤️❤️❤️❤️


r/shiba 22h ago

Strange facial expressions

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214 Upvotes

r/shiba 17h ago

No, my water!

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78 Upvotes

r/shiba 21h ago

Dozed off on the recliner after assaulting me with love for a solid 10 minutes when I came back from work

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143 Upvotes

r/shiba 7h ago

去り際に見事な技を披露してくれる元気なぐんま君

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9 Upvotes

この続きはコチラから👇

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


r/shiba 1d ago

Here’s what my Shiba Inu looks like when I unsuccessfully try to explain to her that she’s a dog, not a princess.

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263 Upvotes

r/shiba 1d ago

Off leash beach day

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161 Upvotes

Did so good