r/shiba Aug 01 '25

“Is my Shiba well bred?” A PRIMER

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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 4h ago

He really just wants to play.

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Our other dog just isn’t always down to play, but he always wants it.


r/shiba 12h ago

Does she need a software update

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She’s had three 40-45 minute walks today btw


r/shiba 11h ago

Sweet dreams lilu! The walk was a success!

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r/shiba 6h ago

Sick all week and he stayed by my side at all times

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We are basically cuddling


r/shiba 4h ago

Silly Girl

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Where does she think she's going?


r/shiba 50m ago

Flying doge

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r/shiba 15h ago

There truly is nothing quite as special as a sheeb snuggle.

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r/shiba 16h ago

baby shark

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As long as he’s happy..


r/shiba 6h ago

Cake day Shiba picture

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r/shiba 7h ago

Convincing my Shiba that I’m spider-man, he definitely believes me lmao

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r/shiba 18h ago

Our humans are doing weird stuff again!

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Found a Balance Board for the WiiU at GEO for 498¥ to play Wii Fit U. The Shibas wanted to see what we were up to, I think it's Shiba approved but time will tell. 😅


r/shiba 10h ago

Liftoff!

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r/shiba 48m ago

Time to sleep after a long day

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r/shiba 13h ago

Got a new dog walker today...

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Shes not the best but shes got the spirit


r/shiba 12h ago

Cuddles with dad

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Some assembly required?


r/shiba 18h ago

Just a little cinnamon bun 🥰

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Probably plotting my demise….


r/shiba 5h ago

並列ムチムチ親子ペアルック。

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この続きはコチラから👇

https://youtu.be/ssm2MeW0hFs u/YouTube


r/shiba 19h ago

My girl Marina!

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Had her for only 2 weeks and id do anything for her. Just wants to be near you all the time!


r/shiba 13h ago

Anyone else’s Shiba a little protective of their toys? 🙄

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Don’t even want to photograph her current bed, she has almost every toy in the house at all times and if my Golden/Malamute comes anywhere near her she absolutely growls. 🫩 Wouldn’t trade her sass for the world!


r/shiba 32m ago

Shibe at the beach!

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Dog hates anything water related, loves the only thing that’s difficult to get out of his coat. He gets so excited to run around the beach and to sniff everything that we have to force him to lay down and take breaks from the sun. Keep your pups hydrated and cool!


r/shiba 1d ago

My boy after not seeing him for a few days 🥰

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r/shiba 17h ago

Paper towels are not safe around him 😣

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r/shiba 19h ago

Show us your best smile

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r/shiba 1d ago

It’s over, I have the high ground

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