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Our Philosophy & Breeding Ethics
At Dakine Shiba Inus, we are not a kennel—and we never will be. We are a small, ethical, in-home breeding program focused on quality, not quantity. All of our dogs are family members first, living full-time in loving homes, either with us or with trusted family and friends. When a litter is planned, the mother returns to us to be bred, whelp, and raise her puppies in our care.
Important Notice:
We do not sell puppies with breeding rights, under any circumstance. All puppies are placed on strict spay/neuter contracts with no exceptions.
Dog Welfare Comes First
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Our females have no more than four litters in their lifetime and are then retired into forever homes.
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Because our dogs are already raised in family homes, they transition beautifully into pet life after retirement.
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Males remain with us as long as they are happy, healthy, and contributing to the program with sound temperament and structure.
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Occasionally, we have retired Shibas available, and we prioritize placement in PTSD or therapy homes when possible.
Brucellosis Testing & Health Protocols
As a licensed veterinary technician, I take health screening very seriously. We routinely test all of our dogs for Brucellosis using both rapid in-clinic tests and periodic lab verification. We have never had a positive case—and we intend to keep it that way.
Why Brucellosis Testing Matters:
Brucellosis is a serious, contagious, and zoonotic disease—meaning it can be passed to humans. It can also be asymptomatic in dogs, making regular testing essential. Puppies born to infected females are often infected themselves and may face long-term health issues.
Sadly, many breeders are unaware or do not test regularly. If you're looking for a puppy, please ask about Brucellosis testing—it’s a critical health and safety step.
No Outside Stud Services
We do not offer our Shiba Inu males for outside stud services. The only exception is very limited artificial insemination (AI) with full PPE protocols and negative Brucellosis testing required in advance. This has only been done with our Siberian and even then, extremely sparingly.
Our breeding practices reflect our values: ethics, health, and the long-term well-being of every dog and every family we work with. This is not a business for us—it’s a passion and a purpose.
Feel free to contact us with questions about our program or future availability.
NOTE:
Dakine Shiba Inus – Our Philosophy
We are a small, ethical, in-home breeder—never a kennel. All of our dogs are beloved family members, either living with us or with trusted friends and relatives. When a litter is planned, mothers return to our care to whelp and raise their puppies in a calm, hands-on home environment.
🔒 Important:
All puppies are placed with a strict spay/neuter contract—no exceptions. We do not sell breeding rights.
Health, Temperament & Ethics First
We focus on temperament, health, and structure—not color or quantity. Most of our Shibas come from elite NIPPO Champion Japanese lines, hand-selected for solid conformation and a sound, stable temperament. We breed rarely, only when planning to retain a pup or meet a specific therapy or PTSD placement request.
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Retired dogs: Females have no more than 4 litters and retire to forever homes. Males stay as long as they are healthy and contributing positively.
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Selective program: We only have a few Shibas. This allows us to be intentional, hands-on, and highly selective.
Brucellosis Testing & Health Protocols
As a licensed Vet Tech, health testing is a top priority. All our dogs are routinely tested for Brucellosis, a rising and potentially dangerous zoonotic disease that breeders often overlook. Infected dogs can appear healthy and still transmit the disease.
We do not offer outside stud services. When AI is performed (rarely), it is done with full PPE protocols and requires negative testing.
Planned Litters & Waitlist Policy
We are a hobby breeder, so litters are limited and planned well in advance. We require a phone conversation before adding anyone to our waitlist. This helps us ensure our dogs are placed in committed, prepared homes.
We prioritize:
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PTSD/Therapy placements
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Families aligned with our ethical standards
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Homes committed to lifetime care
We occasionally retain a puppy from each litter or place a pup for a working role. Litter size is small (1–5 pups), and due to high demand, most puppies are reserved in advance.
About Visits & Pickups
Because we travel frequently for our business, we are often based in Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, and Idaho. Most pickups happen in Eugene, OR or Redding, CA, depending on the season.
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In-person visits are limited to serious, pre-approved families. For health reasons (including COVID and parvo concerns), visits are held outdoors only, and no physical contact with our dogs is permitted.
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We follow a strict no-shoes policy in our home and RV for sanitation.
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Virtual meetings (Zoom/FaceTime) are available.
Why Temperament Matters
Too many Shibas are bred without regard for behavioral traits. We have spent years selecting dogs with stable, family-friendly temperaments. Many of our puppies go on to become service, PTSD, or therapy dogs.
“I breed Shiba Inus that are beautiful—but more importantly, a joy to live with.”
What You’re Paying For
Shiba Inus are not an inexpensive breed to raise:
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Small litter sizes
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Frequent C-sections ($8,000–$10,500)
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Health testing (Brucellosis, patella, hips, etc.)
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Premium food, vet care, vaccines, and monthly preventatives
We are not a commercial breeder. This is a passion, not a profit-driven venture, and we often donate dogs to therapy causes.
How to Get Started
If you're serious about welcoming a Dakine Shiba Inu, please:
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Email or call us to introduce yourself.
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Be open to a phone/Zoom call to ensure fit.
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Understand that timing depends on nature—gender, color, and litter size are not guaranteed.
This breed is loyal, intelligent, and loving—especially when bred and raised the right way.
We’re here to do just that.
Warning: YIKES! I have recently been informed by people who are not my clients of some scams and Sick Puppy purchases. There are tons of scammers out there who are using false information to sell pups they do not even have puppies, or they have far lesser quality and are using breeders' photos and saying they are their dogs. Also, a few people have brought to my attention a BUY NOW through a few online kennels/importing sending sick puppies with PARVO and other diseases that are fatal as well as being sent a puppy that is nothing like the photo and video sent to them. When importing you are out of luck trying to get money or compensation for a dog if something is wrong like a replacement puppy. Anyhow so many scams and mass breeding Kennels out there please be careful in your search for a breeder there are plenty of legitimate breeders out there and their pups are worth the wait!
NOTICE: IMPORTANT: In my opinion and is solely my thoughts and opinion due to my hard research, I feel that you should be sure your breeder is NOT raising the pups on SHAVINGS ANY SHAVINGS! They contain toxic Phenols which have been tied to liver damage and increased cancer risk. the link below for more info! Do your own research. BE SURE TO ASK. Many breeders use shavings! Being a Vet Tech I personally will never use shavings or Newspapers around any of my dogs and I most definitely want to warn others of this danger as well as the newspaper In my opinion is extremely toxic (the ink) info is also online on this. Huge questions to ask your Breeder. Do your research and you decide. The info is out there.
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Up to date shots but not over-vaccinated. We use an expensive cutting edge high titter parvo shot and a High titter Distemper shot we do not believe in over-vaccinating a young pup for most vaccines don't even provide protection until the final shot! Then at 8 weeks, they get their first combo puppy shot just before they leave to their Forever families if they are staying with us and not placed yet they will be given booster shots every 3 weeks until 20 weeks of age this ensures good protection the final shot is the MOST IMPORTANT SHOT.
* All pups remain with the dam and the litter until 8 weeks of age allowed to nurse and be naturally weaned. This allows the dam to continue to educate her pups, better immunity for longer nursing, and better socialization for the pup. BREEDERS WHO TAKE THE DAM AWAY TO EARLY ARE IN MY OPINION HURTING THE PUPS. So many breeders push to wean pups are 5 to six weeks from nursing. Pups need mom still for education and to add nutrients to the milk supply. A dam will naturally fully wean her pups and not let them, nurse.
*will be on 7 surfaces by 7 weeks ( this helps to make a well-adjusted dog, with more confidence this stimulates the nervous system.
*Utilize Puppy potty pad training starting at 3-4 weeks of age. We use washable puppy pads that the pups use very well. We do a lot of laundry during this time and keep them super clean this way they fully housebreak easier. WE DO NOT take the pups outside on surfaces/grass before the first vaccine such a huge risk for the pups. Not worth it. The first vaccine should never take place before 7 weeks of age and it takes weeks for antibodies to start to build. So because of this, we keep their potty breaking to potty pads at this very young and vulnerable age. Also, we do not EVER use shavings or newspapers both are super toxic and can cause future health issues.
*Heartworm Prevention n( All of our dogs are heartworm negative V/A blood test and on Revolution and also get a dose of ivermectin 2x a month.
*Puppy Vet exam or Vet Tech exam by me if we are traveling just before they leave at 8 weeks checking for any issues and overall health of the pups before leaving. We use Oregon Mobile Vet for this so as to not expose them to disease in a Vet office. They come to our home. The only time we do not do this is if we are traveling with a litter and the timing doesn't add up. This is our Vet and the only one we trust. I am a Vet Tech and go over every pup several times before they leave for any issues.
* none of our pups go home with Fleas or ticks we are extremely careful for I am highly allergic to fleas.... ( We recommend Revolution all of our dogs are on this you need a prescription from your vet). But far worth it to protect your Sibe from Heartworms and Fleas, Ticks, Lice, Mites. All of our dogs are heartworm and Brucellosis negative. You will find a link on the Siberian Husky health page to learn more about Revolution it is the safest anti-flea/tick/lice/mite treatment for dogs through my studies. I highly recommend it. It is not as effective for ticks if you are in a heavy tick-infested area I recommend adding more tick protection when needed, but our dogs have never had ticks using this product.
*Dewormed starting at two weeks of age and kept up until the pup goes home to you so it is done every two weeks. Being a vet tech I can do fecal floats to check stool when needed.
*Raised 100% inside our home until they go home with their new families. THIS IS HUGE!
They are not in an outdoor kennel. They are in our home underfoot until the day they go home and are handled and played with daily. Exposed to different sounds and surfaces, carried around, sit with us on the couch socialized in a safe loving, clean environment. Summer or Snow birding litters may see some patio time after the use of Kennel Sol/or Bleach on the pavement or our RV Mat prior to them being allowed on it. This is due to not being vaccinated and the risk of protozoa infections as well from the grass and soil we do not allow them on the grass until they are a bit older and have a vaccine in them.
*Neurostimulation: Now this is huge huge huge our pups receive this and it makes such a huge difference 30% more brain cells, a better immune system, overall health, and confidence. READ MORE HERE: https://breedingbetterdogs.com/article/early-neurological-stimulation
http://www.angelfire.com/fl/alaturka/imgArticles/ENS.pdf
* Used to having toenails trimmed and teeth looked at.
*Temperament testing: We temperament test every puppy several times before they go so you know if your dog should be Alpha or more submissive.
*We have children whom we have come over and play with our puppies, this also helps with the socialization and gets them used to kids and the quick movements, etc. Plenty of nieces and nephews and family and friends for this and now grandchildren.
* Also ALL OF MY PUPPIES go home with a lifetime of breeder support. I can provide you with vaccine info, deworming, issues with training/illness whatever comes up you have for the life of your dog! I am the breeder who is involved as you want me to be with you and your dog. I am a Vet Technician by trade though I do not work in a Vet Office anymore. These Siberian pups are my kids going off into the world, I want to help you be successful parents to live life and be part of your family. They are man's best friend I have put so much into them to get them here and raise them until they go home with you.
PLEASE READ NOTE: Once again it is so important this breed is raised in a very social environment inside a home environment. They can be bred for temperament, but without being handled and exposed to noise and people daily they will be a challenge to say the least. I can not stress this enough, being a dog trainer I see so much of this. Breeders just don't understand you can't raise them outside in a kennel or garage and have a dog that is truly socialized. Huge hurdles ahead for those who get pups not socialized enough. Seems like almost every dog I have gotten from a breeder has been this way. So very disappointing to say the least. Breeders and People just don't get it. Our dogs are family members. Yes, this is very hard work and challenging to have them inside your home for 8 weeks, cleaning up after them, etc. This is why many breeders opt to raise litters outside. I, however, choose to work hard and give my pups the absolute best social start and it pays off ten folds! My clients are very happy and rave about our dogs.
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Raising litters of puppies can be highly underestimated. You may have to hand-raise a litter of puppies when things go wrong. This means feedings every 2-3 hrs round the clock and helping them potty every time you feed for the mother does this to help all newborns for the first few weeks. Newborn puppies can't do this themselves. Tons of work. It is expensive with having to purchase special formula to feed them and being extremely careful not to drown them and regulate flow. Not for the beginner. So many costs, long nights, worry, and sacrifices go into raising dogs properly that the general public has no idea of.
Below is a pick of a litter I hand-raised. Know that truly dedicated breeders step up to the plate when they need to with round-the-clock care~
Shiba Inu' can be very food allergy pron and very Sensitive to Corn and Chicken as well as some grains also so many puppy foods on the market have way too high calcium/protein (High Calcium is linked to joint disease) This is why we only feed Nutri Source to the puppies by a year Chicken allergies can be a real thing then we switch to Adult Pro Plan Sensitive Skin by a year but start adding it in at 20 weeks or so or by slowly and increasing adding more so they don't get to much calcium in their diet as the puppy foods have. Salmon and Rice is Perfect and ratios are as good as it gets. For both Shiba Inus and Siberian Huskies my only choice! No CORN, WHEAT, or SOY in this food! This food is not grain-free but easily digested grains so no increased risk for heart disease also this is huge because it does not contain any BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. These are known carcinogens and are found in so many top brands of dog foods neither does Nuti Source small-medium breed puppy which we feed only a small amount mixed in with our puppy's food for the first year the Nutri Source is chicken so needs to be done by a year after a year is when most Shiba's develop allergies. Also please know that many dogs are allergic to chicken allergies strike when a dog is usually over a year of age. We have not had an issue with Corn in our dogs but be mindful that they can have issues and is very hard for dogs to digest making it inflammatory. these listed are excellent foods. Our dogs also get Salmon Oil several times per week as well as seaweed. Just make sure it is a good clean supplement. We do not feed Focus small breed for it has Pea protein which is not good for dogs and can mess with hormones as well as the puppy-sensitive formulas also contain Pea protein. So many dog foods have this as a protein source. the Pro Plan Salmon and Rice Sensitive Adult is pictured here.
Currently, we Feed the Pro plan Sensitive Salmon and rice to all our adults and pups Nutiri Source small medium breed puppy for the pups for the first year. This is my choice and nothing but health. I will accept people feeding the Purina pro plan sensitive puppy salmon and rice if they so choose for the first year, but I do not personally feed while the pups are being raised due to the hormones in pea protein and I will be selecting pups from litters for my program so that won't fly. But will be fine if you choose to feed this to your pup instead of the adult for the pea protein is the only thing I don't like.
The real kicker about dog food and puppy food is so many dog foods have far too much calcium all the premium brands have way too much unbelievably high calcium is linked to Joint/hip/ etc disease dog food shouldn't be more than 1-1.2 tops and 1.2 pushing it in my opinion and ratios of phosphorus have to match or a no go. High Phosphorus is linked to kidney issues in dogs. This food has the best protein/cal/phos ratios I have found. To high of protein has major issues as well! It drives me nuts and this food is the one and only for me so far so Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Slamon and rice is perfect once your Shiba is an adult.
LETS TALK FOOD SO IMPORTANT: Most dog foods out on the market even the high-end ones have far too much calcium/Phos It is over the top crazy to me and it is mind-blowing. Check your labels dog parents it can save your dog! Dogs who are feed these foods are at a greater risk for joint issues. They have made the link to high calcium and hip dysplasia at such an alarming rate between high calcium and heavy joint wear at a young age puts any dog at a far greater risk for hip dysplasia and other joint and structure issues. In some studies even greater than genetics. So people need to listen to this
Excess calcium is often to blame for:
Calcium Excess
An easy example of excessive calcium intake is rickets-like signs in puppies or young dogs. Puppies will experience:
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Bone deformation or bowed limbs
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Bone pain and swelling
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Fractures
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Stiff gait or limp
Typically, we see rickets-like conditions with dogs fed only all-meat diets.
The remedy? Rickets-like symptoms in dogs can be reversible if caught early enough. Basically, a companion pet parent needs to balance the calcium to the phosphorus intake and add a vitamin D supplement
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Bone deformation or bowed limbs
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Bone pain and swelling
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Fractures
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Stiff gait or limp
Excess Phosphorus
Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism is an excess of phosphorus compared to calcium in the diet. When phosphate levels are maintained at untenable levels in the blood or are unmatched by sufficient calcium intake, calcium in the blood drops causing hypocalcemia. Low serum calcium, in turn, signals the parathyroid to call upon the calcium in bones to replenish what is missing in the blood. The demineralization of bones causes weakness, possible fractures and neurological dysfunction.
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The optimal dietary calcium to phosphorus ratio in dogs should be 1.2:1 to 1.3:1. The ratio appears small, but it is significant and if not kept in check can cause a whole host of issues for your dog.
Forti Flora love love love this probiotic top dress my dogs food daily with this amazing probiotic absorption of nutrition is the health of your dog keep the gut healthy.
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