So, you want a Shiba

Shibas in particular are very active. They are not aware that they are as small as we humans know they are. A Shiba puppy can keep even the most "on the go" family going and going and going, like the Energizer Bunny. Shibas need room to run, preferably in an ENCLOSED area. The use of Invisible Fencing or radio controlled containment is NOT reccomended for this very athletic breed, as they tend to chase first and think about it later. Shibas are very intelligent, adapting to obedience training very well. When a squirrel or rabbit crosses their path, however, their ancient hunting instict takes over the brain.

Shibas are of the Northern Spitz family of Japanese dogs. This is the same family (although different geographical location) as the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed and Pomeranian. All of these dogs have what is commonly referred to as a "double coat". This means that there is a soft, fluffy down-like fur close to the body that keeps the dog warm in the winter and (believe it or not) cool in the summer. He also has a harsher, water-resistant outer coat that protects him in cold climates by preventing water and ice from penetrating to the skin. It's the soft, fluffy coat that tends to shed all of the time. Spring, summer (especially summer!), fall or winter your Shiba can be found anywhere in the house simply by following the trail of dog hair. It is NOT reccommended that you shave your Shiba during the summer months, as the undercoat actually acts as a barrier against the sun's rays. It insulates the body and, since a dog cools his body temperature by panting, all he will need during the summer months is the shade of a tree, a large bowl of cool water, and an occasional ice cream cone (Shibas LOVE ice cream).

If you are considering a Shiba as a pet, it is STRONGLY reccommended that you have your Shiba neutered (if a male) or spayed (if a female). Breeding dogs requires a great deal of time, commitment and MONEY. The stud fee for a quality Shiba male averages $500-1500 depending on the dog and the amount of winning he's done, how many Champions he's produced and the bloodline that he comes from. There are pre-breeding tests that MUST be done before any dog is bred: xray against hip dysplasia, annual check against eye disease, Brucellosis check, blood test against hereditary blood disease...the list goes on and on. If you are breeding your female, there is also the added cost of the puppies from birth to eight weeks (or longer if you can't sell them all right away), possible problems with the delivery of the puppies, or even the mother after they are born. Qualified, reputable breeders are willing to do all of this necessary genetic screening so that you can purchase a happy healthy puppy, regardless of the breed.

Breeding dogs is NOT a fast-money making business. Many breeders are involved with dogs for many, many years before they make any kind of money. A spayed or neutered pet may be a happier, healthier pet. You don't have to worry about your male lifting his leg all over your furniture, or your female coming into heat every 4-6 months and bleeding all over your family room floors and sofas and chairs.

If you purchase your Shiba as a show prospect, breeders will expect certain things from you and your family. Remember ~ we breed for ourselves first. Puppies from responsible breeders are generally produced with one goal...to improve on the parent's faults. If you are sold a show prospect, the breeder will EXPECT THE PUPPY TO BE SHOWN. If you do not think you can commit the time and money to showing your puppy, PLEASE do not ask for a show puppy ~ ask for a pet. You breeder can provide you with a happy, healthy, well-socialized pet just as easily as a show prospect...possibly easier.

All breedings at Snowood are planned to produce happy, healthy Shiba puppies. All parents are certified clear of hereditary hip joint disease (hip dysplasia) by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and cleared of all evidence of eye disease by a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ACVO) and/or registered as clear by the Canine Eye Research Foundation (CERF) for the current year. It should not be surprising, then, that we ask all new puppy buyers to agree to complete the same health screenings at the appropriate time, so as to ensure the complete health of their Shiba.

We strive to socialize all puppies before they leave for their new homes so that they may lead active, social lives with their new families. Most Shibas originating from Snowood have earned at least one title, either Champion, or Companion Dog (CD), and some are currently working as Therapy Dogs in Nursing Home situations. Obedience classes are always encouraged, and we are able to reccommend trainers if potential buyers are interested. Obedience with a Shiba, though usually challenging, is certainly possible and always very rewarding.