Cat

Dog

Shiba

• Cannot be left off leash

• Breeders

  Spend some time with adult Shibas before you get a puppy.

  Find a reputable local breeder:

  • Red flags include:

    • no dogs in house
    • more than 2 litters per year
    • doesn't show
    • owns both parents
    • won't let you see their home
    • sends puppies home earlier than 8 weeks (10-12 is better, 8 weeks is an absolute minimum.)
    • says they had the dogs 'vet checked' when you ask about health testing which should mean many expensive tests beyond a simple wellness check

  • GOOD signs include:

    • they have as many questions for you as you have for them - or more
    • they can articulate why they bred this litter above 'puppies are cute and we sell them'
    • they are active in dog rescue in some way
    • their dogs are well trained and sociable (if you can't meet the dogs or if they're snappish remember that those traits have genetic components)
    • they show and are registered in their breed club
    • they have references from vets/previous buyers

• Training classes