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A sustainable breeding protocol involves efforts from both ethical breeders, practicing veterinarians, and responsible organizations. We breed to respect for their unique heritage, characteristics, and essence. This breeding protocol has been designed to guide breeders in preserving the distinctive traits of Japanese dogs while ensuring their health, well-being, and alignment with breed standards. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining sexual dimorphism—where males are distinctly masculine, and females exhibit feminine elegance—and upholding the ideal body proportions and features specific to these breeds. Our breeding programs take into consideration the age, health, COI, and desired appearance of each dog. Working together with vets and our colleagues in kennel practices, we draw our protocol from scientific principles and practical experiences. Breeding practices at Cumulus Shiba imply pre-breeding genetic tests to verify the Canine Genetic Diversity, GM1 Gangliosidosis, DM, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rcd4-PRA). All lab test reports are claimed by the University of California Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. Collaborate with veterinarians; all our Shiba aged 18 months or older are OFA certified. Though the majority of our practices are located in Canada, we keep our breeding value consistent by following the appearance standard list by Nihon Ken Hozonkai > breed elegant Shiba in the show rings.

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Shiba Inu is the smallest of the six native breeds of Japan. The Shiba was developed to hunt boars, rabbits, and grouse in dense undergrowth, where they needed strength, agility, and a coarse, thick coat, as well as courage and endurance. Despite their hunting skills, Shibas have become one of the healthiest breeds and are primarily adopted as companions.

Stander colours of Shiba Inu include Red, Sesame, Black and Tan. White Shiba does not qualify for the show to control the over-breeding of white Shiba. Japanese culture believes white creatures are born with blessings, thus leading to overbreeding of white dogs historically. The red Shiba's genes and temperament are the most stable. Black Shiba are relatively rare than red ones, and it is a challenge to breed a standardized and elegant black and tan coat. The sesame coat is one of the rarest coat colours in the Shiba breed. Their atavism genes contribute to their coyote-like appearance.

the look.

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The overall appearance of Japanese dogs places great importance on gender-specific characteristics, known as sexual dimorphism. Males are distinctly masculine, while females exhibit a clearly feminine quality.

The body structure is well-proportioned and compact, with a tightly-knit skeletal frame. Muscles and tendons are well-developed, giving the dogs a slightly rectangular build, where the ratio of height to length is 100:110. Females tend to appear slightly longer-bodied compared to males.

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The eyes are slightly triangular, with the outer corners slanting upward, pointing to the outer edge of the ear, giving them a strong, deep-set appearance. The ideal eye is a rich, dark brown, large triangular eye.

Shiba is one of the healthiest breeds. There are fewer health concerns in general at a young age, and a healthy lifestyle will also help to prevent age-related degenerative diseases. Breeding projects need to consider age, health and COI that limit the potential of genetic mutation and passing down of undesired traits. Working together with vets and our colleagues in kennel practices, we draw our protocol from scientific principles and practical experiences. Breeding practices at Cumulus Shiba imply pre-breeding genetic tests to verify the Canine Genetic Diversity, GM1 Gangliosidosis, DM, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rcd4-PRA). All lab test reports are claimed by the University of California Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. 

  • Long-hair Shibas are cute, but often carry genetic issues. A responsible kennel will NEVER sell any long-hair Shibas.

  • Neither CKC/FCI nor Nihon Ken Hozonkai issue pedigrees state "Mameshiba" for Mameshiba, Koshiba, and dogs with similar names.

  • There is the myth that white Shiba is unhealthy.

  • Female and male Shiba need to have very distinguished facial expressions.

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Shibas held a confident, fearless, cheerful and independent deposition. Comtanprary Shiba enjoys family life with people of all ages, and they are particularly playful with children. Like cats, Shiba Inus love to keep their bodies clean, and often use their tongues to clean their feet and legs. Though they are playful and energetic, Shiba Inu usually adapts quickly to indoor life with appropriate mental stimulation.

The essence of Japanese dogs lies in three key traits: spirited dignity (悍威), good-natured temperament (良性), and simplicity (素朴).

- Spirited dignity (悍威): This refers to their vigor and poise.
- Good-natured temperament (良性): This embodies loyalty and obedience.
- Simplicity (素朴): This describes their unadorned elegance and natural refinement, fundamental qualities that Japanese dogs inherently possess.

 

Shibas don't bark much but sometimes make alert "Pufu" like sounds. Generally, shibas are one of the quietest breeds; thus, they are also good for an apartment lifestyle when daily exercise is fulfilled.

Pristine Blood

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temperament.

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With their keen senses, legendary cunning and quicksilver agility, Shibas is extremely easy to escape. Always keep your Shiba on-leash when fully fenced space is not available.

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Shibas shed lots with the consideration of their size. The coat needs only regular brushing. An intensive brushing and bath during the twice-yearly shed speed up the process of coat-changing. 

Shibas, trained to hunt for small animals in the first place, have given birth to their well-known "stubborn" characters. They are independent and cunning, who make its own way of thinking and determining, making them an intelligent breed but hard to obey. Therefore, not like other breeds, the most important part of training a Shiba is building a strong connection and trusting relationship between the owner and the dog.

The concern

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