Shomaisou Shiba Inu Blog
Meet the New Kuro x Pretty Kitty Litter: Champion Shiba Inu Puppies Ready for homes in August 2025
by Rex Gaylord on 07/07/25
If you’re searching for a healthy, well-socialized Shiba Inu puppy from a trusted, preservation-focused breeder — or dreaming of raising your own champion Shiba Inu — we’re thrilled to introduce our latest litter, bred with integrity and heart: the Kuro x Pretty Kitty pairing.
This exciting litter includes six puppies: three red Shiba Inu males, two black & tan males, and one black & tan female — all with gorgeous markings, confident personalities, and champion-pedigree potential. Whats behind the names? The temporary names are explained in the Growth & Development Spreadsheet.
- Kuro x Kitty Bravo Boy 1 "Smoke" DNA Results
- Kuro x Kitty Bravo Boy 2 "Oak" DNA Results
- Kuro x Kitty Bravo Boy 3 "Malt" DNA Results
- Kuro x Kitty Bravo Girl 4 "Sherry" DNA Results
- Kuro x Kitty Bravo Boy 5 "Brine" DNA Results
- Kuro x Kitty Bravo Boy 6 "Peat" DNA Results
Bred with Purpose, Raised with Heart
At Shomaisou Shiba Inu, we don’t just breed for looks — we breed for health, structure, and temperament, following the standards of both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and NIPPO (the Japanese Shiba preservation society). This litter reflects our unwavering commitment to breed improvement, sound temperament, and traditional Shiba type.
Sire: Kuro – Owned by Joan Morningstar, Kuro is a striking sesame male known for his confident disposition, balanced structure, and expressive movement.
Dam: Pretty Kitty – A black & tan female also owned by Joan Morningstar and currently leased to Shomaisou, she adds elegance, type, and a gentle temperament to this breeding.
See the Puppies for Yourself
We believe in full transparency — and the joy of watching puppies grow! Follow the development of these six special puppies via our live tools:
- Google Photos Puppy Album – View Puppies
- Growth & Development Spreadsheet
- Facebook Puppy Cam + Updates
Why Choose a Shomaisou Shiba Inu Puppy?
We are not a commercial kennel. We are a heritage breeder and an active member of the National Shiba Club of America, as well as a featured breeder in their Breeder Directory, with the sole goal of improving the breed and preserving its traditional traits.
- - DNA-tested and clear for 270+ health conditions
- - Evaluated for structure, temperament, and long-term potential
- - Microchipped, vet-checked, and vaccinated under a health-first protocol
- - Raised hands-on in our home with early socialization and lifetime support
Ready to Apply?
We do not take deposits or place puppies first-come, first-served. Instead, we match each puppy to the best possible home based on personality, lifestyle, and long-term compatibility.
Apply here to get started: https://apply.gooddog.com/shomaisou-shiba-inu-ohio
You can also learn more or follow us on these platforms:
- Good Dog Profile: https://my.gooddog.com/shomaisou-shiba-inu-ohio
- Petnax Breeder Page: https://petnax.com/shomaisou
- Doggit Breeder Profile: https://doggit.app/profile/xuElJIzkrWfO9EQlOpeD4mNxBU43
- AKC Marketplace Listing: https://marketplace.akc.org/breeder/shomaisou
We’re On the Road — But Still in Reach
We’re currently traveling full-time by RV with our dogs, showing throughout Wyoming, California, Nevada, and Oregon. We’ll be attending the Shiba Inu National Specialty in Lake Perris (October) and the Napa Wine Country shows (November). Our final event of the year will be in Orlando, Florida (December) before we return home to Ohio.
- Flight nanny service
- In-person pickup
- Meet-ups or delivery when logistically feasible
Final Thoughts
The Kuro x Pretty Kitty litter is shaping up to be one of our most exciting yet — blending beautiful red and black & tan coats with strong structure and warm temperaments.
What to Know Before Getting a Shiba Inu: 7 Essential Insights
by Rex Gaylord on 06/18/25
Introduction
Shiba Inu are spirited, intelligent, and undeniably captivating—but they’re not the right match for every household. Often called the “cat of the dog world,” the Shiba Inu is known for its fierce independence, expressive personality, and striking appearance. But under that charming exterior lies a breed that requires thoughtful ownership, consistent training, and deep respect for its nature.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned canine enthusiast, here are 7 essential things you need to know before welcoming a Shiba Inu into your life.
1. Shiba Temperament & Personality
Shiba Inu are famously bold, confident, and aloof. Bred originally for hunting in Japan, they possess strong prey drives, keen awareness of their surroundings, and a stubborn streak that can surprise unprepared owners.
While they are highly intelligent, they are not always eager to please. Training a Shiba Inu requires patience, creativity, and consistency. They tend to bond closely with their family but may be indifferent—or even suspicious—toward strangers and other animals.
If you’re looking for a dog that thrives on obedience and hangs on your every word, the Shiba may not be your ideal match. But if you respect their autonomy and learn to work with them, they’ll return the favor with loyalty and affection.
2. Health & Testing Checklist
Responsible breeders prioritize health. Before committing to a puppy or adult Shiba Inu, ensure the breeder performs the following health screenings:
OFA Patellar Luxation (kneecap stability)
OFA Hip Evaluation (hip dysplasia risk)
OFA or CAER Eye Exams (for conditions like glaucoma or PRA)
Optional Genetic Testing (for allergies, autoimmune risk, etc.)
Ask for the OFA record or CHIC number for both parents. You can verify health tests through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) database or at akc.org.
A quality breeder won’t just mention testing—they’ll show the documentation.
3. Color, Coat & Grooming Needs
The Shiba Inu has a dense double coat that sheds heavily twice a year (called “blowing coat”). Acceptable AKC colors include:
Red – the most common and iconic
Black and Tan – dramatic and bold
Sesame – a striking red with black overlay
Cream-colored Shiba Inu, while adorable, are considered a serious fault under the breed standard due to lack of contrast and defined urajiro (white markings). They should not be bred or shown.
Weekly brushing is sufficient during most of the year, but during seasonal shedding, daily grooming helps manage the hair explosion.
4. Training & Socialization Tips
Early socialization is non-negotiable with this breed. Enroll your puppy in a puppy kindergarten class, expose them to various environments, and give them plenty of positive experiences with strangers, children, and other animals.
Use positive reinforcement methods—Shibas respond poorly to harsh corrections and can shut down or become defiant.
Training commands like “Leave it,” “Come,” and “Wait” can be life-saving when combined with leash control, especially given their prey drive.
Remember: a bored Shiba is a mischievous Shiba.
5. Day?to?Day Care Requirements
Shiba Inu are clean dogs with minimal odor and cat-like grooming habits. They’re highly adaptable and can thrive in both apartments and houses—as long as their physical and mental exercise needs are met.
Key care elements:
Daily walks (30–60 minutes)
Mental enrichment (puzzle toys, scent games)
Crate training for safety and structure
Supervised off-leash play only in secure, fenced areas
They are prone to separation anxiety if improperly raised. If you work long hours or travel frequently, consider if your schedule is compatible with owning a Shiba.
6. What to Ask a Breeder
Don’t be shy about asking tough questions. A reputable breeder will welcome your diligence and ask you just as many in return.
Here are a few smart questions to ask:
What health tests have the parents had?
How long have you been breeding Shiba Inu?
Can I meet or see photos of both parents?
Do you offer a contract and health guarantee?
What is your return policy if things don’t work out?
Bonus tip: A good breeder will have a waitlist, provide references, and may even require an application or interview before placing a dog.
7. Long?Term Commitment
Shiba Inu can live 12 to 15 years, and owning one is a serious responsibility. Consider the long-term costs:
Veterinary care (routine and emergency)
Food and supplements
Training and boarding
Grooming tools and maintenance
Equally important is the emotional commitment—Shibas are fiercely loyal and form strong bonds with their people. They thrive in homes where they are understood, guided, and loved as intelligent individuals—not just cute companions.
?? Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re serious about adding a Shiba Inu to your family, we’re here to help.
?? Download our free “Shiba Readiness Checklist” to make sure you’re fully prepared.
?? Or schedule a consultation with us to discuss your goals, experience, and next steps:
?? Schedule a Meeting with Shomaisou Shiba Inu
Shomaisou Shiba Inu is a preservation breeder based in Brecksville, Ohio, committed to health, structure, and temperament.
Learn more at ?? https://shibas.dog or call ?? (702) 845?3283.
Shomaisou Shiba Inu April 2025 Newsletter
by Rex Gaylord on 04/08/25See Shomaisou Shiba Inu April 2025 Newsletter
Available Puppies As of 2/9/2025
by Rex Gaylord on 02/09/25
We currently have the following available puppies.
From the Kami X Lavender Alpha litter, one red male born 10/15/24 is available now.
From the Kuzya X Michi Echo litter, one red male born 10/15/24 is available now.
From the Guccifer X Kitty Alpha litter, one red male born 10/27/24 is available now.
One red male and three red females were born from the Chupa Bravo litter on 2/3/25 and are available between April 1 and April 14, 2025.