Shomaisou Shiba Inu Blog
Welcoming the Kami × Bonnie “Alpha” Litter
by Rex Gaylord on 10/16/25
Born August 22, 2025
We’re proud to announce the arrival of our Kami × Bonnie Alpha litter, born on August 22, 2025. This pairing represents an exciting combination of strength, temperament, and traditional Shiba Inu type — traits we work hard to preserve in every Shomaisou breeding.
You can view the full litter album here: https://petnax.com/shomaisou
About the Parents
Kami is a gentle yet confident Champion with superb structure and a calm, focused temperament. He’s an exceptionally stable male with the kind of poise we value in both show and family settings.
View Kami’s profile: https://dogbreederpro.com/s/dog/M8oWRw2JkERPB
Bonnie is a warm, easy-going, sesame female who brings balance and sweetness to every environment she’s in. Her affectionate nature and resilience make her an excellent complement to Kami’s bold steadiness.
View Bonnie’s profile: https://dogbreederpro.com/s/dog/kr38ZB83Q1jWx
The Puppies
The puppies from this pairing show exactly what we hoped for — beautiful expressions, excellent bone and proportion, and bright, confident personalities. Each has inherited the even, easy temperament we expect from both parents.
We have two boys available for immediate placement in companion homes.
Interested in a Puppy?
This litter is not listed on Good Dog, but you can apply directly through our Good Dog application portal:
https://apply.gooddog.com/shomaisou-shiba-inu-ohio
Morningstar Adult Shiba Inu Available 2U
by Rex Gaylord on 08/25/25
Learn more: https://shibas.dog/available-adult-shibas.html Inquire: Joan Morningstar [email protected]We occasionally place retired or adult Shiba Inu into loving homes. All adults are healthy, fully health?tested, and with Shiba typically living 13–16 years, even our seniors have many happy years to give.
Shomaisou Shiba Inu is listed as a verified breeder on PuppyHero
by Rex Gaylord on 08/19/25
Shomaisou Shiba Inu is listed as a verified breeder on PuppyHero
Meet the New Kuro × Chupa Charlie Litter
by Rex Gaylord on 08/15/25
We are thrilled to announce the arrival of the Kuro × Chupa Charlie litter!
On August 15, 2025, Chupa Charlie delivered three beautiful Shiba Inu puppies:
· One red girl
· One black & tan boy
· One red boy
Chupa is proving to be a devoted and attentive mother once again, keeping her little ones well-fed and content. Kuro, as the sire, has contributed his structure, balance, and stable temperament — qualities we expect to see reflected in this promising trio.
At just a day old, their world revolves around nursing, sleeping, and snuggling together in cozy heaps. It’s a joy to see their strong starts, and we’re excited to watch each one grow into a unique personality.
As with all Shomaisou litters, they will be raised with Puppy Culture and early socialization protocols, ensuring they develop into confident and adaptable companions. Whether destined for the show ring or family life, this litter is off to an excellent beginning.
This exciting trio includes:
Kuro × Chupa Charlie Girl 1 – Temp Name Pending (DNA results pending)
Kuro × Chupa Charlie Boy 2 – Temp Name Pending (DNA results pending)
Kuro × Chupa Charlie Boy 3 – Temp Name Pending (DNA results pending)
Their temporary names will be explained in the Growth & Development Spreadsheet, which will also track their milestones and progress as they grow.
We are currently located in Wyoming, and you can view the pups live through our puppy cam system. To access the cameras:
1. Download the Foscam app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).
2. Create a free Foscam account within the app.
3. Once your account is set up, send me your Foscam username, and I’ll share the cameras with you directly.
Stay tuned for Spreadsheet Updates and Photo Album Updates as these three Shibas continue to grow and reach new milestones. Their journey has only just begun, and we look forward to sharing it with you.
Shomaisou Shiba Inu
Preservation Breeder | Brecksville, Ohio
Understanding the Low ALT Gene in Dogs – What It Means for Shiba Inu
by Rex Gaylord on 08/05/25
The Shiba Inu Connection
Here’s the critical part for Shiba Inu owners and breeders:
Every known Shiba Inu we have tested to date (except 1) carries at least one copy of the low ALT gene—and many have two copies.
That means a low ALT value on a blood panel is normal for most Shibas. It does not automatically mean something is wrong. By itself, this gene is not harmful—it simply changes what “normal” ALT looks like for that dog.
The bottom line:
Your veterinarian needs to know your Shiba’s genetic status and should take a baseline ALT reading while your dog is healthy. This way, they’ll know what’s normal for your Shiba and can detect even small increases over time—because for a Shiba, a rise from 15 to 30 might be as significant as a Labrador’s rise from 50 to 200.
Additional Information on low ALT
In canine health testing, you may come across results mentioning the “low ALT” gene (also called the GPT gene variant). This genetic marker affects how your dog’s liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) appears on routine bloodwork.
ALT is a key part of most veterinary chemistry panels and is often used as an early warning sign for liver disease. But in dogs with this genetic variant—especially Shiba Inu—their normal ALT level may naturally be lower than the standard lab reference range, without any sign of illness.
ALT and What It Does
ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme made in the liver. When liver cells are damaged, ALT leaks into the bloodstream. High ALT is usually a red flag for liver problems.
For most dogs, “normal” ALT falls within a certain range set by the testing lab. In a dog with the low ALT gene, their baseline ALT is naturally lower than that range. This can be misleading if the vet doesn’t know the dog’s genetic status.
How the Low ALT Gene Works
The low ALT trait is inherited in a recessive pattern:
One copy (carrier) – ALT levels are often on the low end of normal.
Two copies (affected) – ALT levels are naturally well below the lab’s normal range.
By itself, this gene is not harmful—it simply changes what “normal” ALT looks like for that dog.
Why This Matters for Liver Health
The low ALT gene becomes especially important when monitoring for conditions like copper toxicosis, where ALT is often used as a first sign of trouble. In a Shiba Inu with this gene, ALT may stay within “normal” limits—or rise only slightly—even if liver damage is present.
One copy – ALT may rise with disease, but not as dramatically.
Two copies – ALT may remain low even with significant liver injury.
That’s why other diagnostics—such as bile acids testing, ultrasound, and possibly liver biopsy—should be considered if there’s any concern.
Key Takeaways for Shiba Inu Owners
Low ALT is normal in Shibas—most have one or two copies of the gene.
Always get a baseline ALT when your dog is healthy.
Share genetic test results with your vet so they interpret ALT correctly.
Watch for changes over time rather than comparing your dog to the lab’s reference range.
Don’t rely solely on ALT—especially if your Shiba also carries copper toxicosis variants.
Download our Handout for you and your vet.
Related reading:
Copper Toxicosis in Dogs – What Breeders and Owners Should Know