Shomaisou Shiba Inu Blog

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

https://shibas.dog

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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.

Anticipating the Arrival: Kuro × Chupa Litter Due August 13, 2025

by Rex Gaylord on 08/03/25

We’re excited to announce an upcoming litter here at Shomaisou Shiba Inu, expected around August 13, 2025. This pairing has been carefully planned with a focus on health, temperament, and adherence to the traditional Shiba Inu standard.

The litter brings together our proven stud Kuro and the intelligent, energetic Chupa—a combination we believe will produce well-balanced, structurally sound puppies with strong potential in conformation, companionship, and dog sports.

About the Parents

Kuro

Pedigree: https://dogbreederpro.com/s/dog/mqnQZMqonwE23

Kuro is a striking red sesame male with deep pigmentation, correct proportions, and a stable, confident temperament. He is a gentle yet assertive presence in our home. He exhibits clean, efficient movement and the classic Shiba expression. Kuro’s pedigree features notable Japanese lineage, and his offspring consistently inherit his outstanding temperament, natural confidence, and structural correctness.

Chupa

Pedigree: https://dogbreederpro.com/s/dog/RPL3P8rJ423LL

Chupa is a red female who carries black & tan. She has a compact frame and a bold, outgoing personality. Alert, responsive, and highly intelligent, Chupa embodies many of the traits we seek to preserve in the breed. She also has one of the best temperaments in our household—friendly, adaptable, and incredibly intuitive. Raised with Puppy Culture protocols, she is appropriately aloof with strangers and forms strong bonds with her people, as is ideal in the Shiba Inu.

What to Expect

This pairing is expected to produce:

50% red

25% black & tan

25% red sesame

Puppies will be whelped and raised under our comprehensive early socialization and enrichment program, which includes:

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

Puppy Culture protocols

Noise and surface desensitization

Crate and leash foundations

Exposure to children, other dogs, and varied environments

Puppies will be structurally evaluated around 8 weeks of age and placed based on temperament, structure, and suitability—not simply by color or gender. Companion homes must demonstrate long-term stability, prior breed research, and a clear understanding of our intact contract, vaccination protocols, and placement philosophy.

Companion and Show Prospects

We expect this litter may produce both companion puppies and show prospects, depending on how each pup matures.

Companion pricing ranges from $3,300 to $4,600, based on whether the litter is enrolled in our Puppy Preschool program, which extends the stay through 10–12 weeks and includes additional socialization and foundation training.

If you’re interested in a show or performance prospect, please indicate this in your application. We offer mentoring and ongoing support to homes that want to preserve and promote the Shiba Inu through responsible exhibition and/or performance.

How to Apply

We are currently accepting applications for this litter through our secure Good Dog portal:

https://apply.gooddog.com/shomaisou-shiba-inu-ohio

We review each submission and follow up with qualified applicants via phone or video chat. Please apply early if you’d like to be considered for this litter.

Follow the Litter

Follow this Spreadsheet to track puppy progress after they are born. Before they are born watch the tab called Temp Chart. When Chupa's temperature drops down to around 98, she will whelp with in 24 hours.

Photo Album

Once the puppies arrive, approved applicants and serious inquiries will be given access to our Live Puppy Cams during waking hours.

To view the cameras:

Download the Foscam app

Create a Foscam account

Contact us at [email protected] with the email address used for your Foscam account so we can share access.

We are thrilled about the potential of this Kuro × Chupa pairing and look forward to watching these puppies grow into the next generation of balanced, beautiful Shiba Inu.

If you have any questions about this litter or our program, please feel free to reach out directly.

Warm regards,

Rex & Tanya Gaylord

Preservation Breeders | Shomaisou Shiba Inu

Brecksville, Ohio

https://shibas.dog

[email protected]

(702) 845-3283

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