Shomaisou Shiba Inu Blog
Current & Upcoming Litters at Shomaisou and Co-Owned Programs – Spring/Summer 2026 Update
by Rex Gaylord on 05/20/26
We have had an extremely active and exciting spring season across both Shomaisou and several of our co-owned breeding programs. Below is a summary of our current litters, recent litters, and a few expected litters planned for Summer 2026.
As always, our focus remains on preservation breeding, temperament, structure, health, and placing each puppy into the most appropriate long-term home.
Bonnie Bravo Litter
Litter Number: Bonnie Bravo
Born: February 2, 2026
Dam: Here I Am @ House of Treasure
Sire: Gaylord’s Kami of Shomaisou
Puppies: 2 girls, 5 boys
This litter was whelped and raised by co-breeders in West Virginia and later attended Puppy Preschool with our co-breeder partnership in Michigan.
Home decisions for this litter have already been completed.
Journey Alpha Litter
Litter Number: Journey Alpha
Born: February 23, 2026
Dam: Gaylord’s Great Adventure at Takikawa
Sire: Morningstar’s Purple Reign
Puppies: 3 girls
This litter was whelped, raised, and ultimately placed into their homes following Puppy Preschool in Michigan.
Home decisions for this litter have already been completed.
Gift Alpha Litter
Litter Number: Gift Alpha
Born: March 14, 2026
Dam: Morningstar-Gaylord My Gift To You
Sire: Morningstar Picasso’s Art Collection
Puppies: 2 black & tan girls, 1 sesame boy
This litter was whelped and raised here at Shomaisou before attending Puppy Preschool in Michigan.
Home decisions have been made, although not all families have been formally notified yet.
Oami Alpha Litter
Litter Number: Oami Alpha
Born: April 20, 2026
Dam: Gh Oami Wanna Know Me @ Shomaisou
Sire: Morningstar Picasso’s Art Collection
Puppies: 1 red boy, 1 red girl
This litter was whelped here at Shomaisou and is currently being raised by co-breeders in West Virginia. The puppies are scheduled to attend Puppy Preschool in Michigan after May 26th.
Home decisions have not yet been made.
Sakura Alpha Litter
Litter Number: Sakura Alpha
Born: May 5, 2026
Dam: Gaylord’s Cherry Blossom of Shomaisou
Sire: Gaylord’s Kami of Shomaisou
Puppies: 2 black & tan girls
This litter was expertly whelped and is being raised by local co-owner Dr. Rebecca Pentacost, DVM.
Home decisions have not yet been made.
Chupa Delta Litter
Born: May 2, 2026
Dam: Daydream’s Wild Adventure @ Gaylord
Sire: Morningstar’s Purple Reign
Puppies: 1 red boy, 2 black & tan boys, 2 black & tan girls
This litter was whelped and is currently being raised here at Shomaisou. The puppies are expected to attend Puppy Preschool around 5 weeks of age.
Home decisions have not yet been made.
Expected Summer 2026 Litters
Addiko × Reign
Dam: Gaylord’s Addiko @ Shomaisou
Sire: Morningstar’s Purple Reign
Expected Whelp Date: Approximately July 2, 2026
We are very excited about this planned breeding and hopeful for an outstanding combination of temperament, structure, and overall breed type.
Manami × Reign
Dam: Takikawa Manami of Shomaisou
Sire: Morningstar’s Purple Reign
This breeding is also expected this summer, with additional details and estimated timing to be announced once confirmed.
Availability & Placement Process
Please remember that we do not operate on a traditional “first deposit picks puppy” system. We do not take deposits before specific puppies are offered. Final placement decisions are made after temperament and structural evaluations, with the goal of matching each puppy to the most appropriate home and lifestyle.
Many of our litters participate in our Puppy Preschool partnership program in Michigan, which provides extensive socialization, environmental exposure, confidence-building, and developmental enrichment during critical early stages.
Families interested in future litters are encouraged to follow our updates closely, participate in photo album discussions and development tracking, and remain engaged throughout the evaluation process.
Additional updates, photos, developmental notes, and litter resources will continue to be posted throughout the summer.
— Rex Gaylord
Shomaisou Shiba Inu
https://shibas.dog
Reign × Chupa Delta Litter — Born on Kentucky Derby Day
by Rex Gaylord on 05/02/26
A “Run for the Roses” Litter at Shomaisou Shiba Inu
by Rex Gaylord on 05/02/26
On May 2, 2026, as the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby took place, the Reign × Chupa Delta Litter arrived here at Shomaisou Shiba Inu. The timing could not have been more fitting. This litter reflects many of the same qualities celebrated on Derby Day: athleticism, balance, presence, conditioning, and competitive excellence.
With that in mind, this litter carries a “Run for the Roses” Derby theme, tying together the date, the purpose of the breeding, and the long-term vision for these puppies.
Litter Overview
- Date of Birth: May 2, 2026
- Total Puppies: 5
- 3 males, 2 females
Individual Puppies
-
B/T Girl 1 — White Collar
Shomaisou Photo Finish
Temporary call name: Photo -
Red Boy 2 — Black Collar
Shomaisou Victory Line
Temporary call name: Victor -
B/T Girl 3 — Brown Collar
Shomaisou Garland Crest
Temporary call name: Garnet -
B/T Boy 4 — Green Collar
Shomaisou Final Stretch
Temporary call name: Stretch -
B/T Boy 5 — Gray Collar
Shomaisou Prime Finish
Temporary call name: Prime
The Breeding: Reign × Chupa
This pairing was planned with clear intent. Reign contributes maturity, presence, and proven consistency, while Chupa brings balance, maternal instinct, and foundational type.
The goal remains consistent with every Shomaisou breeding: produce structurally correct, temperamentally stable Shiba Inu with long-term health and consistency.
Early Development & Data Tracking
From day one, each puppy is being tracked using a structured, data-driven system. This includes daily weights, percentage change, feeding strength, activity level, stability, early neurological stimulation, and controlled handling.
This provides transparency and helps us evaluate each puppy objectively as development progresses.
Live litter tracking:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11Inc3WvWKULmn1d3UY0MSVaGwgtmo6FF3LrqRXrSxls/edit?usp=sharing
Photos & Ongoing Updates
Photos and videos will be updated regularly as the puppies move through each developmental stage.
Google Photos album:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/PdjGzEGK1voSk3YH6
Derby Theme: Run for the Roses
The Kentucky Derby represents more than speed. It reflects precision, conditioning, structure, and performance under pressure. Those same principles apply to correct Shiba Inu.
This litter’s naming theme reflects movement, competitive presence, balance, and control. Each registered name was selected to align with both the Derby theme and the long-term identity of the dog.
What Comes Next
Over the coming weeks, focus will shift toward transitional development, eye and ear opening, early movement and coordination, initial temperament indicators, and structural observation as mobility increases.
Formal evaluations will follow as the puppies develop and begin to differentiate.
Placement Philosophy
At Shomaisou Shiba Inu, no deposits are taken in advance, and puppies are not placed based on order of inquiry. Each placement is based on structure, temperament, and long-term fit.
This ensures every puppy is placed in the environment where it has the best opportunity to thrive.
Final Thoughts
The Reign × Chupa Delta Litter is already demonstrating the consistency and stability expected from a well-planned breeding.
With four black & tan puppies and one standout red male, this litter reflects cohesion, balance, and strong early development. The uniformity across the group is exactly what we aim to produce.
More detailed evaluations and individual profiles will follow as development progresses.
Learn More / Apply
Current Litters:
https://shibas.dog/puppies.html
Puppy Application:
https://apply.gooddog.com/shomaisou-shiba-inu-ohio
Schedule a Call:
https://shibas.dog/Bookings.html
Puppy Preschool Updates: Go-Home Timing, Vaccination Protocol, and Health Guarantee Revisions
by Rex Gaylord on 04/29/26
At Shomaisou Shiba Inu, our goal has never been simply to produce puppies. Our goal is to raise stable, healthy, well-prepared Shiba Inu and place them in homes where they can thrive for life.
As our program has grown, so has our ability to collaborate with trusted co-breeders and trainers who share that same commitment. One of the most important developments in our program has been our relationship with co-breeder Brooke Steinbach of K9 Level Up in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Brooke’s Puppy Preschool program has proven to be extremely beneficial for the puppies, their new families, and the breeders involved. Because of that success, we are making several important updates to our puppy go-home timing, vaccination protocol, and health guarantee for litters that participate in Puppy Preschool.
These changes may affect Shomaisou litters and selected co-bred litters connected with our programs in Ohio, Michigan, and West Virginia.
What Is Puppy Preschool?
Puppy Preschool is an advanced early-development program hosted by Brooke Steinbach at K9 Level Up in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Our puppies are already raised with early handling, enrichment, sound exposure, human interaction, and Puppy Culture-style foundations. When a litter attends Puppy Preschool, that development can advance even further.
I often describe Brooke’s program as:
“Puppy Culture on steroids.”
That phrase is not meant as marketing fluff. It reflects the intensity and value of the program.
By the time Puppy Preschool puppies are ready to go home, they may have been introduced to approximately 100 people, including the people they met before leaving my care. They also receive structured exposure to new surfaces, handling, crate introduction, early leash concepts, confidence-building exercises, household-style stimulation, travel preparation, and other age-appropriate experiences.
For many puppies, this creates a smoother transition into their new homes.
Change #1: Puppy Preschool Puppies May Go Home at 8 Weeks
Historically, puppies attending Puppy Preschool were often held until approximately 10 weeks of age before going to their new homes.
Going forward, puppies participating in Puppy Preschool will generally be able to go home at 8 weeks of age, rather than 10 weeks.
This change reflects the strength of the development program and the benefits of allowing the puppy to transition to the new family during an important bonding window.
The goal is not to rush puppies out the door. The goal is to place puppies when they are developmentally ready, properly supported, and matched to homes prepared to continue the work already started.
Change #2: Vaccinations for Puppy Preschool Puppies Will Begin at 8 Weeks
Because Puppy Preschool puppies are now expected to go home at 8 weeks, their vaccination timing will also change.
For litters participating in Puppy Preschool, the first puppy vaccination will begin at 8 weeks of age rather than 10 weeks.
This is a change from our prior timing and will be reflected in our updated vaccination protocol.
Change #3: Initial Vaccine Will Change From 2-Way to 5-Way
For Puppy Preschool litters, we are also changing the initial vaccine from a 2-way vaccine to a 5-way vaccine.
This change is tied to the revised go-home age, the broader exposure environment, and the need to balance protection with our long-standing caution about over-vaccination in Shiba Inu.
We still believe vaccine decisions should be made carefully and thoughtfully. Shiba Inu are a primitive breed, and our concerns about over-vaccination have not changed. However, the Puppy Preschool model creates a different practical situation than puppies remaining in a more limited home nursery setting until 10 weeks.
Our revised protocol will provide clearer guidance for new owners and their veterinarians.
Pickup Options: Grand Rapids, Michigan or Brecksville, Ohio
For litters attending Puppy Preschool, new homes may have the option to pick up their puppy in either:
Grand Rapids, Michigan
or
Brecksville, Ohio
This flexibility has been helpful for families traveling from different regions and allows us to better coordinate transitions based on the puppy, the family, and the litter’s schedule.
Optional Extended Training
Some families may also have the option to leave their puppy with Brooke at K9 Level Up for additional training after the normal go-home date.
This can be especially helpful for:
First-time Shiba Inu homes
Busy families needing a more structured start
Homes wanting additional crate, leash, or confidence work
Families traveling from a distance
Owners who want a more advanced transition plan
This is optional and would be arranged separately based on availability, the puppy’s needs, and Brooke’s training schedule.
Why This Partnership Matters
This collaboration has proven beneficial in several ways.
For the puppies, it provides expanded socialization and development during a critical early period.
For new homes, it often means receiving a puppy that has had more structured exposure, more handling, more environmental variety, and a stronger foundation.
For breeders, it creates another layer of observation and feedback. Brooke’s work gives us additional insight into temperament, confidence, adaptability, recovery, and early learning style.
For co-bred litters, it allows our programs in Ohio, Michigan, and West Virginia to share resources, improve consistency, and raise puppies with a broader developmental foundation.
In short, the relationship has been good for the puppies, good for the homes, and good for the breeding programs involved.
Upcoming Health Guarantee Revisions
Because these changes affect go-home timing and vaccination timing, we will also be revising our written health guarantee.
The updated health guarantee will better reflect:
The revised 8-week go-home option for Puppy Preschool puppies
The new 8-week vaccination start for participating litters
The use of a 5-way vaccine as the initial vaccine in these cases
Continued guidance about avoiding unnecessary over-vaccination
Owner responsibilities after pickup
Veterinary follow-up expectations
How the Puppy Preschool model fits into our broader health and development program
Until those revisions are finalized, we will explain the applicable protocol for each litter individually.
What New Homes Should Understand
These changes do not mean every litter will follow the exact same path.
Some litters may remain with me in Ohio.
Some may be raised or co-raised in West Virginia.
Some may attend Puppy Preschool in Michigan.
Some may have different timing based on development, logistics, health, or breeder judgment.
Our placement decisions remain based on the best interest of the puppy.
We do not place puppies simply by order of application, payment, or preference. We evaluate the puppies, evaluate the homes, and make the best match we can based on temperament, structure, lifestyle, and long-term fit.
Learn More About Puppy Preschool
For more information about the Puppy Preschool program, please visit:
https://shibas.dog/PuppyPreschoolShomaisouShibaInu.html
Final Thoughts
Breeding responsibly means being willing to improve.
When something benefits the puppies, we pay attention. When a program produces better-prepared puppies and smoother transitions for families, we adapt.
Puppy Preschool has become an important part of that evolution for selected litters. It does not replace responsible breeding, careful selection, early home development, or thoughtful placement. It strengthens them.
Our goal remains the same: healthy, stable, well-prepared Shiba Inu placed with homes that understand and appreciate the breed.
These upcoming changes are part of that commitment.
Three Exceptional Shiba Inu Puppies Ready For Their Forever Homes
by Rex Gaylord on 04/25/26
Kami × Bonnie Bravo (Groundhog) Litter
At Shomaisou Shiba Inu, every puppy matters—and every placement matters even more.
From our Kami × Bonnie Bravo Litter (our fun Groundhog-themed litter), we currently have three outstanding male puppies still seeking the right forever homes:
- Joey
- Puxie
- Wilpy
They are here because we believe in making the right match after they returned from Puppy Preschool.
We prefer to keep our puppies until at least 10 weeks of age for a variety of reasons, but sometimes we will let them go at 8 weeks. Many breeders sell puppies strictly by inquiry order or rush decisions before true temperament emerges. That is not how we operate.
We evaluate puppies carefully as they develop, watching for:
- confidence
- recovery after startle
- engagement with people
- independence
- structure and movement
- adaptability
- household suitability
- long-term potential
Sometimes the best puppy for a family is not obvious at six or 8 weeks. Sometimes an approved buyer changes plans. Sometimes a puppy deserves a more ideal home than the first available one.
That is how responsible placement works.
Puppy Preschool in Michigan
These puppies recently completed three weeks in Michigan, attending our Puppy Preschool program, where they received valuable early developmental experiences during the critical 5–8 week age period.
This phase focuses on helping puppies transition confidently into future homes through structured exposure and guided development.
Puppy Preschool emphasizes:
- confidence building
- recovery after new experiences
- handling by trusted adults
- new surfaces and environments
- crate and independence foundations
- social awareness
- adaptability
- age-appropriate enrichment
Learn more here: https://shibas.dog/puppypreschool.html
Meet the Boys
Joey
Joey was placed briefly and returned the same day due to integration issues involving the resident dog and the new owner not following transition instructions. No fault of Joey.
That experience actually confirmed Joey’s resilience and adaptability. He remains a very promising young sesame male who deserves a confident, prepared home.
Ideal for:
- active companion home
- owner wanting a fun, engaging male
- home experienced with introductions or willing to follow guidance
Puxie
Puxie is a thoughtful, developing youngster with excellent potential for the right family. These are often the puppies that mature beautifully once in the correct environment.
Ideal for:
- owner wanting a close bond
- structured family home
- patient first-time Shiba owner with guidance
Wilpy
Wilpy brings his own personality and strengths to the litter. Many homes overlook how important temperament fit is compared to coat color or first impressions. Wilpy deserves a family that values the whole dog.
Ideal for:
- companion-focused home
- family wanting breeder support
- buyers open to personality over cosmetics
Why Buy from Shomaisou?
We are not a volume breeder. We are a preservation breeding program focused on health, temperament, structure, and long-term breed stewardship.
Our puppies are raised with thoughtful early development and matched intentionally.
We care where they go.
Included With Placement
Puppies typically go home with:
- health records
- wellness documentation
- transition guidance
- registration paperwork as applicable
- lifetime breeder support
- AKC Reunite microchip registration where included
Located in Ohio – Homes Considered Nationwide
We are based in Brecksville, Ohio, and qualified homes may be considered beyond Ohio depending on circumstances.
Interested?
Start here:
https://shibas.dog/application.html
You may also contact us directly through the website.
Final Thought
The right puppy in the wrong home is unfair.
The right puppy in the right home changes lives.
Joey, Puxie, and Wilpy are ready for the homes they were meant for.
Picasso × Oami Alpha Litter Arrives – “Up In Smoke” Theme on 4/20
by Rex Gaylord on 04/21/26
We are pleased to announce the arrival of the Picasso × Oami Alpha Litter, born on April 20th — making this a naturally themed “Up In Smoke” litter in honor of the famous 4/20 date.
This special litter combines two exciting pedigrees, pairing the proven qualities of Picasso with the lovely Oami. We are looking forward to watching these puppies develop over the coming weeks in structure, temperament, and overall promise.
Current Arrivals
So far, the litter includes:
Red Boy 1 – temporary name Chong
Red Girl 2 – temporary name Cheechie
Both puppies are off to a strong start, and we are enjoying their first days as they settle in with Oami.
Litter Theme: “Up In Smoke”
For those who know their classic comedy references, the theme is a playful nod to the iconic duo behind Up In Smoke. Temporary names are just for fun during early puppyhood, but they help us track each puppy as personalities begin to emerge.
What We Expect. This breeding was planned to produce puppies that reflect the qualities we value in the Shiba Inu:
Sound structure
Correct breed type
Confident, stable temperament
Strong health potential
Performance and companion versatility
As always, final evaluations will occur as the puppies mature. Early promise is exciting, but thoughtful breeder assessment takes time.
Follow Along
We’ll be posting updates, photos, and development notes as the litter grows. The first few weeks are all about health, nursing, sleep, and steady progress—but before long, eyes will open, personalities will emerge, and the real fun begins.
We are excited to welcome the Picasso × Oami Alpha Litter and can’t wait to share their journey.
Stay tuned to Shomaisou Shiba Inu at shibas.dog for updates.
To learn more about this litter and our placement process, please visit our Puppies page at https://shibas.dog/puppies.html and our Application page at https://shibas.dog/application.html.
Prospective homes may apply directly through our Good Dog application at https://apply.gooddog.com/shomaisou-shiba-inu-ohio.
You can also follow the litter and view additional updates and resources here:
- Live Cameras: https://shibas.dog/live.html
- Doggit: https://doggit.app/profile/xuElJIzkrWfO9EQlOpeD4mNxBU43
- Petnax: https://petnax.com/shomaisou/shiba-inu
- FAQ: https://shibas.dog/PDF/ShoMaiSou_FAQ.pdf
- Main Website: https://shibas.dog
We encourage interested homes to review these resources carefully before applying so they understand our program, how we raise our puppies, and the type of homes we are seeking for each litter.
