Shiba inu breeders

[totoromama]

I posted before about getting a shiba inu and got lots of helpful posts.
My question is how do you find a reputable breeder.
We've found one in Europe who looks kosher. Lots of photos, web cam to look at the Kennels. Known show champion in Europe. What do we need to ask?
They'll transport to the UK. Their puppies go all over the world.

[Whitney168]

Hypocritical here, as I have two imports LOL, but assuming you are looking for a pet, why would you look to mainland Europe? Particularly for a first Shiba, you will surely be far better having your breeder close to hand for support?

Apart from anything else, buying from Europe will mean that you don't get your puppy until it is 4 months old, instead of at 8 weeks - this doesn't necessarily make things easier, particularly with a very strong willed breed, and especially if the breeder is running on several pups to export and doesn't take the time to split them up and socialise them.

[JennyTaylior]

The Kennel Club has the registered breeders. For a truly genuine breeder there will be a long waiting list. Anything quicker will be a puppy farm or back yard breeder. If not bred well, this breed can be difficult and have health issues.

[crookedpinky]

Beware of being impressed Sh Ch's from other countries, their awards might have been very easily gained by so-so specimens in a numerically small breed. Always, always, always go on a waiting list with a reputable breeder, preferably in the UK. Not to do so would be too much of a risk for you, and price is not necessarily a guide as to quality.

[CornflakeHomunculus]

As Whitney says, importing a puppy brings its own challenges and potential difficulties. Is there any particular reason you're looking at breeders abroad?

I'd recommend getting in touch with the UK breed club. They will be able to help put you in touch with decent breeders who are planning litters.

[CornflakeHomunculus]

There's also lots of good information about finding reputable breeders on this thread.

[totoromama]

I'm not specifically looking abroad. We are looking to get a puppy next year. I'd prefer 4 months to 8/12 weeks.
I have contacted the UK shiba inu club and they know if the breeder and are positive as they are aware of the breeder.
The breeders in the UK do not have the dog lineage that the breeder does.

[JennyTaylior]

Why do you need that particular lineage? Are you going to show? Or breed? Will they train the puppy from birth to four months old for you? Have the parents been hip scored and glaucoma tested?

[Whitney168]

I'd prefer 4 months to 8/12 weeks.

Am always conscious that typing on t'internet seems confrontational, not intended that way at all ...

Is there a particular reason you would prefer 4 months? Do you have a perception that the puppy will come part trained and will therefore be easier?

In some cases this can be true, in other cases it may well be entirely the opposite. I think Shibas are a 'clean breed', so perhaps house training won't be an issue, but general training may well be more difficult.

Puppies need to be socialised before they enter fear periods. If you genuinely have a breeder who will be doing all that for you - taking the puppy out on its own on the lead, getting it used to the car, making sure it is confident without additional canine company - then this can be fabulous. If not, you can end up with an over-boisterous or neurotic mess.

Oh, and further to that point - I say I have two imports. I drove out to see them (one from Germany, one from way down in France) at 8 weeks to make sure I was happy with the temperaments on the parents, with how the breeder kept and handled their dogs and with the puppies. I then drove back out to get them when their passports were valid to bring them back to the UK. Puppies should never be 'mail order'!

[totoromama]

Spoken to breeder. We are down for next litter so should be looking about march. We will be flying out to visit as much as possible.

[silverpantsAA]

How did you get on? Can I have the breeders details please