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Shiba Inus are native dogs of Japan so it'd make sense for some looking for Shiba puppies to explore "going to the source" in order to find healthy and well-bred pups.
Also finding a reputable Shiba Inu breeder in the U.S. can be difficult depending on the area you live.
In these situations, looking to import a Shiba Inu puppy from Japan can be a viable option.
However, finding a reputable Shiba Inu breeder in Japan is a bit harder than doing a Google search.
There are also hoops to jump through for the import process that you need to be aware of before even considering purchasing a puppy from Japan.
Will it be worth it in the end? Of course.
But first, you need to know how to find reputable Shiba Inu breeders in Japan.
So let's get to it.
The Process of Buying a Shiba Inu Puppy From Japan
Finding a puppy in Japan can prove difficult if you don't speak the language and / or have any contacts from Japan.
Fortunately, there are translatation services as well as individual who can help with the export process if you know where to look.
When looking for a Shiba Inu puppy from Japan, you not only have to bridge the language barrier, you also have to be on the lookout for puppy mills.
Spotting them is a bit more difficult, because many of the websites providing information on puppies tell you nothing about the conditions they were born in and how they are kept.
Generally, your best bet won’t be the major online entities that sell more than one breed, like Angel Pet Shop which you should avoid if possible.
Instead, look for “柴犬舎 (shibakensha)” or “柴犬専門ブリーダー (Shiba Inu speciality breeder)”, as these are the people or organizations with experience and passion.
Also keep in mind that certain states may require additonal heath documents and / or quarantine requirements.
How to Find a Reputable Shiba Inu Breeder in Japan When You Don’t Speak Japanese
Having access to someone who can read and speak Japanese is crucial to finding a reputable Shiba Inu breeder in Japan.
Many of the best breeders don't have English pages available for you to read, and they may be unable to respond to your questions.
A translator or interpreter, on the other hand, will either be a native speaker or have spent years studying Japanese.
They will be able to take your request and discuss your needs with the breeder, as well as provide you with information directly from said breeder.
Additionally, the interpreter or translator will be able to help with any documentation required, particularly the forms required when importing a puppy from Japan into the United States.
Most official forms in Japan are written in both English and Japanese, but the interpreter or translator will be able to guide the breeder and you when filling out the documents to ensure that everything is correct.
To hire a translator to help you with finding a puppy, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $30 an hour. Interpreters often range from $45 to $150 an hour.
While this may seem like an investment, having someone who speaks and/or writes the language is one of the best ways to connect with Japanese Shiba Inu breeders.
Connect With Shiba Inu Breeders in the US
Another way to find a reputable Japanese breeder is to first connect with Shiba Inu breeders here in America.
While this method may seem a bit circuitous, it does guarantee that those you are put in contact with are breeding healthy, happy Shiba puppies.
One of the best methods to find a reputable Shiba Inu breeder in the states is by going to dog shows that Shibas are entered in. There are many AKC conformation events held throughout the states.
Visit websites like the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Shiba Inu Club of America to find lists of approved breeders in your area.
Again, be cautious of online marketplaces, as they may not always represent reputable breeders.
Also, look for Shiba Inu clubs and meetups in your area. It's a great way to network with other Shiba Inu owners as well as meeting Shibas.
Here are some things to look for that help you find a good Shiba Inu breeder:
- They are devoted to preserving the heritage of the Shiba Inu
- Follow AKC and NIPPO Shiba Inu Breed Standards
- Abide by AKC and National Shiba Inu Club of America Code of Ethics
Importing a Shiba Inu From Japan to the US
Importing a Shiba Inu puppy from Japan to the United States requires careful planning and adherence to specific regulations.
This is another reason why it is important to find a reputable breeder who understands what is needed and is willing to work with you.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly:
Step 1: Preparing The Pup For Travel
Before your puppy leaves their homeland of Japan, he or she will need to be prepared for the trip with all the correct documents and requirements.
How this happens will depend on whether you'll be flying to Japan to pick them up or if they are being shipped to you.
Being that Japan is not a high-risk country, your Shiba Inu puppy only needs three things verified become he or she can travel:
Age Requirement: The puppy must be at least 8 weeks old.
Health Certificate: Your puppy will need to be examined by a certified veterinarian within a week before the flight and issued a health certificate.
This certificate should confirm that your puppy is in good health and fit for travel.
Export Inspection: On the day of departure, your Shiba Inu will undergo an export inspection at the Animal Quarantine Service in Japan.
It is essential to make a reservation for this examination at least a week in advance.
Documents Required:
Export application forms (provided by the Animal Quarantine Service in Japan)
Documents or certificates as required by the entry conditions of the US
Health certificate issued by a private veterinarian (if needed)
To prevent any issues during export inspection, it's advisable to send copies or PDF files of certificates and reference documents to an Animal Quarantine Service office at the departure airport by fax or email.
This confirmation helps ensure that all paperwork is in order.
It is advised that you, the breeder, or a liaison submit the application form for export inspection and other necessary documents to the Animal Quarantine Service in Japan at least 7 days before the export inspection date.
If you plan on shipping or flying out of Narita or Haneda airports in Tokyo, it is better to get those papers turned in at least 10 days prior.
Narita and Haneda are the busiest airports and need more time to process documents.
Step 2: US Import Regulations
The United States has specific regulations for importing dogs, including Shiba Inu puppies, into the country.
These regulations are set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and may vary depending on the dog's travel history and age. Here's a simplified overview:
Microchip Requirement:
Ensure your Shiba Inu has an ISO-compatible microchip, and the microchip number is listed on the rabies vaccination certificate.
Rabies Vaccination Certificate:
Your Shiba Inu may need a rabies certificate when entering America.
Rabies Serology Titer Result:
If required, your Shiba Inu must have an adequate rabies serology titer result from an approved laboratory drawn at least 45 days and no more than one year before arrival in the US.
Now, while this may seem overwhelming, you can take a deep breath.
As mentioned above, the good news is that Japan is a rabies-free country and is not considered high-risk by the CDC.
As per the CDC and USDA-APHIS guidelines, “Dogs that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months may enter the United States through ANY port of entry, and importers are NOT required by the CDC to present rabies vaccination documentation.” (Note: excludes Hawaii)
This means that unless you live in the Aloha State, your puppy does not need a rabies certificate (though it is best to have one) and will not be needing quarantine.
However you must have a written statement prepared citing where your puppy has come from and that they were not exposed to other animals from a high-risk country within the past 6 months.
Usually, documentation from the breeder will suffice.
Furthermore, you cannot take your puppy into a high-risk country on the way back to America, in the event you want to bring him/her home by yourself.
List of Reputable Shiba Inu Breeders in Japan
Shiba Ken Honpo
Shiba Ken Honpo is located in Edogawa, Tokyo and is a small little shop owned by an independent NIPPO breeder.
Nippo breeders follow the guidelines set up by the Nihon Ken Hozonkai to preserve and maintain the Shiba Inu breed standard.
Shiba Ken Honpo also ensures that the puppies are socialized and vaccinated.
On their website (which you can translate), you can find all kinds of information about the shop itself, as well as the Shiba Inu dam and sire, the family of Shibes living with the breeder’s family, and much more.
Shuuichi Kaga, owner of Sapporo Kagasou, is one of the most well known breeders of Shiba Inu in Japan.
Located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Kaga has bred hundreds of litters from award-winning dams and sires.
On his website, Shuuichi states that he wishes for nothing more than the health and happiness of the puppies and lovingly raises each pup.
Shuuichi's blog is full of pictures of the litters, giving you a good idea of their living conditions and how well they have been socialized.
All puppies are vaccinated and checked for health before going to their new homes.
Enshu Nagafujisou is owned by the award-winning Japanese breeder Masami Furukawa.
Located in Shizuoka, Furukawa has devoted many years to breeding and raising healthy Shiba Inu puppies.
The website is a bit sparse, but you can find information on the puppies and their parents by clicking on the photographs.
Each photo details the color, sex, age, and price of the puppy, as well information about the puppy’s appearance.
One notable thing about this breeder is that the Shiba Inu used for breeding are registered with The Kennel Club (KC) Japan (not to be confused with JKC).
Shibataso
Shibataso is another Shiba breeder from Shizuoka, Shibataso.
If you are looking for a breeder with a long history of breeding solely Shiba Inu puppies, this one may be an ideal match.
Shibataso has been in the business for over 30 years and is family-owned and operated. They don't just breed puppies to sell, they raise them up to be members of your family, as well.
The breeders at Shibataso take time to train and socialize the pups, give them health checks regularly, and also provide them with plenty of love.
The process for inquiring about puppies on their website is straightforward. Simply send them an email.
Unlike some of the other breeds, Shibataso does not have a list of their available puppies.
You can read a little more in the news section, but it is best to inquire to see when the next litter is arriving.
Located in Fuchu, Tokyo, Musashi Shoyosou is a Shiba breeder that believes in raising their puppies in the same house as their other family members, so that those pups are socialized and ready for their forever home.
This is great as most dog breeders in Japan have their dogs and puppies in kennels rather than integrated in the household.
According to their website, the breeder has been in operation for decades, producing award-winning dogs from the strong bloodlines.
They also operate within the guidelines of the NIPPO standard and do routine health testing and blood work on the dams and sires.
Musashi Shoyosou invites interested parties to email them or to schedule a Zoom or Line meeting. In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about the breeder and their puppies, you can find them on X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.
Since 2006, Bangaichisou has bred numerous JKC and NIPPO Shiba Inu puppies.
Their show-stopping dogs have claimed many awards and are among the most sought-after Shibas within Japan.
Bangaichisou states on their website that they are different from pet stores, because pet stores do not provide the proper environment and care that growing puppies need.
They believe that, from the start, a puppy is part of the family, and so the puppies they have for sale are cared for and socialized from a young age.
Bangaichisou is located in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture.
If you wish to contact the breeder, they have a contact form on their website, as well as an Instagram account.
Shiba Inu Center is owned by breeder Toshihiro Shukuin and is located in vibrant Osaka, Just outside of the city and close to the mountains.
In this pristine environment, where there are quiet roads for long walks, Shiba Inu Center breeds adorable Shiba Inu pups.
They have a small but clean facility where they diligently look after the pups and dogs in their care.
While there is nothing on the site about whether Shiba Inu Center is registered with JKC or KC Japan, they do have information about the sires, along with health and life insurance for the pups.
Ibaraki Shukukensha has been breeding both Akita Inus and Shiba Inus for over 30 years.
Even without knowing Japanese, you get the sense that Ibaraki Shukukensha takes breeding their dogs seriously.
What was once a father’s passion turned into a son’s. Each pup is given love until they find their forever home.
You can follow Ibaraki Shukukensha on Instagram to see their latest puppies and dog show winners. They have many videos of the pups for you to view.
Min-Inuzukan is a resource brought to you by the nationwide service “Minna no Breeder,” or “Everyone’s Breeder.”
Minna no Breeder looks like a typical pet store kind of site, but it comes with a bit more assurance that you are working with certified breeders and receiving healthy puppies.
The reason why you should have a translator look at Min-Inuzukan with you is this: You can find profiles from breeders as well as reviews and comments from people who received puppies from them.
You can also check out their recent photos and activities and find their profile on Minna no Breeder.
However, be aware - sites like Minna No Breeder can still list puppies that may come from a puppy mill situation - so be dilligent when researching breeders.
At first glance, this site comes across as a typical virtual pet store supplied by puppy mills, but actually there are many reputable breeders advertising their pups on this site.
With a little digging (or with a translator’s help), you will find that Shibainu.net is careful about the breeders they partner with and the puppies they advertise.
Shibainu_shop.net is dedicated to the sale of only standard-sized (not mame) Shiba Inu puppies from verified sources through Japan.
They also offer health certificates, blood work, after support, and yes, even assistance with export to America.
When you click on a puppy’s image, you can view video, photos, and see pictures of the sire and dam.
Final Thoughts on Reputable Breeders in Japan
There you have it: A roadmap on finding a healthy and happy Shiba Inu pup in Japan.
Contacting a Japanese breeder and purchasing a pup may seem complicated, but when you have help, it can make all the difference in the world.
Look for breeders who demonstrate that are dedicated to their dogs, and you'll have a better chance of finding your perfect Shiba.
From there, follow the tips in this article to ensure your Shiba Inu pup can enter the US without too many bumps in the road.
Finding an Ethical Shiba Inu Breeder in California
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