Our Objectives

Here you will find the work done at the breeding farm: from the selection of the parents to the departure of your puppies!

Breeder Selection

Selecting breeding stock is the first major task in livestock farming. Indeed, several criteria are important depending on what the farm is looking for.

When I'm looking for a puppy at a breeder's, my first instinct is to check the pedigree, including photos if available. I verify the health tests of the bloodlines, conformity to the breed standard, and certain physical characteristics I look for. In addition, I check that the parents have a friendly temperament and ask if the puppy has inherited that trait.

When a puppy arrives at my home, everything is in place to ensure it grows up in the best possible conditions. It is socialized with dogs of all sizes, with close relatives, and explores various environments to become comfortable in any situation. All of this, of course, is to produce well-balanced adults who are able to remain calm in any situation.

Health Test 

Health tests are important indicators of a dog's constitution, which is why it's crucial to have them done. It's not just about knowing whether or not the dog has a disease; it's about considering the causes and choosing parents wisely so that the puppies have the least possible chance of developing one of these illnesses.

Hip dysplasia (HD)

This disease can be seen very early in puppies that are limping or not moving naturally. It develops during the puppy's growth and can be of hereditary (35%) or environmental (65%) cause, which is why a minimum of shock to the puppy's pelvis is necessary (going down stairs, jumping, etc.).

Screening is done by radiology, starting at 12 months of age. The dog is sedated. The results are then classified from A (no dysplasia) to E (severe dysplasia), with the worst of the two hips being used as the reference point.

• HD-A: No signs of dysplasia
• HD-B: Intermediate stage of dysplasia (essentially normal state)
• HD-C: Mild Dysplasia
• HD-D: Moderate dysplasia
• HD-E: Severe dysplasia

Patella Luxation (PL)

This anomaly is characterized by the fact that the kneecap can move with the flexion/extension movements of the dog's hind legs. It is not a problem in small breeds because the animal's weight does not damage the kneecap, and can be managed with certain supplements or anti-inflammatories, but the most severe cases require surgery.

Just like hip dysplasia, the causes can be hereditary or environmental, and for the same reasons.

Screening is done through a simple veterinary check-up, starting at 15 months. The results are then classified by stage, with the worse of the two patellae being used as the reference point.

• Stage 0: No dislocation
• Stage 1: The kneecap can be dislocated manually, but spontaneously returns to its place.
• Stage 2: The kneecap dislocates occasionally, but can pop back into place or be put back into place by manipulation.
• Stage 3: The kneecap is permanently dislocated, but can be repositioned by manipulation.
• Stage 4: The kneecap is permanently dislocated and cannot be repositioned by manipulation.

Hereditary eye diseases (HOD)

This test screens for several diseases, the most common being: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Hereditary Cataracts, Congenital Glaucoma, Lens Luxation, and Corneal Dystrophy. All of these are screened for by a veterinarian accredited by the French Kennel Club.

At the end of this visit, we are given a document mentioning the diseases, and whether they are present or absent.

ADN test 

This test has several components, as several things are being looked for:

• Genetic identification (mandatory since September 2023)

There are 2 identification panels which allow genetic identification to be established and lineage to be traced over subsequent generations.

• Morphological traits

This trait is more anecdotal and not mandatory. It allows access to everything related to the dog's coat: the colors and length of the hair. Thanks to this, a prediction about the puppies' colors can be made.

• Genetic diseases

This tab has recently been added to the Shiba Inu panel. Two diseases are screened for: drug sensitivity (MDR1) and Gangliosidosis Type 1 (GM1), present in some Russian lines.

Our breeding program is committed to having all our dogs undergo these tests, so that your puppies have less risk of being affected and can live the best possible life by your side! If you need any information about our dogs, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Valuation  

Showcasing my dogs is very important to me, and this is achieved through showing them in dog shows. The goal is to present the dogs to judges, who are trained in the breed standard, to get feedback on their strengths and weaknesses. This feedback then helps us find compatible dogs for breeding. The dogs are classified into several categories based on their age and sex.

The judgments also result in rankings for the top 4 dogs in each category and qualifiers that designate the conformity of the dog.

For puppies (from 4 to 9 months old), we will find: Very Promising, Promising and Quite Promising.

For adults (from 9 months): Excellent, Very good, Good, Sufficient, Disqualified

All of this is aimed at promoting breeding stock not only for their physical attributes but also for their temperament. Then, depending on certain conditions, some dogs can become champions.

The breeding farm is also a member of the French Club of Nordic Dogs and Japanese Spitz, which promotes and enhances certain breeds, including the Shiba in France. 

And what about the Kennel Club (CFCNSJ) in all of this?

A breed club is an association created to promote one or more breeds in France. It gathers information on the breed and its evolution (health, temperament, etc.) and helps breeders to better guide their selections.

Our breeding program is a member of the French Club of Nordic Dogs and Japanese Spitz (CFCNSJ).

The Club organizes shows with breed-specific judges, primarily from Japan and the Nordic countries. These shows are a way to showcase valuable dogs within the breed, allowing them to be awarded ratings based on their results (health tests are also required). Once a dog is confirmed and meets the requirements, it can be considered for these ratings.

In Shiba In, they are defined in this way:

Breeding program

Our breeding program is based on and adapted to the age and sensory abilities of the puppies.

The puppies are raised surrounded by balanced adult dogs who will teach them canine codes, and will be put in contact with cats and children.

They are used to household noises because they live with us in the living room from 2-3 weeks old. They will be exposed to different textures, smells, and stimuli to ensure their optimal development and prepare them for their future lives!

The puppies will leave the breeder microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed, registered with the LOF (French Kennel Club) and with a complete puppy kit including:

• Harness, collar, leash
• Small bag of kibble
• Toys
• Chewing treats
• Sweets
• Shampoo and hair care
• Photos of the puppy during its life at the breeder's
• Puppy Welcome Booklet