So I'm considering getting another shiba. I have the time, space and money, and my shibas love other dogs and have no food or toy aggression. That being said I want to find a good breeder. I have read all the how to find a good breeder posts so I know what to look for and what questions to ask but I would love some breeder recommendations. I live in VA but would be willing to drive a bit for the right breeder. I have emailed balihai, niji, riverwind, asahanna and rodel, and have noted that tengai will not have a litter until next fall (pout). My husband has his heart set on a creamie, but I just want a healthy puppy from a good breeder, so if you know of any good breeders that occasionally have cream puppies available that would be a bonus. As a side note I know the forum doesn't endorse any breeder but it would be great to add a sticky with known good breeders. Thank for the help!
Those are all great breeders. I'm sure there's a sticky somewhere on how to select a good breeder, but I don't think there's a specific list. I think the next step with your list is to visit the breeders and their pups. Good luck in your search! Again, you can't go wrong with anyone on that list!
I tried to get one of her retired show dogs last year but it did not work out because I was late in contacting her about it. I found her to be very responsive. She is a member of The National Shiba Club of America and an AKC Breeder of Merit. I do not know if she has any upcoming litters. Maybe she might be able to recommend a breeder to you.
Polar Star Kennels, Antoinette Crudo 115 Stiles Place Freehold, NJ 07728 732-252-5156 acrudo@acbreeders.com
Creams do come up now and then with good breeders, though it is not a common thing. One of the things you can do is to get to know one or some of the breeders you contacted and they may remember you when another breeder they know has a cream pup that needs a home. Creams, being so rare in good lines, will take longer than any other color though.
Cheri Sullo had a cream when I picked up Hammond in mid-October. Not his sibling, but a litter born after him.
Not sure if it'd still be available or not (I think she'd mentioned, if Hammond had been taken by the people ahead of me on the list, that the 2nd litter was available mid-late November). But worth checking into.
She's really great. Member of the NSCA, I got lots of recommendations for her from other reputable breeders, and Hammond is great dog. Great temperament and personality so far. All of her dogs I've met (at two different shows and then at her house to pick Hammond up) have been beautiful and well-tempered.
Although she's in Massachusetts, so that may be more of a drive than you're willing to do.
Hi, I know of a cream born up in NH not too long ago. Not sure if he/she is spoken for already, but I could give you the name of the breeder if you want. Good luck!
Antoinetter from Polar Star is a really great breeder too and really wonderful woman. We were considering going with either her or Phil and Cindy from Tengai. One of her pups was available to take home right away and we weren't ready for that, so we went with Phil and waited for 8 weeks to take Nami home. We had plenty of time to get ready. :-)
All the breeders you mentioned are really good as well. To really decide, you should meet them and their dogs and see who is the better fit for you! We were in LOVE with Nami's parents and siblings, as well as Phil's ways of raising dogs and feeding raw.
All the breeders mentioned above (including Cheri Sullo and Antoinette Crudo) know each other as they often end up at the same shows. The only ones that I haven't personally met were the folks at Asahanna and Riverwind (though I swear that I saw someplace that Gibbs Burch is getting out of the conformation world and phasing things out).
You may want to start by going to the shows and meeting people there and seeing who you feel most comfortable with rather than immediately start driving to all these places. You'll definitely want to visit as breeders tend to have dogs with similar temperaments and you'll want to think about what sort of temperament would make the best fit for your home and situation.
I know for sure that there are Rodel and tengai pups adopted in the DC, and Maryland area. You may want to see if any of the breeders would be willing to reach out to their puppy folk on your behalf so you can meet their dogs. A breeder who cares generally keeps in touch with those that adopted their dogs and those owners that are happy with the pup and relationship are generally amenable to letting you meet their pup or talking about their experience. Some also post here though not all.
FYI - in the interest of disclosure in case this is a potential conflict of interest, I have two Tengai pups.
Thank you all for your comments! I have emailed Polar Star as well, I'll hold off on Cheri Sullo because although I'm willing to drive, MA is quite a hike from VA. I heard back from asahanna and frerose already. Asahanna gave me a great vibe, she answered all my questions and even thanked me for asking them then even asked some of her own. She seemed to really care about her dogs. She is also the closest to me, that will not be a deciding factor but it does give me a good place to start visiting. She does occasionally have creams and frerose has a cream available now. Tengai was the first place I looked at because I'd heard such great things and I like them already from this forum, but it will be quite some time for the next litter. Thanks again for the help although it looks like my hope of a good breeder in VA is dashed, looks like a road trip is in my future!
