Manami Will Be Our First Placement
At Shomaisou, the well-being of our dogs has always been central to every decision we make. As our preservation breeding program continues to develop, we are introducing a new approach that allows each dog to enjoy daily life as a cherished member of a family while remaining part of our carefully planned breeding program.
Going forward, dogs retained for our breeding program will be placed in either co-owned homes or guardian homes. These dogs will live primarily with their co-owners or guardian families—not in a kennel environment—while we continue to manage their showing, health testing, and breeding plans.
This arrangement gives each dog the individual attention, companionship, and household routine every Shiba deserves while allowing us to continue making thoughtful decisions for the future of the breed.
How the Program Will Work
The exact arrangement will depend on the dog and whether the placement is a co-ownership or guardian home.
Co-Owned Females
A female placed in a co-owned home will live primarily with her co-owner. If she is bred, her litter may be whelped and raised either in the co-owned home or here at Shomaisou.
That decision will be made in advance based on the experience and circumstances of the co-owner, the needs of the female, and what will provide the safest and most appropriate environment for the litter.
Co-owners who participate in whelping and raising a litter will work closely with us throughout the pregnancy, delivery, and puppy-development process.
Guardian Females
A female in a guardian home will also live primarily with her guardian family. When she is bred, she will return to Shomaisou before her expected delivery date so that her litter can be whelped and raised in our home.
After completing her maternal responsibilities and when it is safe and appropriate for her to do so, she will return to her guardian family (approximately 6-7 weeks).
Co-Owned or Guardian Males
Males will live primarily with their co-owner or guardian family and will be made available for approved breedings as needed.
Any breeding involving one of our males will be carefully planned and evaluated. Health, temperament, structure, pedigree, genetic diversity, and the preservation of correct Shiba Inu type will continue to guide every breeding decision.
Our First Placement: Manami
We are pleased to announce that the first dog to be offered through this program will be:
CH Takikawa Manami of Shomaisou CGC TKN, affectionately known as Nami.
Manami is a red female Shiba Inu born September 28, 2023. She is an AKC Champion and has earned both her Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog Novice titles.
Her completed health testing includes:
- OFA hips: Good
- Patellas: Normal
- Eyes: Normal
- CHIC number: 212212
- Embark DNA testing
- Clear results for Degenerative Myelopathy, GM1 Gangliosidosis, and GM2 Gangliosidosis
Manami remains an important part of our breeding program, and we are looking for a committed home that understands both the joys and responsibilities of caring for a breeding female.
Photos, pedigree, health information, and additional details about Manami can be viewed on her public profile at https://dogbreederpro.com/s/dog/4zzG4096XnNJ6.
What We Are Looking For
The right co-owner or guardian understands that this is a long-term partnership centered on the dog’s welfare.
Prospective homes should be prepared to:
- Provide a safe, stable, and loving home
- Keep the dog in excellent physical condition
- Maintain appropriate veterinary and preventive care
- Communicate regularly and openly with us
- Make the dog available for agreed-upon health testing, shows, appointments, and breedings
- Follow the terms of the written co-ownership or guardian agreement
- Work cooperatively with us throughout the dog’s time in the breeding program
Each arrangement will be discussed individually so that everyone clearly understands the responsibilities, expectations, and plans for the dog before a placement is made.
A Family-Centered Future for Our Program
Preservation breeding involves more than producing puppies. It requires careful stewardship of every dog entrusted to us.
We believe this program will allow our breeding dogs to enjoy the best of both worlds: life as beloved family companions and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the future of the Shiba Inu.
As with our puppy placements, co-owned and guardian dogs will not be placed on a first-come, first-served basis. Our priority is finding the right long-term match and building a respectful, dependable relationship with each participating family.
If you are interested in being considered as Manami’s co-owner or guardian family—or would like to learn about future opportunities—please contact us and tell us about your household, experience with dogs, location, and interest in the program. You may apply at https://www.shibas.dog/application.html.