Redtales Shiba Inu

Getting a Shiba

Getting a Shiba Inu: What You Need to Know

If you're considering getting a Shiba Inu, there are several important things to understand before making the commitment to bring one into your home. This guide will help you determine if a Shiba Inu is the right fit for your lifestyle and prepare you for the responsibilities of ownership.

Key Traits of the Shiba Inu

1. Independence and Strong-Willed Nature
Shiba Inus are known for their independent and strong-willed personalities. Unlike some other breeds, they are not as eager to please their owners, which can make training more challenging. A fully fenced and secure yard is essential! If allowed off-leash in an open area, a Shiba Inu will likely seize the opportunity to explore, often ignoring calls to return.

2. Socialization Needs
Without proper socialization from a young age, Shiba Inus can be aloof with strangers and other animals. Early and consistent socialisation is crucial to help them develop good manners and a friendly disposition.

3. Exercise Requirements
Shibas are an active breed and require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy walks, runs, and playtime. However, due to their high prey drive and independent nature, always keep them on a leash as they may become distracted and run off.

4. Grooming and Shedding
Shibas have a thick double coat that sheds heavily most of the year. Regular brushing and grooming can help minimise shedding and keep their coat healthy. Be prepared for some extra vacuuming during shedding seasons!

5. Best Fit for Experienced Owners
Due to their independent nature and training needs, Shibas may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners. Researching the breed and understanding their unique characteristics will help you prepare for the commitment they require.

Why Choose a Shiba Inu?

While Shibas are not the easiest breed to own, they can be deeply rewarding companions for the right owner. Their intelligence, loyalty, and spirited personality make them a joy to have in your life if you are prepared to meet their needs.

Preparing for a New Puppy

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting yet significant decision. To make this transition smoother, we aim to provide as much useful information as possible.

Health Testing

All our dogs undergo comprehensive health checks, including:

  • Hip scoring
  • Elbow scoring
  • Eye testing (including gonioscopy)
  • Veterinary examinations
  • DNA testing for GM1/GM2 (Gangliosidosis)

Please don’t hesitate to ask us for more details about our health testing protocols.

What Paperwork Will You Receive?

As a responsible breeder, we ensure that you receive:

  • Dogs Queensland Pedigree – Limited Register (not for showing or breeding; no exceptions)​
  • DNA Proof of Parentage
  • Microchip registration details/transfer application
  • Veterinarian health certificate
  • Vaccination certificate and de-worming record

For interstate buyers, we can arrange a "fit to fly" certificate upon request.

Note: We do not sell to homes outside of Australia.

Puppy Selection Process

While we strive to accommodate your preference for the sex or color of your puppy, the final decision on placements rests with us. This ensures each puppy is matched with the most suitable home based on their temperament and the owner’s lifestyle. If you have a strong preference, let us know early so we can work with you to find the right match.

Waitlist Information

We do not maintain a traditional waitlist due to our careful planning and selective breeding process. Instead, we match each puppy with the most suitable owner. Prospective owners who take the time to visit us and meet our dogs are given preference, though we consider all circumstances in our placement decisions.

Is a Shiba Inu Right for You?

Adding a Shiba Inu to your family is a long-term commitment, filled with joy and challenges. If you have researched the breed and believe the Shiba Inu aligns with your lifestyle and are ready for the journey, we would love to hear from you. Contact us to discuss how a Redtales Shiba Inu could become part of your family!

 

Why we don't offer discounts on our Shiba Inu

As a responsible breeder, our priority is the well-being of our Shiba Inu puppies and adult dogs, as well as the long-term happiness of their new families. We are not a commercial breeder, and our small-scale program is rooted in a deep passion for the breed. Every step we take is intentional and guided by a commitment to excellence, care, and ethical practices.

The Value of Our Puppies

Raising Shiba Inus is not a business venture for us; it’s a labour of love. From health testing our breeding dogs to ensure genetic soundness, to providing high-quality food, veterinary care, and enrichment, we spare no effort in giving our puppies the best start in life.

Additionally, we devote countless hours to socialising each puppy, teaching them basic skills, and carefully matching them with families where we believe they will thrive. All these steps take significant time, money, and effort—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. This is why we price our puppies appropriately and do not offer discounts.

Why Haggling Doesn’t Align With Our Values

When someone asks for a discount on one of our dogs, it can feel disheartening because it shifts the focus from what truly matters: the puppy’s well-being and suitability for their new home. Negotiating price suggests that our puppies are commodities, which goes against everything we stand for as a breeder.

The price we set reflects the value of the care and dedication that goes into every puppy. It’s also a way of ensuring that prospective owners are prepared for the long-term financial commitment of owning a dog. A Shiba Inu is a lifelong responsibility, not a spur-of-the-moment purchase, and their needs will continue long after the initial cost.

Our Commitment to Ethical Breeding

We believe in doing things the right way, even when it’s not the easiest or most profitable route. This includes:

  • Conducting thorough health testing on all breeding dogs.

  • Raising puppies in a home environment where they are loved and cared for from day one.

  • Providing extensive support to new owners, including guidance on training, nutrition, and integration into their families.

Our goal is to place each puppy or adult dog in a home where they will be cherished and cared for as family members. This careful placement process ensures a good match for both the dog and the owner, reducing the likelihood of rehoming later on.

Encouraging Respectful Engagement

We understand that purchasing a puppy is a significant investment, and we encourage prospective buyers to carefully consider whether they are ready for the financial and emotional responsibilities involved. If you have questions about our pricing or our breeding program, we are happy to provide transparency about the work that goes into raising our dogs.

However, we kindly ask visitors to refrain from requesting discounts or haggling. Instead, we encourage open and respectful dialogue about what owning a Shiba Inu entails and how we can support you in preparing for this exciting journey.

A Final Thought

Our Shiba Inu puppies are more than just pets; they are the result of years of dedication and a commitment to preserving the unique qualities of this incredible breed. By choosing one of our puppies, you are not only gaining a loyal and loving companion but also supporting ethical breeding practices that prioritize the health and happiness of dogs.

Thank you for respecting our work and understanding the value we place on our puppies. If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about our breeding program, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Steps to Owning a Redtales Shiba Inu

We’ve designed a straightforward process to ensure each of our puppies finds the perfect home. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Submit Your Application
Complete our application form and include photos of your backyard and where your Shiba will live. Showing us that your yard is fully secure is essential.

Step 2: Follow Us on Social Media
Stay connected by following us on Instagram (@redtales_shiba) or Facebook (Redtales Shiba Inu). This gives you a glimpse into our dogs’ lives and helps you stay updated on future litters.

Step 3: Stay in Touch
As a small breeder, we often do not have puppies available immediately. It can take up to a couple of years for families to welcome a Redtales Shiba. Keeping in touch ensures you’re considered when the right match comes along. If we do not hear from you, we may not know that you are waiting!

Step 4: Confirm Your Puppy and Contract
Once a puppy is available for you, we’ll ask you to sign a puppy contract via DocuSign and pay the required deposit.

Step 5: Stay Updated on Your Puppy’s Progress
We’ll keep you informed about the litter’s milestones through our dedicated Facebook group for the litter. Be sure to read our puppy selection process for more details.

Step 6: Arrange Transportation (If Needed)
For interstate buyers, we’ll help organize transport. However, transport costs remain the buyer’s responsibility.

Step 7: Meet your puppy!
Between 6-7 weeks of age, once the puppies have received their first vaccination, we invite families for a special Meet Your Puppy session. This is a great opportunity to bond with your puppy before they join your family at 8 weeks old.

Step 8: Get Your Puppy!
At 8 weeks old, your puppy will be ready to go home! You’ll receive a puppy pack, vet records, and ongoing support to help you and your new Shiba settle in.

Disclaimer

Submitting an application does not guarantee that you will be offered a puppy. As we do not maintain a traditional waitlist, our process is not first come, first served. Instead, we focus on matching each puppy with the most suitable home based on their temperament and the applicant’s circumstances.

Applicants who submit thorough applications and maintain regular communication with us generally have a better chance of being offered a Redtales Shiba Inu.