This page was last updated: 7/16/2026
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) emphasizes animal welfare as a core principle, viewing it as a human responsibility to ensure all aspects of an animal's well-being are met, including proper housing, management, and nutrition. The AVMA also recognizes the distinction between animal welfare and animal rights, with animal welfare focusing on the quality of life and ensuring needs are met, while animal rights assert that animals have intrinsic rights.
Never support and animal rights group. Even some Veterinarians are animal rightist. Google the topic. Look for the tell tale signs. DO NOT SUPPORT ANIMAL RIGHTS.
OUR PHYLOSOPHY
Cheri Fun Fellinger & Marcel Marckelbach are considered or "Show Breeders" along with many other devoted individuals who keep a few dogs in their home, as pets and then on weekends compete as show dogs. We do not have a commercial kennel. We are focused on the protection of the Shiba as pure breed and holding on to classic Japanese disposition and characterisics. The goal in our breeding program is progressive improvement in style and structure while still preserving the unique character of the Shiba Inu as the ancient treasure it is. In meeting our goals we are able to provide a few lucky pet owners with a well bred, properly raised and beautiful Shiba puppy, a well started youngster or a trained adult Shiba.
While it is the current trend is to use the description of "Preservation Breeder" I don't really care for that term. Many breeders want to change the breed and make it more docile and easy to for pet owners as well as overly friendly, suitable for dog park situations. This change in traits actually clashes with the other traits creating a confusing mismatch of characteristics in any breed of dog. The Shiba should have a strong character, be calm & dignified. He is devoted to family and he his chooses his friends carefully & selectively. It should always be about choosing the right breed for you and your family not changing the personality or breed characterisics because you like the outside package.
It has always been our goal to present dogs, dog breeders and dog ownership to the public in a positive light by being responsible pet owners, sharing our knowledge generously and educating new owners in all things "dog". As dog breeders we strive to create a beautiful dog with a sound mind & healthy body that takes to training well and is a nice calm house dog and family companion. We have been training and showing dogs 40+ years and in that time we have owned & loved Aussies, Rottweilers, Pomeranians, a Golden, a German Shepherd, a Lapponian Herder and rescued any breed or species of animal that needed us. We love ALL animals. Each individual animal has taught us different lessons which we can only surmise was in preparation for the Shibas to come. We've now devoted nearly 35+ years to the Shiba Inu.
As breeders it's our responsibility to preserve the Shiba as the dog the Japanese intended it to be. We would never consider changing the Shiba to make it more marketable, less spirited or more docile as that is not our right. There are some who want to Americanize the Shiba and make it "easier" for the pet owner. The Shiba will NEVER be the breed for everyone and that is the way it should stay. The Shiba requires a master it can count on to be fair, firm and consistent so mutual respect and trust can develop naturally. The Shiba has life lessons to teach his master too. So it is wise to listen to him.
OUR EXPERIENCE & AFFILIATIONS
- 35+ years in the Shiba Inu with previous years devoted to Pomeranians, Aussies & Rottweilers
- 40+ years as a professional dog trainer teaching manners and obedience to family dogs.
- Kawako donates to local and national Shiba Rescue and Animal Assisted Programs annually.
- History of serving pet owners across the U.S. & Canada since 1981
- Lifetime member of NSCA the AKC parent club in the USA.
- Member of NIPPO the parent club of the breed in Japan.
- Members of Evergreen Shiba Inu Club our local Washington/Oregon Shiba club.
- AKC Shiba Inu Breeder of Merit and participant of AKC Bred With Heart Program.
- Our Shibas enjoy natural & holistic food, health and rearing with early neurological stimulation.
- We participate in UKC, CKC and IABCA and AKC conformation and other performance competition.
STANDARD OF BEAUTY - PERFORMANCE & FUNCTION -
HEALTH & TEMPERAMENT
Thank you so much for visiting our site and we would be honored if you would consider
It's a personal goal to make every effort to encourage Shiba enthusiasts to join the sport of showing dogs. Conformation and performance events foster close bonds between dogs and humans and definitely creates a more enjoyable pet. We will help you find mentor near you.
KAWAKO is now KAWANOKO SHIBA INU
(pronounced: cow-uh-no-co) to be the same as our NIPPO registered kennel name.
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