All about the Circle M Farm
Home of
Kawako Shiba Inu &
Little River Show Dogs
LOCATION
We live on a small acreage farm in a quaint logging town set in the beautiful foothills of Mt. St. Helen in Washington State, just 45 minutes north of Portland, Oregon. It's an efficient little place with a humble cottage home, tidy green pastures and a year round creek shaded by mossy hemlocks. Here we can peacefully enjoy our animals and a slower pace of life. NOTE: Please do not confuse us with the person breeding WHITE/CREAM Shibas in our area.
EXPERIENCE
30+ years experience in dogs lets us offer you fine quality puppies. Cheri’s professional career included working with animals almost exclusively. She now chooses to write & illustrate at home allowing more time to work and play with her own animals. Many years of working with pet owners has taught us a lot about human nature and being involved in showing dogs has taught us to accept its characters all in good humor. The dogs themselves are incredible teachers. Over the years we've grown to reailize that each dog humbly comes into our life to teach us a lesson.
BELIEFS & ETHICS
Our commitment to helping reduce pet overpopulation is that we NEVER HAVE and we NEVER WILL produce puppies simply for the purpose of selling them to the public as pets. We feel this is an unethical practice for people claiming to "protect" or "better" their breed.
We are strong proponents of responsible breeding, which entails giving careful consideration to health issues, temperament and genetic screening, as well as to the individual care and placement of puppies in only the finest loving & responsible homes. We have dedicated our lives, both emotionally and financially, to creating the healthiest, happiest and most beautiful puppies we possibly can.
We also believe that our pet buyers should be treated with respect and kindness. They play a indispensable part in our breeding program for without them it would be impossible to continue. We try to support and educate them to the best of our ability and we enjoy their friendship.
*WHY WE ARE A MULTI- BREED HOUSEHOLD
Many dog fanciers, breeders and exhibitors don't seem to understand why anyone would keep several breeds of dogs. Our reply is we can't understand how anyone can question our love for our dogs. We love dogs, NOT just one breed, so we may have as many as 3-4 breeds in our home at any given time in our lives. We enjoy each breed for its unique characteristics and each dog for its unique personality. Watching the different breeds, sizes & colors of dogs interact is ALWAYS most entertaining and enjoyable. Just because we have 3 breeds does not make us "bad" or "wrong." Currently we have a total of only 6 (yep, that's SIX) dogs and only 2 of those are breedable dogs. Very few breeders can claim the same. Simple math tells you that those with more dogs have less quality time to spend with each dog. We keep fewer dogs so have more of our life time to enjoy a variety of breeds and still have the space & time to specialize in Shibas.
TRAINING DOGS & PEOPLE
Cheri worked for several service dog organizations and had her own dog training & pet sitting business in California for 20+ years. Cheri developed her own class curriculum which always included dog behavior lectures for owners and she offered Puppy Training Classes well before it was the norm. Besides a basic understanding of dog behavior a good dog owner/trainer is open minded, creative and studies breed characteristics and learning patterns. Instructor/trainers have to be able to convey information while keeping their class room calm and orderly. Always respect yourself and your dog, never do anything to your dog you do not feel comfortable with just because some "trainer" tells you to. Parts of training can be very serious since it could be a matter of life or death whether a dog listens or not but generally training should be fun and enjoyable for both parties. Positive reinforcement works best in the majority of cases. There are many paths to a trained dog but success is ultimately measured in the end result of a happy and obedient companion.
Working daily with her own dogs on obedience, conformation, grooming & conditioning is what Cheri likes doing best. Training Shibas can be particularly challenging but rewarding all the same. The Shiba is seriously misunderstood by the majority of people who come in contact with it like vets, groomers, dog trainers and the standard misinformed Shiba pet owner. Calls come in from Shiba owners all over the country asking Cheri how to re-train their naughty Shibas correctly.
SHOWING TO TEST MIND & BODY
When we compete, we enjoy winning just like everybody else does but we don't take winning or losing as seriously as the majority of our peers. Every dog has his day. We have dogs to enjoy them as companions at home so we attend local shows on a limited basis. However, ALL DOGS NEED TRAINING and competing for obedience titles is considered a personal test of our work training & learning together as a team. Competing for championship titles tests our breeding program for consistency and quality. If a dog does not enjoy the show ring we would never force him to go. We'd simply find something more enjoyable for the dog like tracking, herding or carting. While we don't believe that showing is a means in itself we do believe that if you are going to breed dogs you MUST test their temperament and trainability through showing. If you find a "breeder" who gives excuses such as showing is for snobs and/or they are "just breeding good pets" RUN THE OTHER WAY! These people know their dogs are poor quality and they probably aren't health screening them either! YIKES!
BREEDING Check the sidebar for Breeder Comparison Matrix
This is a lifetime commitment for us. While we know we could make faster progress toward our goal by owning more dogs and producing more litters per year we choose not to. Since 1980 when we purchased our first real "show dog" we have only produced 30 litters in total and 2 of those were co-bred litters not whelped in our home. That is an average of LESS THAN ONE LITTER PER YEAR and considering Shibas & Poms have only 1-3 puppies per litter we do not produce many puppies either. We generally own and show the grandpuppies of our original dogs.
PUPPIES (Available occasionally)
We occasionally offer well-bred, properly raised and socialized puppies to a very select clientele. Our puppies are raised in our busy kitchen/art/sewing studio, sometimes next to a lamb or baby chicks where they are conveniently located as artistic inspiration for Cheri's artwork! Because we treat each baby as our own from the very start they get major socialization, go on errands, visit friends homes and participate fully in our lives from day one. They receive a veterinary health check, necessary shots, worming and microchip and have started their crate and potty training. Our puppies are very well adjusted and obedient. Lucky buyers are always provided with a CD of detailed written care instructions, photos & video of their puppy's first weeks of development & experiences. We take the responsibility of breeding and creating life very seriously.
TRAINED ADOLESCENTS & YOUNG ADULTS ARE JEWELS
Sometimes we have youngsters we’ve retained for ourselves or older dogs to retire and place as only pets in doting families. Raised by a knowledgeable professional these individuals are true gems. They are house dogs with wonderful manners & basic obedience skills. Older pups & adults that we have placed are noted as being "the best dog I've ever owned" by their lucky new owners. Feel free to ask for their testimonials.
SHIBA RESCUE
We support both local & national rescue groups in addition to Cheri being a board member of NWPP Inc., a not for profit 501(c) animal rescue organization. Occasionally we have Shiba rescues here awaiting adoption. Adoption fees very but usually simply cover basic vet care & neutering.
THE ADOPTION PROCESS
We genuinely believe that developing relationships with the wonderful people who purchase our puppies is part of the joy of breeding & showing dogs, This belief system has proven very successful, not only for us but for the dogs and for our buyers. The results are that we have developed long time friendships with most of our buyers and dog training clientele.
Since we don't breed often we don't keep a waiting list for puppies. It just never worked for us. If you are flexible on gender we can take deposits if know you want a puppy from particular parents that you find charming. Litters usually consist of 1-4 puppies so gender and color cannot be determined or promised until the pups are born. Until then pontential buyers are on the honor system. We can matchmake pups with families we have come to know as the pups mature and we can begin to assess personality and of course have to detirmine which pup we are keeping for ourselves :).
PRICING: The big question "how much?"
Please remember that you get what you pay for. $200-$300 may be excellent profit for someone with little to no investment whereas $800+ may be "break-even" for properly raised animals from reputable breeders. Lesser priced puppies can always be found but they lack the breed characteristics, markings, color, size and substance most people associate with a well bred dog of quality and remember HEALTH SHOULD ALWAYS BE A BREEDER'S AND A BUYER'S FIRST CONCERN. Health screening is the very minimum a breeding animal should accomplish but in most cases there are also training classes, travel expenses, dog show entry fees, the best food & supplements and don't forget the major time investment given to daily care, cleaning, grooming & exercising. These are just a few examples of the expense of maintaining a breeding animal. Stud fee, show records, health screening, shipping the female to the stud are all expenses contributing to the final price of a puppy. Our prices are within the standard market price set forth by breeders of quality puppies out of fully health screened champion parents. It makes sense that young dogs with training are more expensive than 8 week old pups and retiring show dogs seeking loving laps are generally less expensive.
COMMON PUPPY PRICING FROM REPUTABLE BREEDERS
Shibas $500-2500 (based on age, color and training) average $1200
Pomeranians $400-2500 (based on size, color, age & training) average $800
There is a ridiculous & unreasonable belief amongst the public and many misinformed self proclaimed dog lovers and even some breeders that it's unethical for a breeder to make a profit on the sales of puppies. We believe that a good breeder can produce quality puppies AND at least break even and occasionally make a small profit. And why shouldn't they? Why is it that in any other field one can work hard and show a profit and be considered successful but it's taboo for a hard working and respectable dog breeder to show a profit? Because of this backward way of thinking Puppy Mills are the only ones getting rich from selling puppies. That's because they have no real investment in or commitment to the animals. Until the public stops supporting Puppy Mills that's how it will remain.
SHIPPING AND OTHER PARTICULARS
We prefer to place puppies with families that live within a reasonable distance from us so we can provide support but occasionally we'll match a puppy with a family that necessitates shipping. Shipping is done from Portland International Airport (PDX). The cost for shipping an 8-12 week puppy (or Soay lamb), crate & health certificate is between $250-$350.
SALES AGREEMENT, HEALTH WARRANTY, CARE PACKAGE & FOLLOW-UP SUPPORT
We provide a written sales agreements that includes a health warranty. Puppies & Dogs are guaranteed healthy at the time of purchase. We provide evidence that all our breeding dogs have been screened for the common health conditions particular to each of their breeds and any breeding partner chosen for them has been similarly tested. Puppies are warranted free from these common conditions until 26 months of age. All pups are sold with spay/neuter agreements and a strict "return to breeder if ever unwanted" clause. Buyers are provided with a CD of pictures and care instructions. PLUS local buyers receive FREE dog obedience classes and reduced rate pet sitting at our home. In addition you get a breeder with a lifetime of animal training experience to assist you in raising your puppy.
PUPPY BUYER RESPONSIBILITIES
Puppy buyers have a responsibility to thoroughly understand breed characteristics and health issues common to the breed of dog they intend to purchase. They should have realistic expectations of the breeder, the dog and most importantly what their family's part will be in creating a good companion. It is fully the buyer's responsibility to choose a healthy puppy from an experienced breeder, study general dog behavior, make a commitment to puppy socialization and formal obedience training and to get their puppy spayed or neutered in a timely manner to avoid unwanted behaviors. They should also keep contact with their breeder and make sure to ask for assistance when needed. Buyers must understand that all puppies begin as a blank slate and in the end, everyone gets the adult dog they deserve.
FINDING A GOOD BREEDER & CHOOSING A PUPPY
AKC will have links to the parent club of the breed of your choice. Contact local club members and attend nearby dog shows. Even within the same breed you will find different looks or "types" of dogs. Identify the type of dog you find most attractive AND then find their breeder(s). Get to know these breeders through email & phone conversations, shop around, find a breeder with similar values as yourself, one that lives with their dogs and the dogs they produce will no doubt fit your lifestyle well.
Temperament & health are most important to pet owners so ask to see a pedigree with OFA (hips & patella's, heart, thyroid) & CERF (eyes) standings on it and look for a high percentage (parents, grand and great grand parents) having health screening. Keep in mind the four grandparents make the most important contribution to a puppy’s health, temperament and appearance. The breeder should be able to point out characteristics of each puppy’s personality and then choose a puppy to match your family’s needs based on the HONEST information you have provided to them. Trust them.
USE CAUTION
DO NOT choose the biggest, cutest or the very dominant puppy because you think it's special that it "chose you" and NEVER take a sickly & scared puppy because you want to "rescue" it. All puppies are cute but think with your head BEFORE you invest your heart AND your pocketbook. Remember the wise old sayings "You Get What You Pay For" and the even more foreboding "Buyer Beware". ALWAYS ASK FOR PROOF OF HEALTH TESTS & PERSONAL REFERENCES! We hope this helps in your search.
COMMITTED TO BREEDING ONLY THE BEST SINCE 1981
No show fads or extremes, just quality, healthy, well tempered pups out of OFA & CERF screened AKC show quality parents. If you live in the Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington area and you appreciate quality Shibas we invite your inquiry. Puppies and trained young adults are occasionally available to the fortunate homes of those who can provide love, exercise and training to our living treasures.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO SELECT CLIENTS
References gladly provided.
Please call 360.247.6452 or e-mail
cefmm@aol.com for more information.
Located near Mount St. Helen we offer Shiba Inu show dogs. We also offer dog training and dogs for sale!
Pups in all 3 colors available soon.
Please call 360.247.6452
FARM & KENNEL NAMES
Initially the C surrounding the M was used to brand our horse tack. It transitioned into "CIRCLE M" and we now use that prefix for the farm and for our registered Soay Sheep. One of the puppies playing in the creek out back inspired the kennel name "KAWAKO" which means "Little River" in Japanese. So our Shibas use Kawako while our other dogs use the Little River prefix. Ahhhhh....... now it makes sense huh?
This page was last updated: 2/6/2012
* Kawako donates regularly to local, national AND international Shiba rescue.
* Shiba training advice gladly given.
Pictured above: Cheri in '81 at the Australian Shepherd Club of America National Specialty with her first good show dog "Joline." Cheri started showing Aussies (pre-AKC) in the obedience ring and in the herding arena in the late 70's. Altogether she has been showing dogs over 30 years.......... Cheri & RD 2001 Best of Breed at the Clark Co. Kennel Club
Japanese characters depicting
Kappa Kawako
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” - Mahatma Gandhi.
Blackie (our first Shiba) & Oso (our last Rottie) with Peeper the cat in our garden in Pleasant Hill, CA 1993. Oso & Blackie both lived to be nearly 14 years old. Peeps 17.5.
Tabou with the Family Dog Training Waggin' Train cart. Dressed for the 4th July Parade '90. Tabou was a great demo dog for our
Family Dog Training School. She loved to pull her cart and was a certified therapy dog. After we moved to WA we changed the dog training business name to Cheri's School for Naughty Dogs and Oso, Tabou's son, took over.
Above: 2001 Cheri with Blackie, RD, Hana & Hoshi.
To foster balance and harmony in our personal lives and for reasons of health, home & happiness our schedule only includes one seminar and/or one dog show per month for most of the year.
DID YOU KNOW.......
The millions in donations collected by the HSUS and PETA are largely spent on salaries, lobbyists and misleading advertisements. The goal of HSUS and PETA is to end pet ownership and the use of all animal products.
Please, DO NOT support HSUS and PETA! Instead, donate directly to your local animal shelter where the money can do the most good.
SEE OUR "MORE" PAGE TO READ ON............
Link to the
Multiple Beauties!
