This page was last updated: 7/20/2026
LATEST KAWAKO HEALTH NEWS
National Shiba Club of American (NSCA) the AKC parent club for the Shiba Inu requires all members to have the minimum of hips, eyes & knees of their Shibas tested clear before breeding them. OFA certification is the proof these tests are completed. In addition to the 3 NSCA required tests (eyes, hips & patellas) we also do the following 5 OFA certifiable tests: thyroid, dentition (teeth), cardiac, degenerative myelopathy & GM1 gangliosidosis for a total of 8 OFA certifiable tests.
At Kawako we strive to breed only the healthiest Shibas. All of our imported Shibas as well as our home bred Shibas are DNA tested by Embark for 200+ general canine diseases plus all Shiba specific diseases currently available. We also do gonioscopy to look for glaucoma. This is a relatively new test and it's not always easy to find a practitioner. In addition we do an Environmental Toxin and Food Sensitivity test which helps up properly feed and mange each of our dogs for ultimate health and longevity.
While it's unreasonable to think a breeder can guarantee a puppy will be 100% free from all genetic and congenital diseases we do guarantee we have done the very best we possibly can to only bring beautiful, healthy, well tempered Shibas into the world. Bring test total up to 11 or 12, we feel our Shibas are some of the most health tested Shibas in the world.
STANDARD OF BEAUTY - PERFORMANCE & FUNCTION -
HEALTH & TEMPERAMENT
Thank you so much for visiting our site and we would be honored if you would consider
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MEET THE KAWAKO SHIBAS
We would like to introduce you to our lovely foundation dogs. We have owned generation after generation of quality, health tested show & breeding Shibas that have proven to be excellent companions.
We believe that a dog used for breeding should have their beauty, quality, temperament and trainability assessed by participating in breed ring & performance competition and should be compared to the breeding programs of other top breeders of Shibas. Beauty is one thing but you must also test a dog's mind if you want to preserve a breeds function and temperament. Shibas are hunting dogs and we actively use them as such, hunting vermin on our farm.
Lastly, all breeding dogs must pass health tests which are certified with Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA.) We're proud to say our dogs come from many generations of health screened ancestors in both a traditional and vertical pedigree search. Whether you purchase a puppy from us or somewhere else NEVER purchase a puppy who's parents are not OFA certified and ALWAYS view their certificates and insist on and check the breeder's references.
Introducing the dogs that made up the foundation of Kawako
AKC, CKC, UKC & IABCA Int'l Champion "KUROTAKA" (Black Hawk) Kuro was still ruling the barnyard at 17 years old until his passing in 2024. Kuro possessed an outgoing & friendly temperament with a great willingness to please & eagerness to learn and participate which he passes along to his progeny. Kuro has OFA certified HIPS, PATELLAS, EYES, THYROID, CARDIAC, DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY & GM1-GANGLIOSIDOSIS and is also DNA tested for common canine diseases. He was also NIPPO registered. Kuro semen is offered to Shiba ladies of merit. Kuro's puppies are extremely even-tempered and excel as pets and show dogs. I call his daughter Darla my Border Collie Shiba. Now I granddaughter Baby Tea and and several Kuro great granddaughters and they are my favorites. Kuro was a wonderful companion, fabulous show dog and truly a once in a lifetime stud dog. Thank you Katja Weber & Nobu Atsumi for blessing me with such an amazing dog.
AKC, UKC & IABCA Int'l Champion "BRIDGET JONES" 2023 Bridgy was our special spoiled girl and basically daddy's golden child who can do no wrong but she's sunning in heavenly sunshine now. She was goofy in her own special way and she maked us laugh with her Shiba quirks. Bridget was a UKC Top 10 Shiba in 2009 & 2010. Bridget was fully CHIC health certified with OFA EXCELLENT hips & is a HOME-BRED Kawako Shiba. Bridget was the Kawako ambassador who greeted all human and canine visitors in a charming way that enchanted everyone. She was always happy to have a doggie house guest when we pet sit our clients Shibas. She loved to sun herself outside and to teach our new puppies the ropes. Otherwise she could be found sleeping in in front of the TV console so she could keep and eye on the action. She is missed.
AKC & IABCA Int'l Champion "FUYU KOFUKU" Born on winter solstice her name translates to "Winter Joy." Fuyu's unique personality and unusually stable and mellow Shiba temperament has lead to many fans and admirers in the PNW Shiba community and now in the neighborhood of her new family in the beautiful Oakland hills of CA. Fuyu is a calm & gentle, yet still mischievous, house pet who keeps new owners Gregg & Pat going on walks every day. Like her mother and grandmother before her, Fuyu is CHIC certified and has OFA EXCELLENT hips and is a HOME-BRED Kawako Shiba who has contributed a great deal to our breeding program. We have Fuyu daughters and sons who carry on her traits.
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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Introducing the dogs that are moving us into the future
Kuro descendents
Bridget descendents
