Stunning Looks, Plus Exellent Temperaments
AKC & NIPPO Shiba and Shikoku
SIERRA OHKAMI KENNEL
We are a small Show Hobby Kennel specializing and dedicated to the Preservation of Shiba Inu and Shikoku Ken. Our dogs are all AKC and some NIPPO registered. ALL our breeding dogs are OFA health tested on Hips, Patellas, Eye Certifications and Embark genetic DNA tested (Chic Numbered & Bred With a Heart). We exhibit our dogs in AKC, NIPPO, UKC and IABCA Dog Shows. Some of our dogs also have various Sporting, Hunting and Working Dog titles. Our Puppies all come with Veterinarian issued Health Certificates and Breeder Health Guarantees and sold with strict Spay/Nueter, Pet Puppy Contracts. (All puppies sold as pets NOT to be bred.)
The meaning behind the name.
The Sierra Nevada Mountain range is in the Western United States and primarily in California. To have a kennel name that reflects the region in the US the dogs were bred and for the similar mountainous enviroments in Japan where they hunted. My first Shiba I owned back in 2000 was from a Reputable Kennel called Sierra Shibas. I kept in contact with the Breeder over the years as we became friends. She has long retired her kennel and so I asked her permission to use part of her kennel name, "Sierra" in my own. To have her blessing was very sentimental to me. It was also fitting that it be in the name of our very first Shiba that started it all for me, Sierra's Red Samurai "Yoshi".
"Ohkami" means Wolf in Japanese. Shibas and Shikoku are both Primitive breeds and it is proven that the Shiba is one of the breeds most genetically related to the Grey Wolf. To own one feels like having a bit of the Wild or Nature in your presence. Both breeds have a Wolfie like apperance and in Japan the Shikoku is even nicknamed The Japanese Wolf Dog.
is a primitive breed right for you?
Shiba and Shikoku date back to BC times. This means that they are less domesticated than other breeds. Less domesticated means more wild and closer in relation to the wolf. They are not recommended for first time dog owners...unless a person is willing to put in the time to learn basic training techniques and commit to regularly exposing their puppies to various enviroments, people and situations early in life. With these breeds there is a lot of "pack mentality" to always keeps in mind. Training needs to be consistant, short and positive. With Shikoku it needs to be balanced carefully. If a Shikoku is repremanded too harshly, they can shut down and just stop listening. Forming a partnership and bond with these breeds early on is a must. Puppies need to be socialized earlier and more frequently than more domesticated breeds. Like any dog breed, if not well socialized early as a puppy in programs like Puppy Kindergarden/Social Play Groups, they could grow up to become shy, fearful and reactive towards other dogs. They can co-habitate nicely with other pets like cats and rabbits if they are raised with them as puppies. Rule of thumb with cats is, just give them a high place they can get away to and they will do fine. They have a strong prey drive and it is recommended they not be off leash since they are not good on recall (especially if destracted by a squirrel). With this strong prey drive it is advised that small pets like guinea pigs or hamsters not be unsupervised with them, but both Shiba and Shikoku get along with cats if socialized early as pups. These are breeds that are used for hunting and to expect them to fight that urge is going up against thousands of years of inbred instinct. Both breeds make wonderful pets around small children as long as the child is taught to be respectful to the dog. It is advised that all family members be involved in the raising and feeding of these puppies. (children can give treats and scoop food into bowls by hand to put their scent on the food.) Just as with wolves a Primitive Dog will not respect those it doesn't have to rely on for survival (pack mentality). Shikoku and Shiba make wonderful family dogs if raised and trained properly. My teen son has grown up with many of our dogs from birth and always had wonderful relationships with them.
"Tomo is getting settled in nicely. He did cry before bed and we stuck with your advice and as you said he eventually fell asleep. All day the kids kept saying how much they love him already. He is such a sweet loving pup. Thank you so much!"— Karina S. Puppy Parents of Tomo Shikoku
"She is so cuddly! You worked so hard bringing this litter into the world and let us be apart of the process. You did a great job. And thank you form the bottom of my heart. You are an amazing breeder! And this gorgeous puppy that I get to call mine is such a treasure."— Tracie & Jeff M. Puppy Parents of Koko Shikoku
Facebook Post: "Proud puppy parents and breeder!" Michelle did a fantastic job bringing him up his first 9 weeks before handing him over to us making this whole process of rainsing such a primitive breed as easy as can be. Thank you Michelle!"— Chase & Laura I. Puppy Parents of Jim Shikoku
"Keiku is settling in beautifully. Slept through the night, is eating her food, explored the yard, established her potty place and played catch for hours. We will practice our leash skills tomorrow. What a sweet pup and no accidents in the house! Thank you so much Michelle!"— Maria M. Puppy Parent to Keiku Shiba
What We've Been Up To
Keep up to date and follow us @sierra.okami.kennel
