About the breeder and kennel
I'm the breeder behind sierra ohkami kennel
My name is Michelle Gori. I'm the preservation breeder of Sierra Ohkami Kennel. I live in Northern California (Contra Costa County) with my husband and teen son. I'm a full-time mom, photographer, and artist. I've been involved with Japanese breeds for more than 20 years, owning my first Shiba in 2000. I am passionate about these breeds and showing all of which they are capable. I have a close relationship with all my dogs. As an owner/handler in the ring, I've personally put multiple titles on my dogs in Conformation (showing). I've also put performance titles on my dogs in Fast Cat and hunting titles in Barn Hunt. In addition, I've put working titles on multiple dogs as certified therapy dogs working in the community. As the trainer/handler of my certified therapy dogs, I visit hospitals, schools, and even courtrooms. I am most passionate about providing this type of volunteer work in my community. At the same time, I am able to show the diversity of these primitive breeds. It is the highest priority in my program to breed for temperament and type to produce well-rounded, healthy, beautiful puppies that thrive in various settings. Whether it be performing in the show ring, therapy work in hospitals, hiking in the woods, or relaxing at home with family, I strive to produce dogs that exemplify both AKC (American) and NIPPO (Japanese) standards. I adhere to guidelines and health testing recommendations, such as showing my breeding dogs have their *CHIC Numbers as well as being an AKC Bred with a H.E.A.R.T. kennel. I am a member of the National Shiba Club of America, NIPPO (Nihon Ken preservation org in Japan), Shiba Fanciers of Southern California (Regional Shiba Club), and Del Valle All Breed Kennel Club (pending). *Chic Numbers are issued to dogs by OFA showing that the dog has had all health tests performed as recommended by the breed's National Parent Club.
How it all began: I bought my first Shiba from reputable breeder Ronna Fuller of Sierra Shibas out of Montana as a pet back in 2000. The next Shibas I received were from a local reputable California breeder. She encouraged me to show and also offered to mentor me for the next several years. I put multiple titles of Champion, Grand Champion, Bronze Grand Champion, International Champion, and a Therapy Dog Certification on her dogs. The next dogs I received were from a wonderful, reputable breeder in the Mid-West. That partnership gave me an amazing opportunity to work with another mentor from Japan, and she shared a love of the Shikoku breed with me and helped me import my first Shikoku from Japan. Learning all aspects of these breeds and the care and whelping of puppies, I put them at the forefront. I have devoted many years to education and preparation before breeding my first litters. Although considered a newbie as a breeder, I have the support, mentorship, and recognition of some of the top Shiba Breeders in the U.S. My goals are to continue to strive to better my breeds’ lines and import new lines of Shikoku to strengthen the genetic diversity and health of the breed.
my kennel and program
I am considered a small hobby preservation show kennel.
That means that all my dogs are my pets that live in my home. I do not have outdoor kennels or pens. Many times, I use outside studs from other reputable breeder/friends. Having this wonderful network of other breeders around me reflects my good standing in the breeding community. It also allows me to move my program forward by bringing a diversity of new genes into my lines. Having a small kennel does mean I only produce a few litters a year, but I am very involved with those litters and puppy clients. My puppies are born and whelped at home, and I do ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) and the Puppy Culture enrichment and developmental program. I involve my puppy clients in many aspects of the process and regularly share updates with photos, ultrasound and or x-rays, and videos with clients waiting for their puppies. I thoroughly allow my puppy clients to experience the whole process of their puppy coming into the world from conception to the day they go home. In some cases, I'm able to video the birth and offer it for viewing.
I breed to move my program forward. I match and pair my dogs with pedigrees that will help me as I strive to breed my ideal Shiba and Shikoku in accordance with the standards. I consider aspects such as health, features, temperaments, and color. I don't breed my dogs depending on what the public wants or what is popular. I strive for my dogs to exemplify the NIPPO look while also reflecting the AKC standard and receiving accolades in the ring. I register my litters in my AKC or NIPPO (or both). I show my Shibas in AKC and NIPPO and show my Shikoku in AKC, UKC, and IABCA dog shows (U.S. NIPPO shows have been on hold due to COVID since 2020). (Image: Shikoku Dam (mother) in spare room tending to newborn puppies in her whelping pen set up.)
That means that all my dogs are my pets that live in my home. I do not have outdoor kennels or pens. Many times, I use outside studs from other reputable breeder/friends. Having this wonderful network of other breeders around me reflects my good standing in the breeding community. It also allows me to move my program forward by bringing a diversity of new genes into my lines. Having a small kennel does mean I only produce a few litters a year, but I am very involved with those litters and puppy clients. My puppies are born and whelped at home, and I do ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) and the Puppy Culture enrichment and developmental program. I involve my puppy clients in many aspects of the process and regularly share updates with photos, ultrasound and or x-rays, and videos with clients waiting for their puppies. I thoroughly allow my puppy clients to experience the whole process of their puppy coming into the world from conception to the day they go home. In some cases, I'm able to video the birth and offer it for viewing.
I breed to move my program forward. I match and pair my dogs with pedigrees that will help me as I strive to breed my ideal Shiba and Shikoku in accordance with the standards. I consider aspects such as health, features, temperaments, and color. I don't breed my dogs depending on what the public wants or what is popular. I strive for my dogs to exemplify the NIPPO look while also reflecting the AKC standard and receiving accolades in the ring. I register my litters in my AKC or NIPPO (or both). I show my Shibas in AKC and NIPPO and show my Shikoku in AKC, UKC, and IABCA dog shows (U.S. NIPPO shows have been on hold due to COVID since 2020). (Image: Shikoku Dam (mother) in spare room tending to newborn puppies in her whelping pen set up.)
dedication to preservation
We at Sierra Ohkami go to great extents to preserve these beautiful and, in the case of Shikoku, very rare breeds. I have imported dogs from Japan and Europe. Just as these breeds are not meant for every pet owner, they are not meant for every breeder. Therefore, there is a small group of breeders of Shiba & Shikoku. With a smaller gene pool, we have to work harder than breeders with more common breeds. I am proud to say I work with and have close relationships with many of the top breeders in the U.S. and some in Europe.
AKC-Certified Therapy Dogs
Member of Alliance of Therapy Dogs Team. We have both a Shiba and Shikoku that are certified therapy dogs performing support in the community at schools and hospitals.
OFA Certifications
All our dogs are health tested of any inherent genetic disorders in their DNA in addition to testing of hips, patellas, and eyes. These results are publicly posted on the OFA website.
AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.t.
A program that certifies applicable health screens are performed on their breeding stock as recommended by their AKC Breed Parent Club (NSCA-National Shiba Club of America).
Breed and kennel clubs
Member of our Shiba parent club, National Shiba Club of America, The Nihon Ken Hozonkai (NIPPO) of Japan, Shiba Fanciers of Southern California, and Del Valle Kennel Club (Pending - all breed club).
NSCA
Member
NIPPO
Member
SFSC
Member
Promoting Shiba and Shikoku Breed Education in Danville, CA
At Sierra Ohkami Kennel, I take pride in my kennel's role as an advocate for Shiba Inu and Shikoku Ken breed education in Danville, CA. My humble hobby preservation show kennel is dedicated to informing interested potential dog owners about the unique qualities and needs of these remarkable primitive breeds.
The Fun and Loving Shiba Inu
Shibas are known for their spirited demeanor and charming independence. They possess keen intelligence and a playful spirit, making them delightful companions for active families. Shiba Inus are also known for their loyalty and unique personalities, which shine through when properly trained and socialized.
The Devoted and Intelligent Shikoku Ken
Shikokus are known for their unmatched loyalty and independent yet affectionate nature. They are intelligent and agile, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. With their captivating lineage and unique characteristics, Shikokus are an excellent addition to active households.
The Significance of AKC Registration
Having an AKC-registered Shiba or Shikoku puppy means your dog meets the breed standards and has undergone health screenings. At Sierra Ohkami Kennel, I prioritize the health and temperament of my Shiba Inus and Shikokus, guaranteeing that all my puppies are AKC-registered. This provides peace of mind for new owners and contributes to the overall breed education and preservation of these remarkable dogs in the community.