About Us
Our Mission
At Yokiko Shiba Inu, we're dedicated to preserving the exceptional qualities of the Shiba Inu breed through ethical breeding practices and lifelong support for our puppies and their families.
We believe every Shiba deserves a home that understands their unique personality and needs, which is why we carefully match each puppy with the right family.
Our breeding program focuses on health, temperament, and breed standards above all else.
Our Story
Hi! We're Nelson and Kelsi. We are two dog people from Melbourne, and the proud humans behind Yokiko Shiba Inu.
Our journey into breeding started at home with our two shibas, Panda and Peanut. They quickly became the centre of our world, and living with them taught us just how special the shiba breed really is. Their bold personalities, quirky habits, and quiet loyalty inspired us to take the next step. We decided to raise and share this incredible breed in the right way, from the start.
We might be new to breeding, but animals have always been a big part of our lives. We know what it takes to raise dogs who are not just healthy, but happy - with structure, enrichment, and plenty of love. Each pup we raise is part of our home and daily routine, and we put a lot of care into making sure they're ready for a smooth transition into their new family.
We keep things small on purpose, allowing us to focusing on quality, not quantity. For us, it's not just about pedigrees or appearances. It's about raising confident, well-rounded shibas who'll become someone's loyal companion for life.
Yokiko's Core Values
Health & Genetics
At Yokiko Shiba Inu, health always comes first. Every puppy begins life with thorough puppy vet checks and up-to-date vaccinations. We go further by completing advanced Shiba Inu health testing, including hip dysplasia scoring and full DNA testing to prevent hereditary issues. This ensures your puppy is not only healthy now but also has the best chance at a long and thriving future. Our commitment to responsible breeder health practices sets us apart from backyard breeders and gives families confidence in their new companion.
Breed Standard & Temperament
True to the NIPPO Shiba Inu breed standard, we carefully select each pairing to uphold the beauty, structure, and unique personality of this remarkable breed. A purebred Shiba Inu should not only look correct but also have the right character: confident, spirited, and affectionate with family. By focusing on both breed standard and temperament, we raise puppies who grow into balanced dogs that reflect the breed's proud heritage while fitting seamlessly into their new homes.
Our Breeding Philosophy
Our philosophy is simple: breed with purpose, passion, and responsibility. We are firmly against puppy mills and any form of irresponsible breeding. As an ethical Shiba Inu breeder in Melbourne, our mission is to protect the breed’s integrity while supporting families for life. From the first inquiry to years after you have taken your puppy home, we provide lifetime breeder support. Choosing us means choosing transparency, care, and a commitment to the future of the breed.