Buying a Shiba Inu in Australia
Everything you need to know about finding an ethical breeder, understanding costs, health testing, and bringing home your Shiba Inu puppy.
Trusted by Shiba Inu owners across Australia ā¢ Updated February 2026
1. Are You Ready for a Shiba Inu?
Shiba Inus are not the right breed for everyone. Before falling in love with the looks, honestly assess your lifestyle, experience, and preparation.
Is a Shiba Inu Right for You?
Detailed breed assessment covering temperament, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and common challenges.
Shiba Inu Price Australia 2026
Complete cost breakdown: puppy prices, ongoing annual expenses, insurance, and emergency funds.
2. Finding an Ethical Breeder
The single most important decision in your puppy journey. Ethical breeders prioritise health, temperament, and breed preservation over profit.
How to Find a Reputable Shiba Inu Breeder
Complete guide to green flags, red flags, interview questions, and what to look for in an ethical breeder.
Our Breeding Program
Meet Yokiko's breeding dogs and learn about our health testing, socialisation, and placement process.
State Regulations at a Glance
Victoria: Microbreeders (1-2 females) exempt from council registration. Recreational breeders (Dogs Victoria members) follow ANKC code of ethics.
NSW: All breeders require a Breeder Identification Number (BIN). Verify using the NSW Pet Registry Buyer Search tool.
QLD/WA/SA/TAS/ACT: ANKC membership provides the most consistent verification of ethical practice nationally.
3. Health Testing - Non-Negotiable
Health testing is not optionalāit's the minimum standard of responsible breeding. Always ask to see certificates, not just claims.
Shiba Inu Health Testing Australia
Hip scoring, eye certification, patella evaluation, and DNA testing for Shiba-specific conditions explained.
Shiba Inu Health Problems & Prevention
Common hereditary conditions, early warning signs, and preventive care strategies.
The NIPPO Standard
Understanding authentic Japanese Shiba Inu conformation and its relationship to health and longevity.
Dogs Australia: "Pedigree is essentially a birth certificate for your dog proving that your dog is a purebred." However, pedigree alone does not guarantee health. Responsible breeders provide documentation of hip scoring (AVA/AWV accredited), annual eye certification (ACES), patella evaluation, and DNA testing for GM2 Gangliosidosis and Primary Glaucoma.
Ethical Breeder Checklist
- ANKC registered breeder (Dogs Australia state body member)
- Health testing certificates for both parents
- Facility visit completed (mother present, puppies home-raised)
- Breeder interviews you thoroughly
- Written contract with health guarantee
- Clear waiting list and deposit terms
- Lifetime support commitment
Red Flags
- Puppies always available, multiple litters
- Cannot provide health test certificates
- Refuses facility visits
- Pressure to deposit immediately
- No written contract
- Sells through third parties or online-only
- No questions about your lifestyle
4. Understanding Pedigree Registration
ANKC registration is the only legitimate pedigree certification in Australia. Here's what Main Register and Limited Register actually mean.
Breeding & Show
The puppy is registered for breeding and conformation showing. This permits participation in these activities but does not automatically mean the puppy is show quality. Breeders may place Main Register puppies with co-ownership arrangements.
Pet Home
The puppy is registered but cannot be bred or shown in conformation events. Limited Register puppies may still participate in obedience, agility, rally, and other ANKC sports. This is the appropriate registration for the vast majority of pet homes.
5. The Waiting List & Deposit
Ethical Shiba Inu breeders rarely have puppies immediately available. Waiting lists of 6-18 months are normalāand a sign of a responsible, limited breeding program.
Our Process
Yokiko's transparent waiting list system, application process, and what to expect at each stage.
Shiba Inu Price Australia 2026
What deposits cover, typical amounts, and contract requirements.
Green Flags
- Clear waiting list system explained upfront
- Written deposit agreement with refund terms
- Regular updates on expected timeframes
- Breeder asks about your preferences, not just takes money
Red Flags
- Puppies always immediately available
- Pressure to place deposit today
- No clear waiting list system
- Refuses to provide estimated timeframes
6. Preparing for Your Puppy
Bringing a Shiba Inu puppy home requires preparation. Your breeder should provide guidance on diet, supplies, and immediate care needs.
Shiba Inu Puppy Shopping List
Comprehensive checklist of everything you need before puppy arrivesācrate, bedding, bowls, toys, grooming tools.
Shiba Inu First 30 Days
Day-by-day guide to settling your puppy, establishing routines, and building trust.
Shiba Inu Vaccination Schedule Australia
Complete C3/C5 vaccination schedule, timing, and veterinary recommendations.
Potty Training Your Shiba Inu
Realistic house training schedules and breed-specific strategies.
What Your Breeder Should Provide:
- ā¢ Written diet and feeding instructions
- ā¢ Vaccination certificate and schedule
- ā¢ Microchip number and registration details
- ā¢ Pedigree papers or transfer timeline
- ā¢ Health guarantee contract
- ā¢ Care information booklet
Schedule a veterinary check within 7 days of bringing your puppy home.
7. Ongoing Support & Training
Ethical breeders provide lifetime support. Your relationship with your breeder should extend far beyond the day you take your puppy home.
Shiba Inu Training Guide
Foundation training principles for independent Shiba Inus.
ANKC Puppy School Guide
Why accredited puppy preschool is essential for socialisation.
Shiba Inu Insurance Australia Guide
Comparing policies, breed-specific considerations, and cost analysis.
Shiba Inu Recall Training
Teaching a reliable come command for independent Shibas.
Shiba Inu Exercise & Enrichment
Mental stimulation and appropriate physical activity.
Shiba Inu Grooming Guide
Coat care, shedding management, and grooming tools.
Considering Adoption?
The RSPCA and other reputable animal welfare organisations across Australia have dogs and puppies of all breeds, including occasionally Shiba Inus and Shiba Inu crosses, waiting for homes.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
At Yokiko Shiba Inu, we are transparent about every aspect of our breeding program. We welcome facility visits, publish our health testing results, and interview every applicant to ensure the best possible match.