The Ranchlake Story

Ranchlake Kennels has been located in Saratoga for about 30 years. We started with Doberman Pinschers, then Akitas, Samoyeds, and now Shiba Inu. As you can tell, we have a fondness for the Spitz type Nordic breeds, but will always have at least one Doberman Pinscher. We are currently breeding only the Shiba Inu.

The emphasis at Ranchlake Kennels is on producing the best possible puppies by breeding for both temperament and adhering to the standard. Listed on these web pages are pictures and pedigrees for many of the dogs at our kennel. There is not enough room for all the Champions Shiba Inus (26 as of January 2000) produced and finished at Ranchlake. Our dogs have been pictured in every Shiba Inu book sold in the United States. You can find Ranchlake Shiba Inus around the world including China, Czech Republic, Panama, and Colombia.

All stud dogs are available to approved bitches only. This means that all must be AKC registered, brucellosis tested, hips x-rayed and evaluated by OFA as Good or Excellent, eyes cleared by CERF, and preferably that they be an AKC Champion. Except for special circumstances, all breedings are done naturally, so temperament of the bitch is very important. Frozen semen is available on some of the stud dogs, but not all.

INFORMATION ON PURCHASING A RANCHLAKE SHIBA INU

We limit our breeding program to two litters a year and try to use only Champions (or Champion quality) stock all of whom are OFA (hips), CERF (eyes), and recently we are adding Elbow and Patella certified and thyroid testing. We are NOT of the opinion that you don't have a problem just because you have not tested for the problem. All puppies are guaranteed to be veterinarian certified to be in good health when sold. We require that you have your puppy seen by your own vet within 48 hours of purchase.

Companion (pets) puppies are sold on Limited Registration, not to be used for breeding and showing. It is recommended that these puppies be neutered by six months of age or as recommended by your vet. Companion puppies are $800. Any noticeable defects will be explained prior to sale and every puppy is sold with a written contract of sale, copy of the pedigree and the registration papers.

Show quality puppies are priced between $1200 - $1500. These puppies are usually 4 to 6 months of age before they go to their new homes. (Some exceptions are made for those who just can't wait.) By that time you are taking less of a chance that something might go wrong. Shipping and the carrier are additional costs. No extra charge is made for the health certificate and transportation to the airport if necessary. By special arrangement, dogs bred at Ranchlake can be shown by me to their AKC Championship if desired.

Whether a quality companion dog or that special show dog, all require a $200 deposit to hold a puppy from a particular litter. Most litters have reservations on them prior to whelping, so contact us early. There is a waiting list.

Shiba Inus can be escape artists and we require that you have a six foot fenced yard, or use of the invisible fence, or a kennel run prior to purchasing the puppy. If you live in a condo or townhouse, you must be willing to walk the puppy 20 minutes twice a day. Shibas were developed to live in smaller areas, but all dogs need exercise. Some Shibas can have a particularly high energy level.

All dogs need proper veterinary care which includes puppy shots (DHLPP - distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, pneumonitis, parvo, corona) shots every two to three weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old or as recommended by your veterinarian. Shiba Inus must be given extensive socialization as young puppies (starting at 8 weeks of age) to insure stability of temperament. This includes taking them with you in the car, walks at the shopping center, visits to friends etc. but should not include dog parks, etc. until after the last of their shots have been given.

It is recommended that you take your puppy to Puppy Kindergarten Training as of 4 months of age. Shiba Inus do not take well to "force training" methods and should be trained with "play training" techniques. I will be glad to help you find a class in your area. All show prospects require additional Conformation Training classes.

Your Shiba Inu is very versatile, but proper shelter, water, shade, and heat must be provided in accordance with your conditions. Your Ranchlake Shiba Inu should be fed a premium food, preferably lamb and rice, once it is off the puppy chow.Puppies are usually fed between 3 and 4 times a day up to 4 months then twice a day thereafter. Please start feeding adult food at 5 months of age. Your Ranchlake Shiba Inu is NEVER to be given away to a friend, animal shelter, humane society, or rescue organization. PLEASE CONTACT DOROTHY WARREN IF YOU CANNOT KEEP YOUR RANCHLAKE SHIBA INU.

Go to the Links page for further information on the basic characteristics of the Shiba Inu. Additional information is supplied in our sales contract. References and background information will be required before purchase.