Roger and Patricia Doeschers
9435 Swamp Road
Black Earth, WI 53515
Email: hi_jinx@itis.com
Hi-Jinx Shibas was established in 1991 when we received our first Shiba as a gift from a friend. For eighteen years we had been dedicated to the breeding and exhibiting of the beautiful Keeshonds. This breeding program resulted in over fifty AKC title holders. Our new little Shiba, who became, SCA Ch. Foxtrot Cinnamon Toast "Tang"became a much loved and delightful companion. Tang lead us to embark upon a breeding program in an attempt to retain the unique type and temperament characteristic to the breed in its home country of Japan. Her daughter,Ch. Hi-Jinx Twig exemplifies this type.We now specialize in the development of the ultimate black and tan Shiba Inu in this country, by incorporating some of the best red, sesame, and black and tan Import and American Shibas. We are proud to be the owner/handler of the first black and tan male and female Shiba Inu to attain an American Kennel Club Championship. They are Ch. Foxtrot Technical Knockout "SugarRay" and Ch. Foxtrot High Lites "Suzu" bred by Kathleen Brown. We have since retired our Keeshonds, and are dedicated to only one breed. The Shiba Inu.
Our Shibas are friendly, medium sized companions. Males are about 16" tall and weigh about 24 pounds, with females at around 14" and weighing about 19 pounds. They travel with us, sleep in our bed, do obedience and agility, and are well mannered house dogs. We strive for stable temperaments and are very proud that two of the Shibas we have placed, have become Certified Therapy Dogs, visiting local nursing homes and the state facility for the mentally insane.
Toys are a great love to this breed, especially soft, stuffed ones that squeak. They carry them around, often greeting you at the door to show off their latest plaything. Fetching is easy to teach a Shiba, as are cute dog tricks. A Shiba is very seldom a noisy dog and insistent yapping is hardly ever a problem. They are openly affectionate, but tend to avoid lots of cuddling, preferring a few hugs and kisses instead. They are definitely not a pesky, clingy type of pet. The breed in general has an inquisitive nature that will get them into trouble if allowed to roam free outdoors. Used for hunting in their native country, this inherited trait is still strong in this breed today. It is difficult for a Shiba to pass up chasing a squirrel or rabbit just because you want it to. For this reason, we suggest exercising all Shibas on a Flexi-leash or long line, and only letting them off leash within a fenced enclosure. Many of our Shibas run loose with us outdoors as we walk to and from the mailbox or the car, and others we have sold are quite trustworthy in the dog parks of the city. We would suggest however, that if letting your dog run free is a top priority for you, you may want to pass on a Shiba.
Health and temperament are of utmost importance in my breeding program. All dogs used at Hi-Jinx have passed a hip, eye, and knee evaluation. Puppies are guaranteed to be healthy through our buyers agreement. Shots will have been given appropriate for the age of the pup and worming will be done if needed.
Our babies are raised in our home, handled everyday from birth, and are socialized to other dogs, animals and people. Some Shibas can become headstrong if not raised correctly, so we start with the type of handling that will insure a well adjusted adult. It's the new owners responsibility to enroll the puppy in a socialization class or puppy kindergarten to continue this training in class as well as in the home. It's natural for some puppies to feel threatened by other dogs. As a result, the pup my growl or snap at another dog. Classes will help the pup learn the self control and confidence it will need to become a well adjusted adult. It is important however, to make sure young pups are not dominated by large dogs that may scare it. Shibas can be very good with children if the parents take precautions to teach the small child that a puppy is not a toy to be carried around and pestered. The puppy also needs to learn that it can not expect to treat the child as if it were a littermate. Both puppy and child need to be taught to respect each other and to give each other the space needed. We feel there is no excuse for an ill mannered or bad tempered Shiba They, as all dogs, thrive on discipline. Respect is gained of you as their leader, through proper training and affection.
A naturally clean dog, the pups are usually 80% housebroken when they leave for their new homes. With little effort, a Shiba puppy becomes trustworthy at an early age. We recommend crate training for most puppies. Not only is it easy for house training uses, but for the overall safety of the puppy while the new owner is not available to supervise.
These dogs shed twice a year, but combing and bathing will help get through this time when the fur fly's. The rest of the time is hardly noticeable. Of course , a good diet and proper health care makes for a shiny less shedding hair coat.
We plan a few litters a year with the hopes of retaining one for ourselves. The rest are either placed in good show homes, or as family companions with spay neuter contracts. Once the puppies have been born, potential buyers are notified and given the opportunity to decide if they want to put a deposit on a pup to hold it for them if they haven't already. The deposit is refundable in the event something would be wrong with the pup when taken in for their health checks. Visitors are welcome to see the babies, but not until they are at least four weeks of age. They will be too young at that time to select a puppy, but a great time to interact with the babies. All puppies leave us with the following: a collar, a health check record, a shot and inoculation history, a five generation pedigree, a picture and health check certificates of the sire and dam, and enough puppy food to last a few days. We encourage all buyers to stay in touch. We are always available to answer questions and offer advise.
Member: National Shiba Club of America & Nihon Ken Hozonkai (Nippo) in Japan.