Guardian Homes
Guardian families, trusted partnerships.
Guardian homes allow select Takikawa dogs to live as family companions while remaining part of a careful, responsible breeding program.
Guardian Home Opportunities
Partnership begins with care.
At Takikawa, our commitment to providing the best life for our dogs is at the heart of everything we do. We are deeply grateful to the Guardian Homes who partner with us and make this work possible. Our guardian families are not helpers on the sidelines. They are trusted collaborators who share our values and dedication to exceptional care.
We place dogs intentionally and thoughtfully. Every potential breeding dog is carefully selected based on health, temperament, structure, and alignment with our long-term vision for the breed.
Not currently open for general applications.
At this time, we are not accepting general applications for the Takikawa Guardian Home Program.
We add new guardian homes only when a specific breeding need, the right dog, and an appropriate home all align. This allows us to provide each dog and each guardian family with the time, support, and attention they deserve.
While we do not anticipate opening the program broadly until around 2029, we may consider an exceptional local home for a future male Shiba if the right puppy, family, and program need align.
Minimum Requirements
Designed around the dog's wellbeing.
When our program is open, these expectations help ensure the best possible outcome for both dog and family.
- No Other Dogs: Your guardian dog must be the only dog you currently have in your home.
- Fenced Yard: Your home must have a physically fenced yard, or the guardian family must agree to keep the dog on leash at all times outside a fenced area.
- Diet and Supplements: You must provide the food and supplements we require and recommend to support optimal health.
- Training: Families must attend a conformation class monthly until the puppy is 8 months of age.
- Vaccinations and Healthcare: You must follow our guidance for vaccinations and healthcare as we deem necessary.
- Monthly Visits: As a puppy, we will visit regularly for playdates and training every 3-4 weeks until around 5-7 months.
- Work Schedule: You should have a work schedule that does not leave the puppy home alone for more than 4-5 hours a day.
- Transportation and Shows: You must be able to transport the dog for visits, health testing, shows, and breeding-related needs when necessary.
A small program means careful timing.
Thank you for understanding our commitment to placing dogs responsibly, intentionally, and with lifelong wellbeing as the priority.