Takikawa "Waterfall River" Shiba Inu
Adventurous companions in Grand Rapids, Michigan
About Takikawa Shiba Inu
At Takikawa, our breeding program is guided by a simple belief: dogs thrive best when they are raised as part of a family. This belief shapes how we live with our dogs, how we raise our puppies, and how we plan for the future of our program.
Takikawa is a small, intentionally structured breeding program. Our dogs are raised in home environments where they experience daily routines, close human connection, and the rhythms of family life. To support this approach while breeding responsibly, we primarily utilize a carefully selected Guardian Home model. This allows our dogs to live full lives as companions while contributing thoughtfully and selectively to the next generation.
We breed infrequently and with purpose, focusing on health, temperament, and correct structure. Our dogs complete appropriate health testing, and breeding dogs are retired young so they can enjoy long lives as cherished family members. Each litter is planned with care, and puppies are raised with attention to socialization, stability, and lifelong placement.
In addition to our home-based program, we maintain valued co-ownerships and mentorship relationships with experienced breeders. These partnerships allow us to continue learning, participating in conformation, and deepening our understanding of the breed, while remaining true to our commitment to individualized care and thoughtful breeding practices.
Takikawa does not aim to produce large numbers of puppies. Instead, we focus on doing a small number of things well: raising dogs in enriching environments, supporting our families and guardian homes, and placing puppies where they are truly well matched. We measure success not by scale, but by the quality of life our dogs experience and the lasting relationships built with the people who love them.
OUR Mission
Providing families with healthy, well-socialized Shiba Inu puppies
Our puppies are intelligent, trainable, healthy companions, who will bring delight to their families.
"Thanks to the Breeder’s use of the Puppy Culture techniques from day one of Izumi’s life until I picked her up at 9 weeks, I now have a Show Puppy who received 3 Titles, took 4 Best in Breed Ribbons, 4 Silver Medals for Non-Sporting Group in the International All Breed Canine Association (IABCA) dog show at just under 5 months old! Each Judge commented on her sweet temperament (for a Shiba Inu, that’s rare!) and just adored her! Izumi was easy to work with, learns fast and has already graduated achieving her AKC S.T.A.R Puppy, AKC CGC Title, and AKC Novice Trick Dog ribbons! She is so easy to work with, loves everybody, and will soon become a Therapy Service Dog. This next weekend, Izumi will be shown in the AKC Superstition Dog Show at just over 5 months old and I expect Izumi to add more Ribbons and Medals and Titles to her existing ones!"
Deb
Owner of Takikawa Izumi of Tanitaki CGC TKN
"Brooke was amazing since day one. From our first interview until the very end Brooke was informative and cooperative and extremely helpful. She kept me informed of every doctor appointment and throughout the whole birth of the litter. It was amazing to see our puppy grow through the constant photos and notes we received. We could not have asked for a better experience."
Amanda I
Owner of "Paul" -- spring 2023
Brooke is truly the best! If you are looking to adopt a Shiba Inu, look no further. Our Shiba, "Koa" is a beautiful, healthy and happy puppy! After hearing horror stories about scams and unethical breeders, we were hesitant to adopt a purebred. However, we were thrilled when we found Takikawa Shiba Inus. From the beginning, Brooke was professional and caring. We were included in the entire journey of our puppy's birth and life up to the day we brought him home. Because of Brooke's expertise, our Koa came home well socialized and acclimated to many sights and sounds. He adjusted immediately to our house and was already potty trained! Brooke was also a wealth of knowledge when it came to training and provided us with valuable resources about raising a good puppy. Koa continues to amaze and delight us with his charm and intelligence ❤️ and we are so fortunate to have found Brooke.
— Danielle A.
"I have known the breeder for a few years now. Both of my pups were basically trained by Brooke. The philosophies that Brooke embraces are spot on to today's world and the forward thinking way of training and breeding.
I would absolutely stand behind Brooke's breeding practices. If I was in the hunt to find a Shibu Inu, Brooke would be the person I would go to. But for the time being, I am a retriever person.”
Liz
Owner: Pawsitive Canine Training Center
