About Furuisugi Shiba Inu Kennel

Our Story

Our story – From Hungary to Canada

Our kennel began in Hungary in 2006 with two Shiba Inus, but my love for dogs started much earlier.

I grew up surrounded by dogs. When I moved to Hungary as a young adult, I could not bring my beloved dog with me, and I felt that loss deeply. Years later, my husband surprised me with a little female Shiba Inu named Tara.

When I asked why he had chosen this particular breed, he simply replied ~ “Because a Shiba Inu is just like you—intelligent, independent and stubborn.”

Three weeks later, Ichi joined our family. With these two special dogs, our kennel and a lifelong passion were born.

We began attending dog shows and studying the Shiba Inu breed, including structure, movement, temperament and pedigrees. After welcoming our first litter, our commitment to health, stable temperament and preserving the authentic character of the Shiba Inu became even stronger. Since 2016, we have worked primarily with Japanese bloodlines. I also expanded my knowledge through NIPPO dog shows and professional educational events in Moscow.

Our Canadian journey began in 2022, when the first puppy from our kennel joined a wonderful family in Canada. In 2023, two of our male Shiba Inus arrived here. In March 2024, our family permanently relocated to British Columbia with five younger dogs and two cherished senior Shibas whom we could never leave behind.

In the fall of 2025, we connected with Canadian exhibitors and experienced breeders who helped us understand the local show, registration and breeding system.

Today, we are continuing our Shiba Inu breeding journey in British Columbia, Canada. Our goal is to raise healthy, well-socialized Shiba Inu puppies with stable temperaments, using carefully selected Japanese and European bloodlines.

Our kennel was born in Hungary and found a new home in Canada, but our values remain unchanged: love, knowledge and lifelong responsibility for every puppy we bring into the world.

The History of the Shiba Inu

A Living Treasure of Japan  

Yashima Gakutei (Japanese, 1786?–1868). The Dog of Mido Kanapaku (Mido Kanapuko Dono no Inu), from A Collection of Tales from Uji, ca. 1830. Color woodblock print on paper, 8 1/4 x 7 1/8 in. (21.0 x 18.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Elizabeth Frothingham, 43.236.2. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

The Shiba Inu is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with DNA studies placing it among a small group of primitive breeds most closely related to the ancient wolf. Small hunting dogs resembling the Shiba have accompanied people in the mountainous regions of Japan since at least the Jōmon period, over 2,000 years ago, used to flush birds and small game through dense underbrush — a role reflected in the breed's name, thought to derive from an old word for "brushwood." By the early 20th century, crossbreeding with Western dogs had brought the native Japanese breeds close to disappearing. A dedicated preservation effort, led by the Nihon Ken Hozonkai (NIPPO), rescued the few remaining bloodlines, and in 1936 the Shiba Inu was designated a Natural Monument of Japan — a formal recognition of its cultural and historical significance. Today, the Shiba Inu is Japan's most popular companion breed, admired around the world, yet still carrying the same alert, independent spirit that made it so well suited to the mountains of its origin.

Is a Shiba Inu Right for You?

Understanding the Breed's Temperament

Shibas are wonderful companions, but they are not for everyone — and we believe an honest picture of the breed serves our puppies and our families far better than a flattering one. Bred for centuries as independent hunters, Shibas retain a strong sense of self. They are intelligent and quick to learn, but not eager to please in the way many other breeds are; training requires patience, consistency, and a sense of humour rather than repetition alone. Many owners describe the Shiba's personality as closer to a cat's than a dog's — affectionate on their own terms, aloof with strangers, and capable of a piercing vocalisation known among owners as the "Shiba scream" when they disagree with something. They shed heavily twice a year, and thrive with daily exercise and mental stimulation rather than a sedentary lifestyle. A well-raised Shiba is loyal, clean, dignified, and deeply bonded to their family — but they are best suited to owners who respect their independence rather than expect unconditional obedience. If you're drawn to a dog with a strong personality, a fox-like elegance, and centuries of history behind every instinct, the Shiba may be exactly the companion you're looking for.

Our Philosophy

Preservation of the Breed

We believe the Shiba Inu is a national treasure — not just of Japan, but of the global dog community. Our breeding program is guided by the breed standard set by the Nihon Ken Hozonkai (NIPPO) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). We select for type, temperament, and health, always striving to preserve the essence of the Shiba Inu: alert, spirited, and devoted.

A Family Environment

Every puppy born at Furuisugi is raised in our home, surrounded by the sounds of daily life — children, other dogs, and the rhythms of a busy household. We practice Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Puppy Culture protocols from day three, ensuring each puppy is confident, well-socialised, and ready to thrive in their new family.

Commitment to Health

Health testing is the foundation of our program. Our breeding dogs are health-tested before entering our breeding program, and we share all health results openly and honestly with prospective puppy families. We will never breed a dog with a known genetic condition that could be passed to offspring. Details of the specific tests we perform will be confirmed and shared here.

Our Location

We are located in Victoria, on beautiful Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Surrounded by lush forests, ocean air, and the natural beauty of the West Coast, our dogs enjoy an active and enriching life close to nature. They spend time exploring forest trails, enjoying the fresh island air, and experiencing the peaceful outdoor environment that makes Vancouver Island such a special place to call home.

Our goal is to raise our Shiba Inu in a calm, loving, and natural environment where their health, temperament, and well-being always come first.

We welcome visitors by appointment and would be happy to introduce you to our dogs and show you the environment in which they are raised.