Sansui Sou Shikoku
Meet the breeder
I'm Kelsey C., the breeder behind Sansui Sou Shikoku located in Kalispell, MT. We aim to breed to the NIPPO standard for Shikoku Ken, with a focus on health. In addition to strict attention to correct breed type, NIPPO looks for dogs that are structurally and mentally sound, all of which is important to us as well. We show in AKC, UKC, and Sansuisou is registered with NIPPO.
Q. & A. with Kelsey
Why did you start breeding?
When I got my Shiba, I made the mistake of choosing a "pet breeder". The health issues I faced with this dog led me to realize that many breeders use the idea of "pet breeding" vs "show breeding" to downplay poor breeding practices. I saw how important health testing is, and through educating and breeding responsibly myself I hope to help other people avoid making the same mistakes.What makes your program special?
With such a limited gene pool, I believe we need to look beyond pedigrees to inform us on diversity for the breed. One area that I'm focusing on is genetic diversity through DNA testing, and with the help of our breed club and other breeders and owners around the world, we have been able to establish Shikoku with Better Bred and UC Davis to better understand diversity in the breed.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Kelsey
Kelsey has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Kelsey partners with buyers to find the best match as the puppies develop and their personalities take shape. Typically, matches are finalized when the puppies reach about 6 weeks old.
"We do temperament and conformation evaluations along with monitoring puppies as they develop to determine the best fit for each home, based on what we feel will fit each buyer best. Preference for color and male vs female is fine but may result in lower opportunities for a good fit, as temperament and conformation take priority. "
Price
"Price does not include transportation or holding puppy past 10 weeks. A rebate for up to $700 is available for completion of specific health testing (PennHip, OFA hips, patella, and thyroid). Deposits are taken once puppies are born and it is determined that a puppy will be available for a specific person/family. Deposits are refundable in cases of documented, provable emergencies."
Contract & health guarantee
Kelsey may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Kelsey offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to reach out to Kelsey directly.
What's included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Kelsey.
Breeder's location
Meet in Kalispell, MT
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Glacier Park Airport
Meet in Spokane, WA
More about Kelsey
Club memberships
Kelsey is a member of Flathead Kennel Club and American Shikoku Ken Club.
Kelsey has been a member of Good Dog for over 5 years
Kelsey was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Kelsey is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Sansui Sou Shikoku meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
- Responsible breeding practices
- Health of breeding dogs and puppies
- Puppy environment and enrichment
- Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
Juniper, mom
Shikoku Ken
About Juniper
Juniper is a sweet, loving companion. She has the wonderful off-button that is so common to the breed, as well as the energy and enthusiasm for outdoor activities. As expected with a female of this breed, she can be very selective with new dogs but often warms up with appropriate introductions. With new people she shows the tendency to be suspicious and aloof, though with a few minutes to approach on her own enjoys gentle attention from people. Juniper has a fairly nervy temperament which isn't uncommon in Shikoku. My goal in my breeding program is to pair Juniper with more confident, stable males and to monitor her offspring for improvements on her temperament. I'm hoping to preserve her sweet, calm nature and also move away from the sensitive and nervy tendency.
Excellent health testing
DNA Disease Panel, Patellar Luxation, +4 more.
Parent health testing
Excellent level
Sansui Sou Shikoku reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Shikoku Kens.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Full Embark Panel, Genetic Diversity Test
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
