Hi, I recently got a Shiba inu puppy from a breeder. The breeder informed me that it is a common thing in Shiba inu puppies to develop bowed legs from a lack of activity. He also claimed that as long as we kept her very active, she would grow better and her legs would be less bowed. Is this true, or am I being misled?
I’m right there with Alesi. No, this is not normal. My fear would be that there is either a genetic defect or that the mother or puppy was deprived of some sort of nutrient.
It sounds like you used a backyard breeder and may end up paying for it. If I were you, I’d call the breeder and tell them to take the dog back and I’d ask for a full refund. I’d threaten to call the police for fraud and for selling sick animals.
Then, if I wanted a HEALTHY Shiba, I’d go to http://www.shibas.org and find a REAL breeder. While there, I’d send the breeder’s name to them, and to the AKC.
Added: http://j-annshibas.com/topaz.htm is some photos of a properly bred Shiba and her progression through life. No bowed legs. The fur flares, but the legs aer supposed to be parallel.
From the breed standard: Forequarters
Shoulder blade and upper arm are moderately angulated and approximately equal in length. Elbows are set close to the body and turn neither in nor out. Forelegs and feet are moderately spaced, straight, and parallel.
Hindquarters
The angulation of the hindquarters is moderate and in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. Hind legs are strong with a wide natural stance. The hock joint is strong, turning neither in nor out. Upper thighs are long and the second thighs short but well developed. No dewclaws. Feet as in forequarters.
Absolutely it is not natural or normal for a Shiba puppy to have bowed or otherwise crokked legs. You are being misled. Source: Many years experience breeding and showing several breeds, including Shibas, as well as having seen many dogs of most breeds as an all breed groomer over 30 yrs.
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No, bowed legs are not from lack of activity. I reccomend calling your vet, as I believe you have bought from a unreputable breeder.
It could be a skeletal or Calcium deficincy problem, but we cannot diagnose your dog, so please contact your vet. The breeder is scamming you; that is not normal.
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Honestly, I would be more than skeptical myself, but you should have looked into this BEFORE bought the puppy, and asked your vet about it when you brought her in to be checked. If this ‘breeder’ knows that it’s ‘common’ among puppies of the breed, and due to lack of activity, then don’t you think a good breeder would have made sure his pups got plenty of exercise?
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I’m right there with Alesi. No, this is not normal. My fear would be that there is either a genetic defect or that the mother or puppy was deprived of some sort of nutrient.
It sounds like you used a backyard breeder and may end up paying for it. If I were you, I’d call the breeder and tell them to take the dog back and I’d ask for a full refund. I’d threaten to call the police for fraud and for selling sick animals.
Then, if I wanted a HEALTHY Shiba, I’d go to http://www.shibas.org and find a REAL breeder. While there, I’d send the breeder’s name to them, and to the AKC.
Added: http://j-annshibas.com/topaz.htm is some photos of a properly bred Shiba and her progression through life. No bowed legs. The fur flares, but the legs aer supposed to be parallel.
From the breed standard: Forequarters
Shoulder blade and upper arm are moderately angulated and approximately equal in length. Elbows are set close to the body and turn neither in nor out. Forelegs and feet are moderately spaced, straight, and parallel.
Hindquarters
The angulation of the hindquarters is moderate and in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. Hind legs are strong with a wide natural stance. The hock joint is strong, turning neither in nor out. Upper thighs are long and the second thighs short but well developed. No dewclaws. Feet as in forequarters.
References :
As others have stated this is not normal. You should have your vet take a look at this. Is this breeder a member of the local or national club? What does your contract state about health issues? Just because you got them from a breeder doesn’t make the breeder reputable.
References :
Owner of 2 Shibas.