Yujira Sou
Yujira Sou was founded in San Francisco with a single purpose: to contribute meaningfully to the preservation of the Shikoku Ken outside Japan. We are a small kennel — intentionally so. Our dogs live as family members first. They sleep on our couches, hike our trails, and remind us daily why this breed matters.
The name Yujira Sou (優鯨荘) translates loosely to “lodge of the honorable whale” — a nod to the Pacific coastline of San Francisco and the maritime heritage of Shikoku, the island prefecture where the breed originated. We chose it as a reminder that these dogs come from a place shaped by ocean and mountain alike.
Our kennel program is built on dogs we have raised, trained, shown, and lived with. We know their strengths because we see them every day. We know their limitations because we are honest about them. That honesty is the foundation of everything we do.
We are members of NIPPO, the North American Shikoku Club, and participate in both Japanese and international show systems. We believe in proving our dogs in the ring and on the trail — and in being transparent about the results.
Breed Standard First
Every kennel decision begins with the Nihon Ken standard. Structure, temperament, and type are not negotiable. We evaluate our dogs honestly, acknowledge their faults openly, and improve — not replicate.
Health as Foundation
Comprehensive health testing is the baseline, not the ceiling. OFA hips, patellas, eyes, and DNA panels are completed before any pairing is considered. We share results publicly because transparency benefits the breed.
Thoughtful Placement
We breed rarely and place deliberately. Every puppy goes to a home we have vetted thoroughly — not for perfection, but for commitment. We remain a resource for every dog we produce, for the life of that dog.
What we hold ourselves to
- 1
Health test all kennel dogs to OFA standards at minimum.
- 2
Breed only dogs that meet or exceed the Nihon Ken standard in structure and temperament.
- 3
Place puppies with approved families under contract, with lifetime return guarantee.
- 4
Share health results, pedigrees, and evaluations openly with the community.
- 5
Never breed more frequently than the health and wellbeing of our dogs allow.
- 6
Support and mentor new Shikoku Ken owners regardless of where their dog was bred.
- 7
Participate actively in breed evaluation through NIPPO, AKC, and international systems.
NIPPO
We are active members of NIPPO (Nihon Ken Hozonkai), the primary registry and preservation organization for Japan's native breeds. NIPPO evaluation is the gold standard for Nihon Ken breed assessment — it evaluates the whole dog against a detailed standard that has remained largely unchanged since 1934.
Our dogs are shown at NIPPO regionals and the Grand National. We believe this evaluation system offers the most rigorous and breed-specific assessment available.
North American Shikoku Club
The NASC serves as the breed community hub for Shikoku Ken owners and kennels in North America. We participate in club events, contribute to breed education, and support the club's mission of responsible stewardship.
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