New Owner Questionnaire

* We are currently only accepting applications for co-ownership homes. *

PuppyMayaaDig

If you think a Shinkai Kai Ken might be the right fit for you, please feel free to fill out the new owner questionnaire below. Serious inquiries only please.

Please remember that honesty is the best policy when helping us choose potential homes for our puppies, as a dog’s lifetime is a significant commitment.  The more information we have, the better we are able to match both your expectations, needs, and household dynamics to a puppy’s character, temperament, and abilities.

It is important to us that all puppies be raised and socialized by us, mom, and siblings; and no puppy will be released to its new home before the age of 8 weeks. If we feel it necessary for development, we will hold on to individuals longer.  

We hope you will agree that the puppy’s welfare must be our foremost consideration when deciding on a placement. You can learn more about our kennel goals here.

It is important to conduct your own thorough research when when considering adding a new member to the family, and if the breed you are considering is a good fit for your family’s lifestyle and needs.

Completion of this questionnaire does not guarantee that a puppy will be available for you.  

We require meeting potential puppy owners in person, and will not ship puppies.

We try our best to reply to all inquiries within 1-2 weeks (typically on weekends). If you have not received a reply, chances are something has gone wrong and we have not received your application. In this case we would ask you to send us an email or please try again. Please double-check you have entered your e-mail address and contact details correctly before submitting the form.

You can find some frequently asked questions and answers here.


New Owner Questionnaire

Personal Information


Living Situation

Are all household members prepared to commit the next 15+ years to the Kai you bring into your home? *
Are you planning any new children in the future? *
Do you live in a: *
Do you rent or own your home? *
If you rent, do you have your landlord’s permission to own a dog?
Do you have plans to move in the near future? *
Name, species, breed, gender, age, neutered status, lives inside or outside, temperament traits (does/doesn’t get along with other dogs, cats that are outgoing vs tendency to run, etc)

Caring for your Kai


Dog Experience

Have you ever lived with a Spitz type breed before? *
Have you raised a dog from the age of a puppy before? *
Are you willing to be met in person by us or a trusted Nihon Ken community member? *
Events, number of years, titles completed, etc.
Are you willing to return the dog to the breeder in the event you are no longer able to care for it? *

Timeframe and Preferences

What is your timeframe for wanting a puppy? *
Do you have a preferred gender? *
Do you have a preferred color? *
What age do you prefer your Kai to be when you get it? *
Have you made any inquiries to any other breeders? *

Breed Familiarity

Have you ever met a Kai before? *
What are your goals for this Kai? Check all that apply.
Will you take your Kai to puppy class? *
Will you take your Kai to a basic obedience class? *
How would you hypothetically manage the following:

Breed Preservation

Are you willing to keep a dog intact for 1-2 years for breeding evaluation? *
Are you interested in raising an imported dog? (puppy or adult for breeding evaluation) *
Are you willing to participate in breed education events? *
Are you interested in joining a breed club if one is available? *

Breeder Options

Would you be interested in participating in Shinkai’s breeding program with your Kai? *
Please choose which of the following applies to you *

Additional Comments

If we don’t have a puppy suitable to fit your needs, is it alright for us to contact other breeders who may be able to help? *
Are you willing to keep us regularly updated with how your puppy is developing? (In particular via Instagram or email) *

Just about finished…


If anything changes after this application is submitted, please let us know as soon as possible.

  • Family / relationship situations change
  • Housing situations change
  • Occupation situations change
  • If you are added / committed to another breeder’s waitlist