Following the 2023 Members AGM, the members challenged us to come up with a way of encouraging more of the pet community to our events and from there, Shiba Fest was born. This fundraising event was run in order to raise funds for research into identifying the glaucoma marker in the Japanese Shiba Inu. A DNA marker would enable breeders to test their dogs to find out if they either carry the gene or they do not whereas currently, glaucoma is checked via a BVA approved panellist once every three years. The current testing system can be stressful for the shiba so therefore, a DNA test would be much preferred by all!

In early 2024, the UK Japanese Shiba Inu Health charity was founded in order to ringfence the funding for the research project. Having full charity status will be of great benefit to the future of the health research in the breed.

Due to the great success of our 2023 Shiba Fest, it has been decided that this will be an annual event and a date for everyone’s diary. The event will continue to grow with the feedback gained from attendees.

Each year we would like to showcase a new illustrator in the commission of our annual logo which will be used on a select line of merchandise as well as any supporting items across the event.

The 2024 date has now been confirmed as Saturday 20th July 2024, The Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, CV8 2LZ

More details for 2024 to be released soon including our new range of 2024 merchandise.