Shiba Inu puppies and dogs in Round Lake, Illinois

Meet Cheeto – Your New Ray of Sunshine! Cheeto is an 8-month-old male Shiba Inu who came to us from Chicago Animal Care and Control, and he’s absolutely bursting with excitement to find his forever family! This happy-go-lucky pup is all about fun, love, and adventure. With his bright eyes and wagging tail, Cheeto brings joy wherever he goes. He’s full of energy and would thrive with a family that can keep up with his playful spirit and provide the mental stimulation and structure a smart, active pup like him craves. Whether it’s a game of fetch, a long walk, or learning new tricks, Cheeto is always ready to go. But don’t worry—after playtime, he’s more than happy to soak up some cuddles and remind you just how sweet and loving he truly is. He’s the kind of pup who will steal your heart in seconds and keep you smiling every day. If you're looking for a fun, loyal, and affectionate companion who’s ready to grow with you, Cheeto is your guy. Come meet him—you won’t be able to resist that Shiba smile! 🧡🐾

Meet Moon (red / white male) and Star (red female), a pair of 2-year-old Shiba Inu x Basenji mixes with hearts of gold who have been through a rough patch and are now searching for a forever home where they will never be left behind again. These loving pups were tragically abandoned in their apartment, left behind when their guardian moved, until their barking cries for help were heard by a kind neighbor who alerted the landlord. Despite the trauma of being deserted, Moon and Star’s sweet and friendly nature shines through as they continue to greet everyone with wagging tails and hopeful eyes. They are incredibly bonded, sharing an unbreakable connection that gives them comfort and confidence. Moon and Star deserve to finally experience the love and stability of a family who will cherish them unconditionally, ensuring they will never have to feel the loneliness and sadness of being forgotten again.

Dot is the kind of dog who truly believes in the power of love, always ready to share a hug or curl up beside you for a snuggle. Her gentle spirit will brighten your days and make you feel like the luckiest person in the world. Dot is a wonderful balance of energy-she's happy to take a leisurely stroll with you, enjoying the sights and sounds, but is just as content to spend quiet time by your side. Whether it's a peaceful walk or a cozy evening on the couch, she's the perfect companion for any moment. Her middle-of-the-road energy level makes her adaptable to many different lifestyles, and her sweet, affectionate nature ensures she'll be a loving presence in your home. If you're looking for a dog who will always be there for you with a snuggle, a smile, and an open heart, Dot is ready to become your very best friend.

About Me: Name: Gardenia Breed (or best guess): Shiba Inu Approximate Age: born 6/25/19 Gender: Female Approximate Weight: 28 lb Adoption Fee: $495 Requirements: Patient adopter, fenced yard and another dog is best Why In Rescue: puppy mill survivor Profile:   Gardenia came from a commercial breeder/puppy farmer who was no longer going to use her for breeding.  She has spend time in a foster home and here is what her foster has to say about her:  Rescued from a puppy mill, Gardenia is now discovering what it means to be loved and safe for the very first time.  Though initially shy, she is learning to trust people.  She is working on learning to walk on a leash and is doing well!  She gets along with cats and dogs.  Gardenia would do best in a calm home with adults and older children, young children will be too much for her.  A fenced yard would be a bonus (and a safety measure for her) as she continues to build confidence on leash walking. Dogs from commercial breeders are generally undersocialized (often very scared/shy/skittish) and probably never lived in a house.  They will need to learn things like how to walk on a leash, go up stairs, and what things like a television are.  They need a patient adopter who will give them the time they need to adjust and to learn to trust people.  Every baby step forward needs to be celebrated, and the dog needs to be accepted for who they are at each step.  Some dogs can adjust quickly and learn how to be a loved pet pretty easily.  Others can take a long time to even be comfortable with things like walking through the house and being in the same room as a person.  No matter how far and how fast the breeder dogs progress, they are wonderful dogs and deserve a great home after their life on the puppy farm.  A fence or at least a secure fenced in potty area is highly recommended for the dog's safety, and may be required for some dogs.  Another small dog in the house can also help many former breeders adjust faster to life in a home, and also may be required in some cases.  We do put the needs of the dog's first, so it is nothing personal if we determine a particular dog isn't suitable for your specific home and living situation. If considering adopting a former breeding dog, the following article is good to read to help you understand the special needs these dogs may have.  http://nowisconsinpuppymills.com/mill-survivors.html If interested in adoption, the first step is filling out the pre-adoption application at http://www.bichonrescues.com/pre-adoption-form-dog  If link isn't clickable, please copy/paste or visit http://www.bichonrescues.com.  Please note, filling out inquiry forms on Petfinder or Adoptapet and/or their application forms does not constitute an application for one of our dogs.  Priority in responding to inquires and applications is always to the applications filled out on our website, time constraints limit the number of other inquires we can reply to. We do our best to evaluate the dogs while they are with us, but they sometimes act different in the shelter environment than they do in a home.  Many times we do not know the actual breed/mix or age of the dog, in that case we use our best guess as to breed and age.   We are located in Mukwonago, WI.  Adopters must come to us, we do not ship our dogs.  Please do not apply for a dog until you are ready to adopt.  Once an application is approved you will be notified by email to make an appointment to meet the dog.  All dogs are seen by appointment only. The adoption fee through Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue is $495 for most adults and up to $650 for puppies which includes Wi State Sales Tax.  Included in this fee is your new companion who will be spayed/neutered, have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (as required by state law), current on age appropriate vaccinations, heartworm tested (if old enough) and started on preventative, microchipped, and given a general wormer.  Other medical needs will also have been taken care of, such as dentals and treating ear infections.  To assist you and your new pet in adjusting to life together, you may chose to take an 8 week age appropriate obedience training course at For Pet's Sake Dog Training in Mukwonago, WI for $100 (up to $260 value).  You may opt to take Puppy Kindergarten, Adult Beginners, or Small Dogs Big Hearts.  You must register for the class within 90 days of adoption for the reduced fee.  For more information on the classes visit www.forpetssake.cc  More important information: ***We are a Wisconsin based rescue and do not ship our pets.  If you are considering adoption you must be willing to drive to meet and adopt the pet, as well as bring the pet back to us if the adoption doesn't work.  We adopt primarily in WI and IL, but will consider applicants in MN, IA, and MI.*** ***Please do not set up an appointment to meet the animals until you are ready to take your pet home.  If the meeting results in a match, you can often take the dog/cat home the same day or within a couple days if the medical care hasn't been completed.  We are not able to hold pets for adopters beyond this time.  Thanks for understanding.*** ***While we hope all of our adoptions lead to permanent homes for the animals we place, sometimes things just don't work out.  We do have a 30 day trial period.  For the first 30 days, if you or Bichon and Little Buddies decide that the adoption isn't a good match for either the humans or the pet, the adoption fee will be refunded minus $100 within 30 days of the return of the dog.  Bichon and Little Buddies also requires adopters to return the pet to us at any time that they are unable or unwilling to care for the animal anymore.*** ***We do not show dogs without an appointment.  The first step in adoption is filling out the pre-adoption application at http://www.bichonrescues.com/pre-adoption-form-dog  Please do not call/email until AFTER you have filled out an application.*** Bichon and Little Buddies is a State Licensed Rescue # 268555-DS May 11, 2025, 3:43 pm

Personality: Super sweet, cuddly, independent, curious. Bossy, rough and tumble play style - wrestles with dogs her size to Great Danes! Loves: car rides, daycare, cardboard, Kongs, head pets, massages, cheese Uncertain of: loud noises, busy streets, people at night, people walking behind her, children, meeting strangers. Lives with: 5yr female spayed Shiba Inu, coexist well. May resource guard over food/treats/toys - must be separated for eating and supervised w/ toys. 10yr senior cat - calm, sometimes wants to play, doesn't chase. Ongoing environmental allergies: needs to stay on Apoquel long-term. Ideal home: Experience with shibas or primitive dog breeds. Someone who can win her heart and trust with time and cheese. Resources to keep her busy. Able to provide dog play dates/daycare or works from home. Would do well with other playful or tolerant dogs in the home or solo. Free roams in a single room with an open crate when home alone.

My name is Oakley and I’m looking for my forever home! I’m a 2-y.o., 21-lb girl who came to my foster home here in Des Plaines, IL, from the commercial breeding facility where I was born. I’m still getting used to living in a home with humans so I am still shy and skittish. Foster mom says I have a very sweet nature. Once I get to know you, I really love a good chin rub! So far, my favorite thing to do here is playing in the securely fenced yard with my Shiba foster sister. I get so excited when it’s time to go out that I dance around and toss my head. I also like chew toys. I’m smart and very resourceful and will make my own chew toys with things that my foster family leaves within reach, so they put me in my kennel or other dog-proof area when they can’t supervise. But I promise I’m a good girl! I tolerate baths well. I’m quiet as a mouse in my kennel. But I do my part to keep the house safe - if I’m not crated, I will bark if I hear someone coming who might be an intruder! I’m learning to walk on a leash. I’m getting the hang of it, but still not sure I love it. My perfect forever home will be a calm one with no small kids – I’m scared of their sudden movements and squealy noises! My forever family should take careful precautions when opening doors or gates to avoid escapes, since like many Shibas, I can be a door-bolter. I’d love to have another nice dog friend to play with and to help show me the ropes. I haven’t met any cats or other small pets, but I’m probably not a good match for them since I chase and catch birds and bunnies in the yard. I am healthy - spayed and vaccinated. If you live in the Midwest and are looking for a sweet and beautiful girl who will blossom with patience and love, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to apply to become an approved SIRA adopter. The application process helps SIRA learn more about you and your home environment so they can make sure we’ll be a good match. Once approved, they’ll introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet!