We’re Expecting a Japanese Akita Litter!

We opted to take a break from breeding for a couple of years. A lot of work goes into making sure a breeding goes well starting with finding dogs that are good examples of the standard (usually because they’re proven in the show ring), health testing them prior to doing the breeding, ultrasounds and other considerations for veterinary pre-natal care, building a whelping box, going through applications and interviews to find the best homes for the puppies, etc. But the truth is we’ve missed the pitter patter of little paws, the cute whining for mommy the milk bar and chasing after the adorable little guys. And we think our Kaki is a beautiful Japanese Akita, so before she was due to come into season, we contacted Rich Quesada of Kashinoki Soh and “borrowed” the handsome Jake for a date night with Kaki. The breeding took! We’re super excited to announce that Kaki and Jake are going to be parents. Their litter is expected in December 2015. More updates to come.

Kaki-Jake Love Match

Kaki’s official name is Kaori-Go Junketsu.
Jake’s official name is Tokimasa-Go Ryuukaen.
Both sire and dam took first place (male and female) in Sohken Class at the 2015 AKIHO LA Branch show.

Our Senior Dogs

Kuma (a.k.a. Kuma Bear Fathead Raisin Eyes) and Yumi are our resident senior citizen dogs. They’re 13-year old littermates. Yumi was our very first Japanese Akita and we’ve had her since she was a puppy. She has been an absolute treasure – playful but on the mellow and reserved side. She’s put up with all the new additions to the household with dignity and grace and is like the grand old dame of the place (adjectives usually reserved for humans but they totally apply to our Yumi!).

Kuma was a gift to a college-age boy whose parents eventually sold their house and couldn’t take Kuma with them so they arranged for him to live with their daughter. Then, the daughter moved house and couldn’t take Kuma with her, so he was sent to the original owner’s friends house. But then the friend’s wife became pregnant, and they didn’t want to keep him, so Kuma was about to be homeless again. By this point, the boy had graduated college but was living in an apartment that didn’t allow dogs so he reached out to Kuma’s breeder who put the word out that Kuma needed a home. Since we had Kuma’s sister Yumi, we decided to give him a permanent home because all dogs need stability and seniors especially deserve a comfortable life! Everyone says Kuma’s lucky to have landed with us but really we think we’re the lucky ones.

Yumi and Fathead in a saloon