Akitas

Question:
 Does anyone know of any outstanding Akita breeders? I've only found two to my liking. One is in Colorado, and the other is in Wales, UK.
I've spoken with both of them numerous times on personal levels, so perhaps I am being bias in saying they are good breeders.
Just wondering if anyone else knew any good breeders they could point me to. I've been waiting to get another Akita for yeasr, since my last one passed away at just 13 years old.
Thanks in advance!:)

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I know an outstanding one- in fact, I'll be seeing her this weekend at the Puyallup shows.
Gorgeous, typey dogs- not the "mastiffy" look that you see in a lot of American Akitas these days. I like Akitas with nice tight lips, good bone (but NOT overdone), and very Japanese expression- and these dogs have it.
Lovely temperaments, all health checks/genetic testing done, and multiple BIS and BISS show winners to put the cherry on top. :D Beyond this, several of the dogs have CGCs and obedience titles as well (quite a feat for Japanese breeds!)
She did very well at the last National, and actually her boy Cuervo most recently went BOB at Euk. if you watched it this year.
At some point in my life I'll have an Akita (I'm a sucker for the Japanese breeds...what can I say), and honestly, this is the breeder I would go to.
PM me if you'd like her website.

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My brother has a very nice sound Akita with one of the most mellow, gentle, and friendly temperments I have ever seen in any dog. I'll ask him what the breeder's name is, I remember she's a Japanese girl and she's either in Idaho or Washington. I started saving up to get a puppy from her until we found our current dog at the pound. She has given them a lot of ongoing support throughout the whole puppy-raising process and lots of Akita specific socialization/handling advice.
She also sometimes gets longcoated puppies in the litters. Ranger is a black and white longcoat, and he looks exactly like a panda bear. :)

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I know an outstanding one- in fact, I'll be seeing her this weekend at the Puyallup shows.
Gorgeous, typey dogs- not the "mastiffy" look that you see in a lot of American Akitas these days. I like Akitas with nice tight lips, good bone (but NOT overdone), and very Japanese expression- and these dogs have it.
Lovely temperaments, all health checks/genetic testing done, and multiple BIS and BISS show winners to put the cherry on top. :D Beyond this, several of the dogs have CGCs and obedience titles as well (quite a feat for Japanese breeds!)
She did very well at the last National, and actually her boy Cuervo most recently went BOB at Euk. if you watched it this year.
At some point in my life I'll have an Akita (I'm a sucker for the Japanese breeds...what can I say), and honestly, this is the breeder I would go to.
PM me if you'd like her website.
I would be curious to know who you are talking about. I am not aware of any pure JA that did well at last years nationals. Hell, I am aware of only one that showed and that dog was from Italy.
I would just be curious to know what you deam to be "Japanese Expression" because on a AA, that would be totally incorrect.
As to the question at hand, I would assume you mean American Akitas? I can't really tell you who a "good" breeder would be as that would depend on your own definition. I can say that if I where to buy I would look to Sondaisa, Crown Royal and Kofuku-No.

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There's been an akita in my family for ten years and I just adore her. She is part and parcel to my decision to get a dog. What a great dog she is. Sometimes I just can't WAIT to see her. I don't blame you for wanting another one.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k298/ToscasMom/Meekas1.jpg

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www.shintoakitas.com
Try checking them out.

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Hello all... this caught my eye! Toscas' mom, I didn't know you had an Akita! So does my daughter. No wonder you're such an easy going person to talk to! Tempura Tamtrum, I'm sure now, that we've run into each other at shows. Small world! I'll come find you and say hello next time I see your dogs entry. I believe I can give a safe reccommendation for a "reputable" breeder, if you're still interested Chinchow. Welcome House of Jurai! I agree, Sondaisa and Crown Royal are breeders with outstanding dogs. I have competed against both. The dog named "Cuervo" that Tempura Tantrum spoke of, I believe is a Sondaisa dog, Ch. Sondaisa's Cuervo Gold. He is impressive and his breeder is well known in my area.

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No I don't. It's my cousin's akita and we were raised together so we spend a LOT of time at each other's homes.

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Yep.. I just checked. We all agree, Sondaisa is a great place/site to check out chinchow (Cuervo is Sullivans dog, as I'd thought.) I handled an Akita several years ago that placed over hers and that was a very big deal for my owners, as hers are beautiful dogs.

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Oh! J just saw your post toscas mom. A very sweet looking Akita, even if it's a relatives. I love my daughters Akita. He's a big baby that thinks he's a lap dog and is terribly spoiled.

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Meekas is spoiled too OTCH. I just love that dog, she is so loyal and always makes me feel like a million bucks when she sees me. She's DA, but funny, she's great with Tosca. We brought them together from when Tosca was really small. Sometimes she puts Tosca in her place but other than that, they do really well together. It's kind of surprising.

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I would be curious to know who you are talking about. I am not aware of any pure JA that did well at last years nationals. Hell, I am aware of only one that showed and that dog was from Italy.
I would just be curious to know what you deam to be "Japanese Expression" because on a AA, that would be totally incorrect.
As to the question at hand, I would assume you mean American Akitas? I can't really tell you who a "good" breeder would be as that would depend on your own definition. I can say that if I where to buy I would look to Sondaisa, Crown Royal and Kofuku-No.
The breeder she [Tempura Tantrum] is speaking of, is in fact, Sondaisa - the dog is Cuervo.
As for the Japanese expression, she knows the difference between JA and AA. It is pretty impossible to be involved in Akitas or Shibas without being aware of the huge difference between the breeds; if you're in Akitas the breed split is a contemporary issue, if you're in Shibas it's an issue you don't ever want to face.
She was not discussing a JA, because again, the breeder she was referring to was Sondaisa. We both (Tempura Tantrum and I) agree that Japanese expression in the JA and AA is a totally different thing. What is correct on the AA is very often completely incorrect on the JA, and vice versa. What she did mean, I believe, is that there *is* something Japanese, if you will, about this particular line, though it is not to be defined as the same "Japanese-ness" found in the Japanese Akita. It is in the cleanness and tightness of the lines, the ear pitch, a bit of refinement, and the balance of the overall dog. We have found that there are a lot of AAs with "mastiff-y" heads, droopy eyes, looser flews, overdone, etc etc. That isn't a problem at all in these dogs that we admire, and there is a Japanese flavor to them which is very pleasurable, yet not incorrect for the A.A. which indeed is generally a more massive dog with greater bone, a completely different acceptability in the range of colors, etc than the JA. Perhaps you could say that we define this "Japanese-ness" as being an apparent Japanese flavor, a certain conformational aesthetic, in comparison to some other AAs.
She didn't mean to imply that the Japanese expression was the same type that she would discuss in reference to JAs or to Shibas, but I suppose she didn't go into that much detail because most people aren't really familiar with the JA in this country at all, and have no idea that there are people arguing about whether or not there is merit in splitting the breed. We're both familiar with the JA and AA and their differences (we've had our hands on both), and familiar with the fact that it would be *very* difficult to finish a JA over here. I can see how this could all get confusing, but I assure you, she didn't mean that the Japanese expression was the same - it was more of the "flavor" idea she was going for.

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Thanks Sayuri- that's exactly what I was talking about.
Sorry I came across as confusing to you Jurai, my attempt to streamline a post (so I wouldn't end up writing my usual novel), apparently just made it more confusing.
I have no delusions about the differences in terms of expression between Japanese Akita Inu and American Akitas. The "Japanese expression" I was speaking of that I so admire in Colleen's Sondaisa Akitas, is more a nod to the Japanese AESTHETIC that I do believe is present in her animals. The clean, unfettered lines- the simplicity, if you will. My greatest pet peeve in American Akitas is dogs that lean toward looking like Tosa with prick ears and double coats. I don't forgive dogs with too much flew, or overly deepset and hooded eyes. I don't see ANY of that in Sondaisa dogs- which is what I was trying to get across.
I think you were a bit confused as well, when I was talking about dogs that were successful in the show ring. I don't personally know any Japanese Akitas that have been successful. The dogs I was referring to were once again, of Sondaisa breeding. Cuervo, as my sister (Sayuri), explained, and more recently Sauza and Shimmer. I'm also very much liking how McGraw has turned out- he's one of my new favorites. :D
I've learned a great deal about correct American type from Colleen, and a great deal about Japanese type from Leslie Engen (of San Jo Shibas), who owns a Japanese Akita Inu import. Japanese Akitas really do lean toward looking like giant Shibas (especially the reds complete with urajiro), and her boy Ki, is no exception. It's worth noting that she doesn't bother showing him in AKC, as she knows he would be unsuccessful. It is my belief that AKC needs to get with the program and recognize the breed split as the Akita's native country, and FCI already do. Ki however, is a fantastic perimeter and guard dog- succesfully warding off coyotes, cougars, and anyone silly enough to "call upon" the house unannounced.
Sorry about the word choice in my previous post, Jurai. I hope this clears things up (in terms of my understanding of the native Japanese breeds), for you. :)

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Can you post photos of the two Akita types? I would love to see them.

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I'm gonna give you links- because I'm using a Mac...and basically have no idea how to deal with the photo functions on this thing at the moment, LOL.
For American Akitas- my personal pick for the best of the best:
www.sondaisakitas.com
I'll post a link for Japanese Akitas in a couple of minutes :)

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Holy Cow. The Americans look more like bears!

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Wow! They do like bears!

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I do really like McGraw. I have to admit that as a breed on a whole the AA doesn't excite me, but I do love stunning black and whites like him. At one time, Black and White was an acceptable JA color but has long since vanished.
I guess I have a hard time seeing anything Japanese at all about the AA, but I do get that Sondaisa on a whole does seem to have produced pretty refined dogs. I think Majick Sun is another breeder of a very simular type.
Aside from that I no longer discuss specific breeders as results may very and the only person I can tell you 100% on is me. :D
I also get the full shudder down my back when I hear (or read) that JA's are simular in type to Shiba's. Grrrrr :D Everything is different other than the fact that they both come in sesame and red and white. A pretty Shiba is very pretty, allthough I see so few preetty ones. I really do prefer the NIPPO type. But the temperment of the average Shiba just doesn't float my boat, but that again is just me.
I don't know how to post pics but if you want to see some pics of the most beautiful JA in the world go to www.kajitsuno.it and check out the wonder Kakusui. A once in a lifetime dog IMHO.

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I would say that Japanese Akitas and Shibas are similar in that the build of both is more refined than in comparison to that of the American Akita, which is more bear-like. Also, the fact that the reds have urajiro- which is most notably absent from AAs. And finally the distinct lack of masking on the Japanese Akitas, that is practically omnipresent in American Akitas (the result of influence from GSDs, and mastiffs in the beginnings of the breed split).
I'm not generally a fan of "pretty" Shibas, as that is a real pitfall of most American breeders. They really aren't supposed to be "pretty" or "cute," but have a distinct natural nobility and sobriety about them. Nothing should be exaggerated. I always have to giggle when people say that they prefer NIPPO type because there isn't supposed to be a DIFFERENCE between Shibas exhibited in NIPPO and any other place in the world. Even in NIPPO you will see very obvious REGIONAL differences between Shibas from all over Japan- none of which are any better or worse than the other. What you're probably seeing when you say you prefer a "NIPPO type" Shiba is the fact that quite simply, quality in the US and elsewhere is still not up to par with Japanese standards. There isn't enough money in the world yet that would convince a breeder of a NIPPO national winner to part with their dog- believe, it's been tried!
That's why I stick to breeders that do manage to get the best Japanese imports they possibly can- Leslie Engen is well regarded to be the at the top of her game in this nation, by many Japanese breeders. She recently obtained (as a gift from a breeder), the top winning JKC Shiba of all time. She also obtained the outstanding Japanese import Tenkuu go Etchuu go Wakasugisou- the top producing Shiba of all time in this nation. If you see a photo of this dog you'll realize right away what a Shiba is supposed to be- nothing "pretty" about him: Just sobering strength. He's been a huge boon to this nation.
I'll have to post a photo later.
And I agree- Kakusai is lovely.

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I do really like McGraw. I have to admit that as a breed on a whole the AA doesn't excite me, but I do love stunning black and whites like him. At one time, Black and White was an acceptable JA color but has long since vanished.
I guess I have a hard time seeing anything Japanese at all about the AA, but I do get that Sondaisa on a whole does seem to have produced pretty refined dogs. I think Majick Sun is another breeder of a very simular type.
Aside from that I no longer discuss specific breeders as results may very and the only person I can tell you 100% on is me. :D
I also get the full shudder down my back when I hear (or read) that JA's are simular in type to Shiba's. Grrrrr :D Everything is different other than the fact that they both come in sesame and red and white. A pretty Shiba is very pretty, allthough I see so few preetty ones. I really do prefer the NIPPO type. But the temperment of the average Shiba just doesn't float my boat, but that again is just me.
I don't know how to post pics but if you want to see some pics of the most beautiful JA in the world go to www.kajitsuno.it and check out the wonder Kakusui. A once in a lifetime dog IMHO.
I love McGraw - he is a wonderful dog in every way - he's got it all.
I agree that Majik Sun is similar in type - probably because they work closely in concert with each other, and co-own many of their dogs.:) .
Both a quality AA and a quality JA excite me - but that is just the way that I am. (If it's a beautiful dog in any breed, it tends to get my heart pumping and send chills down my spine). I gravitate naturally toward "nordic-style" breeds, and for this reason, I find both JA and AAs attractive - not because I think they are particularly similar, but because, of their own merits, I find them both to be gorgeous breeds.
People in Shibas tend to talk about the way that Shibas are more similar to JA for a certain reason - we're most of us quite aware that there truly ARE huge differences, and we're by no means blind or naive to the fact. The tendency really stems from the way that the Shiba was introduced to this nation, as it's really a pretty recent breed here. Not a lot of people knew what to think of it, and as many of the first Shiba fanciers were initially Akita breeders, they would speak of the Shiba as "the little Akita" - it too was Japanese, and there were some basic conformational and temperamental traits they shared (*basic* of course - as anyone that is involved with both will tell you there really ARE huge differences). This rubbed Japanese Akita and Shiba breeders the wrong way, because they saw how different the AA was from their JA and from the Shiba, and people were cautioned to, if they *were* going to make a basic comparison, at least look at the JA and remember that there was greater similarity there - no one wanted the Shiba to end up pinto with a black mask and heavy bone, after all. Basically, it was something of a remedial attempt at reeducation - there was fear that people who were breeding AA AND Shibas, would look to their AAs as sort of a drawing board to compare their Shibas to. This was a hint to move in a different direction. I
f you're going to pick one, I guess, the thinking is that it's the JA is more similar. They both have a more evident Japanese expression than the AA too.
Anyway, tt was also a "quick" way to try to describe to someone what a Shiba was to someone with absolutely no conception of the breed at all (when, obviously, a Shiba was not present to who the individual). People would ask about the breed, and the moment someone said the breed's name, it seemed (and still does - sigh) that the first thing they would say was, "Oh so it's one of those little lap dogs." My guess is that they associate it with the word "Shih Tzu," and assume it's either the same breed, or that it must be similar, because the name, in their opinion, sounds similar (foreign language, two words, the "Shi" sound). Obviously, the Shiba is far more similar to an Akita than it is to a Shih Tzu, so people would say - "well, it's kind of like a smaller Akita," fully aware that there really wasn't a great degree of similarity there, but also aware that when speaking to someone that has that initial impression of the breed, there's really no point in going into a detailed description of the differences of the JA and the AA, and then the Shiba.
I can understand why such a comment would aggravate a serious fancier though; you know each point of conformation and each subtle nuance, so even the most basic of similarities has been obliterated for you. It must be kind of like when people say that Shibas look like foxes to me - uh huh...riiiight.
I'll have to agree that "pretty" is not what we are looking for in Shibas, nor is "cute." If that is what you see, you have not seen a Shiba that is correct in type - perhaps it is pleasing in some way to the eye, but it is, nevertheless, incorrect. We are all working hard to change that here, but as my sister pointed out, one reason that, as you said, you like "NIPPO" Shibas better is that that IS where the good stock comes from - the country of origin. NIPPO breeders and the breeders in this country that know their stuff are very cautious to remind everyone that there is no such thing as a "NIPPO" Shiba or an "American" Shiba - they are all just Shibas, and they are either good examples of the breed, or not. We would be horrified to think that there could eventually be a split, "NIPPO" vs "American," for example - the goal is simply to produce the most typey Shiba possible.
Again, this is why so many very successful breeders in this breed import from Japan - because we are attempting to promote type in the breed. We hold shows with NIPPO judges - the "Classic" - for this reason. We want confirmation from Japanese judges that we are heading in the right direction, and instruction for how we can improve. I think all of us recognize that in many ways, this breed has a bit of a journey to travel in terms of type and quality here - but in the same breath, I can say that we are improving by *leaps* and *bounds.* People are very fervently interested in education and in really knowing and applying the standard. Many make pilgrimages to Japan, and seminars are taken seriously and are popular. This is truly a new breed for American breeders, and as such, it stands to reason that we are working to attain the same level of type and proficiency that the country of origin has.
I am *very* picky about Shibas, what I like, and what I don't like. It's not necessarily easy to please me - but I'm truly proud of how hard the American breeders are working to learn.
Here then, is Taro (I figured I'd take the liberty and post him myself):
Ch. Tenkuu Go Etchuu Wakasugisou
http://www.ameridogs.com/images/BreedShibaadult4.jpg
Now *there* is a dog that demonstrates kan-i, soboku, and ryosei.
Not "cute." Not "pretty."
A dog that demonstrates natural beauty and sobriety, temperance, unaffected forthrightness, spirited boldness, and good nature. He is one dog that I can see ALL of that in.

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PS, Jurai - thank you for the link to Kakusui. He is truly stunning.

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Haha, well now this thread has done it - you can't get me to shut up. Don't worry, it's mostly pictures now:
I'm going to show an example of the different regional styles my sister was speaking of. Here first is Toyonishiki Go Toyohashi Onada.
http://www.saijoto.dk/english/Nippo_Show/Toyonishiki_of_Toyohashi_Onada.jpg
You can see the same deal in him as in Taro - he's not cute or pretty, he is something else entirely, and *that* is what makes him an amazing animal to look at, as well as correct.
This is Kotobuki no Tetsu Go Tohoso
http://www.saijoto.dk/english/Nippo_Show/kotobuki_no_tetsu_of_tohoso.htm
For some reason, I can't get the picture to show up, but I urge you to take a look at him, just to compare.
You can see in the headpiece alone that his is a very different style than Toyo's - however, it's an equally viable and correct interpretation of the standard. Again, you note, that he has those qualities the other dogs do - he possesses a natural beauty without looking contrived. He is pleasing to the eye in his simplicity and balance.

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Thank you for those pics! What I see as an untrained, unknowledgable dog person is:
They ARE cute to me. But I think the term "Natural Beauty" best describes them. However, you are right that the AA has more "cuteness" in the face, more bearlike. In America that is an endearing quality in dogs. In fact the JAs do not appear bearlike at all to me. The eyes in both are distinctly different as well, or maybe it's just the look. In the end, to the non-show, non-breeder person such as myself, they are both beautiful, but even I can see the differences. Thanks for this educational information. I had no idea that there were two different conformations of this beautiful dog.

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Thank you Siyuri and tempura. Excellent posts. For me, the term "pretty" is not a negative one. I see Shiba from Japan and I see a different type. For an example look at Betsy Sako's dogs. She is to my knowledge the only breeder of Shiba in the USA to have lived in Japan, bred and shown there. Her dogs have the more refined head, the full coat and the wonderful almond eye. In the American Shibas I hardley ever see those things. I went to the last big show in my area (Del Valle Kennel Club) it's huge, typically over 4000 dogs. All of the Shiba there where really disspointing, to me anyway.
OH, and off topic the AA does come in red with unajiro, but you almost never see it.
The JA is simular to the Shiba in that they are both native Nihon Ken. The JA, sons of Odate from a very specific region and the Shiba, the most popular native breed kept as a pet. But they have no more in common with each other than they do other Nihon Ken such as (Shikoku, Kai, Kishu.) Temperment is where the two breeds differ the most. The JA is very owner submissive, easy going, quite and selfless. Shiba are anything but. In fact I have heard them described as the hardest of the Nihon Ken to live with. But those who own them would know better than me. The shame is that the JA fancy in the USA is so torn apart and plagued with crossbreeding. In my area I have at least four breeders of Shiba that I feel are probably really good people and would be fun to deal with. With the JA I am on an island. But IMHO the JA is the best breed on Earth so one has to take the good with the bad.

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Thank you for those pics! What I see as an untrained, unknowledgable dog person is:
They ARE cute to me. But I think the term "Natural Beauty" best describes them. However, you are right that the AA has more "cuteness" in the face, more bearlike. In America that is an endearing quality in dogs. In fact the JAs do not appear bearlike at all to me. The eyes in both are distinctly different as well, or maybe it's just the look. In the end, to the non-show, non-breeder person such as myself, they are both beautiful, but even I can see the differences. Thanks for this educational information. I had no idea that there were two different conformations of this beautiful dog.
You are right, JA's are not bearlike at all. 100% spitz breed.

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Thank you Siyuri and tempura. Excellent posts. For me, the term "pretty" is not a negative one. I see Shiba from Japan and I see a different type. For an example look at Betsy Sako's dogs. She is to my knowledge the only breeder of Shiba in the USA to have lived in Japan, bred and shown there. Her dogs have the more refined head, the full coat and the wonderful almond eye. In the American Shibas I hardley ever see those things. I went to the last big show in my area (Del Valle Kennel Club) it's huge, typically over 4000 dogs. All of the Shiba there where really disspointing, to me anyway.
OH, and off topic the AA does come in red with unajiro, but you almost never see it.
The JA is simular to the Shiba in that they are both native Nihon Ken. The JA, sons of Odate from a very specific region and the Shiba, the most popular native breed kept as a pet. But they have no more in common with each other than they do other Nihon Ken such as (Shikoku, Kai, Kishu.) Temperment is where the two breeds differ the most. The JA is very owner submissive, easy going, quite and selfless. Shiba are anything but. In fact I have heard them described as the hardest of the Nihon Ken to live with. But those who own them would know better than me. The shame is that the JA fancy in the USA is so torn apart and plagued with crossbreeding. In my area I have at least four breeders of Shiba that I feel are probably really good people and would be fun to deal with. With the JA I am on an island. But IMHO the JA is the best breed on Earth so one has to take the good with the bad.
LOL I'll bear witness to that! All of my Akita friends think that my sister and I are psychotic, and don't understand why and how we could deal with this breed - the funny thing is, that personality is EXACTLY why I like them. It's honestly the trait that attracts me the most, even beyond the conformation. I like their fire, their spirit, and their ability to make a humble person out of any dog owner - I like that they are wicked clever and challenging. I like that they are a smaller dog that will never let you think they are. I love the three traits - kan-i, soboku, ryosei. This is *definitely* not the breed for everyone at all - it is a shame that so many people have the wrong impression of them and end up not doing their research, as typically, those people end up with a nightmare on their hands that they can't handle. I think there tends to be a conception in this country that smaller means "easier" - Shibas are one of the breeds that prove this isn't so.
Again, as far as NIPPO and American Shibas go - it is not so much a difference in "type" as it is in *quality.* The majority of American breeders are working *toward* the quality that can be found in Japan - but it is simply a long, slow road. It is typically not as easy to import the best of the best from Japan, as it takes a lot of money and certain connections, as well as an understanding of the Japanese culture. Really, no one here is interested in making a type of Shiba that differs at all from what is in Japan - our thinking is that would just lead us down the road that the Akita went, which is exactly what we *don't* want. We are very serious about learning from the country of origin and respecting the Shiba for what it is and what it is supposed to be. This is why, once more, importation is to be found in almost every very successful kennel (or at least, the kennels that I personally would like to have a dog from) - however, there are those that simply don't have the money or the connections to do this.
I am fond of each and every Nihon Ken - if it weren't completely crazy, I'd love to have one of each, though right now I'd settle with a Hokkaido - good God, those are some amazing animals. I'm aware that the only real relation between the Akita, Shikoku, Kai, Hokkaido, and Kishu is that they are the native Japanese breeds, but quite frankly, that is good enough for me. There isn't a native Japanese breed that I don't like.
I'm familiar with and fond of Betsy Sako's dogs - but I think my sister will get more into that, so I'll try not to cross into her territory. I'll leave the discussion of San Jo to her too, and my guess is she'll have something to say about Kumi as well. I am *extraordinarily* hard to please when it comes to Shibas (I'm pretty sure my twin is covering the whys and wherefores of that as well, lol). However, I am also extraordinarily lucky to live in an area where the quality of the breed is getting pretty high, and where the breeders are importing.

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LOL I'll bear witness to that! All of my Akita friends think that my sister and I are psychotic, and don't understand why and how we could deal with this breed - the funny thing is, that personality is EXACTLY why I like them. It's honestly the trait that attracts me the most, even beyond the conformation. I like their fire, their spirit, and their ability to make a humble person out of any dog owner - I like that they are wicked clever and challenging. I like that they are a smaller dog that will never let you think they are. I love the three traits - kan-i, soboku, ryosei. This is *definitely* not the breed for everyone at all - it is a shame that so many people have the wrong impression of them and end up not doing their research, as typically, those people end up with a nightmare on their hands that they can't handle. I think there tends to be a conception in this country that smaller means "easier" - Shibas are one of the breeds that prove this isn't so.
Again, as far as NIPPO and American Shibas go - it is not so much a difference in "type" as it is in *quality.* The majority of American breeders are working *toward* the quality that can be found in Japan - but it is simply a long, slow road. It is typically not as easy to import the best of the best from Japan, as it takes a lot of money and certain connections, as well as an understanding of the Japanese culture. Really, no one here is interested in making a type of Shiba that differs at all from what is in Japan - our thinking is that would just lead us down the road that the Akita went, which is exactly what we *don't* want. We are very serious about learning from the country of origin and respecting the Shiba for what it is and what it is supposed to be. This is why, once more, importation is to be found in almost every very successful kennel (or at least, the kennels that I personally would like to have a dog from) - however, there are those that simply don't have the money or the connections to do this.
I am fond of each and every Nihon Ken - if it weren't completely crazy, I'd love to have one of each, though right now I'd settle with a Hokkaido - good God, those are some amazing animals. I'm aware that the only real relation between the Akita, Shikoku, Kai, Hokkaido, and Kishu is that they are the native Japanese breeds, but quite frankly, that is good enough for me. There isn't a native Japanese breed that I don't like.
I'm familiar with and fond of Betsy Sako's dogs - but I think my sister will get more into that, so I'll try not to cross into her territory. I'll leave the discussion of San Jo to her too, and my guess is she'll have something to say about Kumi as well. I am *extraordinarily* hard to please when it comes to Shibas (I'm pretty sure my twin is covering the whys and wherefores of that as well, lol). However, I am also extraordinarily lucky to live in an area where the quality of the breed is getting pretty high, and where the breeders are importing.
Thank you for that post Siyuri. I love all of the Japanese breeds ( Chin, Tosa, Japanese terriers and J Spitz too) and i would like you probably have one of each (except Shiba :D .) I especially dig the Shikoku, I really love those dogs. Truth is, the JA in the USA needs the help of all of those interested in Nihon Ken. Hell, we need the help of those interested in PUREBREED dogs. We still have crossbreeders running roughshot and we cannot stand on equal footing amongst our own breed. The situation really sucks. The JA is a really awesome breed, once you live with one it is hard to imagine life without one.

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Well, I'm certainly interested in helping out at some point (it'll be a while before I can afford the time and room for one, especially because I'm planning on establishing an excellent Shiba program first, but I'd like to have an individual JA eventually, and I'd love for the breed to be officially split in the US - I'd really enjoy showing one). My first experience with a JA in person was nothing short of wonderful - the temperament was indeed miles away from my Shibas, but quite enjoyable.
It's something I've always kept in the periphery of my mind at the very least - when I was still in high school I managed to convince my teacher that writing on the subject of Japanese/American relations and the breed split issue was a viable topic - it turns out she liked the paper, so I guess she was convinced I had a point.

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I remember about fifteen years ago I first found out about the Shiba. Low and behold a very well respected breeder Jaycee Holden lived in my area. I called her and scheduled a visit. I found them to be very beautiful and interesting litttle dogs, just not for me. She respected that and was very honest with me.
The Japanese Akita is for the most part a very easy to live with breed. they are pretty high energy and love to play, that can take some getting used to. They are very gentle around small children and my girl Mihoshi is most lady like. What I mean is when I give her a treat she doesn't just jump up or grab and snap at it. She will take it very gently, it actually makes me laugh. She is not a licker but if she does it is with the utmost discression. When she wakes up in the morning and is let out of the crate she gets very excited and she has to find a bone or something to put in her mouth then she says good morning with a "woo, woo, woooo!!!" In my experiance JA's talk a lot with a wooing sound, howles, and grunts. Very neat.