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Interview with Amber Eisfeld of Hokkyokusei Kennels on preserving Japanese Akitainu type, breeding ethics, and versatility in sport.
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Amber Eisfeld: My name is Amber Eisfeld and I have been showing, training, and breeding dogs for the past 16 years and have been breeding and showing Japanese Akitainu (JAI) since 2016. I have six Japanese Akitainu that represent all three colors (red, white, and brindle) as well as many co-owned dogs. Hokkyokusei Kennels Japanese Akitainu, named in reference to the North Star, is based in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. I really enjoy showing in Conformation, but I also actively train and show in Scent Work, Fast CAT, Agility, Obedience, and Rally. I am a board member of the Japanese Akitainu Club of America (JACA) and also a member of Akitainu Hozonkai (AKIHO) North America.
Amber Eisfeld: The Japanese Akitainu embodies balance, dignity, and natural beauty. Interestingly enough, we just had this topic of conversation come up. We have seen a deviation from breed type in the past, which resulted in a breed split, but at a recent judging seminar given by the then head judge of AKIHO, we were asked to pay attention to ears, as AKIHO judges have been seeing low ear sets in the ring in different countries.
The hallmarks of breed type in the Japanese Akitainu begin with the correct structure of the head and tail, as the restoration process began with early Japanese preservationists correcting the ears and tail to reflect native Japanese breeds. Next, color and coat were corrected, and fine-tuning elements of the head was emphasized. As it is on the entire conformation of the breed, fundamental balance is key on a Japanese Akitainu head. Everything on the head should be taken into consideration in relation to each part of the whole, from the eyes to the ears to the muzzle to the cheeks, etc., including how the color on the head is distributed as well as ideal pigment. Akitainu should be balanced in overall structure, with moderate proportions, and have a dignified temperament.
Amber Eisfeld: I think every breeder struggles at some point with ensuring they are finding the best homes for their puppies. I have a waitlist for my puppies and will be having a litter this coming year. Within the breed community, we are very connected. And those connections often help navigate potential puppy owners to other breeders who may have the sex, energy level, or color they are looking for.
Amber Eisfeld: As a breeder, I’ve embraced new technologies in both science and communication to improve the health, quality, and reach of my breeding program. On the scientific side, I take advantage of genetic testing and DNA profiling (as do many US Akitainu breeders) to ensure I am using the best possible pairings that promote breed health and preserve true Japanese Akitainu type. This includes testing for hereditary diseases, verifying parentage, and monitoring genetic diversity to make responsible breeding decisions.
As a hobby breeder, I utilize social media, websites, and online puppy updates to build meaningful connections with owners and the community. These platforms help me share educational content about the breed, document litters’ progress, and promote responsible ownership in an open, engaging way. My internal recordkeeping and puppy placement processes have also transitioned to online, making communication and tracking more efficient and transparent for my owners.
Amber Eisfeld: Yes, I’ve noticed a definite shift in the public’s perception of purebred dogs over the past several years. In my community, there’s been growing awareness about responsible breeding practices and the difference between ethical, preservation-focused breeders and commercial or irresponsible ones. Many people are beginning to understand that purebred dogs, when bred with purpose and integrity, play an important role in maintaining predictability in health, temperament, and structure—all of which support dogs that can truly fit well into family and working environments. When you purchase a purebred dog from a reputable breeder, you will also find that most reputable breeders will support you for the entire lifetime of that dog. This includes all of the wins and losses, good times and hard times.
Amber Eisfeld: I think, as with many breeds, we are working on more newcomers to our breed, with a goal of guiding them with experienced breeders, historians, and judges who understand the history and function behind the breed. For my kennel, it is important to me that if I have a great puppy, I don’t always keep that great puppy for myself. Sometimes placing a great puppy with a newcomer can help keep that education, collaboration, and integrity of the breed alive. What’s concerning is the amount of misinformation put out due to social media and the fact that people interested in our breed may believe that those with the biggest output of litters and social media presence are ethical, responsible, and supportive breeders.
Amber Eisfeld: Seeing show dogs be able to do more than present themselves in the Conformation ring is a very positive change. It is much more common to see all breeds of dogs showing the versatility of the breed by participating in Performance sports. When breed clubs embrace a variety of the dog sport enthusiasts in their membership, it encourages more participation overall. For clubs and communities to thrive, it can’t just be about Conformation anymore, and this is something our club embraces.
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