Dr. Alphonso Evans Sr. is the breeder behind Taja Akitas. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, puppies, photos & more!
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Dr. Alphonso Evans Sr.
1. I am a believer in God, husband, father, educator, author, and mentor, and I live right outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have been involved with dogs all of my life. My grandfather introduced me to multiple breeds and their purposes as a toddler; however, the Akita breed for 13 years! My kennel name is TAJA which is the first letter in my, my wife’s, and our children’s first names, which represents all of the sacrifice, time, and love we have dedicated to the Akita breed. At TAJA, we are the home of multiple Bests in Specialty Show, multiple Bests of Breed, multiple Grand Champions, and Top 20 Akitas, but most of all, we are where your family companion can be a star in your home as well as in the show ring!
2. I am known to be very “detailed” when it comes to choosing the next puppy for Conformation, but in reality, there is no “perfect” dog. My magic week is the “sixth week.” While puppies are always changing and many think it is too early, I believe you can see the future during that time. I focus on the head, type, and outline during that time, and as the puppy gets older, temperament and movement become a great focus.
3. I believe that the Akita breed is in good condition overall and does not have many health issues; however, I believe that you should be critical of the dogs you want in your breeding program as it relates to the Breed Standard, and it should not be compromised at any time. In addition, the temperament and education of Akitas is extremely important in our breed and must be a part of the foundation for new owners of the breed.
4. I believe the sport has come a long way, especially with embracing and encouraging owner-handlers to show their own dogs. I never get “caught up” in judging because I believe every person has their interpretation of what the Standard is communicating. However, at TAJA, when we leave the ring, I know what I have on the other side of the lead and that is most important! I really miss some shows that are no longer in existence, such as the “Wildwood Shows.” However, we must continue to encourage new people to come into the sport by welcoming them with “open arms.”
I believe the sport has come a long way, especially with embracing and encouraging owner-handlers to show their own dogs.
5. I believe social media has been very good for the sport because it brings the show to you and builds excitement. However, there will always be people who will abuse the purpose of social media, and when they do, as a dog show community, we must stand against it!
6. I believe one of the biggest challenges facing the dog show community today is diversity and programs that encourage participation in the sport as an opportunity for families to come together and have fun. Growing up, I saw dog shows on television or advertisements, but it seemed so far out of reach and I had to do research myself to obtain the courage to get involved. We must take dog shows “on the road,” and not just in certain rural communities, in order to share with everyone.
7. The positive changes that I have noticed is the National Owner-Handled Series, which is heavily promoted across the country, Best of Breed Owner-Handled, and of course, the Owner-Handled Group ring. I really enjoy the focus and enthusiasm placed on it by the sport!
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