© Dahlie Dog Studios

Sex: Female
DOB: 23/06/2018
Registration: Multi Registered Belgian Kennel Club ALSH/82649, Irish Kennel Club B12130, The Kennel Club Activity Register K0262420
Colour: Kuro-tora
Sire: Tone No Benifuji Go Funato Kamiyama Sou 利根の紅富士号舟戸神山荘 (KKA)
Dam: Sankt Xandors Ohana サンクトザンドルス オハナ(FCI)
Breeder: Lindsey Vangrootenbruel (Takai Kennel)
Pedigree: Nihon Ken Pedigree Database
Embark DNA: http://embk.me/akiko
OFA: https://www.ofa.org/advanced-search?f=sr&appnum=2143312
CHIC Number: 161464

Akiko is our foundation bitch here at Ounoki Kensha, and she truly was the perfect introduction to the Kai for us.
Akiko joined our family in October 2018 and we cannot imagine life without her. She is an active, obedient and intelligent dog who is always willing to learn and wants to work with you. She is aloof when meeting new people, but once she has time to give you a good sniff, she will be your new best friend. She is fantastic with other dogs, engaging in play but remaining polite and respectful of dogs who are not interested.
She is truly the greatest companion we could’ve asked for.
Akiko is now mostly retired from her job breed ambassador for the Association of Nihon Ken, travelling to events and shows to promote and represent her breed, but still meets people who are interested in the breed on an individual basis.
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Health & Genetic Data

​BVA Eyes: Clear (2019)
PRA PRCD: Clear
PRA CRD4/CORD1: Clear
Degenerative Myelopathy: Clear
Embark DNA: Clear of 172 other health conditions
​OFA Dentition: Normal
OFA Patella: Normal
OFA Cardiac: Normal
OFA CHIC Qualified
OFA Hips: Good
OFA Elbows: Normal
BVA Hips: 7/5 (Total 12)
BVA Elbows: 0/0
BVA Eyes: Clear (2021)
BVA Gonioscopy: 0/0 (2021)
Spine: Transitional Vertebrae
​BVA Eyes: Clear (2024)
BVA Eyes: Pending (2025)

For health certificates, click here.

© IsoElegant Photography

​COI: 0% Pedigree | 12% Embark
Coat: Akiko does not carry the long coat or cream gene found in Kai.
MHC Class II - DLA DRB1: High Diversity
​MHC Class II - DLA DQA1 and DQB1: High Diversity

Accomplishments 

Shows
In the UK, the Kai Ken is not currently a recognised breed under the Kennel Club. This means that Akiko cannot be shown in conformation at ‘official shows’. That doesn’t stop us from enjoying ourselves at companion dog shows however!

• At the 2019 Whixall Companion dog show, Akiko was judged by FCI Judge Mr Shaun Watson, and placed 3rd in the Utility group above two KC recognised breeds!
• At the Honiahaka Wolfalike Show, Akiko was judged by a KC Judge, and placed as Nihon Ken Junior Bitch. Judge’s comment: Won class on maturity. Lovely head piece, with feminine expression. Good blunt muzzle with correct dentition. Good body shape. Moved with Drive.
• On the Czech Republic Online Dog Show, Akiko took Best of Breed and achieved virtual CAC, CACIB and CW.
• At the 2022 Whixall Companion dog show, Akiko showed under esteemed judge Mr Frank Kane, and recieved Utility Group 4.
• At the 2023 Whixall Companion dog show, Akiko showed under Crufts Chairman Mr Tom Mather, and received Hound Group 3.
• At the 2024 Whixall Companion dog show, Akiko showed under judge Mr Andrew Brace, and received Utility Group 2.
• At the 2024 Spitz in the Park dog show, Akiko was placed as Very Highly Commended by judge Ms Alison Passmore in her classes.

Other Accomplishments

• At the 2022 Whixall Companion dog show, Akiko was awarded her Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze award, making her the first Kai Ken with this achievement.
• Akiko is the first medium Nihon Ken to ever attend Crufts.
• Akiko is the first Kai Ken to be registered on the Kennel Club Activity Register.
• Akiko is a PupPal with the American Kennel Club.
• Akiko is the eighth Kai Ken to achieve a CHIC number with the OFA.
• Akiko is the dam of the first ever UK born Kai Ken litter!
• Akiko has taken her first step into dog sports with Mantrailing!

Gallery