Yutori Philosophy.htm

Established in 1989, Yutori Akitas is a small, but dedicated and particular show kennel commited to producing the finest quality AKC Akitas. Conformation, soundness and temperament are our priorities. Owner Cathy Pollack is a member of the Akita Club of America and follows the club's Code of Ethics.

Our foundation bitch, Sonja, (Calaban's Snapshot of Hi-Winds) is a BIS Ch The Widowmaker O'BJ, ROMPX x Ch Ko-Dee-Ak KittyHawk, ROM granddaughter. Sonja is 26" tall, and weighs 95-100 pounds. She is OFA'd, patellas normal, thryoid normal (MSU) and CERF'D. She has a superior temperament and has impressed many with her stable, gentle and affectionate nature. We strive to reproduce this temperament in her offspring. In addition, Sonja has a fabulous headpiece, ample bone and substance, smooth and correct movement, and a truly outstanding front.

Prior to breeding we test our Akitas for hips ( Xray prelim then final OFA at 2 years,), eyes (CERF), thyroid, knees, and elbows. Only those Akitas that have been tested and demonstrate superior conformation, via AKC shows, are considered for breeding. We apply the following standards to any Akita outside our kennel considered for breeding with our dogs: outside animals must have either OFA prelim, OFA final, PennHip or Xray reviewed by certfied radiologist, thyroid test and CERF. Our philosophy is that our Yutori females should not be bred under the age of two, so they will have an OFA final evaluation before breeding.

Before genetic testing, however, temperament must be appropriate. An excellent conformation dog without good temperament is not a candidate for breeding at Yutori. A beautiful Akita must be a desireable companion first. We breed only when we wish to produce another show dog for our program. Accordingly, we do not have frequent litters of puppies.

We interview prospective owners and feel that developing a good relationship with the new owners PRIOR to placement is a critical part of the process.

We do NOT sell companion puppies without limited registration and we require proof of spay or neuter. We do NOT sell show quality puppies without a contract requiring they be shown. IF you purchase a show quality puppy as a companion with no intent to show (because you like the look of a top quality Akita), this may be possible however we WILL require that it be spayed or neutered. Our puppies are either sold under a show or pet/companion contract. We do NOT sell breeding quality only puppies. We firmly believe that there are enough Akita puppies being produced, not always from reliable sources. Therefore we do not feel that any breeding should be done solely to produce a nice pet. Unless the goal is to breed a healthier, prettier Akita to more closely meet the Akita standard and PROVE it in the show ring, we do not believe any Akitas should be bred.

Prospective show and pet owners must pass our interview process and will receive a written guarantee and sign an "owners' commitment" to provide a lifetime home for their Yutori Akita. If circumstances change and the owner is unable to keep the Akita, it must be returned to Yutori. If our contract is not honored, we will repossess the dog. Details are outlined in our contract. Internet completion of our Puppy Questionnaire, (link above or below), is requested. Links to photos of our puppies are on our home page (linked above).