How did I fall in Love with Akitas?

Eight years ago, in 1996, I decided that I wanted a dog. So I bought every breed catalogue available, but they all had one flaw: they were stuffed with mainstream breeds. I didn't want an "Everybody's Mutt", I wanted something special. When all hope had faded, I came across another dog book with countless breeds in it. There was a drawing of a wolf-like, huge dog called "Akita Inu". I immediately fell in love with the wolf-like looks and the description which spoke of a calm but arrogant breed. On the opposite page, there was an Alaskan Malamut which I deemed rather ugly for it's weird red-and-white fur and round, grinning face. I didn't have internet back then, so I didn't know better. Akita = wolflike. Malamute = ugly red mutt.

One week later, I bought a dog magazine with an Akita portrait in it. I was quite surprised about the "Malamutes" starring on all the pictures and looked the breed up in other books. You've probably guessed by now what was going on: in the picture book, they've accidentially exchanged the drawings of the Akita and the Malamute.

But that was okay as I immediately fell in love with the Akita's looks too, especially the brindles. I also adored their personality: calm, "above it all" and ever so arrogant. Plus, Akitas don't obey blindly. They think, and if they think that you suck, they won't respect you. And that's exactly the opposite of what I hate about your typical dog: a buttkisser, happy to do his master's bidding no matter what. Yuck. I know: these characteristics make Akitas a challenge for their owner. But isn't the reward worth the chase? Isn't a proud dog full of dignity better than a buttkisser?

On a dog show in Utrecht, October 31 2004, I met Seiran of Yumenoshima, an 11 month old male. I adored him! He was so cheerful and huge, like one giant baby. He became best of breed and I decided to take his first son. But then... yeah, then... I did research on him and Dutch and Belgian breeders in general and stumbled across Neko-ken, a French breeder. Who happened to have THE pup of my 8yearold dreams. I emailed the breeder asking if she'd be expecting any more litters like that in, like, 6 months when my mother will move out and I'll have my summer holidays. She immediately told me what a lovely little guy Kumo was and that you should not buy a dog during holidays, so... yeah.
And so, it happened.