Sondaisa American Akitas
Interview with Mrs. Colleen Sulivan Rosauer • Interviewed by Mihaela Kosic
Published in Best in Show Summer 2016
BIS: First of all thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Akitas is one of the most popular and attractive dog breeds lately. Can you please tell us about your beginnings in the breed and about your first Akita?
C.S.R.: I originally purchased an Akita strictly as a pet in my early 20’s. Many many years ago! I saw the most magnificent dog in the back of a beautiful Mercedes Sedan, and I knew I had to have one, (The car and the dog) I really did not know a lot about the breed at the time, but I learned and fell in love!
BIS: When and why did you decide to breed Akita’s? How did you come up with your Kennel name? And what are your foundation dogs.
C.S.R.: I decided to breed 2 years after I finished up and health tested my first show dog, approximately 1990. I became addicted to the breed and the show ring. I had a picture in my mind of the perfect Akita and I wanted to produce it. When I first began in this breed we still went to libraries and not to computers. I spent a day looking at Japanese names and came up with Sondaisa because it sounded pretty and I loved the meaning…”An Air of Importance”. My foundation bitch was Champion Skylakes Tokyo Rose. (OBJ’s Kareem of Skylake a Widow Maker son x Sorena Meisha, mostly Japanese imports) She was the most incredible Akita. Even today she could still do a lot of winning! She had bone, substance, coat, incredible ears and beautiful movement both down and back and on the go around. My kennel would be nothing without her contribution.
BIS: How many dogs do you have? Do you prefer to keep your dogs with you, or place them in families and co-ownerships?
C.S.R.: I always do a breeding that I am interested in keeping something from, but sometimes I am unable to so yes, I co-own everything that is not sold on a companion spay/neuter contract.
BIS: Do you work with other kennels? Are collaborations between kennels in your opinion necessary for the betterment of the breed?
C.S.R.: Yes, I have worked with other kennels and I am thankful for their contribution to my breeding program. Absolutely it is necessary in my opinion, that is if you want to be successful.
BIS: Do you have a role model in the breed? Who do you admire the most in the breed? Did you have a mentor at your beginnings?
C.S.R.: I had several mentors and continue to have several, whether they know it or not. I watch, I listen, and I keep an open mind. I am not certain I have a specific role model. There are many Breeders I admire and respect.
BIS: What makes one a great breeder? What is the most important thing that a breeder should never ever forget or ignore? What makes the biggest difference between a great breeder and a “hobby” breeder?
C.S.R.: A Breeder should NEVER EVER forget breed type! I cannot emphasize that enough. It is what sets an Akita apart from a German Shepherd or Malamute or St. Bernard. Breeders should never sacrifice breed type for a clean down and back or anything else. I believe a great Breeder studies pedigrees, studies type, studies structure and movement, pays close attention to the temperament of the dogs they breed, health tests their dogs, screens potential puppy buyers, has a strict contract requiring obedience, socialization and behavioral training, and always puts their dogs wellbeing first!
BIS: How many litters do you have per year? How long do you plan your breedings?
C.S.R.: I typically have 2 litters per year but sometimes have had none and sometimes 3. I plan breedings usually before I do the breeding of the breeding I planned. In other words, I always have a plan in mind for future breedings. It does not mean my plans come to fruition, but there is always a future plan in place before any breeding is completed.
BIS: Do you prefer linebreeding, inbreeding or outcrossing?
C.S.R.: I prefer linebreeding, however, I have done inbreeding (yes, on purpose), and have felt the need to outcross. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. That is why I prefer linebreeding. I usually have a very good idea of what I will get.
BIS: Do you remember your first Champion? Do you know how many Champions did you have so far? Who is your biggest winner (your own dogs, and your bred dogs)?
C.S.R.: Yes, of course I remember my first champion. Ch. Sondaisa Four Wheelin Dream “Trucker”. As of today I have bred 99 AKC champions and many others in different countries. I am looking forward to that #100! It is just around the corner.
BIS: What is your most memorable win?
C.S.R.: Probably wining Best of Breed with Holster, BIS BISS GCH Sondaisa Fyre When Ready CD RN CGC and Therapy Dog, at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York. He was handled by me and it was so exciting! He is only the 2nd Akita in the history of the breed to win Owner Breeder handled. Beverly Vics dog, Atom, I believe was the first.
BIS: How do dog shows reflect on the breed? Are they good or bad?
C.S.R.: I think they could be good if people were more friendly, and took the time to be helpful, educating, inviting and hospitable to the public and to other exhibitors. I think it would help people from turning away from Reputable professional breeders and going to back yard breeders or worse because people at the show were so uppity.
BIS: Do you think the breed changed and evolved in a good or bad way in the past years?
C.S.R.: I feel Akitas have come a long way in the last 25 years. Temperaments are so much better and when a good Akita enters the group ring they almost always get a good look and a lot of times a placement. They are a tough breed to beat in the big rings.
BIS: Do show trends change the breed and if so in what way?
C.S.R.: Yes, they can. Too much angulation, too long in back, incorrect ears, straight fronts! My answer to that is just keep showing a correct Akita and kindly educate as much as possible.
BIS: Do you think we have enough Akita breed specialist judges judging at shows in Europa and World Wide?
C.S.R.: Probably NOT!
BIS: What qualities do you admire in breed specialist judges?
C.S.R.: They pick breed type first and then see if the structure and movement is correct.
BIS: Do you think the Standard is a good one?
C.S.R.: I think there are some definite changes that should be made. It is so vague in many areas.
BIS: Can “all round” judges change the breed and the breed “trends” if they don`t understand the Standard correctly?
C.S.R.: Possibly if they have a lot of clout with other judges
BIS: What can be done to improve the judging?
C.S.R.: Better understanding of the standard by visiting with successful breeders and Judges education in their areas.
BIS: What are your long-term goals in breeding?
C.S.R.: Well, to produce 100 champions. Win at Westminster handling my own dog, (that’s completed), winning the National (that’s completed twice) I think mainly being known for producing great Akitas that make even better companions.
BIS: What is the most important thing you would never compromise in your breeding program?
C.S.R.: Breed Type!
BIS: Do you feel that you have established a distinguishable line? Would you say you have a recognizable kennel type?
C.S.R.: Yes, I love it when people say, “looks like a Sondaisa dog to me”.
BIS: A huge part of Akita`s popularity is their temperament. In your own words how would you describe a perfect Akita temperament?
C.S.R.: My perfect Akita temperament is Holster. He is all Akita, but confident enough he can ignore other dogs, stable enough we can bring him anywhere and in any situation, friendly with all invited strangers, dignified, and courageous. Not afraid to show his silly side with family. Respectful of his family and friends in his attitude. Intelligent and willing to learn new things. Yes, they are our show dogs and produce our future, but in the end we have to live with them. They must be great companions. I do not want to feel that I need to lock my dog up when guests arrive.
BIS: Who would you say is a perfect Akita owner?
C.S.R.: I don’t know that there is a perfect owner just as there is not a perfect Akita, but I would say a calm assertive person who expects the best but prepares for the worst.
BIS: Do you health test your dogs?
C.S.R.: Yes, hips, and eyes always. Sometimes thyroid, elbows, and patella.
BIS: What do you think about the trend of breeding to “popular” Champion studs?
C.S.R.: If the dog is of quality, the temperament is good, the health testing is there and the pedigree and physical qualities of the dog should work well with your bitch then I think it is fine.
BIS: How do you choose the studs you use? And how important is a pedigree in your breeding program?
C.S.R.: I try to breed to my own studs. After all, that is why I kept them and produced them so that I could use them in my breeding program. However, I will use outside dogs if I feel they would complement my bitch and my breeding program.
BIS: What in your opinion are the best producers and the most important dogs in your Kennel?
C.S.R.: Holster is #1 in my book for so many reasons. He has produced incredibly and has not been used very much at all at stud. He has already produced 24 champions.
BIS: Last but certainly not the least what advice would you give to new generations, first time owners, one day possible Akita breeders?
C.S.R.: Watch and Listen to those who have been successful. Learn from their mistakes and successes. Keep an open mind and an open eye. Most importantly always do right by your dogs and the Akita breed!
