As part of a programme of events dedicated to exploring the relationship between dogs and humans, Japan House London is delighted to introduce four Japanese dog breeds to a live audience through a talk-demonstration by qualified breeders and trainers in Japan House London.
Six breeds have been identified as truly native breeds of Japan and have been designated living ‘Natural Monuments’ (natural features or entities of outstanding or unique value). These are Akita, Kai, Kishu, Shiba, Shikoku, and Hokkaido. However, Japan is also home to a variety of other breeds, including the Japanese Chin and Japanese Spitz, that have gained worldwide recognition.
This event focusses on four Japanese breeds including Akita, Shiba, Japanese Spitz and Japanese Chin, looking at each breed’s history and behaviour for people who might be interested in Japanese dogs and want to know how to properly take care of them.
About the speakers
Robert Stuhldreer
Robert Stuhldreer is an Akita and Japanese Akita Inu breed specialist. Robert has shared his life with these incredible breeds for over twenty years. He has been breed exhibitor at Crufts/Championship show level, breed representative for the Kennel Club at Discover Dogs and Chairperson for the Assistance Dog Assessment Association. Robert is also a committee member at the British Standards Institute for Assistance Dog Training and Welfare Member of the parliamentary group the All-Party Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG). He is a former Animal Welfare Officer and a dog trainer for film, television and theatre productions. Robert’s awards include: Commendation from the President of the Japan Kennel Club; Commendation from the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals); Winner of the RSPCA Animal Award. Winner of Super Dogs Live; Best Beast Award (Animal Actor Award)
Allison Butcher
Allison Butcher has a MSc in Forensic Science and a diploma in film and TV make up. She is a Freeman of the City of London and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers and the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers. is first time owner of Killian Kuroshiba (Marilouvale Kennels), a 3-year-old Shiba Inu. Killian has a silver Good Citizen Kennel Club award, has enjoyed agility classes, and has learned to paint.
Penny Bambridge
Penny Bambridge is a very proud owner of four Japanese Spitz that have been shown at championship level. Three of her adult dogs have qualified for life at Crufts (the renowned dog show organised by The Kennel Club in UK). where two of them also won their class. Penny is also a dog trainer and is now training one of her youngest dogs for competitive obedience in preparation for a show.
Doris Day
Doris Day is passionate about Japanese Chins and has been exhibiting this breed for many years at Championship show level, including Crufts. She represents the breed at the Kennel Club’s Discover Dogs and was invited by the Japanese Embassy to exhibit as a part of the Japan Matsuri in Trafalgar Square, London in 2014.