No Shatsuko is registered with the Italian Kennel Club and the FCI since 1991 and was founded by Richard Hellman and his lifetime friend Davide Ceci. They traveled twice to Japan to personally choose and import nearly 20 Akitas and in the following 15 years, their kennel became world famous for breeding Japanese Akitas and having produced an infinite number of World and European winners as well as Champions throughout Europe, North and South America.
Richard’s history with American Akitas goes back to 1976 where he had the invaluable fortune to have a world class mentor, Beverly Vics of the famous Tobe kennels who taught him everything about the breed and how to show them.
Unfortunately Richard was forced to suspend the breeding and showing of his American Akitas in Italy in 1989 when the FCI standard was changed by the JKC and the FCI excluding American type Akitas from participating at shows up until the year 2000 when the breed was officially split into 2 separate and distinct breeds. With the help and collaboration of Friedrich Birkmar of Estava Rain Akitas, Richard got back into American Akitas nearly 10 years ago and had the privilege to handle many of ER dogs to World and European wins as well as several National Specialty wins in the USA, and BOB at Crufts!
In 2019 passione for the breed brought in the newest team member Fran Rupcic, professional handler, groomer and current kennel manager to bring back to life No Shatsuko kennel name and whelpe it’s first American Akita litter in March, 2020.