MISSION STATEMENT

The HANA project involves Hokkaido owners working together to help grow the breed in North America. We have members worldwide, and seek to work together with new and current owners to import dogs, health test existing dogs, and conduct carefully planned breedings.
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The mission of the Hokkaido Association of North America, as the sole AKC national parent club for the Hokkaido breed, is to encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred Hokkaido in the United States by doing all things possible to bring the breed’s natural qualities to perfection, and to protect the welfare of the Hokkaido breed for future generations.

TO ACHIEVE THIS MISSION, HANA WILL...

•   Strive to maintain a Breed Standard that will preserve the character and breed type of the Hokkaido for future generations

•   Strive to preserve the Hokkaido as a working dog, and promote its multipurpose function

•   Strive to conduct licensed specialty shows and companion dog events under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club

•   Strive to provide educational programs and events that work to promote the betterment of the health and temperament of the Hokkaido, as well as responsible ownership and breeding practices

•   Strive to identify the diseases and hereditary defects of concern to the breed, and to contribute to research and health programs that will benefit Hokkaido

•   Strive to support the American Kennel Club as the primary purebred registry of the Hokkaido breed in North America by encouraging breeders and owners to complete AKC registrations and to participate in AKC approved events with their dogs

•   Strive to establish positive working relationships with international Hokkaido breed clubs, and encourage local and regional Hokkaido clubs as they develop in the United States

•   Strive to collect and preserve the history of the Hokkaido breed in the United States and worldwide

•   Strive to support Hokkaido and Nihon Ken rescue efforts both in North America and abroad

•   Strive to maintain programs that educate and encourage Junior Handler participation with Hokkaido in AKC events
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•   Strive to encourage all Hokkaido breeders and owners to conduct themselves in an ethical and sportsmanlike manner, keeping in mind that their behavior reflects not only on themselves, but on the breed as a whole