Duke was born in my first Akita litter, and he was was the only male in the this litter.  He was my first owner, breeder, handled Champion.  He and I had a number of firsts together including our first Best in Show at an AKC all breed show under Judge Francine Schwartz.  

He and I won Best of Winners at the Rocky Mountain Akita Club from the Bred-by class.  He won Best of Opposite Sex in Futurity at the 1994 Akita National and 2nd in the bred-by class.  

Once Duke became a champion, he won numerous Best of Breeds, a Best of Opposite at the Land of Enchantment Akita Club specialty and many groups placements including two Group Is.  One of which enabled him to win our Best in Show together.

Duke only sired seven champions out of a five litters, as he went sterile early in his life.  His look-alike daughter Rio won Winners Bitch and Best of Winners at the 1999 Akita Club of America National.  His puppy, Indi, sired beautiful Xena, who was a top ranked Akita for two years and group winner and Reserve Winners Bitch at the 1997 Akita National and Xena also  produced Gypsy, my second Best in Show winner.  Duke left his mark in my breeding program, even though he sired very few puppies.  His puppies include:

Produced by CH Timbersky's Moonlight Desire "Desi"

• Ch Moonlight's Indian Outlaw "Indi"
• Ch Moonlight's Pride Rock Nala "Nala"
• Ch Moonlight's Dirty White Boy "Meiko"

Produced by Daitan-Ni Haley Has Arrived "Haley"

• Ch Starfire's Moonlight River "Rio"

Produced by Ch Kamikazi Go "Sweety"

• Ch Moonlight's Big Duke of Youtoo "Bodai"

Produced by Dragonfire's Miss American Pie "Pie"

• Ch Moonlight's Duke of Hazard "Luke"

Produced by Ch Tamarlane's Vanessa "Vanessa"

• Ch Tamarlane's Silver Necklace

Duke had a severe stroke on March 6, 2004, which left him incapable of standing.  After a few days of no improvement, I held him in my arms and let him go on March 9th.  We made so many memories together and I will always treasure the time he gave me in this world. 

June 7, 1993 - March 9, 2004

Duke was co-bred by Christina Stanley, Anthony Matos and Chris Weatherman.  Duke was OFA Good, Elbows Clear, Thyroid Tested and Eyes' Clear.  He lead an easy life until he had his stroke at just over ten years old.