Champi the Akita
If Suki was as big as she thinks she is, she’d probably look just like Champi, the most adorable Akita ever! We finally had a chance to meet this giant puppy over the weekend.
The best way I can think to describe Champi is, well….she’s like a massive Shiba. She looks like what would happen if Suki ate one of those Super Mario mushrooms. Can you hear the sound effect in your head?
Look at that face! So cute it’s ridiculous. Whenever Champi would get close enough, I’d try to give her a great big Akita hug. But just like Suki, this pup is well versed in the art of evading human affection.
Evasive maneuvers!
A couple of Japan’s national treasures right here, apparently discussing which smaller dog to chase together:
The larger, Clifford-sized Champi would periodically take breaks from all the action, unlike the smaller Suki, who prefers to stay on her feet.
Despite the sun being out, it was freezing at the dog park, and high winds blew dirt all over my camera as well as Suki’s eyes. Not good for allergies (or for lens changing).
Trying to get both dogs in the frame is harder than you might think. More often than not, Suki and Champi would be moving in opposite directions. Most of my shots from the meetup look like this:
We humans had to duck, spin, dive, and spray bursts of frames to catch these two together!
Make sure your you check out the very epic 52 Weeks of Champi project! Of course, Suki has one as well 
All Images: Nikon V1 + 1 Nikkor 10-30mm & 30-110mm VR lenses
Those are awesome pictures. Champi certainly looks a lot like Suki! What great pups. My sister in law has an akita and she is so great.
Kimberly
January 16, 2012 at 4:29 pm
Really pretty dog
Jim Dell
January 16, 2012 at 4:30 pm
Oh my gosh! Adorable! Same face expressions sometimes too! (PS – is that the park by Randall Museum? LOVE that views from there).
Prince Zuko (@demondogsports)
January 16, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Yes it is! We’ll have to hike there together one day, Prince.
Jonathan
January 18, 2012 at 8:32 am
Such a great set Jon! Champi is definitely the mushroom up-sized version of Suki haha. Such a good looking dog though! Suki still takes the cake however
Kelven Ng
January 16, 2012 at 5:22 pm
awesome comparative shots. Love the one of them ‘conversing’
jen
January 16, 2012 at 8:55 pm
“She looks like what would happen if Suki ate one of those Super Mario mushrooms. Can you hear the sound effect in your head?” LOL. Why yes, yes I can!
And I see a tricolor basenji! I wonder if I know that one…
M.C.
January 16, 2012 at 9:02 pm
wow, i couldn’t tell the difference between suki and champi until they were in the same frame. and holy smokes, champi is so much bigger! you are so spot-on with that mario mushroom analogy. ha! i can hear that sound, too.
Jacqueline
January 16, 2012 at 10:24 pm
Champi is a beautiful dog! love the way you laid out the photos. I was anticipating when we get to see Suki against Champi. :p
Jasmine
January 16, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Amazing shots Jonathan. Great photos with the Nikon V1 =)
Julio Munar
January 17, 2012 at 3:17 am
Fantastic shots Jonathan! It really is great (and refreshing) to see someone else’s perspective on shooting our little Champi. It is almost surreal to see photos of the girls together. What are the odds!? I guess I need to get my act together and post some shots too. Thanks for sharing and great doggie meet up!
-Jay
jayaxe04
January 17, 2012 at 9:18 pm
It was nice meeting you guys! We should go there again when it’s not so cold and windy and get some more epic shots of the pups =)
Jonathan
January 18, 2012 at 8:34 am
Sounds like a plan! We would definitely be game! (FYI, I made a link to your post on my blog, and it did that silly comment thing below…WP gets a little redundant sometimes, sorry about that.) -Jay
jayaxe04
January 18, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Such an awesome looking dog! Great shots with the V1; looks like you were able to capture the action well.
John
January 17, 2012 at 9:50 pm
I LOVE that last picture!!! Champi is adorable and I miss her already. =D These photos are brilliant and beautiful. Still so impressed by that little camera!
Bridget
January 18, 2012 at 9:31 am
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Meet Suki, a friendly Shiba Inu. « Jay Axe's Photo Blog
January 18, 2012 at 4:07 pm
You almost have me convinced that the Nikon V1 may be my next camera, Jonathan. I just wish I could find a lens road map for the system somewhere…..
Justin
January 19, 2012 at 7:48 pm
Champi is a pup? She soooo adorable! I couldn’t appreciate how huge she was til you showed images of her next to Suki. I want to just jump in there and hug her
I didn’t know that Shibas don’t enjoy human affection. How can a dog as snuggly-looking as Champi not want human hugs? 
Karleen
February 4, 2012 at 9:37 am
Well, she’s not technically a puppy, but she’s still very young for a dog. Suki can be cuddly sometimes, especially if we’re relaxing at home where she likes to lay on my lap, but out and about…she just wants to play. =P
Jonathan
February 6, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Awwww… *smile so happy to see them.. Champi and Suki are like sisters… Fluffy
Dee
February 10, 2012 at 6:56 pm