For the Love of the Breed

Christal Phiffer Prince enjoys showing Akitas and teaching others about responsible dog ownership

By Lindsey McMillan

Grand Champion Silver Champion Akiko’s Back to the Future is one of the most highly decorated Akitas in the country.  But despite the long formal name he is known simply as Marty.  Christal Phiffer Prince, owner of Bandera Ranch, has owned this large, beautiful, and stately dog breed since 1994.  She fell in love with them while on a circuit of horse shows which she was involved in for many years.  Her first Akita was a male named Beauregard, and he lived 11 years.  Then she had a female named Tobi for nine years. Marty came along as her third one, and in 2016, he and Christal began an adventure that’s been quite a journey since.  

In 2019, Sofia won the Best of Winners during the Akita Nationals in Denver, Colorado.

Christal had become connected in showing dogs through friend Nancy Fisk who lives in Virginia.  Christal got Marty when he was a 16-month-old pup.  Christal and friend Becky Garrett drove cross country to pick him up, and shortly thereafter, began showing him. A professional handler was found, and then Christal and Marty were headed out to competitions across the country, making many new friends along the way.  

During Akita Nationals Top Twenty Black Tie Invitational in Massachusetts in 2018, Marty stole the spotlight.

Much education and countless lessons have been learned over the experience which Christal says has been so worthwhile.  Frames of many awards adorn the walls of her home, complete with distinguished photos and colorful ribbons. Marty has been named one of the top five Akitas in the country, along with the American Kennel Club (AKC)’s Reserve Best in Show, and various group placements and wins in the Working Breed.  He shows at the Akita Nationals every year. 

Handler Paul Levesque with Champion Sondaisa Haute Flames of Fyre (Austin) during the Akita Nationals in Topeka, Kansas, in 2021.  This Akita is Christal’s first home bred champion from her Champions Marty and Sofia.

Akitas are an ancient breed, originally from Northern Japan and used to hunt bears.  They are considered a national treasure, and since their instinct is to hunt, their commanding appearance makes them seem intimidating and aggressive. But in fact, they are very lovable and extremely loyal.  

Marty isn’t the only champion gracing Christal’s home. She also has Sofia, age 4, whose registered name is Champion Sondaisa So Haute I’m on Fyre.  She came from a breeder in Oregon when only 14 weeks old.  She, too, is already on the road to many wins, including two different ones at the Akita Nationals.  

Marty won Best in Show during the Large AKC Show in Gonzales, Louisiana.

Marty and Sofia have two females who will be 2 years old this month.  Their names are Austin and Dallas, or as they will be professionally known, Champion Sondaisa Haute Flames of Fyre and Bandera’s You Don’t Have To Call Me Darlin.  Austin has already earned her championship, along with some other honors and is currently on the Grand Champion show circuit. Dallas has achieved her majors and is very close to her championship.  

The name of Christal’s kennel is Bandera’s Akitas.  Her 60 acres of space is always adapting for her show dogs, as well as the quarter horses she still owns.  She no longer shows horses but is happy and content just riding.  Now her time is absorbed with grooming, prepping for the next show, and transporting the dogs to whichever event is next on the calendar.  

Marty and Sofia after doing their favorite thing – snow plowing.

As busy as this sounds, this is not Christal’s only job.  She has served as the Executive Director of the American Red Cross for the past three and a half years which services 17 counties across Northeast Texas.  Christal grew up in Texarkana and was a dancer and active youth with 4H. She owned and operated Christal Phiffer’s School of Dance for 23 years.  She is also the president of the Kennel Club of Texarkana, Inc. which locally presents AKC dog shows and community events.  

Christal used this ad for promotional purposes which featured Marty.

The most important message she wishes to share is that of responsible dog ownership, particularly in the realm of purebreds.  She has seen over the years how many purebred show owners receive a negative reputation in the procreation and care of dogs.  If one wants to own a purebred dog, it is imperative she says that proper research be done to find reputable breeders who are conscious of good bloodlines and healthy pedigrees.  She highly suggests not buying any dog online or sight unseen.  She also encourages potential owners to get all information about the breed, breeders, and other important condition.  She says, “A good breeder will take you through the back door no matter what.”  She also says her role as a show owner emphasizes that “the dogs are companions first and competitors second. Show people breed to create a better, healthier dog, not for the purpose of making money.”  

During a show in Alexandria, Louisiana, in January 2020, Christal is all smiles as her dogs won first and second place in a very large class.  With Christal (holding Marty) are Akita judge Joe Gregory, and handler Chuy Moreno holding Sofia.

Christal is also involved in the rescue community with her time and effort.  She assists with Akita Rescue as well as the local AKC.  The group is hosting a Responsible Dog Owners Day on September 17 from 10-4 at the Spring Lake Park dog park.  This is an event open to the public and an invitation to learn more about ownership.  There will be vendors, helpful resources, training demonstrations, and photo opportunities.  Children are welcome and all vaccinated dogs on leashes.  More information will be coming in August.  The Kennel Club of Texarkana, Inc. will be hosting a three day show in February 2023 at the Four States Fairgrounds.  For information about the sport of AKC purebred dogs and membership please visit them on Facebook under Kennel Club of Texarkana.

Christal is thankful for her animals and Bo Slider, her partner of 20 years. Without his love and support she says the constant juggling of travel and shows would not be possible. She’s also thankful for the journey she has been able to embark upon thanks to Marty. “It’s been a great ride,” she admits.  “We took the leash and opened up a whole new world for me.”  This is the joy and love of ownership and perpetuating a loving relationship between these Akitas and their human mom.