His hobby of raising and showing his beloved dogs began, sort of by chance. His first Shiba Inu was simply meant to show and be photographed.

Ralph Earnhardt has five Shibas running around, one ready to give birth to puppies at any moment. Feeling the need to let his female, Akiko, experience a show, it only took one trip to hook both Earnhardt and his wife of 13 years, Susanne.

The success of Akiko eventually led them to the famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

But Earnhardt admitted that once was enough. The annual dog show held at Madison Square Garden in New York City, was simply too busy, with canine participants having to stay in crates as spectators marched by.

After Susanne’s dog passed away at 23-years-old, the couple began a search to find a new dog. They explored all sorts of breeds and after narrowing down the search to three breeds, they visited a Shiba Inu breeder and the decision was made. Earnhardt said only 1,500 Shibas are registered each year in the United States, compared to 153,000 Labradors registered each year, he shared.

The breeder of these described energetic, attention-needing dogs did warn the Earnhardts that Akiko was a professional dog and would be a competitor’s dream. And 100 shows later, Akiko has taken 84 Best of Breed honors.

“She actually stands outside the ring crying. Sometimes we are asked to leave [because they are distracting the other contestants], but once she gets in the ring and stands like a statue and floats around the ring,” he proudly explained.

Earnhardt explained that the breed is 6,000 years old and dogs that become champions sell for $10,000 to $25,000 dollars. He said Akiko became champion in her first year of competing. However, the expenses it takes to find that one pup that would sell for such a price makes the net profit not as exciting.

Shibas are also an attractive breed because they are odorless, as seen during a tour of the outdoor pens.

Earnhardt, who did answer the common question about whether there is any connection to the famous racecar driver Dale, admitted that he and Dale are cousins, and he remembered babysitting him as a child.

Earnhardt said he’d narrowed down three reasons why he loves showing his Shibas so much.

First, he said, it’s an opportunity for he and his wife to spend time together. “We’re together 24 hours a day. When we’re with our dogs, we’re together,” he said.

Next, he admitted, he loves his dogs because of the unconditional love they offer. He recalled the time last year when he was gone for 100 days on a six-port excursion on the Jamestown Godspeed promoting the Jamestown 2007 celebration, and told his fellow sailors that he was excited about returning to four wagging tails.

Lastly, he said, it’s the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, referring to the Wide World of Sports theme.

“Most shows, either my wife or I win or the first 30 minutes of the drive home is real quiet,” he said.

He warns people interested in purchasing a dog of any breed for their family to be sure to check out the breeder. “Always buyer beware and buyer be aware. We are very fanatical about the right dog going to the right house.”