About Us
Erika and Grrilla

Erika Griesbach began Akire Portugese Water Dogs in 1998 with the acquisition of Ch. Sun Joy Akire Supa Dupa from the Sun Joy Kennel of Bev Jorgensen. "Supa" became the Akire foundation bitch, going on to be dam, grand-dam, and great grand-dam of many beautiful and top winning Portugese Water Dogs.

Ebba and new puppy

In 2004 Akire expanded to include co-breeder, Ebba Patrick, of Englewood, Florida. Ebba purchased a beautiful black curly bitch, "Ruffles", Akire Ruffles Have Ridges, from the second litter of "Supa" bred to National Specialty winning "Jack", BISS Watermark Toby's Black Jack. Expertly groomed and handled by Erika, "Ruffles" quickly earned her American Championship, and in 2006 was Winners' Bitch at the Canadian National Specialty, earning a Canadian Championship as well.

"Ruffles" was bred in 2007 to Debra Thornton's, "MacKenzie", Ch. Cypress Bay Party On. This produced "Billie", Akire Love on the Go, who earned her American Championship in 2008.

In November of 2008, "Ruffles" was bred to "Primo", Ch. Del Sur's Making All The Right Moves". We are excited about the prospects of this litter, now on the ground... whelped Saturday, January 17th.

Previously an all breed handler, now retired, Erika continues to exhibit PWD's and works as an all breed groomer, She resides in Venice, Florida with her four Portugese Water Dogs.

Ebba, a retired English teacher, and her husband, Peter, share their home in Englewood, Florida with three Portugese Water Dogs. It seems they are like potato chips. It is difficult to have just one.

As you can see, Akire PWD is a small, home based kennel, only breeding about once a year. Each of those breedings has been done with considerable thought toward the health, temperament, and beauty of the puppies. As a result, we are very proud of what has been produced under the kennel name of Akire.

Please enjoy the pictures, pedigrees, and information on the PWD's of Akire found in the web site. Ebba welcomes your inquiries and will do her best to assist you with your research of the Portugese Water Dog.