Although a breed champion, "Miss Bears'" greatest achievements were outside the show ring.


The most titled Akita bitch in Australia; she was bred by Norm and Gloria Townsend, and is a daughter of Aust. Ch. Waterbear Billy Jack.


Inheriting her dads calm and easy going temperament, Miss Bear has been a great ambassador for her breed.

Her greatest achievement was attaining her Novice, Open and then her Utility Dog title - the highest obedience title available to dogs in Australia. Only one other male Akita, in Victoria, has reached this level.


Throughout her obedience career, she always caused much interest as the only Akita being campaigned in NSW.

After her retirement from formal competition, she represented her breed at many functions, including a number of Japanese Cultural Exhibitions, and each Pet Expo, where members of the public were always impressed by her calm and gentle demeanour, even under pressure.


In 1997, she represented the Delta Society at the Sydney Pet Expo as the only Akita accredited with the "Prevent-A-Bite" program (a program designed to go into Primary schools to teach children how to approach dogs safely).


Miss Bear was the media launch dog for the release of the "Pet Pep" program in the Hunter Valley (a pets and people education program designed by the Australian Veterinary Association to teach primary school children about responsible pet ownership).