Akita (Japanese)

Size
Large to Giant (27Kg +)
Exercise
60+ min/day
Training
Daily
Size of home
House with garden
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Weekly
Barking preference
Watchdog barking
Personality
Independent + affectionate

Breeder List

Breeder - Mrs Rosalyn Ross (Itabass)

itabasskennels@gmail.com
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History

Originally Japanese dogs were small to medium in size and no large breeds existed. However, since 1603, in the Akita region, Akita Matagis (medium-sized bear-hunting dogs) were used as fighting dogs. From 1868 Akita Matagis were crossed with Tosas and Mastiffs and consequently, the size of this breed increased but characteristics associated with Spitz type were lost.

In 1908 dog fighting was prohibited but this breed was nevertheless preserved and improved as a large Japanese breed. As a result, nine superior examples of this breed were designated as “Natural Monuments” in 1931.

During World War II (1939-1945), it was common to use dogs as a source of fur for military garments and the police ordered the capture and confiscation of all dogs other than German Shepherd Dogs, which were used for military purposes. As a result some fanciers tried to circumvent the order by crossbreeding their dogs with German Shepherd Dogs.

When World War II ended, Akitas had been drastically reduced in number and existed as three distinct types; 1) Matagi Akitas, 2) Fighting Akitas, and 3) Shepherd Akitas. This created a very confusing situation in the breed. It was fortunate for the Akita that soon after the war, interest in the Akita as a National Treasure was restored, and steps were taken to assure the breed’s survival. Japanese Akita fanciers then worked toward restoring the original Japanese Akita type, which we see today.

In the late 1940’s and early 1950’s American servicemen stationed in Japan began taking Akitas home to America. Because many arrived in the United States before the Japanese had refined the breeding stock in Japan, they arrived in America in a variety of types.

These Akitas became the foundation breeding stock for the American Akita as it is known today. The influence of the German Shepherd Dog and the Mastiff can still be seen in the American Akita, especially in the boning and colouring of the dogs.

In 2013 the ANKC accepted the standard of the Japanese Akita as a separate entity to the American Akita, and after consultation with Akita fanciers and breeders, the decision was made that the Akita would go into our conformation ring as Akita, followed by Akita (Japanese).

Appearance

The standard calls for a large sized dog standing 67cm for a Dog and 61cm for Bitches, with a tolerance of 3cm more or less. Even with the tolerance, the Japanese Akita should not stand as tall as the American Akita in the Group lineup.

The standard goes on to describe the appearance of the Japanese Akita as sturdily built, well balanced and with much substance and a tough constitution. Differing only in the appearance to the American Akita standard by not including “powerful alert, and heavily boned” The colour of the Japanese Akita should be red fawn, sesame, brindle and white.

Temperament

The temperament is composed, faithful, docile and receptive.

Health

The Japanese Akita generally enjoys a healthy life and rarely needs veterinary attention. He lives to around 15 years, with an average of 10 years. To maintain good health the Japanese Akita should be groomed weekly with a wire brush, ears cleaned & nails cut, and a bone weekly to keep the teeth clean, but does not require any clipping. Keep in mind that the Akita will drop coat, as per a number of the Spitz breeds.

Suitability

The Japanese Akita will make a welcome addition to the family, strongly bonding with the family members so much so that he will stress when separated from his family.

Words: Mrs Patricia Hall
Image: World Dog Show 2018

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Akita (Japanese) you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Akita (Japanese) and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 07 Feb 2013)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Large-sized dog, sturdily built, well balanced and with much substance ; secondary sex characteristics strongly marked, with high nobility and dignity in modesty ; constitution tough.Important Proportions:The ratio of height at withers to length of body ( from the point of the shoulders to the point of the buttock) is 10 : 11, but the body is slightly longer in bitches than in dogs.

Characteristics

Not detailed.

Temperament

The temperament is composed, faithful, docile and receptive.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Cranial Region:Skull : The size is in proportion to the body. The forehead is broad, with distinct furrow. No wrinkle.Stop : Defined.Facial Region:Nose : Large and black. Slight and diffuse lack of pigment accepted in white dogs only, but black is always preferred.Muzzle : Moderately long and strong with broad base, tapering but not pointed. Nasal bridge straight.Lips : Tight.Cheeks : Moderately developed.
Eyes	Relatively small, almost triangular in shape due to the rising of the outer eye corner, set moderately apart, dark brown : the darker, the better.
Ears	Relatively small, thick, triangular, slightly rounded at tips, set moderately apart, pricked and inclining forward.
Mouth	Jaws/Teeth : Teeth strong with scissor bite.
Neck	Thick and muscular, without dewlap, in balance with head.
Forequarters	Shoulders : Moderately sloping and developed.Elbows : Tight.Forearms : Straight and heavy-boned.
Body	Back : Straight and strong.Loin : Broad and muscular.Chest : Deep, forechest well developed, ribs moderately well sprung.Belly : Well drawn up.
Hindquarters	Well developed, strong and moderately angulated.
Feet	Thick, round, arched and tight.
Tail	Set on high, thick, carried vigorously curled over back ; the tip nearly reaching hocks when let down.
Gait/Movement	Resilient and powerful movement.
Coat	Hair: Outer coat harsh and straight, undercoat soft and dense ; the withers and the rump are covered with slightly longer hair ; the hair on tail is longer than on the rest of the body.
Colour	Red fawn, sesame (red fawn hairs with black tips), brindle and white.All the above mentioned colours except white must have « urajiro ».(Urajiro = whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of jaw, neck, chest, body and tail and on the inside of the legs).
Size	Height at the withers:Dogs : 67 cm,Bitches : 61 cm.There is a tolerance of 3 cm more or less.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.• Bitchy dogs / doggy bitches.• Undershot or overshot mouth.• Missing teeth.• Blue or black spotted tongue.• Iris light in colour.• Short tail.• Shyness.ELIMINATING FAULTS:• Aggresive or overly shy.• Ears not pricked.• Hanging tail.• Long hair (shaggy).• Black mask.• Markings on white ground.Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

History

ORIGIN : Japan.DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 13.03.2001.UTILIZATION : Companion dog.CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 5: Spitz and primitive type.Section 5: Asian Spitz and related breeds. Without working trial.Originally Japanese dogs were small to medium in size and no large breeds existed. Since 1603 in the Akita region, Akita Matagis (medium-sized bear-hunting dogs) were used as fighting dogs. From 1868 Akita Matagis were crossed with Tosas and Mastiffs. Consequently, the size of this breed increased but characteristics associated with Spitz type were lost.In 1908 dog fighting was prohibited, but this breed was nevertheless preserved and improved as a large Japanese breed. As a result, nine superior examples of this breed were designated as « Natural Monuments » in 1931.During World War II (1939-1945), it was common to use dogs as a source of fur for military garments. The police ordered the capture and confiscation of all dogs other than German Shepherd Dogs used for military purposes. Some fanciers tried to circumvent the order by crossbreeding their dogs with German Shepherd Dogs.When World War II ended, Akitas had been drastically reduced in number and existed as three distinct types; 1) Matagi Akitas, 2) fighting Akitas, and 3) Shepherd Akitas. This created a very confusing situation in the breed.During the restoration process of the pure breed after the war., Kongo-go, a dog of the Dewa line, which exhibited characteristics of the Mastiff and German Shepherd.However, sensible learned fanciers did not approve of this type as a proper Japanese breed, so they made efforts to eliminate the strain old foreign breeds by crossbreeding with Matagi Akitas for the purpose of restoring the original pure breed. They succeeded in stabilizing the pure strain of large sized breed as known today.