Akita

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Daily
Size of home
House with garden
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Weekly
Barking preference
Low
Personality
Independent + affectionate

Breeder List

Breeder - Mrs Karan Button (Chienon)

karan@akita.com.au
See Details

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 Akita American should be large, powerful & alert, with much substance and heavily boned. He stands 66-71cms for dogs and 61-66cms for bitches.

In contrast to the Akita Japanese which has specific colours, the Akita American can be any colour.

Temperament

He should be dignified, courageous, aloof and tending to show dominance over other dogs. Although this trait is not encouraged, it should be respected. He is loving and loyal to his family.

Health

The Akita is a long living dog for a large breed, living, on average, for 10 yrs. However, it is not unusual for an Akita to live up to 15 years.

Generally a healthy dog, patella & cruciate ligament problems can occur in the breed. Grooming is generally weekly with a wire brush, cleaning ears, eyes and cutting nails.

Suitability

The Akita American is a large, strong dog, and as such requires training. When trained for “house manners” he is very clean and quiet in the home.

The Akita is well suited to live in the home with the family as he does not like to be separated from his family and prefers to be around them. He will guard, but is not a barker.

The Akita will drop its coat, so extra grooming will then be required to remove the blown coat, with bathing and brushing to make comfortable, until the full coat returns.

Words: Mrs Patricia Hall

Image: Ffire Photography

Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Akita 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 and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 22 Feb 2017)

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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, powerful alert, with much substance and heavy bone.

Characteristics

Large, broad head, with relatively small eyes and erect ears carried forward in line with back of neck; large, curled tail, in balance with head.

Temperament

Dignified, courageous, aloof, tends to show dominance over other dogs, though the trait is not encouraged.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Large, in balance with body, skull flat, forehead broad, defined stop and clear furrow. Head forms blunt triangle when viewed from above, free from wrinkle. Muzzle broad and strong, cheeks well developed. Nose large and black, bridge straight. Lips tight and black. In white dogs flesh coloured pigmentation is permissible on nose and lips. Length from nose to stop is to length from stop to occiput as 2 is to 3.
Eyes	Relatively small, almond shaped, clean, moderately set apart and dark brown. Eye rims dark and tight.
Ears	Strongly erect, relatively small, thick, triangular, not low set, carried forward over eyes in line with back of neck when viewed in profile. Moderately set apart; slightly rounded at tips.
Mouth	Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck	Thick and muscular, comparatively short, widening gradually toward shoulders. Pronounced crest blends with back of skull.
Forequarters	Shoulders strong and powerful, moderately laid back. Elbows very tight. Forelegs well boned and straight when viewed from front. Pasterns inclining at approximately 15 degrees.
Body	Longer than high, as 10 is to 9 in males, 11 to 9 in bitches. Chest wide and deep, depth of brisket is one half height of dog at shoulder. Well developed forechest. Level back, firmly muscled loin, moderate tuck up. Skin pliant but not loose.
Hindquarters	Strong and muscular. With only moderate angulation and stifle. Well-developed thighs, strong hocks. Well let down, turning neither in nor out.
Feet	Thick, well knuckled, very tight, turning neither in nor out. Pads hard. Nails hard.
Tail	Large and full, set high, carried over back, full or double curl, always dipping to or below level of back. On a three-quarter curl tail, tip dips down flank. Root large and strong. Hair coarse, straight and full with no appearance of plume. Sickle or uncurled tail highly undesirable.
Gait/Movement	Vigorous, powerful and fluent with strides of moderate length. Back remains firm and level. Hindlegs move in line with front legs, whilst gaiting may single track.
Coat	Outer coat coarse, straight, and standing off body. Undercoat soft and dense. Coat at withers and rump is approximately 5 cms (2 ins), slightly longer than on rest of body, more profuse on tail. No indication of ruff or feathering.
Colour	Any colour, except merle, including white brindle or pinto. Colours are brilliant and clear. Markings are well defined with or without mask or blaze.
Size	Height at withers:Dogs 66-71 cms (26-28 ins).Bitches 61-66 cms (24-26 ins).

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.