Breed Group Group 2: Spitz and Nordic Breeds
Sub-group 2-C: Asian Spitz Breeds
Origin Country Japan
Weight Males: 75-120 pounds. Females: 75-110 pounds.
Height Males: 25-28 inches. Females: 23-25 inches.
Other Name(s) Akita (Japanese), Akita Inu, Great Japanese Dog, Japanese Akita Inu
Breed Type Pure
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Japanese Akita Inu

Breed Group Group 2: Spitz and Nordic Breeds
Sub-group 2-C: Asian Spitz Breeds
Origin Country Japan
Weight Males: 75-120 pounds. Females: 75-110 pounds.
Height Males: 25-28 inches. Females: 23-25 inches.
Other Name(s) Akita (Japanese), Akita Inu, Great Japanese Dog, Japanese Akita Inu
Breed Type Pure
click here for FULL BREED STANDARD

Origins

The Akita dog breed is believed to be descendant of the ancient and now extinct Matagi Inu dogs, which were dogs used for hunting wild boar, Sitka deer, and Asian black bear by the Matagi and other northern native people of Japan. It is believed that these dogs were used for centuries and originally developed from ancient spitz dogs brought to the northernmost area of Japan at a time when a land or ice bridge connected the now-island country to Eastern Europe. These dogs were described as medium-sized spitz-like dogs. DNA studies have found that the Asian spitz breeds, including the Akita, as well as the Shiba Inu, Chow Chows, and Chinese Shar Peis, are among the most ancient breeds still in existence.

Japan has had a complicated relationship with its dog breeds. At times, the country has shown a great deal of effort to ensure the preservation of its native dog breeds. However, there have also been instances of countrywide breed and landrace eradication. The Akita has historically been both a victim and a beneficiary of his native country’s vacillating attitudes toward dogs. In the seventh century, a dog keepers office was established to preserve the purity of native Japanese dogs.

As Japanese society and culture progressed, agriculture replaced hunter-gatherer cultures, and the Akita’s ancestors were used less for hunting and more for guarding homes and property. Eventually, the dogs found their way into the horrific spectator sport of dogfighting, which became prominent throughout Japan and much of Europe in the 20th century. To create a more impressive fighting dog, the Akita was crossed with European and Asian mastiffs— including the ancestors of today’s Tosa Inu, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and English Mastiff—resulting in a dog that was far more superior in substance, bone, and size.

During the early 20th century, the Japanese government and many nationals took the preservation of their native breeds very seriously. In 1931 the name “Akita” was assigned to Matagi Inu descendants of the Akita Prefecture and surrounding areas. It was also during this time that the Akita, as well as several other Japanese native breeds, were recognized and declared a natural monument by the Japanese government. To further preserve the breed, the Akita Inu Hozankai was formed to guide breeders using guidelines. In 1934 the official standard was written. The original Akita colors include only brindle, red fawn, sesame, and white, with all other colors being considered incorrect.

Unfortunately, preservation efforts were thwarted by World War I and World War II when the numbers of many native Japanese dog breeds were decimated. To make matters worse, the Japanese government switched from preserving native breeds to mandating that all non-military dogs be exterminated so their furs could be used to clothe the Japanese military. The only dogs exempt from this mandate were German Shepherds, which were used by the military. Desperate efforts to save the breed resulted in breeders crossing their dogs to the German Shepherds to prevent them from having their fur harvested. As a result of this, three very distinct types of dogs emerged and could be found in the Akita regions and surrounding areas: the original Matagi which were very few in number, the large fighting Matagi cross that was bred for the fighting ring, and the Matagi German Shepherd crosses.

After World War II, the breed began to split into the two distinct types observed today. Shortly after World War II, the Japanese began restoration efforts to once again protect and preserve their heritage breeds. Five independent organizations that each recognized the Akita breed with differing standards came together and determined the original Matagi Inu type of Akita as the true Akita, with the other larger crosses being incorrect. The remaining Matagi Inu Akitas were collected from rural areas and towns throughout the country, and the breed began to make a steady recovery.

American soldiers were partial to the large, bear-like fighting Akita and German Shepherd Akitas. These dogs were also more readily available, due to the fact that they possessed coat colors and patterns not favored by the Japanese people. The American servicemen brought many of these large, colorful Akita dogs with them back to America. These dogs were used to establish the breed in America. Once in America, breeders and enthusiasts embraced the large type Akitas over the Matagi types that were later imported. In fact, the breed was eventually known as the Japanese Fighting Akita.

Now, the two types have become so divergent that many organizations consider them separate breeds. Japanese Akitas are lighter in substance and bone, squarely proportioned, leggier with more tuck-up and narrower, even skull to muzzle ratios. They also may only come in the traditional four colors. The Japanese dogs resemble large Shiba Inus, which are a very close relative. The American Akitas are heavier and more substantial, with heavier bone and overall mass. They have shorter muzzles in comparison to the skull, and are relatively rectangular in proportion. They may come in any color, including piebald, which is referred to as “pinto” in the breed. They may also have masks, which are forbidden in the Japanese Akitas.

Breed Characteristics

Head: The head is of moderate size and in proportion to the entire body. Mesaticephalic in type, it is wedge-shaped when viewed from above or in profile. The topskull is broad; being as wide (from side to side measured in front of the ears) as it is long (from occiput to stop). It appears somewhat flat when viewed from the front. The head is well-muscled throughout with pronounced cheeks and well-formed temporal muscles that create a median furrow that starts at the stop and runs up toward the occiput. The head is clean-cut and free of wrinkles.
Eyes: The eyes are somewhat small to moderate in size, but appear relatively small in comparison to the overall head features. They are almond to triangular in shape and obliquely set, with outer corners set higher than the inner corners. They are set moderately apart, with darkly pigmented and tightly fitted eye rims. The eye color may range from amber or yellow to dark brown. The eyes are never bulging, large, or rounded. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.
Ears: The ears are relatively small, thick, and triangular, being wider at the base and tapering to slightly rounded tips. They are set moderately apart, but not low on the skull. They are firmly pricked, yet slant forward with the tips inclined toward the eyes.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, broad, and of a good length, being equal in length to the topskull. Upper and lower jaws have good bone substance, are strong, well-developed, never appearing snipey or weak. The muzzle is somewhat tapered from the base to the end, ending in a blunt wedge, never appearing pointed or squared.
Nose: The nose is large, broad, well-pigmented, and black. The nostrils are well-opened. Faded noses are permissible on white dogs.
Neck: Moderate length to allow for proud head carriage, strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Oval shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Body: The body is sturdy, balanced, and well-muscled with moderate bone. It is never slight of bone or rangy. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Tail: Set high on the croup, thick at the base, and tapering toward the tip. Carried in accordance to the dog’s mood and energy level, but never tucked or carried up over the back. The tail is of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail is carried curved or curled over the back.
Movement: Powerful, brisk, energetic, effortless, efficient, agile, and resilient. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament: The Japanese Akita is a docile, self-composed, receptive, and devoted dog breed. He is dignified and an independent thinker. He nobly keeps watch of all that he surveys and deems to be “his” property. Fiercely loyal and courageous, he makes an excellent companion and watch dog. While breeding for tolerance and acceptance of people and other dogs has been one of the improvements that Akita breeders have strived for, some individuals may be prone to intraspecific and same-sex aggression if early socialization and obedience is not implemented. The Akita is an immensely intelligent breed, so long as the subject he is being taught interests him. Otherwise, he can become disinterested in a task, what many people consider “stubborn.” Keeping tasks and activities interesting, motivating, and engaging is certain to gain his attention and compliance. While devoted and loyal to his people, he can be notoriously intolerant toward other dogs and animals, possibly displaying indifference or disinterest toward strangers as well. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
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Breed Standard

BREED GROUP 2: Spitz and Nordic Breeds

Proportions: The Japanese Akita is a large, sturdy, and balanced dog breed. The body is strongly muscled, with moderate bone. It is both agile and athletic for a dog of his size and must never appear heavy in bone or excessive in mass. The body proportions are somewhat square to off-square, with the ideal body length (from point of the forechest to the point of the rump) to height (measured form withers to ground) being equal, or with the body length being just greater than height. The ideal body length to height ratios range from 1:1 to 11:10, with females being slightly longer than males. The body is well put together.

Head

General Appearance: The head is of moderate size and in proportion to the entire body. Mesaticephalic in type, it is wedge-shaped when viewed from above or in profile. The topskull is broad; being as wide (from side to side measured in front of the ears) as it is long (from occiput to stop). It appears somewhat flat when viewed from the front. The head is well-muscled throughout with pronounced cheeks and well-formed temporal muscles that create a median furrow that starts at the stop and runs up toward the occiput. The head is clean-cut and free of wrinkles.
Expression: Dignified, self-composed, noble, keen, alert, watchful, and intelligent.
Stop: Somewhat defined.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is 1:1, with the topskull being equal to the muzzle.
The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, broad, and of a good length, being equal in length to the topskull. Upper and lower jaws have good bone substance, are strong, well-developed, never appearing snipey or weak. The muzzle is somewhat tapered from the base to the end, ending in a blunt wedge, never appearing pointed or squared.
Lips or Flews: Lips are clean and well-fitted over the teeth and jaws. They are never pendulous or loose. They allow for a blunt, wedge-shaped muzzle.
Nose: The nose is large, broad, well-pigmented, and black. The nostrils are well-opened. Faded noses are permissible on white dogs.
Cheeks: The cheeks are moderately developed and powerful. The cheeks should not appear chiseled or coarse.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, white teeth. Bite may be level or scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth as a result of routine work is not to be penalized.
Eyes: The eyes are somewhat small to moderate in size, but appear relatively small in comparison to the overall head features. They are almond to triangular in shape and obliquely set, with outer corners set higher than the inner corners. They are set moderately apart, with darkly pigmented and tightly fitted eye rims. The eye color may range from amber or yellow to dark brown. The eyes are never bulging, large, or rounded. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.
Ears: The ears are relatively small, thick, and triangular, being wider at the base and tapering to slightly rounded tips. They are set moderately apart, but not low on the skull. They are firmly pricked, yet slant forward with the tips inclined toward the eyes.

Body and Tail

General Description: The body is sturdy, balanced, and well-muscled with moderate bone. It is never slight of bone or rangy. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: Moderate length to allow for proud head carriage, strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Oval shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Topline: Level from withers to croup. The back is short, broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is short, firm, and strong. The topline is never swayed or roached.
Croup: The croup is powerful, well-muscled, and may be level with the topline or just slightly (almost imperceptibly) sloped.
Underline: The underline is moderately to well-drawn up, but never wasp-wasted or excessively drawn in. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back.
Tail: Set high on the croup, thick at the base, and tapering toward the tip. Carried in accordance to the dog’s mood and energy level, but never tucked or carried up over the back. The tail is of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail is carried curved or curled over the back.

Forequarters and Hindquarters

Forequarters: Forequarters are always in balance with the hindquarters. Forequarters are well angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are fairly long, and approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: Elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, moderate bone, and parallel to one another.
Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: Upper thigh and lower thigh are fairly long, equal in length, strong, sturdy, of moderate bone, and well-muscled.
Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump, or within one paw-length behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: Angulation of hindquarters is always in balance with angulation of forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Coat

Skin: The skin is tightly fitted throughout.
Coat Type: Harsh, straight, weather-resistant outer coat with a soft, dense undercoat. Hair on head, ears, and lower legs is shorter. Hair on withers and rump slightly longer (approximately two inches). Hair on tail is longest and most profuse. Never with profuse ruff or feathering.
Coat Color or Pattern: Black, goma sesame (black sable with white points), red sesame (red clear sable with white points), brindle, and solid white. All colors must have urajiro (white points). White patches are not permissible.

Movement

Powerful, brisk, energetic, effortless, efficient, agile, and resilient. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament

The Japanese Akita is a docile, self-composed, receptive, and devoted dog breed. He is dignified and an independent thinker. He nobly keeps watch of all that he surveys and deems to be “his” property. Fiercely loyal and courageous, he makes an excellent companion and watch dog. While breeding for tolerance and acceptance of people and other dogs has been one of the improvements that Akita breeders have strived for, some individuals may be prone to intraspecific and same-sex aggression if early socialization and obedience is not implemented. The Akita is an immensely intelligent breed, so long as the subject he is being taught interests him. Otherwise, he can become disinterested in a task, what many people consider “stubborn.” Keeping tasks and activities interesting, motivating, and engaging is certain to gain his attention and compliance. While devoted and loyal to his people, he can be notoriously intolerant toward other dogs and animals, possibly displaying indifference or disinterest toward strangers as well. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.

Faults

All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles. FIND A PUPPY