Akita

[Troy]

The Akita

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=156 )

Group: Group 6 (Utility)

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.

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 including white brindle or pinto. Colours are brilliant and clear. Markings are well defined with or without mask or blaze.

Sizes: 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.

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

See Photos of the Akita

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Akita

Akita Breeders

Akita Puppies For Sale

[Korrigan]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Had Akitas as an owner for around 19 years

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

From Japan, been a hunting dog for large game, and was also I believe a dog fighting dog

3. How common is it in Australia?

Not very

4. What is the average lifespan?

Not sure, maybe a breeder could answer this

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

The right Akita is an absolute joy. They're independent, stubborn, bored silly by many things, don't generally like other dogs, can be over dominant if they don;t have a pack leader. But also loyal, affectionate, love their people, chat to you regularly and love to communicate. Very special dogs

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Around half an hour. could probably take more per day, but rather depends on the dog

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

No, absolutely not

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Generally yes, but can depend on the dog, have a boy who hates to be alone

9. How much grooming is required?

Lots and lots. They blow their coats twice a year and shed in between times. As much time vacuuming as grooming. If you want an akita in the house - learn to love hair

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Yes, not recommended because of their size and strength, however my first Akita was so gentle she could be trusted around the blind, people with disabilities, the elderly, small babies etc. Loved toddlers and was especially drawn to them (would chat to them). But current boof head boy is just too clumsy to be trusted in the same way.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Maybe a breeder could answer this

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

I would ask for eye and hip tests, and if I didn't know the breeders, also look carefully at the temperament of the parents and puppies. Again maybe a breeder could answer this.

[Sam&Saki]

1. What is my relationship with the breed?

First time owner, long time admirer

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Akitas are Japanese and are an original breed. In the most recent DNA analysis Akitas were one of the breeds proven to be an 'ancient breed.'

So Akitas (previously called 'Oden Dog') were not a man made breed, but a breed that has been around for thousands of years. Concerted efforts to breed to a standard began in earnest after numbers dwindled during WWII. Akitas were first imported to America at this time too.

In the US, there are two strains of the breed recognised - the 'American Akita' which is a heavier set dog, and the 'Akita Inu' which is leaner and lighter boned. In Australia we just have the Akita, however most tend to resemble American lines more than Japanese.

Akitas have been used in Japan over the centuries as livestock guardians, nanny dogs, hunting dogs, police dogs, sledding dogs, but are mainly prized as a loyal companion - in fact in Japan they enjoy 'national monument' status with some Japanese able to collect a welfare type stipend to support their pet Akita. An Akita is also considered a symbol of good luck and good health, and small Akita statues are often given as housewarming gifts.

In South America, Akitas have been imported and poorly bred and used in dog fights, however Akitas are not in fact a 'Japanese fighting dog', that title is for the Tosa.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Fairly rare, numbers of ANKC registered Akitas have mostly been in the low double figures.

4. What is the average lifespan?

10 - 12 years.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

• Extremely devoted and loyal to their owner - a definite inside dog and not a dog to be left alone for long periods of time.
  
• Affectionate and attentive and extremely intelligent
  
• Can be friendly or can be stand-off-ish to other people and other dogs.
  
• May not be trustworthy around birds or small prey animals.
  
• Trainable but more difficult than training a non-Spitz, learns quickly and bores easily, and acheiving perfect recall is difficult.
  
• Dominant and need firm, consistent leadership.
  
• The Akita body language (erect ears, curled tail, ruff) and natural dominance can cause dogs of other breeds to react to Akitas as though they were aggressive. In turn, Akitas struggle to interpret the intentions of more vocal dogs than they. Akitas have a reputation for dog aggression but are not necessarily so.
  
• Akitas are largely silent, very rarely barking or growling or whining, although they do have a small repetoire of other gruff grumbly noises.
  

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

A 45 minute walk a day plus a few play sessions would be ideal, however they are only moderately active and won't react negatively if not given any exercise at all for a day or two.

A 2 hour trip to a dog park / river / beach is enough to exhaust an Akita for the rest of the day and possibly the following day also.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Not really, they require a LOT of time, attention and affection; and are not easy to train.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

No. Akitas with owners who work full time outside the home notoriously have separation anxiety and can become destructive in their owners absence.

They'll happily entertain themselves knowing that you're in the next room / inside, but will check in on you regularly. If you're not home they'll just sleep until your return, or start destroying things.

However they are not a breed that should be given another dog to keep company, they want human attention with their owner, not other dog company.

9. How much grooming is required?

They have a wash n wear spitz double coat - even if thoroughly soaked in mud it will all dry and brush right out again easily.

Also don't have a 'doggy smell'.

However when shedding their coat twice a year, daily brushing and daily vaccuuming is essential!

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Probably, until they are completely mature - age 4 or older.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Hip dysplasia, although not as common as in many other breeds.

Akitas are also the breed most likely to have a negative reaction to aneasthetic and also at high risk of bloat.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder?

Hip scores perhaps.

Ensure the parents are of sound temperament and not dog aggressive.

YAY Akitas Certainly not for everyone, but perfect for some x

[akitakaz]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

First time owner.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

My understanding (as limited as it may be) is that the akita was developed in Japan and was used for hunting, fighting and 'babysitting' (an altogether fascinating combination!).

3. How common is it in Australia?

I don't think they are exceedingly common, but in my travels I have met quite a few people with an akita experience.

4. What is the average lifespan?

10-12 years (???)

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

My baby is absolutely undeterrable, wonderfully affectionate, fiercely loyal and incredibly friendly (to people).

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

I have found that my girl is equally happy to play in the yard or run on the beach on a daily basis. I find that as long as I am interacting with her, she is happy.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

I don't think so.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

I think so.

9. How much grooming is required?

I would say the more you do it the easier it your life will be...a little time each day?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Well, I have found that my girl will behave very well with children and elderly people, with very little training, but I also make sure that I am always present and attentive to her excitement levels.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

After my German Shepherd had to be put down because of hereditary problems, I was keen to get a breed that had less likelihood of such problems, so after a little research I got an akita (not sure that answers the question)

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Be aware of the akita's dog-dominant nature! The books and knowledgeable people aren't joking! Visit the breeder and talk to them about their dogs!! Every breeder I spoke to was more than happy to discuss their dogs, take advantage of this! I cannot stress enough that the greater understanding you have of these dogs, the easier and more enjoyable your time with them will be.

[Prydenjoy]

If well socialised and trained, can they be a part of a multi dog house? Could they learn to be gentle with little dogs?

I used to walk an Akita, he was one of the most stunning dogs I have ever met.

[Lhok]

Is there much difference between the American Akita lines and the Japanese Akita lines?

I've been doing a bit of research and the FCI have two separate standards for the difference lines.

Thanks

--Lhok

[Noelle]

I had three Akitas, who lived in harmony together, two females of the American style, and one alpha male who was of the Japanese style. He was a tall brindle, very muscular no excess fat, weighed 60kgs, his muzzle was slightly less blunt, he stood proud and magnificent. His coat was thick, lay closer to the body than the females, who were of lush/plush showy appearance. The Japanese type look more 'businesslike' and are taller. He was very calm. Most Akita owners go for the more showy American type, I think. I like both, although in the ring he might not have been a favourite

[corvus]

Can you get the Japanese type in Australia? I was under the impression that the Japanese type is not competetive in the ring with the American type, so the American type is predominant.

Love the Japanese type, though!

[Odin-Genie]

How difficult are Akitas to train, compared to other spitz breeds?

[Rain]

Not sure if anyone comes in here?

Im looking for breeder recommendations for a show puppy...

[minxy]

I was going to use Goodomen Akitas in NSW for a puppy due to be born next month sometime. However, I got lucky a little early and got my new puppy on Tuesday. Check them out, they are a registered breeder and are expecting an amazing litter from two UK imported show champions.

[Rain]

Thank you minxy for your reply i will have a look at them now

[minxy]

I'll pm you with the dogs profiles.

[minxy]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

First time owner

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Japan, Akita named after the Akita prefecture. They have been used for various things such as hunting (bears in particular), babysitting, police work, on rural properties to guard livestock etc.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Not very at all. There are only about 20 registered breeders in Australia (some of the ones on dogzonline that are listed as breeders aren't actually breeders, they just offer a stud service) and the breed has only been in Australia since the 80's.

4. What is the average lifespan?

10 - 12 years

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Extremely loyal, loving, protective, can be stubborn, dominant, aloof with strangers, natural protective tendencies, affectionate.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Not a huge amount. A half hour - 1 hour walk each day roughly, but apparently they can be just as happy to skip a day or two. So far Kyojin doesn't mind either way.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Definitely not. They need a firm owner who will consistently correct their behaviour and not let them get away with anything. They also can be selective in their obedience in that like some other Spitz breeds, if they don't see the point in doing something, they won't.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

They love human company more so than other animal company. Kyojin's definitely a million times happier when we're at home, even if he's just sleeping all day anyway. He loves to lie near us so he can keep track of the action.

9. How much grooming is required?

A lot when they are blowing their coat. I haven't experienced Kyojin's first coat blow, but I feel I'm pretty prepared after all the research I've done! We have bought a force dryer to help with the process. If you watch this video from youtube

you'll see just how handy these dryers can be!! They'll lose all of their undercoat roughly twice a year, this can last a couple of weeks. During this time they'll need LOTS of brushing to help remove the coat quickly, and bathing them a few times will help too. The rest of the time, they don't really shed, or have a the "doggy" smell that a lot of dogs have.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

I don't think ANY breed of dog should be left alone/unattended with very young children, but especially such large dogs like Akitas. Due to their size it would be pretty easy for them to accidentally injure a small child.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Hips, thyroid/bloat, PRA (eyes)

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Hip scores probably. I'd want to know what the personalities of the parents are like, what sort of socialisation the dog has had etc