JudgingThe Akita: Judging The Akita The Blending of Artistry and Engineering


Akita History: Akita History Origin and Purpose; The Akita’s history dates back nearly 400 years and derives its name from the prevecture [province] of Akita in Northern Japan. In 1931 the breed was proclaimed a natural monument by the Japanese Ministry of Education. The government more recently took steps to preserve the breed which is now regarded as a National Treasure [1931]. Of the seven purebred Japanese breeds, the Akita is the largest. They are regarded not only as fine pets and companions but also as symbols of good health in ther native land. The breed was developed in the 17th century. During the 17th and 18th centuries, dog fighting posed a serious threat to the breed's continuation. By the 1900's, Akitas were nearly extinct. The renowned Helen Keller is accredited with bringing the first Akita to the U.S. The breed's popularity in the U.S. really started when returning servicemen brought the dogs home with them. They were attracted to the dogs' strength and adaptability. The Akita Club was founded in 1956, and the breed was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book in October, 1972, and to regular show classification in 1973.


Overview of Akita Breed Standard: Overview of Akita Breed Standard INTRODUCTION       “Dignified” would be the word used to describe the Akita. It is this concept the breed embodies. Whether in proud stance or no-nonsense movement, the breed's dignified presence is it's most distinct quality. Each element described in the Standard is designed to contribute to this impression. There is an emphasis in Akita Standards on the head. The overall broad and triangular head shape is brought to extra-ordinary . As a balancing agent, there is a large, full tail. It cannot trail behind or up in the air but must curl around to meet the dog's back or rest against his flank. The Akita is in the bottom range of  the large-size breed category. His size and obvious strength leaves a lasting impression on all who see him. At the same time, there is no harshness in his appearance, for the short, thick and lustrous double coat softens the rugged outline of muscle and bone. In his driving movement, the Akita combines great power with a precision and smoothness which makes it seem as natural to be moving as to be standing still. Every step is purposeful expression of the dog's own will. The breed character is reserved, silent and dominant over other canines. Although the Akita is unruffled by minor irritations, he is alert towards other dogs, and any serious challenge is met with swift retaliation. The Akita is a liberal combination of kindness, courage and alertness.


GENERAL APPEARANCE: GENERAL APPEARANCE Large, powerful, alert, with much substance and heavy bone. The broad head, forming a blunt triangle, with deep muzzle, small eyes and erect ears carried forward in line with back of neck, is characteristic of the breed The large, curled tail, balancing the broad head, is also characteristic of the breed. PROPORTIONS: Males 9:10 (Square) Females 9:11 (Rectangular) This can not be the only measurement. Chest depth should be ½ the dogs height at the shoulder. A 26” dog/ bitch, lowest point of chest to the ground should be 13”. Then from he chest to the shoulder should be 13”. “Daylight under the dog”


GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]:: GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]:       HEAD: Massive but in balance with body; free of wrinkle when at ease. Skull flat between ears and broad; jaws square and powerful with minimal dewlap. Head forms a blunt triangle when viewed from above. Fault : Narrow or snipy head.  MUZZLE: Broad and full. Distance from nose to stop is to            distance from stop to occiput as 2 is to 3. STOP: Well defined, but not too abrupt. A shallow furrow extends well up forehead.       NECK: Thick and muscular; comparatively short, widening gradually toward shoulders. A pronounced crest blends in with base of skull.


GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]:: GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]: NOSE: Broad and black. Liver permitted on white Akitas, but               black always preferred. Disqualification: Butterfly nose or total               lack of pigmentation on nose.           EARS: The ears of the Akita are characteristic of the breed. They                are strongly erect and small in relation to rest of head. If ear is                folded forward for measuring length, tip will touch upper eye                 rim. Ears are triangular, slightly rounded at tip, wide at base, set                 wide on head but not too low, and carried slightly forward over eyes in line with back of neck. Disqualification: Drop or broken ears.            EYES: Dark brown, small, deep-set and triangular in shape. Eye rims black and tight.     . .


GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]:: GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]: LIPS and TONGUE: Lips black and not pendulous; tongue large and thick, pink. TEETH: Strong with scissors bite preferred. but level bite acceptable. Disqualification—Noticeably undershot or overshot.  NECK: Thick and muscular; comparatively short, widening gradually toward shoulders. A pronounced crest blends in with base of skull.


GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]:: GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]:               BODY: Longer than high, as 10 is to 9 in males; 11 to 9 in                   bitches. Chest wide and deep; depth of chest is one-half height                   of dog at shoulder. Ribs well sprung, brisket well developed.                   Level back with firmly-muscled loin and moderate tuck-up. Skin                   pliant but not loose. Serious Faults: Light bone, rangy body.   SIZE: Males 26 to 28 inches at the withers; bitches 24 to 26                   inches. Disqualification: Dogs under 25 inches; bitches under                   23 inches.                              FOREQUARTERS: Shoulders strong and powerful with moderate layback. Forelegs heavy-boned and straight as viewed from front. Angle of pastern 15 degrees forward from vertical. Faults: Elbows in or out, loose shoulders. HINDQUARTERS: Width, muscular development and comparable to forequarters. Upper thighs well developed. Stifle moderately bent and hocks well let down, turning neither in nor out.


GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]:: GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]:                FEET: Cat like. Well knuckled up with thick pads. Feet straight ahead.                  TAIL: Large and full, set high and carried over back or against                   flank in a three-quarter, full, or double curl, always dipping to or                   below level of back. On a three-quarter curl, tip drops well down                   flank. Root large and strong. Tail bone reaches hock when let                   down. Hair coarse, straight and full, with no appearance of a                   plume. Disqualification: Sickle or uncurled tail.  DEWCLAWS: On front legs generally not removed; dewclaws on hind legs generally removed. FRONT [SIDE] FRONT REAR [SIDE]


GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]:: GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]:              COAT: Double-coated. Undercoat thick, soft, dense and shorter  than outer coat. Outer coat straight, harsh and standing somewhat off body. Hair on head, legs and ears short. Length of hair at withers and rump approximately two inches, which is                   slightly longer than on rest of body, except tail where coat is                   longest and most profuse. Fault: Any indication of ruff or feathering.                COLOR: Any color including white; brindle; or pinto. Colors are brilliant and clear and markings are well balanced, with or                   without mask or blaze. White Akitas have no mask. Pinto has a                   white background with large, evenly placed patches covering                   head and more than one-third of body. Undercoat may be a                   different color from outer coat.


GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]:: GENERAL APPEARANCE [Cont’d]: GAIT: Brisk and powerful with strides of moderate length. Back remains strong, firm and level. Rear legs move in line with front legs.              


DISQUALIFICATIONS;: DISQUALIFICATIONS;     1. Over refinement in males 2. Coarseness in bitches 3. Lack of chest 4. Elbows in or out 5. Light bone, rangy body 6. Straight hocks 7. Excessive dewlap 8. Uncurled or sickled tail 9. Monorchids or Cryptorchids 10. Excessive over/ undershot 11. Long coats 12. Males under twenty-five (25) inches Bitches under twenty-three (23) inches. 14. Albinos; Butterfly nose 15. Drop or broken ears 16. Entropion or ectropion 17. Viciousness, instability 18. Altering of coat or general appearance by scissoring or clipping.


POINTS TO REMEMBER: POINTS TO REMEMBER 1.) The Akita is broad and powerful. This quality is more evident in dogs than bitches. 2.) Reflecting the moderate degree of angulation in shoulder and stifle, the Akita's brisk and powerful gait is characterized by strides of moderate length. 3.) Akita ears are different than those of ANY OTHER BREED. They are small, set well apart on the broad head, and angled forward at about 45 degrees from vertical. Ears are strongly erect. 4.) Most Akitas have no loose skin on their heads at any time. Under conditions of excitement, a slight wrinkle on the forehead is acceptable but not desirable. Characteristic of the breed is a furrow down the center of the forehead. Loose and sagging lips are incorrect. 5.) The Akita eye is small, dark in color, and triangluar in shape.


POINTS TO REMEMBER: POINTS TO REMEMBER 6.) The Akita's impressive tail is a vital element in the total picture he presents. It is large and full to balance his imposing head. When his tail is brought down it reaches the hock joint. 7.) The Akita's topline is perfectly level, whether standing or moving. 8.) Rich, clear colors are preferable. Especially with pintos, well balanced markings are vital to the overall apperance. 9.) The neck is strong, with a pronounced crest. 10.) Splayed feet or long toes are incorrect. 11.) The Akita's double coat is thick and dense. The outer coat is harsh but not wiry. The undercoat is soft. 12.) The only acceptable bites are scissors (upper teeth barely overlap lower teeth in front) and level (upper teeth meet lower teeth exactly)


Akita Temprament: Akita Temprament Temprament & Personality The Akita is dignified and aloof-meaning it has a very strong attachment to the people in its life and reserved with strangers. The Akita may be aggressive toward other dogs. The Akita barks infrequently but does enjoy the occasional howl when greeting a loved one! The Akita benefits from early socialization, thereby instilling confidence in the dog for new and unusual situations. The Akita can have a strong will, so training demands firmness, tempered with love and patience. Bullying the Akita results in uncooperative behaviour and a lack of respect for the trainer. The Akita is eager to please so always responds best to praise.


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