Japanese Akita Inu

From Pet Encyclopedia

Japanese Akita Inu

Origin of Breed

Japan

Breed Nick Names

Akita Inu Japanese Akita

[edit] Introduction

The UK Kennel Club at a meeting on November 23, 2005 approved the recognition of the Japanese Akita Inu as a separate breed of dog, separate from the Akita breed of dog. The Japanese Akita Inu is now a member of the Utility Dog Group in the UK along with every other country besides the USA and Canada. There still exists a lot of confusion over the difference between the Japanese Akita Inu and the Akita. Despite the breed split and seperate breed standards there are still lots of dogs wrongly being registered as Japanese Akita Inu.

[edit] Origin and History

The Japanese Akita Inu originated in Japan, in the Tohoku area. During World War II, the Japanese Akita Inu dogs greatly diminished due to famine. The army also ordered the capture of all dogs except German shepherds, to their fur for warm army uniforms. Japanese Akita Inu were often bred with Shepherds to avoid having their dogs captured. By the time the war ended in 1945, there were fewer than thirty purebred Japanese Akita Inu dogs left in Japan. Most of the dogs now had German Shepherd features. The out crosses with German Shepherds went on to create the Akita, (also know as the American Akita).

In an attempt to save the Japanese Akita Inu, the Akitainu Introduction Foundation was breeding the remaining purebred Japanese Akita Inus in order to omit Western dog characteristics and make the breed closer to the original Japanese Akita Inu. Their efforts to preserve the original breed have given us the Japanese Akita Inu we have today.

[edit] Appearance

The Japanese Akita Inu is large, well-balanced, sturdily built dog of Spitz type. They are very slightly longer than high. They are very dignified and proud. They have a broad head with relatively small eyes. Their ears are thick, triangular, pricked and inclined forward. They have a distinctive tightly curled tail. The eyes are relatively small, almond-shaped, moderately set apart and dark brown. The jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. The forequarters have well developed shoulders, moderately laid back. Elbows close to chest. Well boned. Forelegs straight when viewed from the front. The hindquarters are strong, muscular with moderate angulation. Well developed thighs. Moderate turn of stifle. Strong hocks, well let down, turning neither in nor out. The feet are round, arched and tight with thick pads. Turning neither in nor out. Dewclaws on hindlegs customarily removed. The tail is set high, thick, full and of good length. Tightly curled over the back. An uncurled tail highly undesirable.

The only colours accepted in the Japanese Akita inu are red-fawn; sesame; brindle; white. All the foregoing colours except white must have whitish coat on the cheeks, the sides of the muzzle, the inside of the legs and also the undersides of the jaw, neck, chest, body and tail (Urajiro). Pinto and any black markings are not allowed.

[edit] Temperament

The Japanese Akita Inu is very laid back, and has an easy-going temperament when well raised. They are excellent house dogs. They require only a moderate amount of exercise. They are known to be very quiet dogs, only barking "when there is something to bark about". Japanese Akita Inu are very quiet and gentle, and are said to be very calming.

Japanese Akita Inu tend to be more gregarious than the related Akita. They get on well with children, and it is said that Japanese mothers often left their children with only the Akitas to watch over and protect them. Unlike the Akita, they are not dog aggressive when properly socialised. They remain aloof, particularly with strangers, and will not often show affection to someone who is not a member of their family.

Japanese Akita Inu are intelligent and quick to learn. House breaking is said to be extremely easy. They require lots of socialisation and firm but gentle training. They are known to be strong willed, but a correctly raised Japanese Akita Inu is a joy to be around.

The Japanese Akita Inu was made famous for it's loyality and devotion by the story of Hachiko, one of the thirty pure bred Japanese Akita Inu left in Japan after the war. During his owner's life, Hachiko saw him off from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. Even after Ueno's death in May 1925, Hachiko returned every day to the station to wait for him, and did so for the next 10 years.

[edit] Health

[edit] External Links

Kennel Club Akita Breed Standard
Japanese Akita Inu Assessment
Akita Europe Dog Show
About the Akita Dog Hachiko

[edit] References