Group 6: Utility
Height:
Male: 64 – 69 cm
Female: 60 – 65 cm
Weight:
Male: 32 – 39 kg
Female: 23 – 29 kg
Energy Level: Moderate
Original Function: Hunting, guarding
Lifespan: 10 – 12 yrs
Recommended for: Experienced and knowledgeable handlers. Not a Beginners Dog
Note: If not well socialised from a young age may become aggressive towards other dogs
Originally Japanese dogs were small to medium in size and no large breeds existed. 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. 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. The police ordered the capture and confiscation of all dogs other than German Shepherd Dogs used for military purposes. 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:
This created a very confusing situation in the breed.
During the restoration process of the pure breed after the war., Kongo-go, a dog of the Dewa line, which exhibited characteristics of the Mastiff and German Shepherd.
However, knowledgeable fanciers did not approve of this type as a proper Japanese breed, so they made efforts to eliminate the strain by crossbreeding with Matagi Akitas for the purpose of restoring the original pure breed. They succeeded in stabilizing the pure strain of large sized breed as known today.
General Appearance: Large-sized dog, sturdily built, well balanced and with much substance; secondary sex characteristics strongly marked, with high nobility and dignity in modesty; constitution tough.
Temperament: The temperament is composed, faithful, docile and receptive.
Colour: Red fawn, sesame (red fawn hairs with black tips), brindle and white. All the above mentioned colours except white must have urajiro .
(Urajiro = whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of jaw, neck, chest, body and tail and on the inside of the legs).
Coat: Outer coat harsh and straight, undercoat soft and dense ; the withers and the rump are covered with slightly longer hair ; the hair on tail is longer than on the rest of the body.
Grooming: A brush once a week while in coat is all they need, and a bath when needed. They shed coat twice a year and it’s a good idea to get a stripping comb and remove all the dead hair.
Exercise: They need moderate but regular exercise to stay in shape.
Health: A robust breed but can have some problems with Hip Dysplasia, bloat, eye problems and thyroid problems. They need a good diet. To much red meat or food colours in their diet may cause hot spots and other skin coat problems.