Akiho Breed Standard

Characteristics:

An Akita is quiet, strong, dignified and courageous. He is also loyal and respectful, reserved and noble. He is sensitive and deliberate yet possesses quickness.

Overall Body Structure:

The body is well balanced with a sturdy bone structure and well-developed tendons and ligaments, while the skin is free of wrinkles. Differences in sex should be readily apparent through general appearance. In the dog (male) the ratio of height to body length is 100 to 110. The bitch is slightly longer in length. The height of the dog is 26 1/4 inches while the height of the bitch is 23 7/8 inches, plus or minus 1 1/8 inches. The ratio of the height of the depth of the chest is 2 to 1.

Head:

The skull is large and a little flat at the top. Its forehead is wide without wrinkles but has a definite longitudinal crease. There is a well-proportioned stop (depression between the cranial and nasal bones) between the forehead and the muzzle. The cheeks are full.

Neck:

The neck is thick and powerful. The skin around the neck is free of wrinkles and the coat appropriately bristled.

Ear:

The ears are thick, rather small, triangular in shape, and tilt slightly forward. The lines are straight and the ears stand erect. The distance between the ears is not narrow but not too wide.

Eyes/;

The shape of the eye is approximately triangular. They are deep-set and slightly slanted. The eye rims are dark brownish in colour. The distance between the eyes is proportionate.

Muzzle (Mouth and Nose):

The nose (black portion) is full and the ridge straight. The base of the mouth is wide, the frontal portion not pointed and the lips drawn. The whiskered region is full.

Teeth:

The teeth are strong and have a scissor bite.

Chest & Stomach:

The chest is broad. The rib cage is full. The forechest is well developed and defined. The stomach is drawn without flabbiness (tucked up).

Back & Hip:

The back is straight and the hip is powerful.

Forlegs(Arms):

The shoulders are well developed with proper shoulder angulation. The elbows (joint) are strong. The upper forelegs are straight, strong and thick. The pasterns (portion directly above paws) are slightly slanted. The paws are round, large, and thick, and have a firm grip.

Hind Legs:

The hind legs are well developed, springy, powerful and sturdy. The rear pasterns have proper angles and possess a strong kick or thrust. The paws are thick with a strong grip.

Tail:

The tail is thick and tightly wound. The length of the tail when extended must reach the hock joint. The types of curls are called right curl, left curl, single straight and double curl.

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.

Colour:

Any colour including white; brindle; or pinto. Colours are brilliant and

clear and markings are well balanced, with or without mask or blaze. White Akita's 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 colour from outer coat.

Gait:

Brisk and powerful with strides of moderate length. Back remains strong, firm and level. Rear legs move in line with front legs.

Size:

Males 26 to 28 inches at the withers; bitches 24 to 26 inches.
Disqualification: dogs under 25 inches; bitches under 23 inches.

Temperament:

Alert and responsive, dignified and courageous. Aggressive toward other dogs.

Disqualifications:

Butterfly nose or total lack of pigmentation on nose.
Drop or broken ears.
Noticeably undershot or overshot.
Sickle or uncurled tail.
Dogs under 25 inches; bitches under 23 inches.
Approved December 12, 1972