Photo for Zipangu Musashi Kou by Dontsova Ella

BREED STANDARD

A breed standard in the dog world is a set of guidelines which is used to ensure that the animals produced by a breeder conform to the specifics of the standardized breed. Breed standards are devised by breed associations or breed clubs, not by individuals, and are written to reflect the use or purpose of the species and breed of the animal.

Breed standards help define the ideal specimen of a breed and provide goals for breeders in improving stock. In essence a breed standard is a blueprint for an animal fit for the function it was bred – i.e. herding, guarding, tracking etc.

Breed standards are not scientific documents, and may vary from association to association, and from country to country. That is the care with the Japanese Akitainu. Depending on what part of the world you are in, breeders will adhere to various breed standards which can be found below. For example, in Japan, the Japanese Akitainu breed standard is set by AKIHO. In Europe, it is set by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) and in the USA, we have both the AKC and UKC registry breed standards. Seen as we are based in the USA, below is a breakdown of the AKC and UKC breed standards for the Japanese Akitainu along with a link to the FCI Akita breed standard.
Dog shows act as a wonderful guide for breeders to ensure they are on the right path for developing their dogs.

AKC

Breed standard and copyright: AKC, Kevin Izard-Carroll

AKC | American Kennel Club Breed Standard

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The Japanese Akitainu is the largest of the native dog breeds of Japan and was originally used for hunting game in the mountainous terrain of the Tōhoku region where Akita Prefecture is located. The Japanese Akitainu is a large, sturdily built, well balanced Spitz-type dog whose head, triple coat, and curled tail are defining physical features of this unique breed. Males and females are clearly distinguishable from each other with males possessing a more robust body structure and masculine facial features, and females, a more refined body structure and feminine facial features.

The moderately angulated Japanese Akitainu is exhibited naturally without trimming of whiskers, styling, or color enhancements.

SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE

Males 25 to 27½ inches at the withers; females 22½ to 25 inches at the withers. The preferred size is the middle of the range for each sex. Weight at preferred size is approximately 65-75 pounds for males, 55-65 pounds for females. Males have a height to length ratio of 10 to 11; females have a slightly longer body length. Bone is moderate.

Disqualification – Males under 25 inches; females under 22½ inches.

HEAD

Expression is alert, spirited, and intense. The shape of the head is a slightly rounded octagon when viewed from the front. The fullness of the cheeks, as well as the coat on the cheeks and neck, support this shape. Eyes are dark brown, deep-set, almond-shaped, relatively small, and slightly raised at the outside corners. Eye rims are thick and black. The eyes should not appear too close together or too far apart. Faults – Round eyes. Light colored irises. Light colored eye rims. Droopy or loose eye rims. Ears are wide-set, equilaterally triangular in shape, pricked, rather small in size, and somewhat rounded at the tip. The leather is thick and slightly cupped. Ears are angled forward off the back of the head and face. From the profile view, the forward tilting ears are at a 75 to 90 degree angle to a line drawn along the bridge of the muzzle.

Disqualification – Dropped ear or ears.

Skull size is moderate and in proportion to the body. The forehead is broad and flat, preferably with a distinct furrow extending from the stop to the top of the skull. Stop is moderate. Fault – Wrinkled or loose skin on the forehead. Muzzle is round, full, moderate in length with a broad base tapering towards the nose. Muzzle length is 40 percent of the total head length from occiput to nose tip. It is preferred that whiskers remain intact. Fault – Overly narrow or heavy muzzle. Lips are tight and black. Fault – Loose, saggy lips. Nose is black. For white dogs, faded black and snow noses are acceptable. Black is always preferred. Disqualification – Butterfly nose. Bite is scissors, with a full complement of strong, substantial, evenly aligned teeth. Fault – Missing teeth, unhealthy dentition. Tongue is pink. Fault – Black or spotted tongue.

Disqualification – Overshot or undershot bite.

NECK | TOPLINE | BODY

Neck is short, thick, arched, and is in proper angle and in balance with the head. Fault – Dewlap or loose skin on neck. Topline is straight and level to the base of the tail. Body is well muscled without the appearance of looseness or coarseness. Chest is well-developed reaching to the elbow; width is neither too narrow, nor too broad; depth measured from the withers to the lowest point of the chest is approximately 50 percent of the height of the dog at the withers. Ribs are moderately sprung. Tuck-up is tight and well-drawn. Back is strong and level. Loins are muscular.

TAIL

High-set with a strong, thick root well-curled over the back. Size of curled tail should be in balance with the head. The ideal tail curl forms a nearly complete circle. When let down, the tip of the guard hairs on the tail reaches almost [HF4] to the hock or extends past. The following tail curls are acceptable: single and double curl. The tail may lay on top of the back or on either side. Fault – Short tail.

Disqualification – Sickle tail or uncurled tail (while dog is in motion, not at rest).

FOREQUARTERS

Shoulders are moderately sloped forward and nicely developed. Adequate or moderate bone is essential. Elbows are set close to the body and turn neither in nor out. Forelegs and feet are moderately spaced, straight, and parallel. Pasterns are slightly slanted with 15 degrees being ideal. Presence of front dew claws preferred, but not necessary. Feet are round, tight, well-knuckled, and have a firm grip, often described as cat-like. Individual toes are similar in length. The nails should be short and strong. Pads are thick.

Fault – Flat or splayed feet.

HINDQUARTERS

Angulation of the hindquarters is moderate. Hind legs are thick and well developed, with a powerful grip, thrust. and stance. Upper thighs are well developed. The hocks are straight when viewed from the side and rear. Feet as in forequarters.

Fault – Cow or bow hocks.

COAT

Triple coated with the outer coat consisting of coarse, straight guard hairs that stand off the body. The two inner coats are under coats. One is thicker and somewhat soft, generally matching the coat color. The second is closest to the skin and is generally thicker and wool-like in texture and can be a different color than the guard coat. Tail guard hairs are much longer and fuller. The Japanese Akitainu should be presented in a natural state without trimming or shaping. Fault – Short, flat coat.

Disqualification – Long coat.

COLOR

Coat color is as specified herein, with the three allowed colors given equal consideration – red, brindle (of varying colors) and white. All colors are rich, clear, and bright. Red and brindle coats must possess urajiro (light cream or white underside shading).

For reds, the color should be vivid and robust. The white on the face should not be excessive. Omotejiro is the white or cream shading found on the sides of the muzzle and cheeks. Urajiro may appear on the underside of the jaw, neck, abdomen and tail, and on the inside of the legs; the red on the legs will fade in gradient to the white. A white-tipped tail is preferred.

Serious Fault – Black saddle.

For brindles, the pattern is defined as clearly marked dark fine streaks or stripes laid over a lighter background color. A brindle coat is identified as red brindle (of varying shades), black brindle, or a subtype called Shimofuri (grey/silver). Brindles may be self-masked or possess a white blaze that extends up the muzzle. The preferred brindle possesses roppaku (six points of white markings) which may be of varying degrees, on the muzzle, four paws, and tip of the tail. Urajiro for brindles may appear on the underside of the jaw, neck, abdomen, tail, and on the inside of the legs.

For reds and brindles – Faults – White blaze that extends from the muzzle to the back of the head (hachiware). Excessive ticking on legs or muzzle. Serious Fault – Wide white collar marking extending completely around the neck.

Disqualification – Pinto markings. Hachiware blaze that connects to a complete white collar.

For whites, color should be as bright as possible. Fault – Biscuit coloring on the ears, rear legs, back, shoulders and tail on a white dog.

Disqualification for all colors – Albinism. Black mask.

GAIT

Conveys stamina through brisk, powerful, and agile movement. Dogs of this breed take efficient strides, with moderate reach and drive as the back remains level.

TEMPERAMENT

The Japanese Akitainu is an alert, independent, dignified, and self-confident breed. They are loyal and protective of their family members. They can be reserved and aloof around non-family members, especially strangers, and some may be intolerant of other dogs, particularly dogs of the same sex. The Japanese Akitainu’s outward appearance reflects its inner spirit of calm, quiet strength, and courage.

Disqualification – Extreme shyness or aggressiveness.

SUMMARY

The most important breed characteristics of the Japanese Akitainu are: proper head, triple coat, curled tail, moderate angulation, moderate bone, well-balanced proportions, and confident disposition. Any appearance of excessive or inadequate bone or weight that would hinder the original breed function for mountain hunting should be penalized. Form, color, movement, and temperament must all be in harmony.

DISQUALIFICATIONS

Males under 25 inches; Females under 22½ inches. Dropped ear or ears. Butterfly nose. Overshot or undershot bite. Sickle tail or uncurled tail (when in motion). Long coat. For reds and brindles – Pinto markings, Hachiware blaze that connects to a complete white collar. For all colors – Albinism, Black mask. Extreme shyness or aggressiveness.

UKC

Breed standard and copyright: UKC, Kevin Izard-Carroll

UKC | United Kennel Club Breed Standard

GENERAL APPEARANCE

A large, well-balanced, sturdily built dog of the Spitz type. Males and females are clearly distinguishable from each other. The ratio of length (from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks) is slightly greater than the height (measured at the withers). Females are slightly longer; with males being more square.

Disqualifications – Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness.

Serious Faults – Overall poor condition. Loose skin.

CHARACTERISTICS

The Japanese Akita is known as a dignified, quick and agile breed. Overall balance is very important. The striking coat color, coat color patterns, angled ears, eye shape and deep coloration of irises define the exotic look of this breed. The Japanese Akita, is independent, smart and docile. It is also reserved, especially around strangers, which can give the impression of aloofness. They are loyal and highly protective of its family members.

HEAD

The head is proportionate to the body. Skin is tight and not wrinkled. When viewed from the front, the head must look as though it would fill a circle. The fullness of the cheeks, as well as the coat on the cheeks and neck, contribute to this look. The forehead is broad and flat, with a distinct furrow extending from the stop to the top of the skull.

MUZZLE

When viewed from the top of the head, the muzzle is round and full, tapering to a blunt triangle. The lips are tightly drawn and have dark pigment.

Serious Faults – Spotted tongue.

TEETH

The Japanese Akita has a complete set of good-sized, evenly spaced, strong white teeth meeting in a scissors bite.

Disqualifications – Overshot bite. Undershot bite.

NOSE

The nose is black. Flesh or liver-colored pigment is acceptable only on white dogs.

Disqualifications – Speckled nose.

EYES

The deep-set, triangular shaped eyes are relatively small and slightly raised at the outside corners. They are dark brown in color, the darker the better. Eye rims have thick, dark pigment, almost giving the appearance of eyeliner.

Serious Faults – Round eyes. Light eyes.

EARS

The wide-set, triangular ears are pricked and rather small in size, and rounded at the tip. They are thick and slightly cupped. Correct ears are angulated forward off the back of the neck, and area an extension of the angle of the neck.

Disqualification – Dropped ears.

NECK

The short, thick, muscular neck has a tight skin, and is in proper angle in balance with the head.

Serious Fault – Dewlap.

FOREQUARTERS

The shoulders are very moderately sloped forward, and developed. Adequate bone is essential.

FORELEGS

Forearms are straight, Elbows are tight, turning neither in nor out. Pasterns are slightly slanted, with 15 degrees being the ideal.

BODY

The chest is well-developed. The rib cage is full. The tuck-up is well-drawn up. The back is strong and level. The loin is muscular.

The hind legs are thick and well-developed, with a powerful grip, thrust and stance. The back legs are moderately angulated. The rear pasterns are straight when viewed from the side and rear.

Serious Faults – Cow hocks. Hocks turned out.

FEET

The feet are round (cat-like). They are tight, well-knuckled, and have a firm grip.

Eliminating Faults – Flat, splayed feet.

TAIL

The high-set, thick tail has a strong, thick root. It is well-curled over the back, When let down, it reaches almost to the hock. All of the following tail curls are acceptable: single, double, left, and right.

Eliminating Faults – Sickle tail. Uncurled tail (determined while the dog is in motion, not at rest).

COAT

The Japanese Akita is triple coated. The outer coat is a coarse, straight guard coat. The other two are under coats. One is thicker and somewhat soft, generally enhancing the coat color. The third is closest to the skin and is generally thicker and wool-like in texture.

Serious Faults – Short, flat coat.
Eliminating Faults – Long coat.

COLOR

Coat colors are clear and bright. Acceptable coat colors include: red; brindle, and white. Brindle is defined as a fine streaked or striped effect or pattern of black or tan hairs with hairs of a lighter or darker background color.

Brindles have the following basic colors in them: red, black, gray/silver, and white. All colors, except white, must have Urajiro (light cream or white markings or shading) on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of the jaw, neck, body and tail, and on the inside of the legs.

Disqualifications – Pinto markings. Black mask.

HEIGHT

Preferred height for males is from 24 to 27 inches. Preferred height for females is from 22.5 to 25.5 inches.

GAIT

Brisk, powerful and agile, conveying stamina. They are light on their feet. The dog will single track as speed increases.

ELIMINATING FAULTS

(A dog with an Eliminating Fault is not to be considered for placement in a conformation event, nor are they to be reported to UKC.)

Long coat.
Sickle tail – determined while the dog is in motion, not at rest.
Flat, splayed feet.

DISQUALIFICATIONS

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid
Viciousness or extreme shyness
Albinism
Overshot bite
Undershot bite
Pinto markings
Black mask
Dropped ears
Speckled nose

FCI

Breed standard and copyright: FCI

FCI | The Fédération Cynologique Internationale Breed Standard

FCI STANDARD

№ 255

ORIGIN

Japan

UTILIZATION

Companion dog

FCI-CLASSIFICATION

Group 5
Section 5
Spitz and primitive type
Asian Spitz and related breeds
Without a working trial

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.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS

The ratio of height at withers to length of the body (from the point of the shoulders to the point of the buttock) is 10:11, but the body is slightly longer in bitches than in dogs.

BEHAVIOUR AND TEMPERAMENT

The temperament is composed, faithful, docile and receptive.

HEAD

CRANIAL REGION

SKULL

The size is in proportion to the body. The forehead is broad, with the distinct furrow. No wrinkle.

STOP

Defined.

FACIAL REGION

NOSE

Large and black. Slight and diffuse lack of pigment accepted in white dogs only, but black is always preferred.

MUZZLE

Moderately long and strong with broad base, tapering but not pointed. Nasal bridge straight.

JAWS / TEETH

Teeth are strong with a scissor bite.

LIPS

Tight

CHEEKS

Moderately developed.

EYES

Relatively small, almost triangular in shape due to the rising of the outer eye corner, set moderately apart, dark brown: the darker, the better.

EARS

Relatively small, thick, triangular, slightly rounded at tips, set moderately apart, pricked and inclining forward.

NECK

Thick and muscular, without dewlap, in balance with the head.

BODY

BACK

Straight and strong.

LOIN

Broad and muscular.

CHEST

Deep, forechest well developed, ribs moderately well sprung.

BELLY

Well drawn up.

TAIL

Set on high, thick, carried vigorously curled over back; the tip nearly reaching hocks when letting down.

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS

SHOULDERS

Moderately sloping and developed.

ELBOWS

Tight.

FOREARMS

Straight and heavy-boned.

HINDQUARTERS

GENERAL APPEARANCE

Well developed, strong and moderately angulated.

FEET

Thick, round, arched and tight.

GAIT

Resilient and powerful movement.

COAT

HAIR

Outer coat harsh and straight, undercoat soft and dense; the withers and the rump are covered with slightly longer hair; the hair on the tail is longer than on the rest of the body.

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).

SIZE

HEIGHT AT THE WITHERS – There is a tolerance of 3 cm more or less.

DOGS

67 cm

BITCHES

61 cm

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.

Bitchy dogs/doggy bitches.
Undershot or overshot mouth.
Missing teeth.
Blue or black spotted tongue.
Iris light in colour.
Short tail.
Shyness.

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS

Aggressive or overly shy dogs.
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
Ears not pricked.
Hanging tail.
Long hair (shaggy).
Black mask.
Markings on a white ground.
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

JACA

Breed standard and copyright: JACA, Kevin Izard-Carroll

JACA | The Japanese Akitainu Club of America Breed Standard

*The JACA Standard was the first Japanese Akita standard written for the breed in the United States and served as the prototype for the UKC Japanese Akita Standard.

To current fanciers, the Japanese Akita is well known for its faithful and loyal companionship and is recognized as a symbol of courage and luck to the Japanese. An arrogant pride is clearly visible and his courage comparable to the Samurai warrior. Once used as a hunting dog, the Japanese Akita today is a devoted companion.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

This square upright dog, one of two large breeds in Japan, is well balanced, with well-developed muscles and tendons. The skin is free of wrinkles and not loose. The male and female are clearly distinguishable from each other. Japanese Akitas are dignified, quick, and agile. Balance is very important in the overall picture of the dog. Because of efforts made to restore the breed to its origins, upon first glance, an oriental look must be evident, as well as an expression of intelligence and air of aloofness.

HEAD

The head is in proportion to the body with no loose skin or wrinkling. When viewed from the front, the head should look as though it would fill a circle. The fullness of the cheeks as well as the coat on the cheeks and neck contribute to this look. The forehead is broad, flat with a distinct furrow extending from the stop toward the top of the skull.

EARS

The ears of a Japanese Akita are pricked and rather small in size, equally triangulated, thick and slightly cupped, and correctly angulated forward off the back of the neck. They are rounded at the tip and should be wide set.

EYES

Eyes should be relatively small, equally triangular in shape and slightly raised at the outside corners. They should be deep set, and dark brown in color – the darker the better. Eye rims should have very dark pigment, almost giving the appearance of eyeliner.

MUZZLE AND NOSE

When viewed from the top of the head, the muzzle should be round and full tapering to a blunt triangle but not pointed. Nose should be black with flesh or liver color permissible on white dogs only. Lips should be tightly drawn with no looseness and with dark pigment.

TEETH

Teeth should be strong and powerful and have a scissor-bite with no missing teeth.

NECK

Neck should be short, thick and muscular with tight skin and no dewlap. Neck has proper angle in balance with the head.

CHEST AND BODY

Well developed deep chest, with full rib cage and a well drawn up tuck up in abdomen. Back is strong and level with a broad and muscular loin. Males are square 10 to 10. Females may be slightly longer in proportion than males.

FOREQUARTERS

Shoulders are very moderately sloping forward and developed. Forearms are straight and elbows tight, neither turning in nor out. Adequate bone is essential for the proportion of dog. Pasterns are slightly slanted with 15 degrees the ideal.

HINDQUARTERS

The hind legs are thick and well developed with a powerful grip, thrust and stance. Back legs are moderately angulated with hocks neither turning in nor out.

FEET

Feet are cat-like, thickly padded, round, well knuckled and tight with a firm grip.

TAIL

Tail is set high with a strong thick root. Thick and well curled over the back. When let down, it nearly touches the hock. Types – acceptable tails are: single curl, double curl, three-quarter curl, left or right curl.

ANUS

Tight, clean and dark in color.

COAT

Triple coated. Outer coat is a coarse, straight guard coat. The other two coats are as follows: One is thicker and somewhat soft and generally enhances the coat color. The other is closest to the skin and is generally thicker and wool-like in texture.

COLOR

Acceptable coat colors are red, brindle and white. All colors except white must have urajiro (light cream or white markings or shading) on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, the underside of the jaw, neck, chest, body and tail, and on the inside of the legs. Colors should be clear and bright.

SIZE

Males, preferred is 24 ½ and over. Females, preferred is 22 ½ and over.

GAIT

Brisk, powerful, and agile with the impression of stamina. Light on the feet. The dog will single track as speed increases.

TEMPERAMENT

Independent and reserved, especially around strangers, the Japanese Akita can give the impression of being aloof. Confident, smart and docile, it is a loyal and highly protective companion to its family members.

FAULTS

Round eyes, light eyes, short flat coat. Missing teeth, over or under shot bite, spotted tongue, straight erect ears, flat splayed feet, any dewlap or loose skin, over all poor condition.

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS

Long coat, pinto markings, hood, mask, dropped ears, sickle or uncurled tail, cryptorchid or monorchid, butterfly or speckled nose, and overly aggressive or timid temperament.

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