{"id":7214,"date":"2021-08-01T13:34:47","date_gmt":"2021-08-01T13:34:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/naftasquad.home.pl\/autoinstalator\/wordpressplugins3\/?page_id=7214"},"modified":"2024-03-26T19:21:07","modified_gmt":"2024-03-26T19:21:07","slug":"breed-standard","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/japaneseakitanation.com\/?page_id=7214","title":{"rendered":"BREED STANDARD"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1457475393340{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 50px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1631904142542{margin-top: -90px !important;}”]Photo for Zipangu Musashi Kou by Dontsova Ella<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”BREED STANDARD” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:55|text_align:center|line_height:2″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text animation_loading=”no” animation_loading_effects=”fade_in”]<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.
\nDog shows act as a wonderful guide for breeders to ensure they are on the right path for developing their dogs.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”7624″ img_size=”100×100″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.akc.org”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”7657″ img_size=”100×100″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.ukcdogs.com\/home”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”7662″ img_size=”100×100″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”http:\/\/www.fci.be\/en\/”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”7688″ img_size=”100×100″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https:\/\/akita-inu.com”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_tta_tour style=”modern” shape=”square” color=”white” spacing=”5″ alignment=”center” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section title=”AKC” tab_id=”1625757500098-1b35261c-c151″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Breed standard and copyright: AKC, Kevin Izard-Carroll<\/a><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” animation_loading=”no” animation_loading_effects=”fade_in”]<\/p>\n

AKC | American Kennel Club Breed Standard<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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GENERAL APPEARANCE<\/h3>\n

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 T\u014dhoku 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.<\/p>\n

The moderately angulated Japanese Akitainu is exhibited naturally without trimming of whiskers, styling, or color enhancements.<\/p>\n

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SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE<\/h3>\n

Males 25 to 27\u00bd inches at the withers; females 22\u00bd 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.<\/p>\n

Disqualification<\/strong> \u2013 Males under 25 inches; females under 22\u00bd inches.<\/em><\/p>\n

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HEAD<\/h3>\n

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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

Disqualification<\/strong> \u2013 Dropped ear or ears.<\/em><\/p>\n

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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 \u2013 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 \u2013 Overly narrow or heavy muzzle. Lips are tight and black. Fault \u2013 Loose, saggy lips. Nose is black. For white dogs, faded black and snow noses are acceptable. Black is always preferred. Disqualification \u2013 Butterfly nose. Bite is scissors, with a full complement of strong, substantial, evenly aligned teeth. Fault \u2013 Missing teeth, unhealthy dentition. Tongue is pink. Fault \u2013 Black or spotted tongue.<\/p>\n

Disqualification<\/strong> \u2013 Overshot or undershot bite.<\/em><\/p>\n

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NECK | TOPLINE | BODY<\/h3>\n

Neck is short, thick, arched, and is in proper angle and in balance with the head. Fault \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

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TAIL<\/h3>\n

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 \u2013 Short tail.<\/p>\n

Disqualification<\/strong> \u2013 Sickle tail or uncurled tail (while dog is in motion, not at rest).<\/em><\/p>\n

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FOREQUARTERS<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Fault<\/strong> \u2013 Flat or splayed feet.<\/em><\/p>\n

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HINDQUARTERS<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Fault<\/strong> \u2013 Cow or bow hocks.<\/em><\/p>\n

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COAT<\/h3>\n

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 \u2013 Short, flat coat.<\/p>\n

Disqualification<\/strong> \u2013 Long coat.<\/em><\/p>\n

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COLOR<\/h3>\n

Coat color is as specified herein, with the three allowed colors given equal consideration \u2013 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).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Serious Fault<\/strong> \u2013 Black saddle.<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

For reds and brindles \u2013 Faults \u2013 White blaze that extends from the muzzle to the back of the head (hachiware). Excessive ticking on legs or muzzle. Serious Fault \u2013 Wide white collar marking extending completely around the neck.<\/p>\n

Disqualification<\/strong> – Pinto markings. Hachiware blaze that connects to a complete white collar.<\/em><\/p>\n

For whites, color should be as bright as possible. Fault \u2013 Biscuit coloring on the ears, rear legs, back, shoulders and tail on a white dog.<\/p>\n

Disqualification for all colors<\/strong> \u2013 Albinism. Black mask.<\/em><\/p>\n

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GAIT<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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TEMPERAMENT<\/h3>\n

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\u2019s outward appearance reflects its inner spirit of calm, quiet strength, and courage.<\/p>\n

Disqualification<\/strong> \u2013 Extreme shyness or aggressiveness.<\/em><\/p>\n

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SUMMARY<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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DISQUALIFICATIONS<\/h3>\n

Males under 25 inches; Females under 22\u00bd 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 \u2013 Albinism, Black mask. Extreme shyness or aggressiveness.<\/p>\n

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[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”UKC” tab_id=”1627771434438-cead4820-59b0″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Breed standard and copyright: UKC, Kevin Izard-Carroll<\/a><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” animation_loading=”no” animation_loading_effects=”fade_in”]<\/p>\n

UKC | United Kennel Club\u00a0<\/strong>Breed Standard<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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GENERAL APPEARANCE<\/h3>\n

A large, well-balanced, sturdily built dog of the Spitz type.\u00a0Males and females are clearly distinguishable from each other.\u00a0The 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.<\/p>\n

Disqualifications<\/strong> \u2013 Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness.<\/em><\/p>\n

Serious Faults<\/strong> \u2013\u00a0Overall poor condition. Loose skin.<\/em><\/p>\n

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CHARACTERISTICS<\/h3>\n

The Japanese Akita is known as a dignified, quick and agile breed. Overall balance is very important.\u00a0The striking coat color, coat color patterns, angled ears, eye shape and deep coloration of irises define the exotic look of this breed.\u00a0The 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.<\/p>\n

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HEAD<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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MUZZLE<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Serious Faults<\/strong> \u2013\u00a0Spotted tongue.<\/em><\/p>\n

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TEETH<\/h3>\n

The Japanese Akita has a complete set of good-sized, evenly spaced, strong white teeth meeting in a scissors bite.<\/p>\n

Disqualifications<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Overshot bite. Undershot bite.<\/em><\/p>\n

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NOSE<\/h3>\n

The nose is black. Flesh or liver-colored pigment is acceptable only on white dogs.<\/p>\n

Disqualifications<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Speckled nose.<\/em><\/p>\n

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EYES<\/h3>\n

The deep-set, triangular shaped eyes are relatively small and slightly raised at the outside corners.\u00a0They are dark brown in color, the darker the better.\u00a0Eye rims have thick, dark pigment, almost giving the appearance of eyeliner.<\/p>\n

Serious Faults<\/strong> \u2013 Round eyes. Light eyes.<\/em><\/p>\n

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EARS<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Disqualification<\/strong> \u2013 Dropped ears.<\/em><\/p>\n

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NECK<\/h3>\n

The short, thick, muscular neck has a tight skin, and is in proper angle in balance with the head.<\/p>\n

Serious Fault<\/strong> \u2013 Dewlap.<\/em><\/p>\n

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FOREQUARTERS<\/h3>\n

The shoulders are very moderately sloped forward, and developed. Adequate bone is essential.<\/p>\n

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FORELEGS<\/h3>\n

Forearms are straight, Elbows are tight, turning neither in nor out. Pasterns are slightly slanted, with 15 degrees being the ideal.<\/p>\n

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BODY<\/h3>\n

The chest is well-developed. The rib cage is full. The tuck-up is well-drawn up.\u00a0The back is strong and level. The loin is muscular.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Serious Faults<\/strong> \u2013 Cow hocks. Hocks turned out.<\/em><\/p>\n

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FEET<\/h3>\n

The feet are round (cat-like). They are tight, well-knuckled, and have a firm grip.<\/p>\n

Eliminating Faults<\/strong> \u2013 Flat, splayed feet.<\/em><\/p>\n

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TAIL<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Eliminating Faults<\/strong> \u2013 Sickle tail. Uncurled tail (determined while the dog is in motion, not at rest).<\/em><\/p>\n

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COAT<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Serious Faults<\/strong> \u2013\u00a0Short, flat coat.
\n<\/strong><\/em>Eliminating Faults<\/strong> \u2013 Long coat.<\/em><\/p>\n

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COLOR<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Disqualifications<\/strong> \u2013 Pinto markings. Black mask.<\/em><\/p>\n

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HEIGHT<\/h3>\n

Preferred height for males is from 24 to 27 inches. Preferred height for females is from 22.5 to 25.5 inches.<\/p>\n

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GAIT<\/h3>\n

Brisk, powerful and agile, conveying stamina. They are light on their feet. The dog will single track as speed increases.<\/p>\n

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ELIMINATING FAULTS<\/h3>\n

(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.)<\/small><\/p>\n