Akita

AKC Group: Working

Club: Akita Club of America

Corresponding Secretary : Lynn Morgan
Address: PO BOX 154, RICHMOND, KY , 40476-0154
Website: www.akitaclub.org
Email: MIDNITEAKITA@AOL.COM
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

Large, powerful, alert, with much substance and heavy bone. The broad head, forming a blunt triangle, with deep muzzle, small eyes and erect ears carried forward in line with back of neck, is characteristic of the breed. The large, curled tail, balancing the broad head, is also characteristic of the breed.

Size:

Males 26 to 28 inches at the withers; bitches 24 to 26 inches.

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

Temperament:

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

History:

The Akita is one of Seven Breeds designated as a National Monument in his native country of Japan. Bred as a versatile hunting dog in the rugged mountains of Northern Japan, the breed is a wonderful combination of dignity with good nature, alert courage and docility.

There is a spiritual significance attached to the Akita. In Japan they are affectionately regarded as loyal companions and pets, protectors of the home and a symbol of good health, when a child is born, the proud family will usually receive a small statue of an Akita signifying health, happiness, and a long-life. If a person is ill, friends will send a small statue of an Akita to express their wish for a speedy recovery.

The renowned Helen Keller is credited with bringing the first Akita into the United States in 1937. The breed's popularity in the United States following World War II may be attributed to American servicemen of the occupational forces, who so admired the noble dogs that they took them home to their families. They were attracted to the Akita because of the breed's intelligence and adaptability to different situations.

The Akita Club of America was founded in 1956. The breed was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book in October 1972, and to regular show classification in the Working Group beginning April 4, 1973.

Interesting Facts:

• The Akita is one of seven breeds designated as a national monument in his native country of Japan.
  
  
• There is a spiritual significance attached to the Akita; when a child is born in Japan, the proud family will usually receive a small statue of an Akita signifying health, happiness, and a long life.
  
  
• Despite its large size, the Akita is extremely affectionate and good with families.
  
  
• At one time, Akita ownership was restricted to the Imperial family and the ruling aristocracy; caring & feeding of the Akita were detailed in elaborate ceremony and special leashes were used to denote the Akita's rank and the standing of his owner.
  
  
• The Akita was first registered with the AKC in 1972.
  
  
• The Akita Club of American was founded in 1956.