NIPPO STANDARD - 1956 |
AKIKYO STANDARD - 1954 |
AKIHO STANDARD - 1955 |
ACA/AKC STANDARD- 1972 |
General Appearance:
The Akita is a well-balanced dog, extremely sturdy and muscular with
plenty bone. The skin tight, not loose. The sex characteristics
clearly marked. |
General Appearance:
Distinct
sexual features of male and female. Balance of structure with
abundant bone, firm muscles, tendon and ligaments abounding in
resilience, covered by skin, with distinctive features of the breed.
Composure, dignity, agility, nimbleness, rapid adaptability to
changes to stand firm on the ground to manifest power when
necessary. |
Over-All 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. |
General Appearance:
Large,
powerful, alert, with such substance and heavy bone. The broad head,
forming a blunt triangle, with deep muzzle, small eyes and erect
ears carried forward in line with the back of neck, is
characteristic of the breed. The large, curled tail, balancing the
broad head, is also characteristic of the breed.
See Body:
Skin pliant but not loose. |
Height,
at shoulders, 25 to 27.5 inches, bitches 22.5 to 25 inches. The
Akita males' body properly longer than height, with the most
desirable proportion as 11 is to 10, bitches slightly longer than
males.
The proportion of height to the chest depth about as 2 is to 1. |
Height
for male:2 shaku 1 sun (63.6cm), approximately 25.05 inches) or
greater; height: body length ratio = 100:110.
Height of female:
2 shaku (60.6cm, approximately 23.9 inches); body` length is
slightly longer, allowable to 100:120, for pregnancy.
Ideal height: chest depth ratio = 2:1 |
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 to the depth of chest is 2 to 1.
See Over-All Body Structure:
In the dog (male) the ratio of height to body length is 100 to 110.
The bitch is slightly longer in length. |
Size:
Males
26 to 28 inches at the withers; bitches 24-26 inches.
Body:
Longer than high, as 10 is to 9 in males; 11 to 9 in bitches.
Chest wide and deep; depth of chest is one-half height of dog at
shoulder.
Ribs well sprung, brisket well developed. Level back with
firmly-muscled loin and moderate tuck-up. Skin pliant but not loose. |
Temperament:
The
Akita combines serenity and dignity, with not gaudy in overall
appearance, but possessing loyalty, nobility, and keenness. Although
the heavily frame, his demeanor indicates active and agile. |
Essential Qualities:
Strength,
calmness, dignity, with much kan-i (much spirit, great will, strong
character, courage and composure), with clear pristinely features.
Keen, discriminatory, affectionate, friendly and yet domineering at
times.
See Movement:
Abundance of composure, dignity, agility and adaptability to
changes. |
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. |
Temperament
Alert
and responsive, dignified and courageous. Aggressive toward other
dogs. |
Head:
Massive
in appearance, top of the skull slightly flat, and the forehead
showing broad, free from wrinkles. The stop well amount, and
definite furrow running alone the center of the forehead. The cheeks
fairly developed and fullness. |
Head and Cheeks:
Magnificent
head with much bone and muscles areas covered by tight skin with a
slight longitudinal crease and stop.
Well developed cheeks, skull and lower jaw bones with much muscle.
Full checks. |
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 checks are full. |
Head:
Massive but in balance with body; free of wrinkle when at ease.
Skull flat between ears and broad; jaws square and powerful with
minimal dewlap. Head forms a blunt triangle when viewed from above.
See General Appearance:
...broad head,...
See Muzzle:
Distance from nose to stop is to distance from stop to occiput as 2
is to 3.
Stop: Well defined, but not too abrupt. A shallow furrow extends
well up forehead |
Ears:
Erect
rather small, triangular in shape, thick and firm with carried
slightly forward, and well broad between the ears. |
Ears:
Triangular
from frontal view. Slightly blunt ear tips with no curled
appearance. Slightly inclined forward when viewed from the side and
erect. Properly short and thick appearance. Wide space between left
and right ear bases at top of head. |
Ears:
The
ears are thick, rather small, triangular in shape, and tilts
slightly forward. The lines are straight and the ears stand erect.
The distance between the ears are not narrow but not too wide. |
Ears:
The
ears of the Akita are characteristic of the breed. They are strongly
erect and small in relation to rest of head. If ear is folded
forward for measuring length, tip will touch upper eye rim. Ears are
triangular, slightly rounded at tip, wide at base, set wide on head
but not too low, and carried slightly forward over eyes in line with
back of neck. |
Eyes:
Deeply
set, rather triangular in shape, dark brown in color, and well apart
between the eyes |
Eyes:
Proper
distance between eyes which are somewhat triangular with deeply set
eyeballs in eye sockets. Upper and lower eyelids appear thick.
Straight lower eyelid. Dark brown iris with black tinge. |
Eyes:
The
shape of the eyes is approximately triangular. They are deep-set and
slightly slanted. The eye-rims are dark-brownish in color. The
distance between the eyes is proportionate. |
Eyes:
Dark
brown, small, deep-set and triangular in shape. Eye rims black and
tight. |
Muzzle and Nose:
The
muzzle fully developed, the bridge of the nose straight, and
thickset at the base, with not snippiness toward the nose. The nose
black in color, and the lips tightly closed. |
Muzzle and Nose:
Muzzle and cheek taper toward the tip of nose, when viewed from
above. From the side view, the bridge of the nose is straight and
the muzzle gradually tapers off. The nose is firm, black, glossy and
moist. The thick appearing lips are not loose and tightly drawn. |
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. |
Muzzle:
Broad
and full. Distance from nose to stop is to distance from stop to
occiput as 2 is to 3.
Stop:
Well defined, but not too abrupt. A shallow furrow extends well up
forehead.
Nose:
Broad and black. Liver permitted on white Akitas, but black always
preferred. (See Head: blunt triangle) |
Teeth:
Strong
and healthy, with correct scissors bite. |
Oral Cavity and Teeth:
The
oral cavity has the proper amount of area. In robust health, the
teeth have proper occlusion, normal occlusion (level bite). |
Teeth:
The
teeth are strong and have a scissor bite. |
Lips and Tongue:
Lips
black and not pendulous; tongue pink.
Teeth:
Strong with scissors bite preferred, but level bite acceptable. |
Neck:
Thick
and muscular, well arched, without loose skin. |
Neck:
Firm,
strong and moderately thick with proper union of frame as the
center, abounding in muscles covered by skin that is not loose, with
increasing sturdiness and thickness from the head to the upper arm
with proper joints and angle. |
Neck:
Neck
is thick and powerful. The skin around the neck is free of wrinkles
and the coat appropriately bristled. |
Neck and Body
Neck-
Thick and muscular; comparatively short, widening gradually toward
shoulders. A pronounced crest blends in with base of skull.
See Head:
...jaws square with minimal dewlap. |
Chest and Abdomen:
The chest fairly deep, and the brisket well developed. The ribs well
sprung, and the abdomen moderately tucked up. |
Chest and Abdomen:
Deep
and wide front chest with wedge and oval shaped properly expanded
ribs. Lower chest extends to the rear. Properly tucked up abdomen.
Boat bottom shaped from lower chest to abdomen. |
Chest and 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). |
See Body:
Chest is wide and deep,...
...moderate tuck-up.
Ribs well sprung, brisket well developed. |
|
Back and Hips:
The withers has a slight protuberance. Proper union of the thoracic
vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae and sacrum as the center of the back
bones covered by muscles, tendons and ligaments keep the back
straight and powerful. The lumbar vertebrae are joined properly to
the pelvic bone covered by powerful muscles and tendons, giving rise
to powerful hips. The anus is drawn in deeply and contracted with a
large oval outer circumference with no fur. |
Back and Hip:
The back is straight and the hip is powerful. |
See Body:
Level back with firmly-muscled loin and moderate tuck-up. Skin
pliant but not loose. |
Forequarters:
The
forelegs well developed, with the shoulder blades and the upper arms
moderately angulated. The elbows close to body, not loose. The
forearms straight, heavy-boned and strong. The pasterns slightly
slanting. The feet large, round and thick, compact with arched toes. |
Forelegs:
Proper
angulation of shoulder blade and upper arms. Elbows attached to
abundant muscles and sinews with resilience and tenacity. The upper
arm width decreases as the pastern is approached and is vertical to
the ground. The pastern protrudes slightly forward of the vertical
line when standing. The paws are thick and tightly gripped. |
Forelegs (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 has a firm grip. |
Forequarters and Hindquarters:
Forequarters:
Shoulders strong and powerful with moderate layback. Forelegs
heavy-boned and straight as viewed from front. Angle of pastern 15
degrees forward from vertical.
See Faults:
Elbows in or out, loose shoulders. |
|
Hind Legs:
The
hip bone (innominate bone) is connected to the thigh bone (femur)
with abundant resilient muscles and sinews. The femur is connected
to the shinbone (tibia) at the proper angle. The tibia with adequate
muscles is drawn slightly rearward and is springy. The hocks have a
distinct angle. The area from the hocks to pasterns are also
muscular and perpendicular to the ground in standing position.
Proper spacing between the left and right powerful hocks is slightly
wider than the space between the forelegs. The paw is thick with a
tight 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. |
Hindquarters:
Width,
muscular development and comparable to forequarters. Upper thighs
well-developed. Stifle moderately bent and hocks well let down,
turning neither in nor out.
Dewclaws:
On front legs generally not removed; dewclaws on hind legs generally
removed.
Feet:
Cat feet, well knuckled up with thick pads. Feet straight ahead. |
|
Tail:
Thick
and powerfully curled. Tip of tail touches the hock. Type of curl
include left, right, curl above back and loose curl. |
Tail:
The
tail is thick and tightly wound. The length of the tail when
extended must reach the hock joint. The type of curls are called
right curl, left curl, single straight, and double curl. |
Tail:
Large
and full, set high and carried over back or against flank in a
three-quarter, full or double curl, always dipping to or below level
of back. On a three-quarter curl, tip drops well down flank. Root
large and strong. Tail bone reaches hock when let down. Hair coarse,
straight and full, with no appearance of a plume.
See General Appearance:
The large curled tail, balancing the broad head, is also
characteristic of the breed. |
|
Coat:
Coarse
and straight outer coat. Fluffy, soft, luxuriant and distinct
undercoat. Neck coat slightly longer than body coat. Tail coat much
longer than neck coat, luxuriant and in a round mold. |
Coat:
The
outer coat is coarse and straight, while the under-coat is fine and
thick. The coat at the withers (shoulder region) and rump is
slightly longer than the rest of the body. The tail has the longest
coat. |
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. |
|
Color:
Black,
fox red, sesame (goma), black brindle, fox (yellow red) and white. |
Color of Coats:
White,
black, red, silver-tipped, brindle and pinto. |
Color:
Any
color including white; brindle; or pinto. Colors are brilliant and
clear and markings are well balanced, with or without mask or blaze.
White Akitas 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 color from outer coat. |
|
Movement:
Correct
impressive gait with proper center of gravity and stability with
minimum pitching of the body. Abundance of composure, dignity,
agility and adaptability to changes. |
|
Gait:
Brisk and powerful with strides of moderate length. Back remains
strong, firm and level. Rear legs move in line with front legs. |
Faults:
Posteriority
injury, too malnutrition and negligent care.
Objectionable color.
Too light eyes.
Level bite, missing or irregular teeth.
Dark spot on tongue.
Shyness, instability, ferocity.
Poor characteristic substance of the Akita. |
Minor Faults:
Acquired
injuries, malnutrition, and poor care.
Weak back and hips with concave (swayed) or convex (roach) backs.
Colors unbecoming of an Akita dog and resembling other breeds, e.g.
light red, pinto, yellow brindle are acceptable, but red brindle,
dark brown, dark brown goma (wheat red, chestnut red). Black coat on
back interpreted as a color of another dog breed.
Eye color not suitable to body color, such as very light and round
eyes.
Irregular teeth with overshot or undershot jaws. Missing teeth.
Lack of balance between tail coat and body. Tail with more than
double curl or with lack of curl.
Underdeveloped or one undescended testicle.
Frivolous, ferocious or frightened dogs. |
Minor Faults:
Permanent
injury and dietary deficiency.
Color of coat unbecoming to an Akita.
Undesirable color combination of coat and eye rim.
Loss of tooth or teeth. Undershot and overshot jaws.
Black spotting on tongue.
Lacking in courage, being timid, or displaying ferociousness or
otherwise lacking the qualities suitable for Akitas. |
Faults:
Narrow
or snippy head.
Elbows in or out, loose shoulders.
Any indication of ruff or feathering.
Serious Faults:
Light bone, rangy body. |
Disqualifications:
Congenital
drop ear and ears.
Congenital uncurled tail.
Congenital excessive short or long coat.
Much overshot or undershot.
Any other color than black nose, liver nose acceptable only on white
dog.
Lack of testicles and testicles.
Lack of characteristic substance of the Akita. |
Disqualifications:
Lacking
distinctive features of an Akita dog.
Pronounced overshot or undershot jaw with missing upper and lower
front teeth.
Very short coat since birth. Absence of undercoat.
Ears unbecoming of Japanese dog breed.
Coat unbecoming of a Japanese dog breed. Long coat or moku coat.
Nose color not accompanying body color (tolerated only in white
dogs).
Uncurled tail since birth. Sickle or short tail.
Underdeveloped and undescended testicle(s). |
Major Faults:
Floppy
ears by birth (ears failing to stand)
2.Straight tail by birth.
Excessively long or short coat.
Color of nose not matching the color of coat. (reddish or pink nose
acceptable with white coat).
Bilateral or unilateral cryptorchidism.
Other defects detracting from the qualities of Akitas. |
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. |