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Akita Inu

An Akita Inu
Other names	Great Japanese Dog (Obsolete) Japanese Akita
Country of origin	Japan
Traits Weight Male 34–54 kg (75–119 lb) Female 34-50 kg (75–110 lb) Height Male 61–66 cm (24–26 in) Coat Coarse, straight, with soft undercoat Color Red, fawn, sesame, brindle, or pure white Litter size 3–12 puppies, avg. 7–8 Life span 11–15 years
Classification and standards FCI Group 5 Section 5 #255 standard AKC Working standard ANKC Group 6 - (Utility) standard CKC Group 3 - (Working Dogs) standard KC (UK) Utility standard NZKC Utility standard UKC Northern Breeds standard

Red Akita Inu adult and puppy.

Description

Appearance

Temperament

Health

Mortality

White Akita female with pup

Grooming

Morbidity

• Canine herpesvirus, a strain of the Herpes virus that affects canines
• Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), a condition associated with bloat
• Pemphigus, which causes the immune system to attack the dog's skin (leading to pustules)
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an adult-onset condition which causes gradual degeneration in the eye cells (i.e. rods & cones)
• UveoDermatological Syndrome (UDS)^[5]
• Sebaceous adenitis, an autoimmune condition which attacks and destroys the dog's sebaceous glands
• Canine hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperkalaemia, as a breed, Akitas have abnormally high blood potassium concentrations compared to other breeds.
• Heart size, as a breed, Akitas have an unusually small heart for their size. .A number of Akitas have died while being operated on under the normal dose of general anaesthetic for a canine of that size, a dose which ultimately proved excessive and fatal to the Akita.^ A number of Akitas have died while being operated on under the normal dose of general anaesthetic for a canine of that size, a dose which ultimately proved excessive and fatal to the Akita.
  • Akita Inu 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC anydogbreed.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  
  ^ For that reason, to avoid anaesthetic-induced death, only the bare minimum dose of general anaesthetic sufficient to produce anaesthesia should be used when an Akita requires general anaesthesia.
  • Akita Inu 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC anydogbreed.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  
  ^ Akitas actually enjoy being an only dog and like most canines, they sleep when you’re not home.
  • November « 2009 « Caring for your dog 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.k4canines.com [Source type: General]
  
  For that reason, to avoid anaesthetic-induced death, only the bare minimum dose of general anaesthetic sufficient to produce anaesthesia should be used when an Akita requires general anaesthesia.

Gastric dilatation volvulus

• Gagging or retching with unsuccessful attempts at vomiting (frothy foam may come up instead)
• Distended abdomen (may or may not be noticeable)
• Discomfort and pain esp.^ Gagging or retching with unsuccessful attempts at vomiting (frothy foam may come up instead) Distended abdomen (may or may not be noticeable) Discomfort and pain esp.
  • Akita Inu 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC anydogbreed.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  
  ^ Symptoms of Bloat include excessive salivation, drooling, attempts to vomit or defecate and abdominal distension and intense pain.
  • Starchaser American Akita's 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC starchaserakitas.synthasite.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
  
  ^ If he comes to you, notice whether his tail is up and wagging or tucked.
  • Akita Temperament 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.tamarlane.com [Source type: Original source]
  • Temperament 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC akitarescue.rescuegroups.org [Source type: Original source]
  
  around the abdomen for no apparent reason—this may be observed as frequent pacing, an inability to find a comfortable position, whimpering, or wincing when pressure is applied to the abdomen
• Weakness
• Depression
• Breathing difficulty
• Hypersalivation and panting
• Possible cardiac problems such as arrhythmias
• Cyanosis (blue gums or skin) in severe cases from a lack of oxygen

History

The Akita "Tachibana" (one of the very few purebred Akitas that survived World War II) was used on a Japanese postage stamp.

.Japanese history, both verbal and written, describes the ancestors of the Akita Inu, the Matagi dog, as one of the oldest of the native dogs.^ Matagi-inu means hunting dog.

• cftab 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.tamarlane.com [Source type: Original source]

^ Matagi-inu, hunting dog .

• Britt's Akita Page 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC home.online.no [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ History The Akita's ancestors were dogs used for hunting.

• Akita puppies for sale Australia. Akita breed information & breeders links 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.pups4sale.com.au [Source type: News]

.The Akita Inu of today developed primarily from these dogs in the northernmost region of the island of Honshū in the Akita prefecture, thus providing the breed's name.^ It was named for the Akita Prefecture where it originated.

• Whispering Pines Akitas 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC users.usinternet.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ The Akita Inu of today developed primarily from these dogs in the northernmost region of the island of Honshū in the Akita prefecture, thus providing the breed's name.

• Akita Inu 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC anydogbreed.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ Colouring is also where the breeds differ , any dog with a black mask is not an Akita Inu.

• Akita or Akita Inu - Friends of Akitas Trust (UK), Rehoming Akitas around the UK 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.friendsofakitas.co.uk [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

.The Matagi's quarry included elk, antelope, boar, and Asian black bear.^ Accompanied by a hunter, they located, followed, and held or tackled bear, elk, and boar--activities which make them a hound.

• Akita Temperament 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.tamarlane.com [Source type: Original source]
• Temperament 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC akitarescue.rescuegroups.org [Source type: Original source]

^ The large game of this area consisted of boar, elk, and the small Yezo bear, like this one.

• Whispering Pines Akitas 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC users.usinternet.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ Some believe the dogs were originally bred for hunting such prey as wild boar, deer and black bear.

• Akita: Breed Information from Purina Dog Breed Library | Purina.com 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.ralston.com [Source type: General]

.This swift, agile, unswervingly tenacious precursor dog tracked large game and held it at bay until the hunters arrived to make the kill.^ This swift, agile, unswervingly tenacious precursor dog tracked large game and held it at bay until the hunters arrived to make the kill.

• Akita Inu 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC anydogbreed.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
• Petango.com - American Akita - Breed Profile, Description 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.petango.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ They simply tracked and held the bear at bay whilst the hunter did the killing.

• My pets would never bite, says Grangetown mum with 4 Akitas and 3 children - TS6 - Eston & Normanby 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC blogadmin.icnetwork.co.uk [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ For several hundred years, these dogs were used in male-female pairs to hold game such as bear, boar, deer at bay until the hunter arrived.

• Akita Inus 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.k9web.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
• rec.pets.dogs: Akitas Breed-FAQ 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

.Recent DNA analysis found that the Akita was among the most ancient dog breeds.^ Akita Breed of Dog - 5 results .

• Akita Breed of Dog: Free Encyclopedia Articles at Questia.com Online Library 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.questia.com [Source type: Academic]

^ The Akita Inu dog breed is a dominant breed.

• Akita Inu Dog Breed Explained 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.dog-breeds-explained.com [Source type: General]

^ The Akita is a large breed dog.

• Akita Inu Information, Pictures and Puppies: Japanese Akita | GreatDogSite.com 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.greatdogsite.com [Source type: General]

^[6]

.During World War II, the number of Akita dogs greatly diminished because of the lack of food.^ During World War II. the statue was confiscated for the production of weapons.

• Akita of Rasproki 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.akita-of-rasproki.eu [Source type: General]

^ Early in the war the dogs suffered from lack of nutritious food.

• Dog Owner's Guide Profile: The Akita 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.canismajor.com [Source type: General]

^ During World War II, the number of Akita dogs greatly diminished because of the lack of food.

• Akita Inu 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC anydogbreed.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
• Akita (Akita Inu) dog breed information with Akita (Akita Inu) Puppy Dog Breed Info.com. 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.puppydogbreedinfo.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

.There were also orders to capture all dogs except German Shepherds in order to use their fur for warm army uniforms.^ The police ordered the capture and confiscation of all dogs other than the German Shepherd Dogs, which were used as military dogs.

• The history of the Akita breed 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.moellgaard.dk [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ There were also orders to capture all dogs except German shepherds, in order to use their fur for warm army uniforms.

• Akita (Akita Inu) dog breed information with Akita (Akita Inu) Puppy Dog Breed Info.com. 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.puppydogbreedinfo.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
• Akita Dog Breed and Information 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.heydogs.com [Source type: General]

^ Only German Shepherds were spared because of their use as military dogs.

• cftab 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.tamarlane.com [Source type: Original source]

.During the occupation years following the war, the breed began to thrive again through the efforts of Morie Sawataishi and others.^ During the occupation years following the war, the breed began to thrive again through the efforts of Sawataishi and others.

• Akita Inu 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC anydogbreed.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
• Petango.com - American Akita - Breed Profile, Description 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.petango.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ During the occupation years following the war, the breed began to thrive again.

• Dog Owner's Guide Profile: The Akita 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.canismajor.com [Source type: General]

^ Later during World War II, servicemen took some home with them and the breed expanded.

• Japanese Akita Dog Breed | Dog Breeds | Dog Breed info 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.nutrecare.co.uk [Source type: General]

.For the first time, Akitas were bred for a standardized appearance.^ Akita were later bred with Hokkaido and Karafuto dogs, which were introduced to mainland Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War.

• Akita Dog Breed and Information 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.heydogs.com [Source type: General]

^ First was the story of Hachi-Ko, one of the most revered Japanese Akitas of all time.

• Dog Owner's Guide Profile: The Akita 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.canismajor.com [Source type: General]

^ Akita were later bred with Hokkaido and Karafuto dogs (also known as the Sakhalin Husky ), which were introduced to mainland Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War .

• Akita (Akita Inu) dog breed information with Akita (Akita Inu) Puppy Dog Breed Info.com. 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.puppydogbreedinfo.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

.Akita fanciers in Japan began gathering and exhibiting the remaining Akitas and producing litters in order to restore the breed to sustainable numbers and to accentuate the original characteristics of the breed muddied by crosses to other breeds.^ The Akita Inu Dog Breed is a large dog originating in Japan.

• Akita Inu Dog Breed Explained 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.dog-breeds-explained.com [Source type: General]

^ Ears-The ears of the Akita are characteristic of the breed.

• Starchaser American Akita's 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC starchaserakitas.synthasite.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ Akita fanciers in Japan began gathering and exhibiting the remaining Akitas and producing litters in order to restore the breed to sustainable numbers and to accentuate the original characteristics of the breed muddied by crosses to other breeds.

• Akita Inu 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC anydogbreed.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

.US servicemen fell in love with the Akita and imported many of them into the US upon and after their return.^ US servicemen fell in love with the Akita and smuggled many of them into the US when they returned.

• Dog Owner's Guide Profile: The Akita 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.canismajor.com [Source type: General]

^ US servicemen fell in love with the Akita and imported many of them into the US upon and after their return.

• Akita Inu 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC anydogbreed.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ All of us love Akitas dearly, but we're also the first to tell you that they are not a dog for everyone.

• http://www.lonestarakitaclub.org/brochure.htm 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.lonestarakitaclub.org [Source type: General]

.The Japanese Akita and American Akita began to diverge in type through the middle and later part of the 20th century with the Japanese Akita fanciers focusing on restoring the breed as a work of Japanese art and American Akita fanciers selecting for the larger, heavier-boned dogs that emerged from the post-war times.^ Akita Breed of Dog - 5 results .

• Akita Breed of Dog: Free Encyclopedia Articles at Questia.com Online Library 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.questia.com [Source type: Academic]

^ The Akita is a large breed dog.

• Akita Inu Information, Pictures and Puppies: Japanese Akita | GreatDogSite.com 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.greatdogsite.com [Source type: General]

^ Yes,they are related to the Akita.They are the smallest of the Japanese breeds of dog.

• Flickr: My Shiba Inu 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.flickr.com [Source type: General]

.Both types derive from a common ancestry, but marked differences can be observed between the two.^ Both types derive from a common ancestry, but marked differences can be observed between the two.

• Akita Inu 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC anydogbreed.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ To date, The AKC and CKC, guided by their national breed clubs, consider American and Japanese Akitas to be two types of the same breed, allowing free breeding between the two.

• Akita Inu 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC anydogbreed.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ The whole look is different between the American and Japanese type and this is what constitutes the mutually exclusive difference.

• cftab 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.tamarlane.com [Source type: Original source]

.First, while American Akitas are acceptable in all colors, Japanese Akitas are only permitted to be red, fawn, sesame, white, or brindle.^ Colour In Japan, Akitas come in only four colours: Red Fawn, Sesame (red fawn hairs with black tips), Brindle, and White.

• Akita puppies for sale Australia. Akita breed information & breeders links 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.pups4sale.com.au [Source type: News]

^ Akitas come in any color including white, brindle or pinto.

• Akita: Breed Information from Purina Dog Breed Library | Purina.com 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.ralston.com [Source type: General]

^ The Japanese Akitas comes in only four colours: Red Fawn, Sesame (red fawn hairs with black tips) Brindle and White.

• Akita Dog Breed and Information 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.heydogs.com [Source type: General]

.Additionally, American Akitas may be pinto and/or have black masks, unlike Japanese Akitas.^ He was a red pinto with a blaze and black mask.

• Whispering Pines Akitas 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC users.usinternet.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ Japanese vs. American Akitas .

• Whispering Pines Akitas 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC users.usinternet.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ The Pinto color is not accepted as a Japanese Akita color, but only as an American Akita color.

• Akita (Akita Inu) dog breed information with Akita (Akita Inu) Puppy Dog Breed Info.com. 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.puppydogbreedinfo.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
• Akita Dog Breed and Information 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.heydogs.com [Source type: General]

.Much debate occurs among Akita fanciers of both types whether there are or should be two breeds of Akita.^ Akitas in other countries are of both types.

• Akita Inus 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.k9web.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
• rec.pets.dogs: Akitas Breed-FAQ 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ Both types would still be Akitas.

• cftab 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.tamarlane.com [Source type: Original source]

^ There are two types of dog in this breed, the Akita Inu (found primarily in Japan) and the American Akita (found in most other countries).

• Akita Puppies for Sale 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.animaroo.com [Source type: General]

.To date, the American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club, guided by their national breed clubs, consider American and Japanese Akitas to be two types of the same breed, allowing free breeding between the two.^ Japanese type Akita .

• The history of the Akita breed 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.moellgaard.dk [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ Till the begun of the year 2000 were American Akitas unacceptable types of the Japanese national breed for the Japan.

• About American Akita 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.akita.sk [Source type: General]

^ The Japan Kennel Club and the FCI consider Dewa line Akitas to be a separate breed, called the Great Japanese Dog or the American Akita.

• Akita Dog Breed and Information 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.heydogs.com [Source type: General]
• Akita Dog Breed Info, Pic and Temperament 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.dogsobediencetraining.com [Source type: General]

.The FCI and Kennel Clubs in most other nations consider Japanese and American Akitas as separate breeds.^ The Japan Kennel Club and the FCI consider Dewa line Akitas to be a separate breed, called the Great Japanese Dog or the American Akita.

• Akita Dog Breed and Information 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.heydogs.com [Source type: General]

^ Akitas from Japan and Akitas from the U.S. and other countries are all registered with the American Kennel Club as "Akitas."

• Akita (Akita Inu) dog breed information with Akita (Akita Inu) Puppy Dog Breed Info.com. 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC www.puppydogbreedinfo.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

^ Japanese vs. American Akitas .

• Whispering Pines Akitas 31 January 2010 12:012 UTC users.usinternet.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

See also

• Hachikō
• Shiba Inu
• Nihon Ken Hozonkai
• Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin

Notes

1. ^ http://users.pullman.com/lostriver/breeddata.htm Dog Longevity Web Site, Breed Data page. Compiled by K. M. Cassidy. Retrieved July 5, 2007
2. ^ http://users.pullman.com/lostriver/weight_and_lifespan.htm Dog Longevity Web Site, Weight and Longevity page. Compiled by K. M. Cassidy. Retrieved July 5, 2007
3. ^ http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/570 Kennel Club/British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee. 2004. Purebred Dog Health Survey. Retrieved July 5, 2007
4. ^ http://www.vet.purdue.edu/epi/akita_final_2.pdf Akita Club of America National Health Survey 2000-2001. Prepared by Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine, L. Glickman, N. Glickman, and M Raghaven, in consultation with the Akita Club of America Health and Genetics Committee. Retrieved March 17, 2007
5. ^ http://www.jawt.co.uk/vkh.html
6. ^ Collie or Pug? Study Finds the Genetic Code

References

• Much of the content of this article comes from the equivalent Japanese-language wikipedia article (retrieved October 15, 2005).

External links

• Japanese Akita Inu Club
• The Akita Inu Forum
• Information about the Akita Inu
• Akita HeadQuarters—a pedigree database
• Akita Rescue

Spitz-type dogs Akita Inu · Alaskan Husky · Alaskan Klee Kai · Alaskan Malamute · American Akita · American Eskimo Dog · Black Norwegian Elkhound · Canaan · Canadian Eskimo Dog · Chow Chow · East Siberian Laika · Eurasier · Finnish Lapphund · Finnish Spitz · German Spitz · Greenland Dog · Guejae Gae · Hokkaido · Icelandic Sheepdog · Indian Spitz · Jämthund · Japanese Spitz · Kai Ken · Karelian Bear Dog · Keeshond · Kintamani · Kishu · Korean Jindo Dog · Labrador Husky · Lapponian Herder · Mackenzie River Husky · Norrbottenspets · Northern Inuit Dog · Norwegian Buhund · Norwegian Elkhound · Norwegian Lundehund · Pomeranian · Pungsan Dog · Russo-European Laika · Sakhalin Husky · Salish Wool Dog · Samoyed · Schipperke · Seppala Siberian Sleddog · Shiba Inu · Shikoku · Siberian Husky · Swedish Lapphund · Swedish Vallhund · Thai Bangkaew Dog · Volpino Italiano · West Siberian Laika

Categories: Dog breeds | Dog breeds originating in Japan | Dog breeds originating in Asia | Dog fighting breeds | Natural monuments of Japan | Working dogs

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