Akita Dogs - breed standard

The akita's general appearance is large, powerful, alert, with much substance and heavy bone.

Characteristics

Akitas are Large and have a broad head, with relatively small almond shaped eyes and upright ears, which are carried forward in line with back of the neck, their tails are curled and fall in line with their head.

Temperament

Akitas are loyal, dignified and make wonderful companions. They can be dominant over other dogs.

Head and Skull

The head is large and in balance with body, the skull is flat and the forehead is broad. The head forms a triangle shape when viewed from above. The muzzle is broad and strong, their cheeks are well developed. The nose is large and black and the lips are tight and black in colour. In white dogs a flesh colour pigmentation is permissible on nose and lips.

Eyes

The eyes are relatively small, triangular shaped and moderately set apart. They are dark brown in colour and the rims of the eyes are dark.

Ears

The ears are relatively small and thick and triangular in shape, they are carried forward over the eyes in line with back of the neck, they stand firmly and erect and are moderately set apart, the tips of the ear are slightly rounded.

Mouth

The Jaws are strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck

The neck is thick and muscular and comparatively short, widening gradually toward shoulders. A pronounced crest blends with the back of the skull.

Forequarters

The shoulders are strong, powerful and moderately laid back. The elbows are very tight. The forelegs are well boned and straight when viewed from front.

Body

The body is longer than it is high. The chest is wide and deep, the depth of the brisket is one-half height of dog at shoulder. Akitas have a well developed forechest. They have a Level back, firmly muscled loin. The skin is pliant but not loose.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are strong and muscular, with well developed thighs. Akitas have strong hocks, with only moderate angulation, well let down, turning neither in nor out.

Feet

The Akita's feet should be thick, well-knuckled and very tight, turning neither in nor out. The pads and nails are hard. Dewclaws on hind legs are customarily removed.

Tail

The Akita's tail is large and full, set high and carried over the back. The tail is a full or double curl, always dipping to or below the level of the back. The root is large and strong. The hair is coarse, straight and full with no appearance of a plume. A sickle or uncurled tail is viewed highly undesirable.

Movement

Akitas are resilient and vigorous with strides of moderate length. The back remains firm and level, the Hind legs move in line with front legs.

Coat

The outer coat is coarse, straight, and stands off the body. The undercoat is soft and dense. The coat at the withers and rump is approximately 5 cms (2 ins), which is slightly longer than on rest of body and is more profuse on the tail. The tail should have no indication of ruff or feathering.

Colours

The Akita can show many colours including white brindle or pinto. The colours are brilliant and clear. Some have markings, which are well defined with or without mask's or a blaze.

Size

The height at the withers in dogs is approximately: 66-71 cms (26-28 ins) and bitches are approximately 61-66 cms (24-26 ins).

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note: Male animals should have two normal testicles which are fully descended into the scrotum.