Akita (dog breed)

Dog breed

Akita

Other names|

* Japanese Akita
* Great Japanese Dog
* Akita Inu
* Akita ken
* Kuma Inu

('Bearhound')
Origin| Japan
| Traits

Height|  Males|  64–71 cm (25–28 in)
|  Females|  58–66 cm (23–26 in)
Weight|  Males|  27–59 kg (60–130 lb)
|  Females|  25–45 kg (55–100 lb)
Coat|  Double coat
Colour|  Red, fawn, brindle, white. All with white fur on the ventral areas of the dog (urajiro).
Litter size|  3–12 puppies (avg. 7–8)
| Kennel club standards

Japan Kennel Club|  standard
standard
American Kennel Club|  standard
standard
Fédération Cynologique Internationale|  standard
standard
Notes| National dog of Japan,
Prefecture animal of Akita
Dog (domestic dog)

The Akita (秋田犬, Akita Inu, Akita-ken; Japanese pronunciation: [a.kʲi̥.ta(ꜜ) i.nɯ, -ta.keɴ][1]) is a Japanese dog breed of large size. Originating from the mountains of northern Japan, the Akita has a short double coat similar to that of many other northern spitz breeds. Historically, they were used by matagi for guarding and the hunting of bears.

The Akita is a powerful, dominant, and loyal breed, commonly aloof with strangers, but affectionate and deeply loyal to its family. As a breed, Akitas are generally hardy. However, it is subject to debate as to whether the Akita strains are distinct, or if they constitute one breed.[2][3][4]

## Breed name

[edit]

Debate exists among fanciers whether these are two separate breeds of Akitas. As of 2020, the American Kennel Club[5] now considers American and Japanese Akitas to be two separate breeds, no longer allowing free breeding between the two. The United Kennel Club,[6] the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI),[7] The Kennel Club,[8][9] the Australian National Kennel Council,[10] the New Zealand Kennel Club,[11][12] and the Japan Kennel Club[13] consider Japanese and American Akitas as separate breeds.[14] Some countries[which?] refer to the American Akita as simply the Akita and not the American Akita. The issue is especially controversial in Japan.[15] For the FCI's 84 countries, the breed split formally occurred in June 1999, when the FCI decided that the American type would be called the Great Japanese Dog,[14] later renamed the American Akita in January 2006.[14]

## History

[edit]

### Japanese history

[edit]

Akita Inu photographed around 1907 Hachikō Loyal Hachikō became legendary after waiting every day for his master to return at Shibuya Station in central Tokyo.

Since ancient times, hunting dogs called matagi dogs (マタギ犬) were kept in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan. The word matagi means hunter. The main targets of hunting were Asian black bears, Japanese serows, Japanese macaques, and rabbits. In Akita Prefecture, there was also a matagi dog called the Akita Matagi Inu (秋田マタギ犬), which is a medium-sized dog and is distinguished from the Akita Inu.[16] The direct ancestor of the Akita Inu was a dog kept as a guard dog and fighting dog by samurai and wealthy farmers in the Ōdate area, and was also known as the Ōdate dog (大館犬).

During the Edo period (1603–1867), the Akita region was ruled by the Satake clan of the Kubota Domain. The Satake West Family (佐竹西家), the castle keeper of Ōdate Castle, is said to have nurtured the fighting spirit of its vassals through dogfighting.[17]

It is not known exactly how Akita Inu became larger, but according to a "discussion on dogs by old people" held in 1931 in the then Ōdate Town, a famous dog named "Moku" was kept at the Jō'ō-ji Temple (浄応寺) in Ōdate, commonly known as Naka no Tera Temple (中の寺), in the late Edo period (1603–1867).[18] Moku was a dog born at the end of the Ansei era (1854–1860), lived through the fires of the Boshin War (1868–1869), and lived until 1871 or 1872. Moku was about 85 cm tall at the shoulder and was large enough to carry an adult on its back. Moku was a purely Japanese dog with erect ears and a curly tail, sesame (goma) in color, and long hair.[18] If this theory is to be believed, Akita Inu had become larger by the end of the Edo period at the latest.

In 1931, the Akita was officially declared a Japanese natural monument. The mayor of Odate City in Akita Prefecture organized the Akita Inu Hozonkai to preserve the original Akita as a Japanese natural treasure through careful breeding.[19]

In 1933, Heishiro Takaku (Takahisa), one of the early members of Nippo in Tokyo and later of the Nipponinu Kyokai (Nikkyo) in Osaka and Katsuichi (Shoichi) each published articles on a proposed Japanese dog standard, which Included the Akita dog. Akita dogs revealed the most non-uniformity at that time, when compared to medium and small Japanese dogs, due to being outcrossed to the Tosa fighting dog, and other Imported foreign dogs.[20][unreliable source?] In 1934, the first Japanese breed standard for the Akita Inu was listed, following the breed's declaration as a natural monument of Japan.[21]

The Akita breed was used during the Russo-Japanese War to track prisoners of war and lost sailors.[22] During World War II, the Akita was considered a non-military breed and was crossed with German Shepherds in an attempt to save them from the wartime government order for all non-military dogs to be culled.[23] Some were used as scouts and guards during the war.[22]

A native Japanese breed known as Matagi (hunting dog) was used along with the Hokkaido Inu breed to mix back into the remaining Akita dogs to restore the breed. There were many lines of Akita, but the most influential were the Dewa and Ichinoseki.[24] Both lines contributed to the foundation stock for both Akita types, and many exported dogs were a combination of these lines. According to one Japanese judge, the greatest difference between Japanese- and American-bred Akitas is that the latter still show much evidence of the Dewa strain.[25][unreliable source?] In the early 1900s, Dewa-line Akitas were heavily favoured and did well in show. Kongo-go (from the Heirakudo Kennel of Eikichi Hiraizumi) is considered to be the most influential dog of that line.[20][unreliable source?]

However, the Dewa-line later went into a decline because Japanese breeders felt that the Akita did not give the impression of a Japanese dog, so began to breed towards an ideal type reminiscent of other Nihon-ken. The Dewa line was stereotyped as the “German Shepherd” type, while the Ichinoseki line was referred to as the “Mastiff” type.[24][20] Thus, the Ichinoseki-line rose in popularity. Goromaru-Go was regarded as the most influential Akita of that line who, although did not perform well in show, produced outstanding Akita dogs when bred to Taihei and Nikkei lines from Southern Akita.[citation needed]

During the occupation years following the war, the breed began to thrive again through the efforts of Sawataishi and others.[26] Morie Sawataishi and his efforts to breed the Akita is a major reason this breed exists today.[27] For the first time, Akitas were bred for a standardized appearance.[28][unreliable source?] Akita fanciers in Japan began gathering and exhibiting the remaining Akitas and producing litters to restore the breed to sustainable numbers and to accentuate the ideal characteristics of the breed muddied by crosses to other breeds.[29] It was not until the 1960–1970s where the foxier Japanese type started to diverge from the typical American type.[30][citation needed]

The story of Hachikō helped push the Akita into the international dog world. Hachikō was born in 1923 and owned by Professor Hidesaburō Ueno of Tokyo.[31] Professor Ueno lived near the Shibuya Train Station in a suburb of the city, and commuted to work every day on the train.[19] Hachikō accompanied his master to and from the station each day.[19] On May 25, 1925, when the dog was 18 months old, he waited for his master's arrival on the four o'clock train, but Professor Ueno had suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage at work.[19] Hachikō continued to wait for his master's return.[19] He travelled to and from the station each day for the next nine years.[19] He allowed the professor's relatives to care for him, but he never gave up the vigil at the station for his master.[19] His vigil became world-renowned when, in 1934,[32] shortly before his death, a bronze statue was erected at the Shibuya train station in his honor.[19] This statue was melted down for munitions during the war, but a new one was commissioned after the war.[32] Each year on March 8 since 1936, Hachikō's devotion has been honoured with a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Tokyo's Shibuya railroad station.[33][34] Eventually, Hachikō's legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty, particularly to the person and institution of the Emperor.[35]

In 1967, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Akita Dog Preservation Society, the Akita Dog Museum was built to house information, documents and photos.[19] There is a tradition in Japan, that when a child is born they receive a statue of an Akita. This statue symbolizes health, happiness, and a long life.[36]

The Akita "Tachibana",[26] one of the few Akitas to survive the war, is pictured here on a Japanese 1953-issue postage stamp.

In 1937, Helen Keller travelled to Japan. She expressed a keen interest in the breed and was presented with the first two Akitas to enter the US.[37][unreliable source?] The first dog, presented to her by Mr. Ogasawara and named Kamikaze-go, died at 7+1⁄2 months of age from distemper, one month after her return to the States. A second Akita was arranged to be sent to Keller: Kamikaze's litter brother, Kenzan-go.[38] Keller nicknamed the dog Go-Go and they were great companions from day one. Go-Go even spent his first night at Keller's home sleeping at the foot of her bed.[39] Kenzan-go died in the mid-1940s.[40] By 1939, a breed standard had been established and dog shows had been held, but such activities stopped after World War II began.[citation needed] Keller wrote in the Akita Journal:

> If ever there was an angel in fur, it was Kamikaze. I know I shall never feel quite the same tenderness for any other pet. The Akita dog has all the qualities that appeal to me he is gentle, companionable and trusty.[41][42]

### American history

[edit]

A 9-week-old American AkitaA female American Akita

The Japanese Akita and American Akita began to diverge in type post-World War II due to America and Europe preserving the Akitas that fell out of favour in Japan, particularly the Dewa-types and dogs with the signature black mask or pinto marking. American Akitas are typically considered mixed by Japanese breeders (and not true Akitas by the Japanese standard).[citation needed] However, their phenotype predates the Japanese Akita by a few decades, and they are closer to pre-war Akitas like Hachiko.[30][page needed]

Helen Keller is credited with bringing the Akita to America after being given two Akitas by the Japanese government in 1938. By 1939, a breed standard was established, and dog shows began to be held, but this development was interrupted by World War II.[43] During this time, US servicemen serving as part of the occupation force in Japan first came into contact with the Akita. The breed so impressed them that many service members chose to bring an Akita back home with them upon completion of their tour.[citation needed]

Although both types derive from common ancestry, marked differences are seen between the two.[44] American Akitas generally are heavier boned and larger, with a more bear-like head, whereas Japanese Akitas tend to be lighter and more finely featured with a fox-like head.[14] Additionally, while American Akitas are acceptable in all colors, Japanese Akitas are only permitted to be red, white, or brindle. Additionally, American Akitas may be pinto and/or have black masks, unlike Japanese Akitas, where these are considered disqualifications and are not permitted in the breed standards.[citation needed]

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955, the Akita was placed in the Miscellaneous class. The AKC did not approve the Akita standard until 1972, and it was moved to the Working Dog class. As such, the Akita is a rather new breed in the United States. Foundation stock in America continued to be imported from Japan until 1974, when the AKC cut off registration to any further Japanese imports until 1992, when it recognized the Japan Kennel Club standards. This decision set the stage for the divergence in type between the American Akita and Japanese Akita Inu that is present today.[45]

Elsewhere in the world, one American Akita was first introduced to the UK in 1937. He was a Canadian import, owned by a Mrs. Jenson; the descendants of Mrs. Jenson live on today breeding American Akitas. The most widely known of these is Joseph Felton, an award-winning Akita breeder, but the breed was not itself widely known until the early 1980s.[40] The breed was introduced in Australia in 1982 with an American import and to New Zealand in 1986 with an import from the UK.[40]

## Gallery

[edit]

Long-coat Akita White Akita Akita hiking in Shpella e Pëllumbasit, Tirana, Albania Olympic figure-skating champion Alina Zagitova receiving a Japanese Akita in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Shinzō Abe

### Appearance

[edit]

As a spitz breed, the appearance of the Akita reflects cold-weather adaptations essential to their original function.[46] The Akita is a substantial breed for its height with heavy bones.[47] Characteristic physical traits of the breed include a large, bear-like head with erect, triangular ears set at a slight angle following the arch of the neck.[47] Additionally, the eyes of the Akita are small, dark, deeply set, and triangular in shape.[48] Akitas have thick double coats, and tight, well-knuckled, cat-like feet.[47] Their tails are carried over the tops of their backs in a gentle or double curl down the loin.[49]

Mature American-type males measure typically 26-28 in (66–71 cm) at the withers and weigh between 100 and 130 lb (45–59 kg).[47] Mature females typically measure 24-26 in (61–66 cm) and weigh between 70 and 100 lb (32–45 kg).[50] The Japanese type, as stated in the breed standards, is a little smaller and lighter.[51]

Breed standards state that all dog breed coat colors and patterns are allowable in the American Akita.[52] This includes the common Shiba Inu coloring pattern known as urajiro.[53] The Japanese Akitas, as per the breed standards, are restricted to red, fawn, sesame, brindle, and pure white, all with urajiro markings - whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of jaw, neck, chest, body, and tail, and on the inside of the legs.[8]

### Coat types

[edit]

The two coat types in the Akita are the standard coat length and the long coat.[54][55] The long coat is considered a fault in the show ring, however.[54][55] The long coat, also known as moku, is the result of an autosomal recessive gene and may occur phenotypically only if both sire and dam are carriers. They have longer (about 3-4 in long) and softer coats[56] and are known to have sweeter temperaments.[54][55] This gene is thought to come from the Karafuto Ken samurai dog.[57]

## Temperament

[edit]

The Akita is generally seen as territorial about its property, and can be reserved with strangers.[citation needed]

The breed has been defined in some countries' breed-specific legislation as a dangerous dog.[58][59][60][61] The Akita is a large, strong, independent, and dominant dog. A well-trained Akita should be accepting of nonthreatening strangers, otherwise they treat all strangers in an aggressive manner.[62]

A survey on canine behaviour in five 'ancient' breeds in Poland found the Akita to be the most aggressive towards other dogs with 59% of Akitas being reported to display aggression towards other dogs and animals. They were the second most likely to be aggressive towards humans with 13% of Akitas being reported to display aggression towards humans. Stereotypic behaviour was reported in 27% of Akitas, ranking it second out of the five breeds surveyed. Excessive vocalisation was only reported at 17% for the Akita, lower than the other breeds. Less than 10% of Akitas were reported to have separation anxiety, the lowest amount. 70% of all human directed aggression involved a visitor on the Akita's territory, highlighting the defensive nature of the breed.[63]

A Japanese study found that the CAG repeat polymorphism in the AR gene in the Akita Inu was correlated with increased reports of aggression in male Akita dogs, but not females.[64]

## Health

[edit]

### Autoimmune diseases

[edit]

Many autoimmune diseases are known to occur in the Akita, including:

* Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada syndrome,[65][66] also known as uveo-dermatologic syndrome, is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin and eyes.[67]
* Autoimmune hemolytic anemia[68] is an autoimmune blood disorder.[69]
* Sebaceous adenitis[70][71][72] is an autoimmune skin disorder believed to be of autosomal recessive inheritance.[70]
* Pemphigus foliaceus[73] is an autoimmune skin disorder, believed to be genetic.[74]
* Systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, is a systemic autoimmune connective-tissue disease that can affect any part of the body.[75]

### Immune-mediated endocrine diseases

[edit]

In addition to these, some immune-mediated endocrine diseases with a heritable factor can occur, such as:

* Hypoadrenocorticism, also known as Addison's disease, affects the adrenal glands and is essentially the opposite of Cushing's syndrome.[76]
* Diabetes mellitus, also known as type 1 diabetes, affects the pancreas.[76]
* Hypothyroidism,[77] also known as autoimmune hypothyroidism, is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland.[78]

### Nonimmune-specific conditions

[edit]

Other nonimmune-specific conditions known to have occurred in the Akita include:

* Gastric dilation, also known as bloat may progress to gastric dilatation volvulus, in which the stomach twists on itself.[79]
* Microphthalmia, meaning "small eyes", is a developmental disorder of the eye, believed to be an autosomal recessive genetic condition.[80]
* Primary glaucoma,[81] results increased pressure within the eyeball.[82]
* Progressive retinal atrophy[81][83] is a progressive degeneration of the retina (portion of the eye that senses light and allows sight).[82]
* Hip dysplasia[68] is a skeletal condition where the head of the femur does not fit properly into the hip socket it leads to osteoarthritis and pain.[84]
* Elbow dysplasia[68] is a skeletal condition in which the components of the elbow joint (the humerus, radius, and ulna) do not line up properly, leading to osteoarthritis and pain.[85]
* Von Willebrand disease,[86][87] is a genetic bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in Von Willebrand factor.[88]
* Cushing's syndrome, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, affects the adrenal glands, and is caused by long-term exposure to high levels of glucocorticosteroids, either manufactured by the body or given as medications.[76]

### Breed-specific conditions

[edit]

These breed-specific conditions are mentioned in veterinary literature:

* Immune sensitivity to vaccines, drugs, insecticides, anesthetics, and tranquilizers
* Pseudohyperkalemia is a rise in the level of potassium that occurs due to its excessive leakage from red blood cells (RBCs) when blood is drawn. This can give a false indication of hyperkalemia on lab tests, hence the prefix pseudo, meaning false.[75] This occurs because many East Asian breeds, including Akitas and Shiba Inus, have a higher level of potassium in their RBCs than other dogs.[89]

### Life expectancy

[edit]

A UK study found a life expectancy of 11.4 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.[90]

## Working life

[edit]

Predecessors of the modern Akita were used for hunting bear, wild boar, and deer in Japan as late as 1957.[91] They would be used to flush out the boar and keep it at bay until the hunter could come and kill it. Today, the breed is used primarily as a companion dog, but is currently also known to be used as therapy dogs,[92] and compete in all dog competitions, including conformation showing, obedience trials, canine good-citizen program, tracking trials, and agility competition,[93] as well as weight pulling, hunting, and Schutzhunde (personal protection dogs).[94]

## See also

[edit]

* Japan portal
* Dogs portal

* List of dog breeds
* Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin
* Hachi: A Dog's Tale
* Iwate Inu [ja]
* Kai Ken
* Kishu
* Lovely Muco
* Shikoku (dog)
* Tsugaru Inu [ja]

## References

[edit]

### Notes

[edit]

### Citations

[edit]

1. ^ NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute, ed. (24 May 2016). NHK日本語発音アクセント新辞典 (in Japanese). NHK Publishing.
2. ^ "The Loyal, Bear-Hunting Akita". Japan Powered. 2020-09-27. Retrieved 2022-05-24.
3. ^ Brearley, Joan McDonald (1985). The Book of the Akita. TFH. pp. 4–7\. ISBN 0866220488.
4. ^ "Akita | Breeds A to Z | The Kennel Club". www.thekennelclub.org.uk. Retrieved 2022-05-24.
5. ^ "Akita Breed Standard" (website). American Kennel Club. Archived from the original on 14 May 2011. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
6. ^ "Breed Standards" (website). United Kennel Club. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
7. ^ "FCI standard #344, American Akita". Federation Cynologique Internationale. Archived from the original (document) on 15 May 2006. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
8. ^ a b "UK Breed Standard for Japanese Style". The Kennel Club. Archived from the original (website) on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
9. ^ "UK Breed Standard for American Style". The Kennel Club. Archived from the original (website) on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
10. ^ "Australian Breed Standard". Australian National Kennel Council. Archived from the original (website) on 2015-02-28. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
11. ^ "NZ Standard for American Style". New Zealand Kennel Club. Archived from the original (website) on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
12. ^ "NZ Standard for Japanese Style". New Zealand Kennel Club. Archived from the original (website) on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
13. ^ "一般社団法人 ジャパンケネルクラブ" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-09-24.
14. ^ a b c d Kaluzniacki, Sophia. "The Akita Dilemma – One Breed or Two?: a historical perspective" (website). Tamarlane. Retrieved 19 May 2011.[unreliable source?]
15. ^ Itagaki, Dr. Shiro. "The Preservation and Development of Japanese Dogs" (PDF). Akita Learning Center. Retrieved 6 May 2011.
16. ^ 犬の研究社 (1936). Inu no Kenkyusha (ed.). 昭和日本犬の検討 [Examination of Showa Japanese dogs] (in Japanese). Inu no Kenkyusha. p. 16\. doi:10.11501/1229309.
17. ^ 大館市 (March 1979). Ōdate City History Compilation Committee (ed.). 大館市史 [Ōdate City History] (in Japanese). Vol. 1\. Ōdate City. p. 76\. doi:10.11501/9537893.
18. ^ a b Ono, Susumu (October 1931). "天然記念物に指定された秋田犬に就て" [On the Akita Inu designated as a natural monument]. Saito Hō'enkai Jiho (in Japanese). No. 58\. Saito Hō'enkai. pp. 11–13\. doi:10.11501/1564061.
19. ^ a b c d e f g h i Chida, Hiroshi (27 November 2003). "Odate museum honors national dog, the Akita". Stripes Pacific Travel. Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 30 April 2011.
20. ^ a b c "History of the Akita | Minamoto No Yorimitsu". www.m-n-y-akitas.nl. Retrieved 2022-10-09.
21. ^ Andrews, Barbara J. (1996). Akitas. N.J. USA: T.F.H. Publications Inc. p. 17\. ISBN 0-7938-2760-4.
22. ^ a b Allsopp, Nigel (2012). K9 Cops: Police Dogs of the World. Big Sky Publishing.
23. ^ "Akita Inu Breed History". Japanese Akita Inu Club Great Britain. Archived from the original on 13 January 2012. Retrieved 29 April 2011.
24. ^ a b "History Of The Akita Inu: 1 Of The Great Japanese Breeds – A Dog's Game". A Dogs Game. 2023-05-06. Archived from the original on May 13, 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
25. ^ "Website_Caccia - Akita". www.caccia.se. Retrieved 2022-09-20.
26. ^ a b "Morie Sawataishi: Saviour of Japan's Akita Samurai dog" (website). The Daily Telegraph. Japan. 11 December 2008. Archived from the original on 2022-01-12. Retrieved 6 May 2011.
27. ^ Sherrill, Martha (28 February 2008). Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain. City: Penguin Press USA. p. 256\. ISBN 978-1-59420-124-0. ISBN 978-1-59420-124-0
28. ^ "AKIKO". www.clubakita.ro. Archived from the original on 2018-02-07. Retrieved 2018-02-07.
29. ^ Kimura, Tatsuo. "A History Of The Akita Dog" (website). Akita Learning Center. Retrieved 6 May 2011.
30. ^ a b "Akita Pedigree". www.akitapedigree.com. Retrieved 2022-10-09.
31. ^ Killilea, David; Jenny Killilea (1988). The Akita Today. Glouchestershire, UK: Ringpress Books Ltd. pp. 15–16\. ISBN 1-86054-099-6.
32. ^ a b Andrews, Barbara J. (1996). Akitas. N.J. USA: T.F.H Publications Inc. pp. 21–22\. ISBN 0-7938-2760-4.
33. ^ American Kennel Club (listed author): The Complete Dog Book: The Photograph, History, and Official Standard of Every Breed Admitted to AKC Registration, and the Selection, Training, Breeding, Care, and Feeding of Pure-bred Dogs, Howell Book House, 1985, page 269. ISBN 0-87605-463-7.
34. ^ Ruthven Tremain, The Animals' Who's Who: 1,146 Celebrated Animals in History, Popular Culture, Literature, & Lore, Scribner, 1984, page 105. ISBN 0-684-17621-1. Accessed via Google Books August 21, 2008.
35. ^ Skabelund, Aaron Herald (23 September 2011). "Canine Imperialism". Berfrois. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
36. ^ "Akita History & Training/Temperament". www.akc.org. American Kennel Club. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
37. ^ "Helen Keller: First Akitas in the USA". Natural-akita.com. June 14, 1937. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
38. ^ Ogasawara, Ichiro. "Helen Keller and Akitas". Akita Learning Center. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
39. ^ Gibeault, Stephanie. "Hellen Keller, Accomplished & Inspirational Icon, Was a Lifelong Dog Lover". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 2022-02-10.
40. ^ a b c Killilea, David; Killilea, Jenny (1998). The Akita Today. Glouchester, U.K.: Ringpress. ISBN 1-86054-099-6.
41. ^ Rick Beauchamp. "The Akita Inu: The Voice of Japan". Dog & Kennel. Archived from the original on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 6 August 2011.
42. ^ "Helen Keller: First Akitas in the USA". Natural-akita.com. 14 June 1937. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
43. ^ "Helen Keller". Akita Club of America. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
44. ^ "The Two Akitas". DogChannel.com. Archived from the original on 2015-07-14. Retrieved 2015-07-13.
45. ^ "Akita Inu". starpetstore.com/. Archived from the original on 2021-09-24. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
46. ^ "Akita: Physical Characteristics". Pet MD.
47. ^ a b c d The Complete Dog Breed Book: Choose the Perfect Dog for You. Penguin. 2020-03-17. ISBN 978-0-7440-2234-6.
48. ^ Wallis, Sherry (20 January 2011). "Akita proportions". Dogs in Canada. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
49. ^ "American Kennel Club – Akita" (website). American Kennel Club. Archived from the original on 13 February 2015. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
50. ^ "Akita – Canada's Guide to Dogs" (website). Canada's Guide to Dogs. Archived from the original on 14 May 2011. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
51. ^ "Japanese-Akitainu AKC Standard" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2022-08-28. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
52. ^ "Akita Colors" (website). Tarmalane. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
53. ^ "Shiba Inu Appearance – My First Shiba Inu". 14 January 2016. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
54. ^ a b c "The Long Coat Akita: A Wonderful Variation - A Dog's Game". adogsgame.com. 2023-04-29. Archived from the original on 2023-12-11. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
55. ^ a b c Taylor, Jason (1996). Guide to Owning an Akita. United States: TFH Publications. p. 21\. ISBN 0-7938-1878-8.
56. ^ "Long Coat Akitas". DoubleTake. Archived from the original (website) on 2011-09-30. Retrieved 17 April 2011.[unreliable source?]
57. ^ Andrews, Barbara J. (1996). Akitas. NJ, United States of America: TFH Publications Inc. p. 16\. ISBN 0-7938-2760-4.
58. ^ "Anti-Canine Legislation Information". Akita Club of America. Archived from the original (website) on 10 June 2011. Retrieved 30 April 2011.
59. ^ "Changes to NYCHA's Pet Policy" (PDF). New York City Housing Authority Journal. 39 (4). New York City Government. April 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 January 2012. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
60. ^ "Restricted Dog Breeds". Bermuda Minister of the Environment. Archived from the original (website) on 2011-06-08. Retrieved 26 May 2010.
61. ^ "Dangerous Dogs". Department of Environment, Heritage, and Local Government. 2007. Archived from the original (website) on 2009-06-29. Retrieved 16 August 2009.
62. ^ "Akita Inu Dog Breed – Temperament & Personality". 3 August 2015. Archived from the original on 23 February 2018. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
63. ^ Wójcik, Anna; Powierża, Kinga (2021-05-17). "The Influence of Breed, Sex, Origin and Housing Conditions on Undesirable Behaviors in Ancient Dog Breeds". Animals. 11 (5). MDPI AG: 1435. doi:10.3390/ani11051435. ISSN 2076-2615. PMC 8156398. PMID 34067911.
64. ^ Konno, Akitsugu; Inoue-Murayama, Miho; Hasegawa, Toshikazu (2011-03-30). "Androgen receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with aggression in Japanese Akita Inu". Biology Letters. 7 (5). The Royal Society: 658–660\. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2011.0087. ISSN 1744-9561. PMC 3169042. PMID 21450727.
65. ^ Angles, J. M.; Famula, T. R.; Pedersen, N. C. (2005). "Uveodermatologic (VKH-like) syndrome in American Akita dogs is associated with an increased frequency of DQA1*00201". Tissue Antigens. 66 (6): 656–65\. doi:10.1111/j.1399-0039.2005.00508.x. PMID 16305682.
66. ^ Cottelll, Beverley D.; Barnett, K. C. (1987). "Harada's disease in the Japanese Akita". Journal of Small Animal Practice. 28 (6): 517–21\. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.1987.tb01445.x.
67. ^ Monaco, Marie. "Uveodermatologic Syndrome (UDS, VKH)". Samoyed Club of America. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
68. ^ a b c "Diseases of The Japanese Akita-Inu". Japanese Akita Club of America. Archived from the original on 2014-12-29. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
69. ^ Day, M.J (1999). "Antigen specificity in canine autoimmune haemolytic anaemia". Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology. 69 (2–4): 215–24\. doi:10.1016/S0165-2427(99)00055-0. PMID 10507306.2–4&rft.pages=215-24&rft.date=1999&rft_id=info:doi/10.1016/S0165-2427(99)00055-0&rft_id=info:pmid/10507306&rft.aulast=Day&rft.aufirst=M.J&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Akita+(dog+breed)" class="Z3988">
70. ^ a b Reichler, Iris M.; Hauser, Beat; Schiller, Irene; Dunstan, Robert W.; Credille, Kelly M.; Binder, Heinrich; Glaus, Toni; Arnold, Susi (2001). "Sebaceous adenitis in the Akita: Clinical observations, histopathology and heredity". Veterinary Dermatology. 12 (5): 243–53\. doi:10.1046/j.0959-4493.2001.00251.x. PMID 11906649.
71. ^ Spaterna, A.; Antognoni, M.T.; Cappuccini, S.; Tesei, B. (2003). "Sebaceous Adenitis in the Dog: Three Cases". Veterinary Research Communications. 27: 441–3\. doi:10.1023/B:VERC.0000014199.39879.bb. PMID 14535449. S2CID 30352408.
72. ^ Pedersen, Niels C. "Determining whether risk for sebaceous adenitis of Standard Poodles is associated with a specific DLA class II genotype" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
73. ^ Kuhl, K. A.; Shofer, F. S.; Goldschmidt, M. H. (1994). "Comparative Histopathology of Pemphigus Foliaceus and Superficial Folliculitis in the Dog". Veterinary Pathology. 31 (1): 19–27\. doi:10.1177/030098589403100103. PMID 8140722. S2CID 2609668.
74. ^ "Pemphigus". The Akita Association (UK). Archived from the original (website) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
75. ^ a b "Diseases in the American Akita" (PDF). Akita Rescue Mid-Atlantic Coast (USA). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2010-05-26. Retrieved 3 April 2011.
76. ^ a b c Bouyet, Barbara; Meyers, Alicia; Eltinge, Steve; Dodds, Jean (2002). Akita, Treasure of Japan. Vol. 2\. Thousand Oaks, California, USA: Magnum Publishing. pp. 268–269\. ISBN 0-9716146-0-1. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
77. ^ Kennedy, L. J.; Quarmby, S.; Happ, G. M.; Barnes, A.; Ramsey, I. K.; Dixon, R. M.; Catchpole, B.; Rusbridge, C.; Graham, P. A.; Hillbertz, N. S.; Roethel, C.; Dodds, W. J.; Carmichael, N. G.; Ollier, W. E. R. (2006). "Association of canine hypothyroidism with a common major histocompatibility complex DLA class II allele". Tissue Antigens. 68 (1): 82–6\. doi:10.1111/j.1399-0039.2006.00614.x. PMID 16774545. S2CID 358248.
78. ^ "The Akita – Diseases" (website). Akita Alumni Dog Club. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
79. ^ Bell, Jerold S. "Risk Factors for Canine Bloat". malamute health. Archived from the original (website) on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
80. ^ "Microphthalmia" (website). Canine Inherited Disorders Database. 1998. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
81. ^ a b Startup, F. (1986). "Hereditary eye problems in the Japanese akita". Veterinary Record. 118 (9): 251. doi:10.1136/vr.118.9.251-b (inactive 11 July 2025). PMID 3705415. S2CID 30453180.`{{cite journal}}`: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of July 2025 (link)
82. ^ a b Turner, Andrew; Hurn, Simon. "Eye Diseases and Information". All Animal Eye Services. Archived from the original (website) on August 5, 2009. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
83. ^ Clements, P. J. M.; Sargan, D. R.; Gould, D. J.; Petersen-Jones, S. M. (1996). "Recent advances in understanding the spectrum of canine generalised progressive retinal atrophy". Journal of Small Animal Practice. 37 (4): 155–62\. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.1996.tb01950.x. PMID 8731401.
84. ^ "Treatment Options for Mature Canine Hip Dysplasia (Osteoarthritis stage)" (PDF). Colorado State University. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
85. ^ "Dog Joint Problems". JointPainInDogs.com. Archived from the original (website) on 2011-10-02. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
86. ^ Dodds, Jean (2005). "Bleeding Disorders" (website). World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings. Retrieved 5 April 2011.
87. ^ Brooks, M. (1999). "A review of canine inherited bleeding disorders: Biochemical and molecular strategies for disease characterization and carrier detection" (PDF). Journal of Heredity. 90 (1): 112–8\. doi:10.1093/jhered/90.1.112. PMID 9987916.
88. ^ Anderson, Julie B.; Latimer, Kenneth S.; Bain, Perry J.; Tarpley, Heather L. "Von Willebrand's Disease". Veterinary Clinical Pathology Clerkship Program. Archived from the original (website) on 2011-09-18. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
89. ^ Battison, Andrea (2007). "Apparent pseudohyperkalemia in a Chinese Shar Pei dog". Veterinary Clinical Pathology. 36 (1): 89–93\. doi:10.1111/j.1939-165X.2007.tb00188.x. PMID 17311201.
90. ^ McMillan, Kirsten M.; Bielby, Jon; Williams, Carys L.; Upjohn, Melissa M.; Casey, Rachel A.; Christley, Robert M. (2024-02-01). "Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death". Scientific Reports. 14 (1). Springer Science and Business Media LLC: 531. Bibcode:2024NatSR..14..531M. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w. ISSN 2045-2322. PMC 10834484. PMID 38302530.
91. ^ "Bear hunting in Japan 1957". Raritan River Akita Club inc. Archived from the original (website) on 19 February 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
92. ^ "Working Akitas". Akita Network. Archived from the original (website) on 2012-01-11. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
93. ^ Andrews, Barbara J. (1996). "6 – Sport of purebred dogs". Akitas. N.J. USA: TFH Publications Inc. pp. 74–99\. ISBN 0-7938-2760-4.
94. ^ Taylor, Jason (1996). Guide to Owning an Akita. N.J. USA: T.F.H. Publications Inc. p. 54\. ISBN 0-7938-1878-8.

### Further reading

[edit]

* Skabelund, Aaron Herald (2011). Empire of Dogs: Canines, Japan, and the Making of the Modern Imperial World (A Study of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute) (print). Ithaca, NY: Columbia University. ISBN 978-0-8014-5025-9. ISBN 080145025X

## External links

[edit]

* Media related to Akita Inu at Wikimedia Commons
* Akita World. Bimonthly Akita Magazine (archived 27 September 2011)
* Japanese Akita Club of America

* v
* t
* e

Dogs originating in Japan

* Akita
* Hokkaido
* Japanese Chin
* Japanese Spitz
* Japanese Terrier
* Kai Ken
* Kishu
* Ryukyu dog
* Sakhalin Husky (ostensibly extinct)
* Shiba Inu
* Shikoku
* Tosa

See also: Japan Kennel Club • Nihon Ken Hozonkai

* v
* t
* e

Spitz-type dogs

Sled dogs|

* Alaskan husky
* Alaskan Malamute
* Canadian Eskimo Dog
* Chinook
* Chukotka sled dog
* Eurohound
* Greenland Dog
* Kamchatka Sled Dog
* Mackenzie River husky
* Samoyed
* Siberian Husky
* Yakutian Laika
* Sakhalin Husky

Hunting dogs|

* Black Norwegian Elkhound
* East Siberian Laika
* Finnish Spitz
* Hällefors Elkhound
* Hokkaido
* Jindo
* Kai Ken
* Karelian Bear Dog
* Karelo-Finnish Laika
* Kishu Ken
* Norrbottenspets
* Norwegian Elkhound
* Norwegian Lundehund
* Pungsan dog
* Russo-European Laika
* Shiba Inu
* Shikoku
* Jämthund
* Taiwan Dog
* West Siberian Laika
* Zerdava

Herding dogs|

* Cardigan Welsh Corgi
* Finnish Lapphund
* Icelandic Sheepdog
* Lapponian Herder
* Nenets Herding Laika
* Norwegian Buhund
* Pembroke Welsh Corgi
* Swedish Lapphund
* Swedish Vallhund

Asian breeds|

* Akita
* Bắc Hà dog
* Chow Chow
* Dikkulak
* Donggyeongi
* Hmong bobtail dog
* Indian Spitz
* Japanese Spitz
* Jeju dog
* Kintamani dog
* Nureongi
* Ryukyu dog
* Shar Pei
* Thai Bangkaew Dog

Companion dogs|

* Alaskan Klee Kai
* American Eskimo Dog
* Danish Spitz
* Eurasier
* German Spitz
* Keeshond (Wolfspitz)
* Pomeranian (Zwergspitz)
* Northern Inuit Dog
* Schipperke
* Tonya Finosu
* Volpino Italiano

Extinct breeds|

* Argentine polar dog
* Guejae Gae
* Hare Indian Dog
* Hütespitz
* Salish Wool Dog
* Tahltan Bear Dog

Types: Husky, Laika, Tugou

Authority control databases

National|

* United States
* Japan
* Czech Republic
* Israel

Other|

* Yale LUX

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template