Akita (dog breed)
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Origin | Japan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Notes | National dog of Japan, Prefecture animal of Akita | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dog ( domestic dog) |
The Akita (秋田, Akita, Japanese pronunciation: [akʲita]) 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 with its family. As a breed, Akitas are generally hardy. The two separate varieties of Akita are a pure Japanese strain, called Akita Inu or Akita-ken, and a larger mixed strain, commonly referred to as the "American Akita".[1] 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
Debate exists among fanciers whether these are two separate breeds of Akitas. As of 2020, the
History
Japanese history
Since ancient times, hunting dogs called matagi dogs (マタギ犬) were kept in the
During the Edo period (1603 - 1867), the Akita region was ruled by the Satake clan of the Kubota Domain. The Satake clan was a tozama daimyō (外様大名, lit. 'outside feudal lord') who was transferred from Hitachi Province due to his opportunistic attitude in the Battle of Sekigahara, and the Tokugawa shogunate strictly controlled the building of castles and military might within the clan.
In the Satake clan, the Satake main family resided in
It is not known exactly how Akita Inu became larger in size, 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
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
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 didn't perform well in show, produced outstanding Akita dogs when bred to Taihei and Nikkei lines from Southern Akita. Goromaru-Go then became foundation to further the Japanese type.
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 wasn't until the 1960-70's where the foxier Japanese type started to diverge from the typical American type.[30][citation needed]
The story of
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]
In 1937,
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
This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2021) |
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][citation 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
Appearance
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
The two coat types in the Akita are the standard coat length and the long coat.
Temperament
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.
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
Autoimmune diseases
Many autoimmune diseases are known to occur in the Akita, including:
- 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
In addition to these, some
- 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
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]
- 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]
- 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
These breed-specific conditions are mentioned in veterinary literature:
- Immune sensitivity to vaccines, drugs, insecticides, anesthetics, and tranquilizers
Life expectancy
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
Predecessors of the modern Akita were used for hunting bear, wild boar, and deer in Japan as late as 1957.
See also
- List of dog breeds
- Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin
- Hachi: A Dog's Tale
- Kai Ken
- Kishu
- Lovely Muco
- Shikoku (dog)
References
Notes
Citations
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- ^ "The Loyal, Bear-Hunting Akita". Japan Powered. 2020-09-27. Retrieved 2022-05-24.
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- ^ "Akita | Breeds A to Z | The Kennel Club". www.thekennelclub.org.uk. Retrieved 2022-05-24.
- ^ "Akita Breed Standard" (website). American Kennel Club. Archived from the original on 14 May 2011. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
- ^ "Breed Standards" (website). United Kennel Club. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
- ^ "FCI standard #344, American Akita". Federation Cynologique Internationale. Archived from the original (document) on 15 May 2006. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
- ^ a b "UK Breed Standard for Japanese Style". The Kennel Club. Archived from the original (website) on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
- ^ "UK Breed Standard for American Style". The Kennel Club. Archived from the original (website) on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
- ^ "Australian Breed Standard". Australian National Kennel Council. Archived from the original (website) on 2015-02-28. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
- ^ "NZ Standard for American Style". New Zealand Kennel Club. Archived from the original (website) on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
- ^ "NZ Standard for Japanese Style". New Zealand Kennel Club. Archived from the original (website) on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
- ^ "一般社団法人 ジャパンケネルクラブ" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-09-24.
- ^ a b c d Kaluzniacki, Sophia. "The Akita Dilemma – One Breed or Two?: a historical perspective" (website). Tamarlane. Retrieved 19 May 2011.[unreliable source?]
- ^ Itagaki, Dr. Shiro. "The Preservation and Development of Japanese Dogs" (PDF). Akita Learning Center. Retrieved 6 May 2011.
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- ^ 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.
- ^ a b c "History of the Akita | Minamoto No Yorimitsu". www.m-n-y-akitas.nl. Retrieved 2022-10-09.
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- ^ a b Allsopp, Nigel (2012). K9 Cops: Police Dogs of the World. Big Sky Publishing.
- ^ "Akita Inu Breed History". Japanese Akita Inu Club Great Britain. Archived from the original on 13 January 2012. Retrieved 29 April 2011.
- ^ a b "History Of The Akita Inu: 1 Of The Great Japanese Breeds - A Dog's Game". adogsgame.com. 2023-05-06. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
- ^ "Website_Caccia - Akita". www.caccia.se. Retrieved 2022-09-20.
- ^ 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.
- ISBN 978-1-59420-124-0
- ^ "AKIKO". www.clubakita.ro. Archived from the original on 2018-02-07. Retrieved 2018-02-07.
- ^ Kimura, Tatsuo. "A History Of The Akita Dog" (website). Akita Learning Center. Retrieved 6 May 2011.
- ^ a b "Akita Pedigree". www.akitapedigree.com. Retrieved 2022-10-09.
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- ^ ISBN 0-7938-2760-4.
- ISBN 0-87605-463-7.
- ISBN 0-684-17621-1. Accessed via Google Books August 21, 2008.
- ^ Skabelund, Aaron Herald (23 September 2011). "Canine Imperialism". Berfrois. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
{{cite journal}}
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(help) - ^ "Akita History & Training/Temperament". www.akc.org. American Kennel Club. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
- ^ "Helen Keller: First Akitas in the USA". Natural-akita.com. June 14, 1937. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
- ^ Ogasawara, Ichiro. "Helen Keller and Akitas". Akita Learning Center. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ Gibeault, Stephanie. "Hellen Keller, Accomplished & Inspirational Icon, Was a Lifelong Dog Lover". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 2022-02-10.
- ^ ISBN 1-86054-099-6.
- ^ Rick Beauchamp. "The Akita Inu: The Voice of Japan". Dog & Kennel. Archived from the original on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 6 August 2011.
- ^ "Helen Keller: First Akitas in the USA". Natural-akita.com. 14 June 1937. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
- ^ "Helen Keller". Akita Club of America. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
- ^ "The Two Akitas". DogChannel.com. Archived from the original on 2015-07-14. Retrieved 2015-07-13.
- ^ "Akita Inu". starpetstore.com/. Archived from the original on 2021-09-24. Retrieved 2021-09-24.
- ^ "Akita: Physical Characteristics". Pet MD.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7440-2234-6.
- ^ Wallis, Sherry (20 January 2011). "Akita proportions". Dogs in Canada. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
- ^ "American Kennel Club – Akita" (website). American Kennel Club. Archived from the original on 13 February 2015. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
- ^ "Akita – Canada's Guide to Dogs" (website). Canada's Guide to Dogs. Archived from the original on 14 May 2011. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
- ^ "Wayback Machine" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2022-08-28. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
- ^ "Akita Colors" (website). Tarmalane. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
- ^ "Shiba Inu Appearance – My First Shiba Inu". 14 January 2016. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
- ^ a b c "The Long Coat Akita: A Wonderful Variation - A Dog's Game". adogsgame.com. 2023-04-29. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
- ^ ISBN 0-7938-1878-8.
- ^ "Long Coat Akitas". DoubleTake. Archived from the original (website) on 2011-09-30. Retrieved 17 April 2011.[unreliable source?]
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- ^ "Anti-Canine Legislation Information". Akita Club of America. Archived from the original (website) on 10 June 2011. Retrieved 30 April 2011.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Restricted Dog Breeds". Bermuda Minister of the Environment. Archived from the original (website) on 2011-06-08. Retrieved 26 May 2010.
- ^ "Dangerous Dogs". Department of Environment, Heritage, and Local Government. 2007. Archived from the original (website) on 2009-06-29. Retrieved 16 August 2009.
- ^ "Akita Inu Dog Breed – Temperament & Personality". 3 August 2015. Archived from the original on 23 February 2018. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
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- ^ "Pemphigus". The Akita Association (UK). Archived from the original (website) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
- ^ 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.
- ^ ISBN 0-9716146-0-1. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
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- ^ "The Akita – Diseases" (website). Akita Alumni Dog Club. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
- ^ Bell, Jerold S. "Risk Factors for Canine Bloat". malamute health. Archived from the original (website) on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
- ^ "Microphthalmia" (website). Canine Inherited Disorders Database. 1998. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
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- ^ 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.
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- ^ "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.
- ^ "Dog Joint Problems". JointPainInDogs.com. Archived from the original (website) on 2011-10-02. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
- ^ Dodds, Jean (2005). "Bleeding Disorders" (website). World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings. Retrieved 5 April 2011.
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- ^ 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.
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- ^ "Bear hunting in Japan 1957". Raritan River Akita Club inc. Archived from the original (website) on 19 February 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
- ^ "Working Akitas". Akita Network. Archived from the original (website) on 2012-01-11. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
- ISBN 0-7938-2760-4.
- ISBN 0-7938-1878-8.
Further reading
- 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: ISBN 080145025X
External links
- Media related to Akita Inu at Wikimedia Commons
- Akita World. Bimonthly Akita Magazine (archived 27 September 2011)
- Japanese Akita Club of America