The Dog Centre - for professional dog trainers in the UK

Japanese Akita Inu

General Appearance

Large, well-balanced, sturdily built dog of Spitz type. Very slightly longer than high.

  Below Average Above Key
Likelihood to wander     High  
Protectiveness     High  
Destructiveness     High  
Quietness     High  
Good with children   Medium    
Affinity to other dogs   Medium    
Size        
Lifespan       Below: < 10 years
Average: > 10 years
Above: > 15 years
Location       Below: Town only
Average: Town and Country
Above: Country only

Characteristics

Dignified. Broad head with relatively small eyes. Thick, triangular ears pricked and inclined forward. Distinctive tightly curled tail and markings.

Temperament

Aloof, docile and faithful.

Head and Skull

Head appears as a blunt triangle when viewed from above. Broad skull, free from wrinkle, with cheeks moderately developed. Defined stop with a distinct furrow. Muzzle straight, of good depth, tapering gradually. Lips tight. Nose large and black, except in white dogs where flesh coloured nose is acceptable.

Eyes

Relatively small, almond-shaped, moderately set apart and dark brown. Eye rims dark and tight.

Ears

Relatively small, thick, triangular, slightly rounded at tips. Set moderately well apart, pricked and inclining forward

Mouth

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

Neck

Thick and muscular, of moderate length, without dewlap. Pronounced crest blending with back of skull.

Forequarters

Shoulders well developed, moderately laid back. Elbows close to chest. Well boned. Forelegs straight when viewed from the front.

Body

Length from point of shoulder to point of buttock slightly greater than height at withers. Level back. Chest deep, forechest well developed, ribs moderately sprung. Well tucked up. Loin broad and muscular.

Hindquarters

Strong, muscular with moderate angulation. Well developed thighs. Moderate turn of stifle. Strong hocks, well let down, turning neither in nor out.

Feet

Round, arched and tight with thick pads. Turning neither in nor out. Dewclaws on hindlegs customarily removed.

Tail

Set high. Thick, full and of good length. Tightly curled over the back. Uncurled tail highly undesirable.

Gait

Vigorous and powerful with moderate length of stride.

Coat

Outer coat coarse, stand-off and straight. Slightly longer at withers and rump. More profuse on tail. Undercoat soft and dense. No indication of ruff or feathering.

Colour

Red-fawn; sesame; brindle; white. All the foregoing colours except white must have whitish coat on the cheeks, the sides of the muzzle, the inside of the legs and also the undersides of the jaw, neck, chest, body and tail (Urajiro).

Size

Height at withers: dogs 64-70cms (25 ¼-27 ½ ins); bitches 58-64 cms (22 ¾-25 ¼ ins).

Notes

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum




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