Akita (dog)

• Group 5: Spitz and primitive types
• Section 5: Asian Spitz and related breeds

• Without working trial

Japan

Akita Ken, Japanese Akita, Akita Inu,秋田 犬(Japanese Kanji ) ,あきたいぬ(Japanese hiragana )

Males: 67 ± 3 cm Females: 61 ± 3 cm

30-45 kg

The Akita (Japanese秋田, even Akita Inu ) is recognized by the FCI breed of dog from Japan (FCI Group 5, Section 5, Standard No. 255).

Origin and History

About the origin of the Japanese Akita breed, there are many studies and research, and even more opinions. The name comes from today's Akita Prefecture ( around the city Odate ). The additions Inu and Ken, the formerly belonged to racial names, dog mean. Uchida is of the opinion that these dogs were already found in pre-historic times in Japan. The Japanese zoologist Shozaburo Watase (渡 瀬 庄三郎jap ) sees the origin of the breed in high northern dogs, who immigrated with people around the Japanese Islands.

First depictions of dogs that resembled this type of dog, date back to the 2nd century BC as earthen grave goods, typically erect ears and curled over the back tail. On bronze bells, which originated around the same time, is also of this type of dog to find a relief. The former dogs were smaller than today's Akitas. Dr. Watase distinguishes between three geographical types: one extreme north, a northern and a southern. Adapted depending on the circumstances and the conditions of life saw these types of dogs varies. The Northern was large, long-haired, mostly white and with the typical curled over the back tail, this is one of the ancestors of present-day Akita.

However, the precise evolutionary history of the breed can not be clearly traced. The only certainty is that these dogs are a part of Japanese history and culture. Japanese understood this fact already in the beginning of the 20th century, and as part of the efforts to preserve this breed, they declared in July 1931 Akita natural monument of Japan, as the first of seven typical Japanese dog breeds. Export from Japan until 1945 even banned.

The most famous Akita is the dog Hachikō.

Description

The Akita is a Japanese Spitz. Two manifestations of the breed were bred before 1999, namely the Japanese described here and the American type (American Akita ). The race was divided by the FCI in two races in 1999. Since then, the Japanese guy to wear only the name " Akita ", the words " Inu " ( Japanese for " dog " ) is omitted. The American Akita is run as a separate breed in the FCI since 1 January 2000.

The Akita is a large, well proportioned dog with a height up to 70 cm, of sturdy build, robust constitution; the withers to body length ratio is 10:11,. His stature is strong and muscular. What is striking is his broad forehead with the typical frontal furrow. The ears are small, triangular, rather thick, upright, tilted forward. The coat is hard, coarse outer coat, but with a softer undercoat. In the colors Red fawn, sesame (red fawn hairs with black tips), brindle, white, undercoat soft and dense. The tail is curled carried on the back.

Genetics

According to published in 2010 genetic analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms of 912 dogs and 225 wolves Akitas are one of the dogs in which strong evidence of a later addition of wolves in their history were found. When Akita were (like the Dingo, the Chow Chow and Shar Pei ) evidence of an admixture of Chinese wolves found. At the same time Akitas are one of the dogs that are genetically delimited greatly from most other investigated breeds and as " ancient breeds " (originally "ancient breeds " ) are referred to. Within these dogs belong Akitas with the New Guinea Dingo, the Chow Chow, the Dingo and the Shar- Pei to " Asian group ".

Race Typical diseases

Sebaceous adenitis sometimes happens in the race, is this is an inflammatory skin disease in which autoimmune reaction takes place by a progressive destruction of the sebaceous glands. Pemphigus foliaceus also occurs more frequently in this breed.

When Akita reduced red blood cells ( microcytosis ) are physiological.

Nature

The Akita is an intelligent, quiet, robust, powerful dog, which shows a pronounced hunting and protective behavior. The breed was first bred in its history as a hunting dog, and later watch and guard duties were added. The corresponding behaviors are preserved and maintained in breeding. Akitas have a large personal space and do not like strange dogs near her. Tourist humans to show Akitas usually friendly, even reluctant or indifferent. Akitas are independent and self-confident as a European working dog breeds and do not behave submissively.