NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Akita Inu

The Akita-秋田 or Akita Ken-秋田犬(kanji)・アキタケン(katakana) is a Breed of large dog originating in Japan, named for Akita Prefecture, where it is thought to have originated. "Inu"-犬 means "dog" in Japanese, although in practice this animal is nearly always referred as "Akita-ken," based on the Sino-Japanese reading of the same kanji. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1151x702, 127 KB) Other versions here. ... FÃ©dÃ©ration Cynologique Internationale (FCI) (English, World Canine Organization), is an international Kennel Club based in Thuin, Belgium. ... Â© The American Kennel Club (or AKC) is the largest registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States. ... The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) is the peak body in Australia responsible for promoting excellence in breeding, showing, trialling, obedience, and other canine-related activities and the ownership of temperamentally and physically sound purebred dogs by responsible individuals across Australia. ... The Canadian Kennel Club (or C.K.C.) is the primary registry body for purebred dog pedigrees in Canada. ... The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom is a club aiming to improve the relationships between dogs and their owners. ... The New Zealand Kennel Club is an organisation responsible for dog pedigree registration services in New Zealand. ... The United Kennel Club (or UKC) is the second oldest all-breed registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States and the second largest in the world. ... Akita (ç§‹ç”°, autumn ricefield) is a Japanese surname and the name of serveral places. ... Japanese writing Kanji Kana Hiragana Katakana Hentaigana ManyÅgana Uses Furigana Okurigana RÅmaji ) are the Chinese characters that are used in the modern Japanese logographic writing system along with hiragana (å¹³ä»®å), katakana (ç‰‡ä»®å), and the Arabic numerals. ... Katakana ) is a Japanese syllabary, one component of the Japanese writing system along with hiragana, kanji, and in some cases the Latin alphabet. ... Trinomial name Canis lupus familiaris The dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a domestic subspecies of the wolf, a mammal of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. ... Akita Prefecture ) is located in the TÅhoku Region of northern Japan. ... Sino-Japanese refers to that portion of the Japanese vocabulary that originated in the Chinese language or has been created from elements borrowed from Chinese. ... Japanese writing Kanji Kana Hiragana Katakana Hentaigana ManyÅgana Uses Furigana Okurigana RÅmaji ) are the Chinese characters that are used in the modern Japanese logographic writing system along with hiragana (å¹³ä»®å), katakana (ç‰‡ä»®å), and the Arabic numerals. ...

Quick Facts

KG, kg or Kg can refer to several things: Kilogram, the SI base unit of mass. ... A centimetre (American spelling centimeter, symbol cm) is a unit of length that is equal to one hundredth of a metre, the current SI base unit of length. ... An inch (plural: inches; symbol or abbreviation: in or, sometimes, â€³ - a double prime) is the name of a unit of length in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... A guard dog, watch dog, or sentry dog is a dog employed to guard against, or watch for, unwanted or unexpected animals or people. ...

Appearance

The breed stands 24 to 28 inches at the withers (60 to 71 cm). Females weigh anywhere from 70-100 pounds (30-45kg). Males are 75-120 pounds (35-55 kg). In Japan, Akitas come in only four colours: Red Fawn, Sesame (red fawn hairs with black tips), Brindle, and White. All except white must have whitish hair on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, the neck, chest, body and tail. The withers is the highest point on an animals back, on the ridge between its shoulder blades. ...

All colors are accepted in the American Akita. The Pinto color is not accepted as a Japanese Akita color, but only as an American Akita color. In the U.S., however, some breeders still interbeed the original Japanese type with the heavier American type, which is larger, and allows more colors. It is felt by a few that combining the two types leads to improved appearance and genetic health by increasing genetic diversity. In the United States, there is only a single Akita breed, whereas they are separated into two breeds in every other country in the world except Canada. Akitas from Japan and Akitas from the U.S. and other countries are all registered with the American Kennel Club as "Akitas." In other countries the breed has been separated into two breeds: the Akita and the American Akita. However, the American Akita is acknowledged by many knowledgeable American breeders as being a different breed than the Japanese and these breeders advocate a splitting of the one breed into two.

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Temperament

Although the American Kennel Club has put the Akita in the Working Group, several different breeds contributed to the modern Akita, some hunting dogs and some dogs used as competitive fighting dogs, however it must be made clear that the common 'Japanese Fighting Dog' moniker is inaccurate. While the Akita's ancestry may lie with dogs used for fighting (see the Edo Period below) the modern day Akita is a long way from this and indeed most good breeders will not breed from dogs that are known to have aggressive natures. In general the Akita is very laid back, and has an easy-going temperament which makes it a very good family environment pet. Â© The American Kennel Club (or AKC) is the largest registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States. ... The Working Group is a kennel club designation for purebred dog breeds descended from dogs bred to assist humans with their work. ...

Akitas are a large breed, not a giant breed. They are excellent house dogs. They require only a moderate amount of exercise. Akitas are known to be very quiet dogs, only barking "when there is something to bark about".

The two most outstanding characteristics of the Akita as a house pet are that they are very clean and that they are very easy to house break. Akitas have been described as almost "cat-like," as they are clean and odorless. This may also be one of the reasons why they housebreak so easily. Most Akitas respond so well to housebreaking that they are trained in a matter of weeks, although it may take longer if other "slower learning" dogs are present. Housebreaking is the process of training a domesticated animal that lives with its human owners in a house to urinate and defecate outdoors, or in a designated indoor area, rather than all over the house. ...

As far as the family children are concerned, there are few worries. Akitas are devoted, patient friends and protectors of children. Akitas are typically very gentle with children, and it is said that Japanese mothers often left their children with only the Akitas to watch over and protect them. Remember, however, that young children should never be left unattended with a pet. And while an Akita may love "his" children, he will not necessarily love their friends, especially when they run around the yard and scream. When raised indoors with children, they can be excellent companions.

Left unattended in the backyard or in a kennel, they tend to develop "personality" problems and become very destructive to the yard, which is due to boredom. They are highly pack oriented, thus, isolating them from the pack (i.e., the owner) causes them great stress.

Akitas tend to be stubborn and require a firm but loving education where "no" always means "no" and never "whatever".

The Akita is a dominant dog who may expect other dogs to be submissive. If they fail to live up to the Akita's expectations, incidents can happen.

Akitas have a high and well-developed prey drive, particularly to small animals, including cats. An Akita is not likely to shower affection on someone that is not a member of his family or a close friend that he sees frequently, and can be extremely aloof. Akitas properly socialized and raised with other animals usually accept them as members of the family.

The loyalty and devotion displayed by an Akita is phenomenal. The typical pet Akita will follow you from room to room, yet has the uncanny ability not to be underfoot. Your Akita lives his life as if his only purpose is to protect you and spend time with you. This trait is evident in the tale of Hachikō. Picture of HachikÅ, age unknown. ...

Akitas may, however, have a tendency to be very aggressive to other dogs and small animals and have a strong prey drive.^[1] It is not uncommon for an Akita to catch and kill small (or even large) animals (including cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and small dogs) if it is allowed to wander and should therefore never be allowed to run off its lead around other animals.^[2]

Health

Mortality

Akitas in UK and USA/Canada surveys had a median lifespan of about 10 years,^[3] which is similar to other breeds of their size .^[4]

In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (32%), cardiac (14%), and gastrointestinal, including bloat/torsion (14%) ^[5]. In a 2000-2001 USA/Canada Health Survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (21%), GDV (=bloat/torsion, 21%), musculoskeletal (15.5%), and autoimmune (7%) ^[6]

Morbidity

Canine herpesvirus (CHV) is a virus of the family Herpesviridae which most importantly causes a fatal hemorrhagic disease in puppies less than two to three weeks old. ... In colloquial use, herpes virus refers to the herpes simplex virus, particularly when transmitted sexually. ... Bloat, also known as torsion, gastric torsion, and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a medical condition in which the stomach becomes overstretched by excessive gas content. ... Pemphigus is an autoimmune disorder that causes blistering and raw sores on skin and mucous membranes. ... An abscess is a collection of pus collected in a cavity formed by the tissue on the basis of an infectious process (usually caused by bacteria or parasites) or other foreign materials (e. ... Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a genetic disease of the retina that occurs bilaterally and is seen in certain breeds of dogs. ... Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH syndrome) is a condition seen in humans and dogs characterized by uveitis (inflammation of the inside of the eye), poliosis (whitening of hair), vitiligo (loss of pigment in the skin), and meningitis, although dogs with this syndrome rarely develop meningitis. ... Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH syndrome) is a condition seen in humans and dogs characterized by uveitis (inflammation of the inside of the eye), poliosis (whitening of hair), vitiligo (loss of pigment in the skin), and meningitis, although dogs with this syndrome rarely develop meningitis. ... Adenitis is a general term for an inflammation of a gland or lymph node. ... The sebaceous glands are glands found in the skin of mammals. ... This article covers Hip dysplasia, a condition affecting the hip joint, which occurs in humans but is more commonly associated with animals, especially dogs (Canine hip dysplasia). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Gastric Dilatiation Volvulus (GDV = "Bloat" or "Torsion")

Akita owners should take special note of the high incidence of GDV (Gastric dilatation volvulus) in this breed. Excess gas trapped in the dog's stomach causes "bloat." Twisting of the stomach (volvulus or "torsion") causes or is caused by excess gas. GDV is an emergency condition requiring immediate veterinary treatment. Akita owners should be alert to the symptoms of GDV and know the location of the nearest emergency veterinary facility. (surgery complication) and gastric volvulus; see also abdominal discomfort. ...

History

The Akita's ancestors were dogs used by matagi for hunting. These dogs, usually called matagi inu, were not as large as modern Akita dogs. Many of these dogs were used as guard dogs. They were also used in the sport of hunting bears. Matagi also refers to an island in Fiji. ...

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Edo Period

In the Edo Period, Dewa Province (present-day Akita prefecture) was ruled by the Satake clan. Since the Satake were tozama daimyo (considered potentially rebellious), they received severe restrictions by the Tokugawa Shogunate in all military areas. The clan decided to encourage dog fighting around 1630 in order to make it possible for the samurai to retain their aggressive edge in a way that would not offend the shogunate. Dog fighting became especially popular in the Odate area. Dog fighting enthusiasts in the area began to interbreed matagi inu with dogs indigenous to the area. These dogs, which later turned into the Akita, were called Odate inu at that time. The Edo period ), also called Tokugawa period, is a division of Japanese history running from 1603 to 1868. ... Dewa (å‡ºç¾½å›½; -no kuni) is an old province of Japan, which today composes Yamagata prefecture and Akita prefecture, except for the city of Kazuno and the town of Kosaka. ... Satake clan (ä½ç«¹æ°)- Japanese clan that had the pinnacle of its power during the 16th century. ... Daimyo Matsudaira Katamori visits the residence of a retainer. ... The Tokugawa shogunate or Tokugawa bakufu (å¾³å·å¹•åºœ) (also known as the Edo bakufu) was a feudal military dictatorship of Japan established in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu and ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family until 1868. ... Two dogs fighting Dog fighting is a physical fight between canines, sometimes involving the pitting of two dogs against each other for the entertainment of spectators, and for the purpose of gambling. ... Events February 22 - Native American Quadequine introduces Popcorn to English colonists. ... For other uses, see Samurai (disambiguation). ... Categories: Cities in Akita Prefecture | Japan geography stubs ...

Before World War II

After the Meiji Restoration, people began to breed Akita with many dogs from other regions in Japan, such as the Tosa. The Meiji Restoration also ended Japan's closed door policy, and large, western dogs began to enter Japan. As a result, Akita were also bred with German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Mastiffs. This resulted in the breed losing many of its spitz-like characteristics. Akita were later bred with Hokkaido and Karafuto dogs (also known as the Sakhalin Husky), which were introduced to mainland Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War. The Meiji Restoration ), also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution, or Renewal, was a chain of events that led to enormous changes in Japans political and social structure. ... The Tosa is a breed of dog of Japanese origin that is considered rare. ... Country of origin Germany Classification Breed standards (external links) FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC KC(UK), NZKC, UKC The German Shepherd Dog (known also as the Alsatian or Schäfer(hund)) is an intelligent breed of dog. ... The Great Dane is a breed of dog known for its giant size and gentle personality. ... Mastiffs are a group of large, solidly built breeds of dogs typically with heavy bones, pendant ears, a relatively short and well-muscled neck, and a short muzzle. ... Spitz-type breeds of dog (the correct German plural is Spitze, though Spitzen is commonly used in the United States) are characterized by long, thick, and often white fur, and pointed ears and muzzles. ... The Hokkaido (åŒ—æµ·é“çŠ¬ HokkaidÅ-ken or HokkaidÅ-inu) is a breed of dog. ... The Sakhalin Husky, also known as the Karafuto-Ken, is a breed of dog used as a sled dog. ... Combatants Qing Empire (China) Empire of Japan Commanders Li Hongzhang Yamagata Aritomo Strength 630,000 men Beiyang Army Beiyang Fleet 240,000 men Imperial Japanese Army Imperial Japanese Navy Casualties 35,000 dead or wounded 13,823 dead, 3,973 wounded The First Sino-Japanese War (Simplified Chinese: ; Traditional Chinese...

In the Taisho Period, people such as the mayor of Odate Town began a movement to preserve the Akita breed. By this time, the Akita had begun to turn into a mixed breed as a result of excessive breeding with other dogs. Watase Shozaburo, a Japanese zoologist that successfully proposed the Law for Protection of Natural Monuments (天然記念物保護法) also worked towards preserving the Akita breed. As a result, the Akitainu Introduction Foundation (秋田犬保存会) was created in May 1927 by the mayor of Odate, and nine Akita dogs were designated as natural monuments in 1931. In 1932, the faithful Akita dog Hachikō was featured in an article in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, which contributed to the popularity of the breed. When Helen Keller visited Akita prefecture in 1937, she expressed that she would like to have an Akita dog. An Akita called Kamikaze-go was given to her within a month. When Kamikaze-go later died because of canine distemper, his brother, Kenzan-go, was promptly sent to her. By 1938 a breed standard had been established and dog shows had been held, but such activities stopped after World War II began. History of Japan Paleolithic Jomon Yayoi Yamato period ---Kofun period ---Asuka period Nara period Heian period Kamakura period Muromachi period Azuchi-Momoyama period ---Nanban period Edo period Meiji period Taisho period Showa period ---Japanese expansionism ---Occupied Japan ---Post-Occupation Japan Heisei The Taisho period (大正 Taishō, lit. ... Zoology (Greek zoon = animal and logos = word) is the biological discipline which involves the study of animals. ... Year 1927 (MCMXXVII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1931 (MCMXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1931 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1932 (MCMXXXII) was a leap year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1932 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Picture of HachikÅ, age unknown. ... Asahi-OSAKA office Asahi is a common name in Japan, for other uses see Asahi. ... Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 â€“ June 1, 1968) was a deafblind American author, activist and lecturer. ... Year 1937 (MCMXXXVII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Canine distemper is a viral disease affecting animals in the families Canidae, Mustelidae, Mephitidae, Procyonidae, and possibly Felidae (though not domestic cats; feline distemper or panleukopenia is a similar, but different, virus exclusive to cats). ... Year 1938 (MCMXXXVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki TÅjÅ Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000...

The War and its aftermath

During World War II, the number of Akita dogs greatly diminished because of the lack of food. There were also orders to capture all dogs except German shepherds, in order to use their fur for warm army uniforms. Many people bred Akitas with shepherds to avoid capture. When the war ended in 1945, there were fewer than twenty purebred Akita dogs in Japan. Year 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ...

However, the Akita became quite popular during the postwar period. Many occupation soldiers liked the Akita, because it was by far the largest Japanese dog. The fact that Helen Keller had an Akita also became well-known when she came to Japan in 1948 and thanked people in Akita for the dogs she was given. Most of the Akita dogs at this time had many German Shepherd-like characteristics. These dogs are currently known as Dewa line, or Dewa type Akitas. Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 â€“ June 1, 1968) was a deafblind American author, activist and lecturer. ... Year 1948 (MCMXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Miscellaneous

Genetic fingerprinting or DNA testing is a technique to distinguish between individuals of the same species using only samples of their DNA. Its invention by Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester was announced in 1985. ... Fourteen ancient breeds of dog have recently been identified through advances in DNA analysis. ... Picture of HachikÅ, age unknown. ... Shibuya station platform The statue of Hachiko is a famous meeting place. ...

Akita Inu in Popular Culture

Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin (Silver Fang in English speaking countries; Hopeanuoli in Finland where it has become widely popular) is a 21 episode, 1986 anime series based on 1984 manga by the same name that was created by Yoshihiro Takahashi who was inspired by a news-article which told of hunting... Ginga Densetsu Weed (éŠ€ç‰™ä¼èª¬ã‚¦ã‚£ãƒ¼ãƒ‰ Ginga Densetsu Uiido) is a Japanese manga series begun by Yoshihiro Takahashi in 1999. ... InuYasha ) is the eponymous title character and male protagonist of the manga and anime series InuYasha by Rumiko Takahashi. ... â€œAnimÃ©â€ redirects here. ... â€œOriginal mangaâ€ redirects here. ... An animated series or cartoon series is a television series produced by means of animation. ... â€œInuyashaâ€ redirects here. ... Sesshomaru ) is a fictional character and anti-hero in the anime and manga series InuYasha created by Rumiko Takahashi. ... ukiyo-e print of yÅkai, by Aotoshi Matsui YÅkai apparitions, spirits, or demons, also romanized youkai, yokai, or yookai) are a class of obake, creatures in Japanese folklore (many with Chinese origins) ranging from the evil oni to the mischievous kitsune or snow woman Yuki-onna. ... Rent can refer to: Renting, a system of payment for the temporary use of something owned by someone else. ... Kinos Journey: the Beautiful World ), shortened to Kinos Journey, is a Japanese light novel series, authored by Keiichi Sigsawa and first published in March 2000, which has been adapted into an anime series that premiered between 8 April 2003 and 8 July 2003. ... Serialized in Cookie Shojo Beat(ends serialization in August) Original run November 15, 2002 â€“ Still running No. ... Nicole Simpson with O.J. Nicole Brown Simpsons Grave at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest, California Nicole Brown Simpson (May 19, 1959 â€“ June 12, 1994) was the ex-wife of American football player O.J. Simpson. ... Orenthal James Simpson (born July 9, 1947), commonly known as O. J. Simpson and also just by his initials O.J. and his nickname The Juice, is a retired American football player who achieved stardom at the collegiate and professional levels. ...

External links

Notes

is the 288th day of the year (289th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

References

^ http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/akita.htm]
^ [1]
^ http://users.pullman.com/lostriver/breeddata.htm Dog Longevity Web Site, Breed Data page. Compiled by K. M. Cassidy. Retrieved July 5, 2007
^ http://users.pullman.com/lostriver/weight_and_lifespan.htm Dog Longevity Web Site, Weight and Longevity page. Compiled by K. M. Cassidy. Retrieved July 5, 2007
^ http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/570 Kennel Club/British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee. 2004. Purebred Dog Health Survey. Retrieved July 5, 2007
^ http://www.vet.purdue.edu/epi/akita_final_2.pdf Akita Club of America National Health Survey 2000-2001. Prepared by Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine, L. Glickman, N. Glickman, and M Raghaven, in consultation with the Akita Club of America Health and Genetics Committee. Retrieved March 17, 2007
^ [2]
^ Collie or Pug? Study Finds the Genetic Code

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