Akiho Standard

Akiho Akita Standard

Characteristics
Possesses composure, strong courageous character, loyalty, obedient, dignity, keen senses and agility.

Appearance
The balanced body is solid. The muscles and tendons are well developed. The skin is tight. The male and female are clearly distinguishable. The height: body length ratio in the male is 100:110; in the female, the body length is slightly longer in proportion than the male. The height of the male is 66.7 cm (2 shaku 2 sun, 26.3"), the female, 60.6 cm (2 shaku, 23.9"), with a variation of 3.03 cm (1 sun, 1.2") either way as acceptable. The height: chest depth ratio is 2:1.

Head
The head is large and the top of the head is somewhat flat. The forehead is wide without wrinkles. The groove is distinct with the proper amount of stop. The cheeks are well developed.

Neck
The neck is thick and sturdy with tight skin and has the proper angle.

Ears
The erect ears are rather small, thick, triangular, and slants forward at a proper angle with adequate space between the ears.

Eyes
The eyes are somewhat triangular, deeply set and properly spaced from each other. The outer corners of the eyes are somewhat raised, the iris are yellowish dark brown.

Muzzle and Nose
The bridge of the nose is straight, the muzzle is full. The base of the mouth is wide. The tip is not pointed sharply. The nose appears firm, and the lips are tightly drawn.

Teeth
The teeth are powerful and have the proper bite.

Chest
The chest is deep. The ribs are full. The forechest is well developed. The abdomen is drawn up properly (moderately).

Shoulder and Hip
The back is straight and the hips are powerful.

Forelegs
The shoulder have proper angulation in relation to the forelegs which are well developed.

Hindlegs
The hind legs are thick and well developed with a powerful grip, thrust and stance. The hocks have the proper angulation.

Tails
The tail is thick and well curled. The tip of the tail almost reaches the hock joint. The type of the tail curls are left, right, single and double curls.

Coat
The outercoat is coarse and straight. The undercoat is soft like cotton and thick. The coat at the withers and the hip are slightly longer. The tail has longest coat.

Coat Color
White, black, red, goma, brindle, and pinto.

Minor Faults
1. Acquired injuries and obvious effects of dietary deficiency.
2. Coat color unbecoming of an Akita dog.
3. Undesirable combinations of coat color and light iris of the eye.
4. Missing tooth or teeth, irregular teeth and even bite.
5. Spotted tongue.
6. Timid or violent.
7. Lack of other distinguishing features of an Akita dog.

Major Faults
1. Drop ears.
2. Uncurled tail.
3. Excessive long or short coat.
4. Undershot and overshot jaws.
5. Nose color not matching coat color (red nose permitted in white dogs).
6. Cryptorchism (undescended testicles).
7. Other features lacking distinguishing features of an Akita dog.

Approved 1955

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