Akitas come in a variety of colors and color combinations.
Akita dogs were first introduced to the United States in the 1930s. Reportedly, Helen Keller brought one directly from Japan. Akitas were used in Japan primarily for hunting. Because they are not prone to barking, the Japanese termed them "Silent Hunters." The Akita has additional significance in Japanese spiritual tradition. Akitas are believed to bring happiness, health and longevity. Akita statues are often given as a gift when a child is born. The Akita has now spread around the world. The World Union of Akita Clubs has put forth breeding rules which it asks that other countries respect, whether they are members or not. The American Kennel Club has a list of breed standards but does not provide a strict ruling on breeding requirements.
World Union Rules
The World Union of Akita Clubs has a number of specific rules for breeding. The World Union recommends against breeding dogs that exhibit excessive aggression or shyness. Inherited problems such as harelip, cleft palate, Sebaceous Adenitis, congenital blindness or deafness, or missing teeth cannot be bred according to these rules. Dogs that are under-sized by three centimeters or more are eliminated from breeding as well as those with overshot or undershot teeth presenting a gap of two millimeters or more. Dogs with undescended testicles or with one missing cannot be bred. In addition, those with Progressive Retinal Atrophy cannot breed. Pinto-marked or black-faced Akitas are not permitted in World Union sanctioned breeding programs. Animals who lack curled tails or which have dropped ears are not considered permissible for breeding either. While this list of disqualifications may seem lengthy, in reality, offspring of parents with these issues would likely not meet the Akita standards. In addition, breeding dogs with these problems would pass undesirable genetic traits on to unsuspecting consumers.
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club is not subject to the rules of the World Union but may choose to respect them. The AKC's Akita Club does not have specific rules regarding what dogs cannot be bred. Instead, it has breed standards which list what the ideal Akita should look like. The American Kennel Club allows a coat to be of any color. The curled tail arching over the back is a requirement for the breed, as is the erect ear. American Kennel Club standards eliminate lack of pigment in the nose. The compact and muscular Akita stands between 24 and 28 inches at the shoulder. A wiry frame is not typical of the breed and does not follow the standard.
Responsible Breeding
Responsible owners need to consider all the traits of their Akita before making a decision to breed. Hips should be x-rayed to eliminate the possibility of passing on hip dysplasia. Test blood to eliminate Sebaceous Adenitis being in a recessive gene. Personality and health issues should be carefully weighed. Breeders of puppies of any breed need to understand that you cannot simply throw two purebred dogs in the backyard and expect to make money off of their progeny. Responsible breeders commit to taking care of all puppies produced in their litters. Often a responsible breeder further commits to taking back any puppies who become displaced. This means committing to the welfare of an Akita puppy you breed for the rest of its life, if necessary. If someone cannot keep his Akita, the breeder can be committed to re-homing. No responsible breeder wants to see one of its puppies end up in a rescue situation. Careful and thoughtful breeding helps to prevent this possibility.
Care of Puppies
When you whelp a litter of Akita puppies, you will want to give it the best possible care and upbringing. Puppies have to be weighed regularly, provided with medical care and optimal nutrition. Puppies should each be handled and cared for individually so that they recognize people as important and dependable aspects of their lives. Puppies that do not gain weight may need supplemental feedings around the clock. Encourage the bitch to care for the puppies. As the Akita puppies outgrow their whelping box, begin the process of housebreaking, crate training and obedience training. Puppies can begin to learn at four weeks of age or earlier. It is a wonderful gift to add to the adoption of a faithful pet when the Akita puppy is already used to a crate and can sit and stay when told. Choosing to invest your time and energy in your Akita litter is critical if you decide to breed this type of dog.
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