Judging The Akita Part One: HEAD TO TAIL!

by Barbara "BJ" Andrews,

former Akita Club Of America Judges Education Committee Chair
and developer of The Judges Guide Book

Akita Purpose and Proportion: The Akita Breed Standard specifies the Akita has
moderate angulation and a level topline. The elbows are under the point of the shoulder
and at all ages, should be at the brisket. Rear feet are only slightly behind the hip joint.
With weight thus distributed and supported, he (or she) is perfectly "balanced" as a
strong, agile hunter or a quiet, capable family protector.
Length of back to leg ratio serves a distinct purpose in all breeds. The Akita is not as
high on leg as say, an Airedale Terriers but he should never be low-stationed like a
Rottie. Body proportion is that of the Nordic (spitz) breeds; Keeshond, Elkhound, and
yes, even the Pomeranian. Not a draft dog, not sight nor scent hound, the Akita was
developed to confront bear, boar, and other dogs. And to
appear noble!
The male shown here proved himself as the ideal Akita, both in
the ring and as the #1 Sire of all Working breeds with 101
Champions and countless ROMPX progeny. Ch. Okii Yubi
Sachmo Of Makoto remained in the Top Five Breed and Group
stats for 5 consecutive years, owner handled, not campaigned
but rarely ever defeated, and at a time when an Akita was
seldom considered at Group level. Sachmo was and remains,
a legend in the Akita breed. So what made him so great? His
charisma, dominance, assertiveness; his physical qualities and powerful movement - but
most of all, it was the daring and brilliance of judges who recognized and awarded his
impeccable TYPE.
An Akita must have supreme agility, stability, and balance when the quarry turns to fight.
The Akita was a mighty hunter and sorry, but he was a fighting breed. Note the level
topline, proportion, length of leg to body ratio, the deep strong body, where the brisket is,
and the perfect angles of a top-winning, top producing "plain fawn"
Sachmo daughter.
When you see a high in the rear Akita let's hope it is a puppy, not an
adult. Straight stifles are no longer as common in the Akita but
neither should you award the over-angulated rears that are becoming
popular among breeders. The correct shoulder assembly can not
balance an over-angulated rear and the Akita dog
becomes unsound for his purpose. (see discussion on character and
temperament) As regards rear angulation, think of it this way. If you placed a
Doberman's back feet where they belong (a plumb line from point of buttocks would
touch the toes), he could not have the incorrect rear angulation and sloping topline so
fashionable today. We must hope that the Akita breed doesn't drift from "moderate" to

over-angulated or lose his upstanding structure (and character) but then that is up to you
the judge because breeders will bring you what you most often award.
The Akita, like many breeds, is in danger of becoming just another generic dog in profile
and personality, i.e. Americanized. Re-designing a breed is not up to the judge. You can
and should help improve a breed by guiding novice breeders according to the AKC
Breed Standard and the purpose of the breed. It should never be about fashion or
personal preference, particularly if your background is in breeds such as the GSD or Irish
Setter.
The Akita Head is one of the most
distinguishing features and rightfully takes
precedence in the Akita Breed
Standard containing 3 of the 5
disqualifications. The skull is "flat between
the ears," with powerful jaws capable of
exerting enormous pressure. In profile, the
muzzle is shorter than the backskull and
the stop is "well defined but not too abrupt" as in the mastiff breeds. The Akita shown in
profile has excellent head proportion and stop.
None of these ideal examples are "narrow or snipy." The Akita needs a large, tightlipped mouth with tremendous grip as in the Bull or Staffordshire Terrier and for the same
reason.
Note the required "shallow furrow" extending from between the eyes
well into the backskull. You should not have to feel for it; the furrow
should be clearly visible. Dogs that lack furrow often have ski-slope
stops, lack jaw development, and the heads tend to be "narrow or
snipy" and overall, weak.
The eyes are "small, deep set" (less likely to be injured in
a fight) and "triangular". They should not be too small!
You dont need to measure the ears. Ears will be "small
in relation to the rest of the head" but to measure long
ears against a long backskull, meaning a long way from the base of ear to
the eye rim, is a give-away that you read the standard but dont understand
the breed. The drawing used in the Judges' Guide Book shows the correct
eye shape, size, and placement in relation to length of backskull and base of
ears.
Think chow-small ears in relation to the head and carried "slightly
forward over eyes in line with back of neck" as in this lovely white
puppy with perfect pigment. Akita ears are thick leathered,
rounded on the tip, and wide apart but not low set. They should
be well furred - this is a northern breed. The strength of the head,

depth of muzzle, and mass of the skull, should be awe-inspiring but never "wet" as in the
mastiff breeds.
Bone and Substance is demanded in both sexes. In World Of
The Akita, I characterized the female as an iron hand in a
velvet glove, an oft-quoted term today. The red female
exemplifies that description. Straight in stifle, she is otherwise
impossible to fault. She excels in powerful body, well
developed shoulder and chest, thick muscular neck. Her
strong head with forward-slanting ears in line with her arched
neck perfectly balance therequired big, fat, "bottle-brush" tail,
fully curled, resting on a strong, level back. She has bone,not
legs full of chalk or back-brushed coat. Actually, she has just discarded her summer coat
preparing for a full off-standing winter coat.
Neck and Body form a unique and distinctive profile
when looking at your lineup. The outline should be
almost square in the male Akita, bitches only a fraction
longer. There has been controversy about length of
body but please, study this old drawing which I included
in the Judges Guide Book. The Akita, UNLIKE the
Rottie, is measured from the sternum, not the point of
the shoulder. The back is level and the leg-to-body ratio
quite different than the Rottie which was a draft dog. The Akita underline has moderate
tuck up but he is not dumpy. He should have plenty of daylight under him. There
should be visible fore-chest indicating proper shoulder placement and ribcage.
The thick neck flows into moderately laid back shoulders, continuing on to a level topline,
finished off by a generously coated "bottle brush" high-set well curled tail that balances
the big head.
Study the male Akita on the left. Ch. Jake finished novice ownerhandled in a total of three shows. He was never campaigned,
which is a shame because he was a shining example of a strong,
masculine, perfectly proportioned Akita. Note the massive head
with ideal ear set, blending into a crested neck, perfect shoulder
and rear quarter solid muscle and bone right down to his cat-feet.
Put a mental ruler on his proportion. This is an Akita in perfect
balance, perfect height to length body ratio balanced by a huge
head and big full-curl tail that rests on top of the back. Big Jake was 28 inches. A tower
of power, a gentle giant, and a classic example of the Akita.
"Light bone, rangy body" is the only serious fault in the Akita Standard. The brisket is
deep, body powerful, with a short tight loin because body length is in the rib cage. The
stance is powerful, balanced and capable of instant action propelled by a well-developed
stifle, upper thigh, and strongly defined hocks. Well developed tendons and muscle give

the mature dog a powerful, tight body with only moderate tuck-up. The legs should not be
extended rearward in order to set the hock perpendicular to the ground. If the dog is
stacked that way, there is too much rear angulation and he is "out of balance" for both
his utilitarian and his symbolic purpose.
You can feel the power in that thick, muscular neck. Run your hands over the "wellsprung ribs." (You noted the chest waswide and deep as you approached the dog). Do
not lean over the dog. Do not push him around! (If you haven't read Judging
Temperament and Character, do so now so that you don't take liberties that could result
in embarrassment for you and the breed.) You will note that the Akita's skin is pliable,
not loose but you probably should not pinch him to determine that!
Akita Movement Send em around! Hopefully there were several that caught your eye
on the lineup. Now you'll see if your first impression holds together. Akitas will tend
towards boredom as you begin individual examination but right now, the males are
mentally claiming turf on the go-around. Hopefully those that initially filled your eye will
not disappoint when moving.
The head will not be held high, this is a serious dog that intends to get where hes going
and to do it with the least amount of effort (don't forget that chow ancestor.) A seasoned
campaigner may not move with as much purpose as a young dog that is still of the
opinion he can take the lead away from the dog in front. Even so, the Akita dog should
move with power, determination, moderate reach and drive, and solid topline. A dark
saddle or large marking on the mid-back may make the back appear to roll. In fact, if it
is fat as so many are shown, or it has loose skin, or if it is a gangly
puppy, the dog will roll. It is to be faulted.
BIS winner Ch. Rambo demonstrates ideal movement. Note head
carriage, solid topline, big full tail, and moderate stride that still
shows plenty of footpad. He clearly shows that a short-coupled
torso does not cause an Akita with proper angulation to interfere or
overreach.
Movement is not the long floating strides of the GSD, nor the long
ground covering stride of many sporting or herding breeds. Indeed,
the Akita's gait is "brisk" as in stepping out at a faster pace. It is
never choppy because the topline remains firm and level if the back
is short. "Strides of moderate length" emphasizes two things. !.) it is
not a long stride, and 2.) it couldn't be if the Akita is short backed,
close coupled and of moderate angulation. The close-coupled
"hooded" bitch is moving with the correct reach and drive, hocks flexed but not overextending or with too much kick behind.
The Akita standard assumes that we know the chest is "wide and deep" when it states
simply that "rear legs move in line with front legs." So does the Akita single track? NO!
Only if he lacks the well developed chest with well sprung ribs, i.e. he has a narrow body,

with a narrow center of balance which would be pretty unhandy in a breed meant to do
close combat. Again, do not confuse this "hunter" with hounds, pointers or setters.
Examining The Akita You may have been a bit disappointed when they went around,
possibly you have the class narrowed down already, but lets be sure that all the parts
are as they should be.
JUDGING TIP: Glen and Jean Fancy first assess a dog from the profile stack position,
then step to the front and approach calmly, in a friendly, but non-excitable hello doggy
manner. They stroke (check) the head, quickly move on to the rest of the body, and then
check teeth last after the dog has accepted the non-intrusive "petting" exam over the
rear quarters which includes checking testicles while stroking the thigh or buttocks area.
There is no need to engage in a wrestling match or cause the dog to move out of a
carefully arranged pose by examining the bite first. This is great technique because
even If you ask the exhibitor to show the bite the dog invariably comes unstacked.
The bite can be level but scissors is preferred. Do not check molars. You dont count
teeth in this breed so neither the handler or dog will be prepared for a full mouth exam.
The Akita Tail is so important that it has its own section in the Akita Standard. It
is "large and full." That means strongly boned and well-coated, it should look like a fat
bottle brush. It must be long enough that it can curl. But as with measuring ears, bear in
mind that two wrongs don't make a right. A short tail pulled down to to reach a long
straight hock, well, it will. It has to be "set high" in order to be "carried over the
back." Now here comes the part about which some judges have been (deliberately)
misled by folks that just couldnt breed a tail to conform to the Akita standard. That is
their problem, it should not become yours!
There is only one thing to remember here. If it is looser than a
full circle (curl) it must be long enough to "drop well down the
flank." Now that makes it easy! Here's why. If only the tip
touches the back it can not be a full curl so it is to be
disqualified. As depicted in the Judges' Book, (illustration) it is
an "uncurled" or "sickle tail" and either one is a disqualification. I have had judges say
they attended a seminar in which they were told as long as it touches the back, its
okay. It is not. The Akita Breed Standard says the tail must be a "three-quarter, full, or
double curl," and here's the key phrase, "always dipping to or below level of back" but
keep reading if you think just touching the back is okay because the standard further
explains: "a three-quarter curl, tip drops well down flank."
The standard does not leave it up to interpretation. A full curl
or a double curl dips to or below the level of the back, but a
looser three quarter curl must drop well down the dogs
flank as in Jagger, the black dog below. Only if it is a "full or
double curl" can it just reach/touch the back. There are only
three acceptable tails. #1, A full curl, which is NOT a partial

curl or half circle. A full curl can rest on the back (note is does not say "touch" the back)
as in the white dog "Orca" and "Victor" below. #2 A double curl, may also rest on the
back as in BigSon (left), a multi-group winner and All Time top sire . #3 A three-quarter
curl must drop well down the flank as in Jagger and Joker, both multi-BIS Akitas shown
below. Period. That's it. The Akita tail is a unique breed feature, that's why there's no
in-between. It is a full curl (circle), a doublecurl, either of which may rest on the back or
on the side, or it can be a 3/4 (looser) curl which, because it isn't coiled up, will be long
enough to drop well down the flank. Not just "touch" the back. Check this against the
standard (exact quotes) and then don't let anyone confuse you.
Forequarters and Hindquarters need little explanation. The Akita must have round,
dense bone that does not break easily in a physical confrontation. Fat is not muscle, nor is
it substance. It is a cover up for a dog that lacks both! The feet are important to a dog that
must travel rough terrain without breaking down. They are thick, cat
feet, well knuckled up.
Akita Coat is easy when you think about the Akita's developmental
history. It gets cold in the mountains of Japan. And an opponent
should get only a mouthful of double coat that stands off from the
body. A thick undercoat is protection from more than the elements and
a big game hunter needs something harder for a bear or boar to bite
through. Two inches is approximately the right length, but as long as
the texture is right, a longer coat is preferable to a shorter one which would fail to protect
the dog. Note I said texture because a soft coat will freeze up and offer
little protection.
Color is simple - Any color. I mean how simple can it get? We all have
preferences and as a judge, you are entitled to have them too. Some
people love the flashy pintos,"which have large evenly placed patches
covering the head and more than one third of body;" some like brindle
with or without markings; some like whites, which "have no
mask." Am/Can. Ch Orca was the first white Akita to be campaigned. He was #1 male,
BB at WKC, and a multi-group winner as well as a top producer.
Many people love the white bodied dogs we called hooded or by those
who lack experience in other breeds, mismarked pinto. Judges know
that white dogs in many breeds are head marked; Pyrs, Sealys, Bullies,
etc etc. According to the standard, it really doesnt matter because if it
didnt say any color, then red, black, or cream self- masked dogs would all
be wrong! Ch. Joker was the #1 Akita and a BIS winner but not everyone
loved him. Those who claim to be purists under the Japanese Standard
are revolted by this color, (or any color other than white-faced reds or brindles) but we
judge the Akita under the American Standard.
Some people object to ticking or "freckles" but the Akita at left is an AKC
BIS winner and also a "Victor" in England where he vacationed for a

while. Colors are "brilliant and clear" and markings are well balanced. Some argue that
ticked or blotched white markings on Akitas are incorrect but the standard makes no
reference to ticking so it is personal opinion and has little to do with the standard.
Ideal Size always gets a good conversation going. Some would say a 28" Akita is too big
but this"large, powerful" dog with "much substance and heavy bone" can carry more than
28" and move properly if he's built right. I again refer you to the B/W photo above. There is
no upper limit but there is adisqualification for too small, under 23" in bitches and under
25" in the male. That clearly says size and strength is very important in the Akita.
Undersized Akitas are to be disqualified. A popular BIS and Westminster winner was
measured out and Peggy Adamson disqualified another Best in Show winner from her
Group ring. Get a feel for size in both sexes. Better to avoid a mistake that will come back
to haunt you when a discerning judge measures. The Akita is a large powerful dog so a
reasonable person would understand that too small is no small problem. Do not be afraid
to measure.
Here are some tips to keep you and the dogs relaxed:
DO NOT make initial contact from the rear or side of the dog.
DO NOT grab an Akita by the head, cheeks, or foot.
DO NOT bounce the dogs topline, shoulders, or rear quarters or press down on his
shoulders. (Dogs place their heads or paw over another dogs shoulder to test for
dominance. A mature Akita, male or female, will wonder whether to take you seriously or
just excuse your ignorance.)
DO NOT ever force an exam on a shy or panicky Akita. If it is a puppy, pass him by and
come back later when the handlerhas him together. If it is an adult, excuse the dog. If a
second attempt fails, he is mentally unsound and in a hundred pound dog, that is a
problem. Use your judgment according to the circumstances but do the breed a favor
and get him out of the ring.
DO look for an almost square dog with the small, distinctive ears tilted forward in line with
the crested neck. The massive head must be balanced by a large full curled tail.
You should see courage and immense dignity and you will recognize that because knowing
his power, he will always be a gentleman. "He should be so confident of his own
superiority that he has no need to prove it. That quote is accurate. It is from my book and
I think it sums up the character of an ideal Akita.
If you come away with nothing else today, I hope you will have gained insight into how to
safely judge and accurately evaluate the Akita.

Judging Akitas Part Two: Temperament & Character

by Barbara "BJ" Andrews,
former Akita Club Of America Judges Education Committee Chair and developer of The Judges Guide Book

You Are The Judge but my job is to help you grasp the finer points of type and
character in the Akita Breed Standard. Speaking now only for myself, not as the former

chair of the Judges Education Committee, let's begin by acknowledging that the Akita
has come a long way since the seventies when it was considered a "trash breed."
Rarely is an untrained or dirty Akita brought into the show ring today but inherent breed
temperament can be problematic for novice or misled judges.
Aggressiveness is a concern for all judges and may still be encountered through a
novice exhibitor who cant control the Akita or a misguided owner who wants to show off
his tough dog. We once asked a man to leave ringside with the dog held in a death grip
as it lunged at passing dogs. It was not an Akita. He had chosen a breed to match the
black leather spiked collar that matched his biker jacket and studded belt. The point is,
when a judge gets bitten by an Akita, it gets in the press and makes other judges
nervous about applying for the Akita.
So, in order to judge the Akita well (and comfortably), you must consider several points
only alluded to in the Akita Breed Standard and which are barely mentioned by
the Akita Club Of America and AKC. His fighting dog background is downplayed but no
one has informed the Akita. He is what he is and if he has just been
challenged by another dog, he will be testy when you approach. By
the way, the term "testy" is a derivative of testosterone. So it pays to pay
attention to your ring, especially in Open Dogs. The Akita is not vocal so
the beginnings of trouble can occur without your knowledge. Indeed, in
Japan the dogs are expected to do the stand off silently, just staring,
threatening, until one breaks eye contact and is in effect, defeated.
Obviously, you will never, under any circumstances, spar Akitas. Many
years ago at a Regional Specialty in Tampa, Hideo Ito assumed our handlers were
prepared and the dogs properly trained and under control. It resulted in a serious
brawl. If however, you note that a mature male is standing in the company of other
males with his tail relaxed, you must question character and lack of proper Akita
temperament.
"Courageous" is Akita Breed Type The Akita was a hunter of mountain bear and
boar. Big bears. Boars with tusks. The Akita is not a hound, he was Japan's bigger,
more powerful counterpart to the king of terriers, the Airedale. Like any terrier, the Akita
will not back down from a fight. Some might say, he relishes an opportunity to show his
strength but there is one more word wisely used in the Akita Breed Standard. In a
minute, we'll see how it modifies the scrappy, tenacious terrier temperament.
Do not equate the Akita's concept of "hunting" with the hound breeds. The Akita is not
a pack dog, he doesn't need or want "backup." The Akita was hunted in pairs, and like
the Airedale, he tolerated the scenting dogs in order to do what he did best - confront,
confound, and combat the bear or boar. Knowing this, you will then understand why the
Akita is ...
"Aggressive Towards Other Dogs." That phrase is in the Breed Standard for good
reason. A dog that will confront an angry bear or wild boar will not back down from any

challenge, perceived or actual. The Akita will, by his heritage and due to a darker side
of his history, dominate other dogs.
Okay, so let's deal briefly with something you may know but prefer not to think about.
The Matagi-inu or hunting dog, was crossed with the tosa-inu and other Japanese types
used specifically for dog fighting. Subsequent crossing with mastiff-type breeds
increased size, power, and strength. Thus, the Akita became Japan's version of the pit
bull.
Yes, the Akita was fought for sport and while we are on this usually-avoided subject, a
word about the white Akita is appropriate. The most distasteful parts of Japanese (dog)
history have been pretty well purged but white Akitas were "valued" for reasons other
than purity. In a particularly gruesome arena sport which tested skills of bowmen, the
white dog stood out from multiple dogs and when "pitted" against a canine opponent,
there was also something intrinsically appealing about the color. When blood flowed
freely it was more spectacular on a white dog...
So, as the hunting Akita emerged from his remote mountain home, you can see that he
changed. As a great warrior, he became symbolic with courage, fighting ability, and the
dignity and aura that surrounds the Samurai. Also due to the mastiff and influence of
other guard breeds, the Akita protects his family and their possessions. It is part of his
heritage and something no one who loves (or judges) the breed should attempt to
change. Setters and Pointers mark game. Owners don't expect them to compete with
Border Collies in Obedience. You understand.
Most people choose the Akita because he guards his family and their possessions.
Akita owners (and judges) accept that the Akita is not "a dog for everyone and are not
influenced by the Animal Rights movement. Breeders and judges must insist on correct
Akita temperament rather than the submissive loves everybody personality which is
valued in many other breeds. In one of the first club publications on the breed, Terri
Caudell-Arndt did an excellent editorial entitled Lets Not Candy Coat Our Akitas. You
will expect all Akitas to be well mannered and under control, but unfortunately that is not
always the case. My job is to teach you how to "read" the
breed and control your ring.
If the dog stands tail up, with dignity and self-assurance,
approach him with confidence. The dog pictured left was a
multi-Group Winner, ranked in the top 10 Working Dogs,
owner handled, before the split. He was all Akita, tail always
cranked, muscles tensed, but he accepted the exam like the
gentleman he was. Do not timidly extend your hand, he will
sense your fear and be suspicious of you and trust me, that's
not the way you want a guarding breed to judge YOU. If you fear the breed, dont judge
it until you have met and examined enough Akitas outside the ring to be comfortable
with the temperament and character. If you "inherited" the Akita, just ask that you not

be assigned the breed when accepting a judging invitation. Like a physician, do no

harm. Not to yourself, and not to the breed
If you are apprehensive about the Akita, you will consciously select the nicest dog
rather than the one that exudes correct character. You will favor the one with the big
open mask, sweet eyes and kindly expression instead of the one with the small
triangular dark eyes and dark face that may appear threatening. They are supposed to
look like that! This is a fighting dog, one who will tackle a bear or a wild boar, a dog
who is expected to stare down an opponent. To select for less is like choosing an
Airedale with the expression of a Cavalier King Charles.
Experienced Working Dog judges are comfortable going over the guarding breeds.
Being "aggressive towards other dogs" is problematic only when combined with a male
Akita unaccustomed to being grasped by the cheeks and stared in the eye by a
stranger...
Examining The Akita: So - just as you would be consciously gentle when judging a toy
breed, be aware and respectful of the Akita. Don't grab him by the cheeks. Do not
make prolonged eye contact. Don't shove him back and forth to check (whatever??)
Do not pick up his feet to check the pads. He isn't a horse, he's a fighting breed and his
feet are the second most vulnerable part of his anatomy. Do not push down on the
withers, not even on females. That is how one dog tries to dominate another dog. A
nervous or novice Akita may misinterpret any of these actions. Keep your touch firm
but friendly and you and the Akita will get along just fine.
"She" will be no problem unless she shies away. That could
only happen with a female novice puppy or a bitch in season.
Photo #2 shows a typical Akita bitch; big, strong, proper bone
and substance, and confident.
The AKC Akita Video (and website) does no service to the
Akita, judges, or potential owners by glossing over the Akitas
genetic and developmental past. That is seriously misleading
to the family who buys a fuzzy, irresistible teddy bear only to
discover that undisciplined, it has grown into a grizzly bear.
The AKC Breed video depicts the Akita as part of a sled team, as a search and rescue
dog, and then as a big ole snuzzly dog loving on his owner. The Akita is not and never
was used in any way as part of any group of dogs! A couple of gifted and determined
trainers managed to get Akitas in harness but that's about as useful as training a
foxhound to ignore a hot scent! The movie featuring dogs "left behind" in Antarctica
was not based on purebred Akitas. To again clarify, Akitas were hunted in pairs, not
packs and they were never sled dogs.
Nor are Akitas a good choice for Search and Rescue. They can smell food just fine but
their loyalty to humans other than the family is limited. Are they trainable? Sure, but
they are a challenge for Obedience work. Some would say Akitas are too smart to walk

around and around in circles, going nowhere and being made to stop and sit every time
they are told to "let's go." As an Obedience instructor, I have a different perspective Akitas are often smarter than their owners.
As regards the other video clip mentioned above, of course Akitas love their owners.
But that has nothing to do with evaluatingtemperament. Assessing breed
temperament and character is not as easy as spotting a limping dog but please do not
expect a waggy, exuberant adult dog in your Akita ring. Akitas are not tail waggers nor
are they particularly demonstrative in expressing love and loyalty.
Respecting the Akita as it has been since the 1950s, I characterized the breed as
"gentle as a kitten but fierce as the Samurai" in my Dog World column of the 70's and it
became a popular phrase. But remember, Samurai only kiss in private. It's sort of a
guy thing. An Akita owner knows how devoted his dog is without being hugged and
kissed every two minutes.
Thanks to judges who understand correct Akita temperament,
we got past a trend towards smaller, cuter, effeminate males
that look up at you and smile at your approach. Photo #3 is as
close as the Akita ever gets to smiling. Mouth open, relaxed,
Sachmo looks up at me with complete devotion and love. He is
by the way, the top sire of all Working Breeds and an exemplary
example of the male Akita. This photo has appeared in dozens
of documents illustrating ideal head type but we'll get to head
type later.
A mature male, approached by a stranger, will not have this expression. Unless it is
extremely hot, his mouth will be closed and he will be the epitome of "dignified and
courageous." Dignified is the modifiers mentioned earlier. When examined, his
muscles will be tense, instinctively prepared for action. Many judges commented on
Sachmo's "hard condition" not realizing it was attitude and resentment at being touched
by a strange man.
Lady judges, relax, the Akita is very perceptive to human sexuality. Females are
treated with respect as are children, puppies, kittens, etc. Two Japanese authorities,
one of them Hideo Ito, a popular international judge, explained that the male Akita does
not like to be touched by strangers, especially men. I once invited a Japanese breeder
to "go over" the dog he had traveled thousands of miles to see personally. Sensing my
confusion and inability to understand his broken English, he demonstrated very clearly
that it would be like shaking hands, something the Japanese do for business reasons
but which they do not do at home! Smiling, he looked at Sachmo admiringly and
remarked again, "Man does not touch man."
Temperament is "Alert and responsive, dignified and courageous." Let's look at those
adjectives in the Breed Standard. The Akita is ever-alert to his surroundings. He is

however, responsive only to his owner or to a perceived challenge. He rarely responds to

strangers and as a judge, you are a stranger.
The Akita's dignity controls and modifies his capacity to be aggressive. Those two factors,
combined with courage, makes him Ak-it-a. In nearly forty years with Akitas, we had only
three bites. While we were helping friends accomplish a mating with their dog and bitch, a
plumber thoughtlessly opened Widow-Maker's gate . My stud dog saw an unexpected
opportunity to get to the strange male and as Tommy wrestled him back into the run,
Widow-Maker delivered a minor bite on the shoulder; a retaliatory statement for which the
other employees teased him all week. Sachmo once strongly discouraged a break-in to
our truck. The second time he used teeth, it literally saved my life as attested to by the
sheriff's deputy who refused to go into the cornfield after my assailant! There was no
tougher dog than the #1 Sire of all Working Dogs, yet he was a gentle pillow for his little
Japanese Chin buddy.
To those who think the breed should be changed, I can only invite them, vigorously, to go
mess up another breed.
Here are some tips to keep you and the dogs relaxed:
DO NOT make initial contact from the rear or side of the dog.
DO NOT grab an Akita by the head, cheeks, or foot.
DO NOT bounce the dogs topline, shoulders, or rear quarters or press down on his
shoulders. (Dogs place their heads or paw over another dogs shoulder to test for
dominance. A mature Akita, male or female, will wonder whether to take you seriously or
just excuse your ignorance.)
DO NOT ever force an exam on a shy or panicky Akita. If it is a puppy, pass him by and
come back later when the handlerhas him together. If it is an adult, excuse the dog. If a
second attempt fails, he is mentally unsound and in a hundred pound dog, that is a
problem. Use your judgment according to the circumstances but do the breed a favor
and get him out of the ring.
So whether judging or breeding, we can forgive an Akita for being aggressive towards
other dogs as long as it is controlled. If we select a self-confident, assured, courageous
Akita, we will preserve a dog capable of standing between his family and an intruder.
That dog, because of correct temperament, will capably and with great tenderness, babysit the children. Why would we seek to change that dog?