A

Affenpinscher
Afghan Hound
Africanis
Aidi
Airedale Terrier
Akbash Dog
Akita Inu
Alangu Mastiff
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Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Alaskan Husky
Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Malamute
Alaunt
Alopekis
Alpine Dachsbracke
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American Akita
American Bulldog
American Cocker Spaniel
American Eskimo Dog
American Foxhound
American Hairless Terrier
American Mastiff
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Water Spaniel
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Argentine Dogo
Ariege Pointer
Ariegeois
Armant
Artois Hound
Australian Bulldog
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Kelpie
Australian Shepherd
Australian Silky Terrier
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
Australian Terrier
Austrian Black and Tan Hound
Austrian Pinscher
Azawakh

B

Bakharwal Dog
Bandog
Barbet
Basenji
Basque Shepherd Dog
Basset Artésien Normand
Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Bavarian Mountain Hound
Beagle
Beagle-Harrier
Bearded Collie
Beauceron
Bedlington Terrier
Belgian Shepherd Dog
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael)
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois)
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)
Belgian Shepherd Tervuren
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Bernese Mountain Dog
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Billy
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Black Norwegian Elkhound
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Bohemian Shepherd
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Boston Terrier
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Broholmer
Bruno Jura Hound
Bucovina Shepherd Dog
Bull Terrier
Bull Terrier (Miniature)
Bull and Terrier
Bullmastiff
Bully Kutta

C

Cairn Terrier
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Canadian Pointer
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Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Carolina Dog
Carpathian Shepherd Dog
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Catalan Sheepdog
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Central Asian Shepherd Dog
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Chien Français Blanc et Noir
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Chihuahua
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Chinese Chongqing Dog
Chinese Crested Dog
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Chow Chow
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Combai
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D

Dachshund
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E

East Siberian Laika
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English Cocker Spaniel
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English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)
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Eurasier

F

Field Spaniel
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Formosan Mountain Dog
Fox Terrier (Smooth)
French Brittany
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G

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Glen of Imaal Terrier
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Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir
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Grand Bleu de Gascogne
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Great Dane
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Greenland Dog
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Griffon Bleu de Gascogne
Griffon Bruxellois
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Gull Dong
Gull Terr

H

Hamiltonstövare
Hanover Hound
Hare Indian Dog
Harrier
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Hawaiian Poi Dog
Himalayan Sheepdog
Hokkaido
Hortaya Borzaya
Hovawart
Hungarian Hound
Hygenhund

I

Ibizan Hound
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Indian Spitz
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Irish Red and White Setter
Irish Setter
Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Irish Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Wolfhound
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Italian Greyhound

J

Jack Russell Terrier
Jagdterrier
Japanese Chin
Japanese Spitz
Japanese Terrier
Jonangi
Jämthund

K

Kai Ken
Kaikadi
Kangal Dog
Kanni
Karakachan Dog
Karelian Bear Dog
Karst Shepherd
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Kerry Beagle
Kerry Blue Terrier
King Charles Spaniel
King Shepherd
Kintamani
Kishu
Komondor
Kooikerhondje
Koolie
Korean Jindo Dog
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Kromfohrländer
Kunming Wolf-dog
Kuvasz
Kyi-Leo

L

Labrador Husky
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Lagotto Romagnolo
Lakeland Terrier
Lancashire Heeler
Landseer
Lapponian Herder
Large Münsterländer
Leonberger
Lhasa Apso
Lithuanian Hound
Longhaired Whippet
Lottatore Brindisino
Lurcher
Löwchen

M

Magyar Agár
Majestic Tree Hound
Maltese
Manchester Terrier
Maremma Sheepdog
McNab
Mexican Hairless Dog
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Miniature Fox Terrier
Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Siberian Husky
Mioritic
Mongrel / Mixed
Montenegrin Mountain Hound
Moscow Watchdog
Mountain Cur
Mountain View Cur
Mucuchies
Mudhol Hound
Mudi
Murray River Curly Coated Retriever

N

Neapolitan Mastiff
New Guinea Singing Dog
New Zealand Huntaway
Newfoundland
Norfolk Terrier
Norrbottenspets
Northern Inuit Dog
Norwegian Buhund
Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Lundehund
Norwich Terrier
Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever

O

Old Croatian Sighthound
Old Danish Pointer
Old English Bulldog
Old English Sheepdog
Old English Terrier
Old German Shepherd Dog
Olde English Bulldogge
Otterhound

P

Pachon Navarro
Papillon
Parson Russell Terrier
Patterdale Terrier
Pekingese
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Perro de Presa Canario
Perro de Presa Mallorquin
Peruvian Hairless Dog
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Petit Bleu de Gascogne
Phalène
Pharaoh Hound
Picardy Spaniel
Plott Hound
Podenco Canario
Pointer (dog breed)
Polish Greyhound
Polish Hound
Polish Hunting Dog
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Polish Tatra Sheepdog
Pomeranian
Pont-Audemer Spaniel
Poodle
Porcelaine
Portuguese Podengo
Portuguese Pointer
Portuguese Water Dog
Pražský Krysařík
Pudelpointer
Pug
Puli
Pumi
Pungsan Dog
Pyrenean Mastiff
Pyrenean Shepherd

R

Rafeiro do Alentejo
Rampur Greyhound
Rat Terrier
Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz
Redbone Coonhound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Rough Collie
Russell Terrier
Russian Spaniel
Russkiy Toy
Russo-European Laika

S

Saarlooswolfhond
Sabueso Español
Sage Koochee
Sakhalin Husky
Saluki
Samoyed
Sapsali
Schapendoes
Schillerstövare
Schipperke
Schweizer Laufhund
Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund
Scotch Collie
Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Segugio Italiano
Seppala Siberian Sleddog
Serbian Hound
Serbian Tricolour Hound
Shar Pei
Shetland Sheepdog
Shiba Inu
Shih Tzu
Shikoku
Shiloh Shepherd Dog
Siberian Husky
Silken Windhound
Sinhala Hound
Skye Terrier
Sloughi
Slovak Cuvac
Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer
Slovenský Kopov
Small Greek Domestic Dog
Small Münsterländer
Smooth Collie
Smålandsstövare
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
South Russian Ovcharka
Southern Hound
Spanish Mastiff
Spanish Water Dog
Spinone Italiano
Sporting Lucas Terrier
St. Bernard
St. John's Water Dog
Stabyhoun
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Standard Schnauzer
Stephens Cur
Styrian Coarse Haired Hound
Sussex Spaniel
Swedish Beagle
Swedish Lapphund
Swedish Vallhund

T

Tahltan Bear Dog
Taigan
Tamaskan Dog
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Telomian
Tenterfield Terrier
Thai Bangkaew Dog
Thai Ridgeback
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Terrier
Tornjak
Tosa
Toy Bulldog
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Manchester Terrier
Treeing Cur
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Tyrolean Hound

U

Utonagan

V

Vizsla
Volpino Italiano

W

Weimaraner
Welsh Sheepdog
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
West Siberian Laika
Westphalian Dachsbracke
Wetterhoun
Whippet
White English Bulldog
White Shepherd Dog
Wire Fox Terrier
Wire-haired Vizsla
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Y

Yorkshire Terrier

É

Épagneul Bleu de Picardie

Š

Šarplaninac

Akita Inu

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The is a breed of large dog originating in Japan, named for Akita Prefecture, where it is thought to have originated. It is sometimes called the Akita-ken based on the Sino-Japanese reading of the same kanji. It is a separate breed from the American Akita, and is quite uncommon in many countries.

Description

Appearance

The breed stands anywhere from 60–66 cm (24–26 in) at the withers. Females weigh anywhere from 30–45 kg (70–100 lb) and males are 35–54 kg (75–119). The Akita Inu comes in only five colors: Red, Fawn, Sesame, Brindle, and Pure White. All except white must have whitish hair on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, the neck, chest, body and tail. Black masks, as seen in the American Akita, are not permitted in the Japanese Akita Inu.

All colors are accepted in the American Akita. The Pinto color is not accepted as a Japanese Akita color, but is as an American Akita color. In the U.S., some breeders interbreed the original Japanese type with the heavier American type, which is larger, and allows more colors. It is felt by some that combining the two types leads to improved appearance and genetic health by increasing genetic diversity. There is only a single Akita breed registered by the American Kennel Club; in all other countries besides Canada the breed has been separated into two breeds: the Akita Inu and the American Akita.

Temperament

Akitas are renowned as loyal dogs and also intelligent and because of their intelligence are easily bored. As a result, they often become destructive if not given anything to do. Akitas can live happily in apartments as long as they are given plenty of exercise. They need to be socialized as puppies so they are friendly dogs. Although they love human companionship, they are quite happy to be outside dogs as well, but should still be taken out for walks to prevent destruction of the yard. Akitas often become excitable when seeing their owners, often wiggling around and making happy grunts.

Akitas are very good with children, and are often quite playful, although they should be watched around small children as they could knock them over during play and can get a bit snappy when excited.

The Akita Inu have a reputation for sometimes being aggressive towards strangers, smaller animals or other dogs, particularly those of the same sex . Akitas would rather live in a home with no other pets present, unless they have been raised with them during puppyhood. Before deciding if an Akita is the right dog for your house, first make sure of the breed at which you are looking; the American Akita or the Japanese Akita Inu. Further research is always advisable before deciding on a breed.

Health

Mortality

Akita female with pup

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

In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (32%), cardiac (14%), and gastrointestinal, including bloat/torsion (14%). 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%).

Grooming

Akitas possess a double coat, with a dense straight undercoat, and a thick outer coat. This coat makes the dog waterproof, as well as being well-equipped for the fierce winters in northern Japan. Due to the thickness of their coat, the breed requires daily grooming, and also an awareness of the dog's heavy shedding, especially during warm weather.

Morbidity

Some of the health conditions known to affect this breed include:

Canine herpesvirus, a strain of the Herpes virus that affects canines
Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), a condition associated with bloat
Pemphigus, which causes the immune system to attack the dog's skin (leading to pustules)
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an adult-onset condition which causes gradual degeneration in the eye cells (i.e. rods & cones)
UveoDermatological Syndrome (UDS)http://www.jawt.co.uk/vkh.html
Sebaceous adenitis, an autoimmune condition which attacks and destroys the dog's sebaceous glands
Canine hip dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Hyperkalaemia, as a breed, Akitas have abnormally high blood potassium concentrations compared to other breeds.
Heart size, as a breed, Akitas have an unusually small heart for their size. A number of Akitas have died while being operated on under the normal dose of general anaesthetic for a canine of that size, a dose which ultimately proved excessive and fatal to the Akita. For that reason, to avoid anaesthetic-induced death, only the bare minimum dose of general anaesthetic sufficient to produce anaesthesia should be used when an Akita requires general anaesthesia.

Gastric dilatation volvulus

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 that 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. Dogs with any symptoms of GDV (esp. unsuccessful attempts at vomiting) should be regarded as having GDV until proven otherwise by a veterinarian.

Symptoms of GDV include:

Gagging or retching with unsuccessful attempts at vomiting (frothy foam may come up instead)
Distended abdomen (may or may not be noticeable)
Discomfort and pain esp. around the abdomen for no apparent reason-- this may be observed as frequent pacing, an inability to find a comfortable position, whimpering, or wincing when pressure is applied to the abdomen
Weakness
Depression
Breathing difficulty
Hypersalivation and panting
Possible cardiac problems such as arrhythmias
Cyanosis (blue gums or skin) in severe cases from a lack of oxygen

History

A stamp of the Akita "Tachibana" (one of the very few purebred Akitas that survived World War II) on a Japanese postage stamp.

Japanese history, both verbal and written, describe the ancestors of the Akita Inu, the Matagi dog, as one of the oldest of the native dogs. The Akita Inu of today developed primarily from these dogs in the northernmost region of the island of Honshū in the Akita prefecture, thus providing the breed's name. The Matagi's quarry included elk, antelope, boar, and the 120-stone Yezo bear. This swift, agile, unswervingly tenacious precursor dog tracked large game and held it at bay until the hunters arrived to make the kill.

Recent DNA analysis found that the Akita was among the most ancient dog breeds.

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.

During the occupation years following the war, the breed began to thrive again through the efforts of Sawataishi and others. For the first time, Akitas were bred for a standardized appearance. Akita fanciers in Japan began gathering and exhibiting the remaining Akitas and producing litters in order to restore the breed to sustainable numbers and to accentuate the original characteristics of the breed muddied by crosses to other breeds. US servicemen fell in love with the Akita and imported many of them into the US upon and after their return.

The Japanese Akita and American Akita began to diverge in type through the middle and later part of the 20th century with the Japanese Akita fanciers focusing on restoring the breed as a work of Japanese art and American Akita fanciers selecting for the larger, heavier-boned dogs that emerged from the post-war times. Both types derive from a common ancestry, but marked differences can be observed between the two. First, while American Akitas are acceptable in all colors, Japanese Akitas are only permitted to be red, fawn, sesame, white, or brindle. Additionally, American Akitas may be pinto and/or have black masks, unlike Japanese Akitas.

Much debate occurs among Akita fanciers of both types whether there are or should be two breeds of Akita. To date, The AKC and CKC, guided by their national breed clubs, consider American and Japanese Akitas to be two types of the same breed, allowing free breeding between the two. The FCI and Kennel Clubs most other nations consider Japanese and American Akitas as separate breeds.

In popular culture

Television shows

Many manga titles by Takahashi Yoshihiro feature Akita dogs as the main character. These include Gin of Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin. His son Weed, who stars in Ginga Densetsu Weed, is an Akita/Kishu Ken mix. This is said to be because Takahashi Yoshihiro was born in Akita Prefecture.
The title character in the anime and manga animated series InuYasha, along with his brother, Sesshomaru and father, Inu no Taisho are said to be Akita yōkai (half yōkai half human in InuYasha's case). A yōkai is a legendary Japanese demon.

Literature

In the manga Nana, one of the title characters is given the nickname Hachiko in reference to her dog-like loyalty being similar to that of the famous dog Hachikō.
Martha Sherrill's biography Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain reviews the history of the Akita and the efforts of Morie Sawataishi to restore the breed.
The Akita "Hachiko" from the book "Hachiko Waits" by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Machiyo Kodaira.

Famous people

Nicole Brown Simpson's dog in the O.J. Simpson case was an Akita, named Kaelin.
MC Hammer has two Akitas named Bart and Alvin.
Major league baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken owned an Akita, Champagne, in the 1980's and 90's.
Helen Keller owned two Akita dogs, the second presented by the Japanese government. It is thought that she introduced the breed into American culture.
Sarah Michelle Gellar owns an Akita named Tyson.
Bryan Gonzalez owns an Akita named Famous.

Plays/musicals

In the Broadway musical Rent, the character of Benny and his wife Alison own an Akita named Evita that Angel is paid to help kill.

External links

The encyclopaedic content above is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License. A file containing the original Wikipedia content from which this page is derived is available here. Please note that any images above are seperately licensed and license terms are available by clicking on the image.

Weather data courtesy of World Weather Online

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