Japanese vs Blends

Brad why did you get a Japanese Akita? He looks so happy.
Blends, as you know are a combination of American and Japanese Akita. You have an FCI Akita. I don't know if you care, but do you know if you can get an AKC registration?

Britain

Comments

  • edited June 2007

    I really don't know much about AKC registrations, since I am totally uninterested in showing any of my dogs I have never bothered looking into it. Also, honestly - IMO - I have not seen a lot of good come from the AKC.







    We wanted a Japanese Akita because we like the looks of the Japanese standards better than the American. I have also found, in my research, that the American Akita tends to be more likely to show signs of aggression. They also tend to be more dog aggressive, since we have 3 other dogs, temperament was our number one concern. Hilo came from a breeder that focuses on temperament and Hilo's parents where very even tempered Akita as well.






    Also, I found the politics in America surrounding the Akita and the breed split to be a bit counter productive when I was researching what breeder to go with. Since the breeder we got Hilo from came highly recommended by our Shikoku breeder I felt it was a safer bet. Also Hilo's bloodlines are pretty impressive, so I didn't want to pass it up.









    From a genetics standpoint I can see the value of Blends, but I am just not interested in an American Akita. I'm sure there are millions of examples of American Akita or Blends that are very mellow loving dogs that have never shown aggression towards dogs or people, but I wasn't willing to risk it with the rest of my dogs.





    ~Brad






  • edited November -1
    From a genetics standpoint I can see the value of Blends, but I am just not interested in an American Akita. I'm sure there are millions of examples of American Akita or Blends that are very mellow loving dogs that have never shown aggression towards dogs or people, but I wasn't willing to risk it with the rest of my dogs.

    I have known aggressive Akitas of all types I have had a Japanese Akita that was "no questions asked: type of dog. It was difficult having her. I have a friendly one now. It's been the same with 2 AA's I've had.

    I usually like to meet the Sire (or have heard about them) and dams. I would think that Katjia's suggestions if fine for you.
    I don't trust most Akita breeders, I'm sorry.

    Here is a quote from Michael Sanders, of Miisan Akitas: (You read this)
    Modern Akitas have no natural function or purpose. They are expressions of art in Japanese animal breeding!Okay....so do you think there is anything good about American Akitas?

    Some of my best friends are American Akitas! I have spent nearly the entirety of my 30 years as an owner, breeder, exhibitor and trainer of Akitas working with dogs of exclusively American foundation blood. Many of our current Akitas are "American" in pedigree. American dogs have much to contribute to the worldwide Akita breed. The Japanese version, though beautifully artistic, is often too structurally refined. Since Akitas in Japan are not judged on movement (they are judged "in place," freely standing), they frequently need improvement in their structural conformation. "American" Akitas are rich in these very attributes. Each type has much to contribute to the improvement of the other.

    I like both though I'm promised a Japanese the next time, with all health tests. That's the sad part, about the JA's, is that they have no records of their genetic problems.

    As I told you the best info on the net is www.akitahistory.info. Dr Kimura is a scholar and a translater as well as many other people, but it gives a comprehensive view of the evolution of the breed and it's diversity necessary to save it.

    For what it's worth.
    The main thing is that you have a lovely dog. With Akitas, there are no rules in temperament.
    Britain
  • edited November -1


     Now this is the hot potato topic. First of all I would love to state for the record that there is no such thing as a "blend." American Akita x Japanese Akita produces a crossbred mutt. The same as if you had crossed an English Cocker with and American Cocker, or a Malamute with a Samoyed. They are two seperate and distinct breeds. They do not share the same history, they do not share the same phenotype, temperment is different on and on. Only in the USA and Canada can a mix of the two breeds be registered as pure. Do not be fooled. In Japan and every other country in the world the offspring would be considered mutts, as they should be.


     


    Yes, an FCI registered dog as in the case of Hilo can be and should be AKC registered.


    Brad, do not underestimate the fact that Japanese Akita are by nature dog agressive. My guess is that Hilo, once he reaches around a year old will not tolerate another male dog.


    Thanks,


    Brad

  • edited November -1
     It is also a myth that Akita's in Japan are not judged on movement. In both the AKIHO ring and the JKC ring the judges have the dogs do both down and backs. Mr.Sanders should know this.
  • edited November -1


    Brad -


    No I don't underestimate that fact, and I am very aware of it - as I am aware that the other 3 dogs I own are considered to be 'dog aggressive by nature', but, through HEAVY socialization I have been able to circumvent most of those issues. We plan to do the same with Hilo. I have also been around dogs enough to know you can see [small] signs of dog aggression, from early puppy hood - Hilo shows none of these signs so far.


    Moving forward Hilo may be dog aggressive towards other male dogs he doesn't know - but I don't think I will have any issues with him and any of his pack mates. Maui is the only other male dog in the house, he is a Shiba, and I don't think there will be any problems between them.


    Heavy socialization will be the key, and we plan to do just that - as we have with all our dogs. Hopefully it will there will not be any issues and Hilo will be a level headed dude... But we will see. It was a calculated risk [adding an Akita to our pack], one that we put a LOT of thought into - so no worries, I have done my homework.


    ~Brad

  • edited November -1


    Britain -


    I think Michael's quote is interesting - and mirrors what the writer wrote about the Akita standards in the book: "Japanese Dogs: Akita, Shiba, and Other Breeds" by Michiko Chiba


    ~Brad


     

  • edited November -1


    Brad,


     Akita mature much slower than either Shikoku or Shiba. Socialisation is important but I do not see it changing the nature of the breed. I have yet to see any Akita that will tolerate the presence of a dog of the same sex regardless of breeds. Take my Mihoshi for an example. I have soailized her from the moment she came home. She will dominate a male dog and will not tolerate any female. I am just telling you to keep your guard up because I will be totally shocked if you can keep Hilo and your male shiba together. If something does happen, it will happen so fast you will not be able to stop it.


    Cheers,


    Brad   

  • edited November -1


    Hi Brad - Don't get me wrong, I appreciate your comments and/or suggestions. We will keep our guard up, as we do now.


    ~Brad


     

  • edited November -1
    Mr.Sanders quote does what it is designed to do, blur the issue. Mr.Sanders is an advocate of crossbred dogs.
  • edited November -1


    Brad,


    It is true that Akitas, regardless of type, are usually same-sex aggressive. That's not to say some aren't. My Jack wasn't. His best buddy growing up was a Pitbull. I know of a couple heavily involved with Akita rescue who had two males that were the best of buds. One rescuer had three to four males she could trust together.


    But it isn't the norm... it just depends on Hilo's temperment and Maui's. Since Maui is so much older, it may never be an issue between them. I'd just watch Ahi - Akitas have lots of self respect and he won't ever back down from her. I'm betting the first 'spat' Hilo has will be with Ahi and not Maui because Ahi is like Ronan - relentless!


     

  • edited November -1


    I agree 100% - Ahi is more of a concern to me than Maui... But Ahi has shown some signs of submission to Hilo [already] so that is good. Ahi doesn't submit to any dogs she feels are not alpha to her [I guess that's an obvious statement]. She is very quick to understand if a dog is more dominant to her and if she feels they are dominant she does a good job respecting it. Hopefully she will do the same with Hilo - but you are right, she is relentless - it's ridiculous.

  • edited June 2007


    LOL!


    They're like an annoying sibling who continues to pick, no matter how many time you tell them to knock it off. Finally, you lose your temper and scream at them. Then, they just look at you like, "Well, geez, Brad. Why didn't you just say so? No reason to get all snarky about it."


    At least, that's how it seems to be with Tasha and Ronan. It takes until she pummels the tar out of him and is darn near to losing her Akita Coooool that he finally takes the hint. Of course, not without getting in one last nip or bump.


    When I make him back off, he'll look at me like, "Are you sure? No, really. Are you sure? Really? You REALLY mean it?"


    Darn if he hasn't learned to read my face. I give him that same look my mother gave us kids when we tried her patience to the nth degree. When he sees that look, he bellies over or lays down with a sigh and a whimper.


    "He's touching me."


    "Am not."


    "Ronan, STOP IT!"


    "Stop what?"


    "GRRRR!!!!!! Mom! Make Ronan leave me alone!"


    I swear, there are times when I feel like saying, "No one will touch anyone in this house - again!"

  • edited November -1


    Michelle, that is EXACTLY what it is like. lol


    Ahi even has started getting prissy in the car if Hilo gets to close to her. He will slide over till his but is touching her, and she will let out this loud growl / bark and look at Jen and like. "Mom, Hilo's touching me again"... Hilo could care less if she is prissy about it... Then we get them home and the table turns and Ahi is the one bugging Hilo. It's just pure comedy - all the time.

  • edited November -1


     In the end, my goal is not to come across telling anyone what to do. I do know that with my own Akita Mihoshi, when the time comes to get another female they will have to be totally seperated. Brad, your dogs are beautiful and it sounds like you do you homework.


    Cheers,


    Brad

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