RAKKI-INU AKITA RESCUE, INC. A NON-PROFIT AKITA RESCUE HELPING WITH: -Breed Information/education -Akita rescue: adoptable available -Breeder referral

757-831-4200 www.VAakitarescue.org [email protected] www.facebook.com/va.akita.rescue

1 Table of Contents

Five Adoption Tips …………………………. Page 3

The Akita …………………………. Page 4-5

Coat and Grooming …………………………. Page 6

Care and feeding …………………………. Page 7

Housing/Exercise …………………………. Page 8

Frequently Asked Questions …………………………. Page 9-10

The Akita Standard …………………………. Page 11-12

The Cost of an Akita Rescue …………………………. Page 13

2 FIVE ADOPTION TIPS – PLEASE READ!!!

Ways to help assimilate your newly adopted Akita into your home correctly!! Always always remember: NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE!! If your Akita wants it, he/she has to WORK for it!!! Be it praise, a cookie, a toy, his meal, a treat – he/she MUST work for it!!!

1. Please be sure that your whole family realizes that this is an adult Akita – as such he/she will need time to assimilate into your family – he/she will NOT walk in and act like he/she has been there forever. He/she may be aloof, will mourn leaving us here, and will need to be kindly IGNORED for the first few days – nothing but food, water and outside to do his/her business. Too much stimulation such as play or neighbor visits or family parties during this period can be confusing for an adult Akita who has not yet bonded to you and your family yet.

2. NO HUGGING, no KISSING, no GRABBIN HIS/HER COLLAR at first, let the adopted Akita start to bind and come to you for attention first, do NOT be the one to initiate attention. For the 1st week, leave the leash on him/her in the house—if he/she does something wrong, grab the LEASH and correct by using ONLY the leash giving a slight tug, a low “NO NO” and then leading him/her into another area away from where he/she did something wrong (jumped on the furniture maybe, or counter- surfed); do NOT grab his/her collar to correct him/her – NOTHING will make any new Akita aggressive quicker than a human they don’t know grabbing their collar and yelling at them. So be SURE everyone in your family follows this!!

3. I will tell all visitors to my home please, as Cesar Millan “The Dog Whisperer” instructs everyone who owns dogs dogs to tell visitors to your home or people on the street: “Ignore my Akita; do NOT get on the floor with him/her; do NOT put your face down and hug him/her; and do NOT expect to play, tease, push around, or command my Akita in this way.” Do NOT allow family members to play tug-of-war or to tease your Akita at any time for any reason. Do NOT allow anyone to try to take your Akita’s food bowl or water bowl from your Akita at any time. DO expect everyone in your family and all outsiders’ visiting to respect you Akita’s “space” or ask them to leave if they will not follow your rules. Better they leave than to have a problem happen that you will regret later on.

4. Do NOT feel sorry for this Akita – yes he/she may have been a rescue but they are still an Akita – if you give them an inch, they will take a mile! So whatever rules you will have, have them from the second the Akita walks in – if it’s “no getting on the furniture,” “no sleeping in the formal living room,” or “no being in the kitchen when we are eating/making food,” start it from day one and make everyone follow it – and do NOT deviate from it, as that will only cause him/her to be mixed up. Don’t make any excuses for any behavior that is out of the normal – Akitas NEED to know someone other than them is in charge – so a correction using the leash and saying “NO NO” in a low voice then walking the Akita out of the area is NOT being mean!!! Every member of the family MUST be in agreement with this policy or you will have chaos!

5. Remember that an Akita deserves to be given the same respect that you want him/her to give you!! Respect his/her space and insist everyone coming into your home do the same. DO NOT try to hug him/her or pet him/her while he/she is asleep. Respect his/her strength – do NOT try to play games like tug-of-war that you can’t win – if you let an Akita win, you lose face to him/her and that’s NOT good. Gentle fun games are best to play with an Akita like fetch or hide-the-treat, etc…. never tug-of- war or “chase me” type of games. Do not walk OVER your Akita when he/she is in a doorway, make the Akita move first; do NOT allow your Akita to race outside before you or run inside ahead of you; do not allow your Akita to walk way ahead of you on a walk. You are always in charge. You do things first and you command the pace with which you walk with your Akita by your side.

Call us if you have any issues with your newly adopted Akita – we are here to help in every way we can!!!

SIGNATURE: ______

3 The Akita

Welcome to the Akita, a experience The Akita is a very balanced looking dog, being only like no other. Whether your goal is a family pet, a show slightly longer than it is tall. The tail is curled and carried dog, or obedience competition, we are excited about your over the back, which serves to balance with the dog’s head. interest and obvious good taste. Our organization, the Akita Typically the male Akita is substantially larger than the Club of America, is a member of the American Kennel female. The males range in weight from about 100 to 130 Club. Our goals are to educate the public concerning pounds, while the females range from 70 to 100 pounds. Akitas, and to further establish the breed in a healthy, The coat of the Akita has the appearance of the typical positive fashion. This brochure is intended to familiarize northern breeds. The double coat is short to moderate in you with the Akita. length, but very dense. The coat consists of two layers. The undercoat is very short and is the primary insulator, while History The Akita is native to Japan. It’s exact origin is the outer coat, or the guard hairs, is slightly longer and not clear, but this ancient breed dates as far back as 500 more coarse. The Akita is very well suited to the coldest of BC. The Akita in Japan holds a very esteemed, almost climates, and while they might not enjoy hot weather, their mystical reputation. In the early years the Akita was coat does lighten considerable in the warmer months to restricted to Royalty. The Akita was used as a palace guard, compensate for the heat. and wore ceremonial leashes and collars that identified the rank or nobility of its owner. The people who attended to Temperament The personality of the Akita is very the dogs also wore ceremonial outfits and spoke in a complex. While temperaments vary, most would agree that separate dialect to the dogs. he Akita is very intelligent, extremely loyal, and can As the horrible sport of dog fighting gained popularity, the exhibit aggressive tendencies. The aggressive tendencies Akita’s size, strength, and spirit made it an obvious favorite are almost exclusively towards other dogs of the same sex. in the pits. For years, Akitas were bred to cultivate size and Typically, Akitas are not aggressive toward people, but do aggression. The Japanese government realized that the have a very well developed guarding and protective future of the breed was at stake, declared the breed a nation instinct. Akitas also have a high an well-develpoed prey treasure, and outlawed the sport of dog fighting. But it was drive. An Akita is not likely to shower affection on these centuries of breeding that created the dog aggressive someone that is not a member of his family or a close tendencies you will still find today in varying degrees. friend he sees frequently.

In the twentieth century, the Japanese government still The loyalty and devotion displayed by an Akita is guarded the Akita jealously. The dogs were rarely allowed phenomenal. The typical pet Akita will follow you from out of the country, and when they were it was usually a gift room to room, yet has the uncanny ability not to be under to a foreign dignitary. The first Akita in the United States foot. Your Akita lives his life as if his only purpose is to was a gift from the Japanese Foreign Minister to the well- protect you and spend time with you. This trait is evident known Helen Keller. As World War II ended, the returning in s favorite tale told by Akita owners all over the world. soldiers began to bring the dogs back to the states with This tale is the story of Hachiko. In Tokyo, Hachiko would them. The Akita gained popularity quickly in the states and accompany his master to the train station every morning, was recognized by the in 1956 in and return to retrieve him every afternoon. Hachiko’s the miscellaneous class. The Akita was allowed to compete master was a professor at Tokyo University, and one day he for championship points in 1973. died at work. It is said that every day for the rest of the dog’s life, Hachiko returned to the train station twice daily Physical Appearance The Akita always makes a looking for his master. The story was quite famous in lasting first impression. Akitas are large, powerful dogs Tokyo, and the general public cared for the dog until his with substantial bone and musculature. The broad chest and death. Hachiko is preserved in a museum in Tokyo, and a neck serve as a solid base for the Akita’s large head, the statue stands at the train station in tribute to his undying Akita’s most distinguishing feature. The broad skull and devotion. To this day, the statue is a popular romantic place the short muzzle form a blunt triangle when viewed from for lovers to meet. above. The massive head in combination with the small triangular shaped eyes, and small erect ears give the Akita an intimidating, yet dignified, expression.

4 The Akita as a House Pet Even though Akitas are …Akitas are family-oriented and are not happy when kept large, hardy dogs that can withstand the elements, they apart from the family. If you do not plan on having your have been bred for centuries to be house companions. The dog live with you inside both your home and your yard, two most outstanding characteristics of the Akita as a house you should not seriously consider the Akita for a pet. pet are that they are very clean dogs, and that they are very …Most Akitas enjoy carrying things around in their mouth, easy to housebreak. Akitas have been described as very including your wrist! They may take you by the wrist to “cat-like” because they are so clean and odorless. This may lead you to the cookie cupboard or to their lead. It is not an be one of the reasons why they housebreak so easily. Most Akitas respond so well to housebreaking that they are aggressive act, it is an endearing trait. Try allowing your Akita to bring in the newspaper or the mail. They love to trained in a matter of weeks. do these types of jobs. As far as family children are concerned, there are a few …Akitas are not hyperactive and fit into a sedentary worries. Akitas are devoted, patient friends and protectors household, but for optimum health for both YOU and our of children. Akitas are typically very gentle with children, Akita, regular exercise is important.. and it is said that Japanese mothers often left their children with only the Akitas to watch over them. Akitas may be …Akitas will live from 10 – 14 years with good care and protective of their own children but may not accept the proper nutrition. neighborhood kids. As a general rule, it is wise not to leave an Akita, or any large dog, alone with children under12 …Hypothyroid disease affects a large percent of the breed years of age. and is easily treated by twice daily hormone replacement therapy. A simple blood test, including T3 and T4 thyroid …Akitas do not like to be teased and can respond by biting. levels test, will determine the existence of the condition. Some children are allowed to treat animals unkindly, a The symptoms may include one or all of the following: skin behavior that often leads to cruelty to animals. These and coat problems, sudden onset aggression, itching, children should be kept away from an Akita, whose large lethargy, and musky odor. Before treating skin conditions size and hunting instincts can endanger the child’s life. with any drugs, have your vet check for sarcoptic mange, sebaceous adenitis, and Hypothyroid disease. Other …Akitas should be obedience trained BY their owner and diseases found in Akitas include Progressive Retinal not sent away to school like some other breeds! A good Atrophy (blindness) manifested by impaired night vision, obedience class, perhaps beginning with puppy hip and elbow problems, autoimmune diseases, kindergarten, will guarantee you a firm bond with your dog degenerative myelopathy, and some blood disorders, and a well-behaved dog. Remember though, Akitas are though these are not common problems in the breed. extremely intelligent and tend to get bored easily. They learn quickly, so short training periods are suggested. …Akitas require good quality meat and bone meal based Akitas are also very stubborn and when the dog thinks it’s a food and do not thrive well on soybean based dog foods. waste of time to “sit” or “stay” on more time, he will Akitas 7 years and older should be fed one of the simply walk away! Obedience training requires patience! commercial LITE foods to lessen the onset of kidney …Some Akitas are talkers! They may grunt, groan, and disease which is a problem in older Akitas. mumble to entertain themselves and you. This conversation (Akita Rescue Society of America) verbalizing IS NOT growling and should not be interpreted as a growl, which sounds quite different. Akita “talking” is an endearing trait and should not frighten you. After living with your dog, you will easily distinguish between talking and growling.

5 The Akita Coat and Grooming

Twice a year, Akitas "blow" their undercoats, that is, they shed their undercoats completely. It is a very intense shedding period that can last up to three weeks from start to finish. The good news is that this only happens twice a year. The rest of the time, Akitas are relatively shed-free. Some people feel that this periodic problem is easier to cope with than the constant shedding and renewal of many smooth-coated breeds. The bad news is that the shedding period can be rather messy. The hair comes out in large and small clumps. Lots of vacuuming and brushing are in order. Akitas that are neutered, live indoors, or live in a temperate climate (without much seasonal change) tend to shed smaller amounts year-round and don't go through such dramatic loss of coat.

The Akita needs very little grooming except when blowing coat; no trimming or shaving of coat hair is required or recommended, just occasional regular brushing to remove dead hair and keep the coat fresh and shiny. Nails should be kept short (so you can't hear them "click" as they walk) and hair on the bottom of the feet should be trimmed to preserve the characteristic tight "cat foot" of the breed.

Note: There are long coated (or Woolie) Akitas that require more grooming. For them, combing is a MUST and a long coat Akita owner has to make sure to comb all the way down to the skin to avoid tangles (mats) as the coat sheds. Long coat Akita owners may prefer that their Woolies get trimmed (neatened on the feet and around the “edges”), but, like their short-coated counterparts, shaving is not recommended. It may, however, become necessary if the coat is neglected and becomes too severely matted. If your long coat Akita does not enjoy being groomed, or you do not have the time, then regular trips to the groomer are necessary. It is best if Woolies are combed/groomed from a young age so that they learn to tolerate, and may even come to love, being groomed.

(some information taken from K9 Web: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/akitas.html )

6 Care and Feeding

Akitas do not eat as much food as most dogs of a relative size. On average they eat between 2 – 4 cups of food (assuming fed twice a day), but may consume less depending on activity and season.

Akitas, as a rule, do not do well on a food high in soybeans, which is the primary source of protein in most commercial, supermarket dog foods. They do well on meat and bone meal- based foods and those with fish meal. Twice daily feeding throughout their adult lives is recommended to lessen the chance of bloat (see below for more information on bloat). Some people add a daily natural kelp tablet for the additional iodine. We recommend Blue Buffalo, Taste of the Wild, Solid Gold, or Diamond Naturals. There are many food choices out there, so please do your research!

Though kibble (dry dog food) is the easiest to feed, it is generally not as complete as advertisers may make you think. Consider adding a food supplement, like Missing Link, to help keep your Akita healthy, active, and have a longer life.

Some people prefer to feed a raw diet. There are lots of benefits to feeding a raw diet, including dental and digestive health, but it can be cost prohibitive. There is an excellent article written by Linda Walker of Sunapee Akitas: http://sunapeeakitas.homestead.com/BARF.html

One other thing worth mentioning here is how long to feed puppy food. Some research indicates that feeding puppy food for too long can increase the incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs that are susceptible to it. The theory is that the higher percentage of protein found in puppy formulas can accelerate growth before the developing skeleton can support the weight. Some breeders start feeding adult food very soon. Most people gradually switch to adult dog food at 8-10 months. Again, this is something to discuss with your breeder and veterinarian.

(some information taken from K9 Web: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/akitas.html )

7 Housing

Since some Akitas are jumpers, a high fence (6' or higher) is necessary to contain them when they are outside. Akitas prefer to be with their families and do well as house dogs. They should never be left outside, especially tied up, because this can lead to frustration and increased aggression. Because of their high pain threshold, invisible fences or electric fences aren't a reliable method of containment, nor will it prevent other animals/people from entering your yard. As Akitas are highly territorial, this may lead to animal attacks or being bit for “trespassing” in the eyes of the Akita. With their double coat, Akitas handle cold weather well but should always have shelter. With shade and fresh water, they can also tolerate hot weather. Akitas should be kept on leash when off their property because of their independence and animal aggressiveness. Exercise

It is debatable how much exercise an Akita needs but a large fenced-in yard is ideal for this breed. Akitas usually take well to weight-pulling, agility, and sledding; though as a breed they are not highly represented in such activities. Puppies should not pull any significant weight or do roadwork (go long-distance, controlled running) until their bones and joints have matured at about 18 months.

The Akita is a large, impressive and strong working dog. Its heritage must be taken into consideration by a prospective dog owner. This breed cannot be fed and forgotten - it must be given a chance to be a member of the family. It needs love, training, and exercise.

(some information taken from K9 Web: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/akitas.html )

8 Frequently Asked Questions

Akitas are supposed to be "dog aggressive". Will I have trouble with other dogs in general? How about with other Akitas?

Akitas, even those that get along quite well with other dogs, often become dog aggressive at adolescence or adulthood, basically because they are a dominant breed and don't back down from challenges. Because of this dominance, two strange Akitas may be more inclined to be aggressive than one Akita with a less dominant breed. Akitas of the same sex are more likely to fight than those of the opposite sex. This is why it is recommended that Akitas not be allowed off leash when not on their own property.

What is this business with "unusual blood cells"?

Akitas, along with one type of poodle, often have smaller red blood cells than other dogs. It is not known why. This can sometimes lead to misinterpretations of blood test results.

Why are the Japanese and American standards so different?

Most American Akitas came from breeding stock brought back by servicemen after World War II. These dogs often came from pet shops and, for the most part, did not represent the highest quality Akitas. Also at this time many Akitas in Japan showed the results of breeding with non- native breeds, e.g. some of the early American Akitas had large, upright ears and German- shepherd-like coloring. The Akitas brought back represented several different types. The American standard was revised several times in the 1960s, and the final version was approved by the AKC in 1972. After World War II, the Japanese tried to restore a purer type of Akita, trying to eliminate traits that might come from earlier crossbreeding. Some of the traits they eliminated were loose skin, loose tail curl, facial wrinkles, and large ears. They also permitted only the more traditional colors of Japanese dogs - red, white, and brindle.

Are Akitas friendly or reserved with other people?

Typically Akitas are reserved with people other than their families, but many are quite friendly. As with any dog, you should ask permission before petting an Akita.

I've heard the breed called Akita Inu, too. Are they related to Shiba Inus?

"Inu" means "dog" in Japanese; the Akita is the largest of the native -type Japanese dogs and the Shiba is the smallest.

9 What about the dog I saw on the television, TARO?

This is a long story but basically Taro, an Akita, was literally jailed in a New Jersey jail, for being a vicious dog and allegedly biting a child. The exact circumstances of the incident are still debated (it appears to be a real family feud type story) but apparently the dog was tormented by the child (after being told to leave the dog alone) and the dog may have pawed and NOT bitten the child at all. After years of legal battles and thousands of dollars in legal/jail costs, Taro was pardoned by the current Governor of the state but was exiled from New Jersey and now lives elsewhere.

Where can I find Akita breeders in my area?

The Akita Club of America maintains a breeder list; the breeders whose names appear on the list HAVE paid for this service.

10 THE AKITA STANDARD

GENERAL APPEARANCE – Large, powerful, alert, with much substance and heavy bone. The broad head, forming a blunt triangle, with deep muzzle, small eyes and erect ears carried forward in line with the back of the neck, is the characteristic of the breed.

HEAD – Massive but in balance with body; free of wrinkle when at ease. Skull flat between ears and broad; jaws square and powerful with minimal dewlap. Head forms blunt triangle when viewed from above. Fault – narrow or snippy head.

MUZZLE – Broad and full. Distance from nose to stop is to distance from stop to occiput as 2 is to 3. Stop – well defined, but not too abrupt. A shallow furrow extends well up forehead.

NOSE- Broad and black. Liver permitted on white Akitas, but black always preferred. Disqualification – butterfly nose or total lack or pigmentation on nose.

EARS – The ears of the Akita are characteristic of the breed. They are strongly erect and small in relation to the rest of the head. If ear is folded forward for measuring length, tip will touch upper eye rim. Ears are triangular, slightly rounded at tip, wide at base, set wide on head but not too low, and carried slightly forward over the eyes in line with back of neck. Disqualification – drop or broken ears.

EYES – Dark brown, small deep-set and triangular in shape. Eye rims black and tight.

LIPS AND TONGUE – Lips black and not pendulous, tongue pink.

TEETH – Strong with scissor bite preferred, but level bite accepted. Disqualification – Noticeably undershot or overshot.

NECK AND BODY – Neck – Thick and muscular; comparatively short, widening gradually toward shoulders. A pronounced crest blends in with base of skull. Body – Longer than high, as 10 is to 9 in males; 11 is to 9 in bitches. Chest wide and deep; depth of chest is one-half height of dog at shoulder. Ribs well sprung, brisket well developed. Level back with firmly muscled loin and moderate tuck-up. Skin pliant but not too loose. Serious faults – Light bone; rangy body.

TAIL – Large and full, set high and carried over back or against flank in a three-quarter, full or double curl, always dipping to or below level of back. On a three-quarter curl, tip drops well down flank. Root large and strong. Tail bone reaches hock when let down. Hair coarse, straight and full with no appearance of a plume. Disqualification – sickle or uncurled tail.

FOREQUARTERS AND HINDQUARTERS – Forequarters – Shoulders strong and powerful with moderate layback. Forelegs heavy-boned and straight as viewed from front. Angle of pastern 15

11 degrees forward from vertical. Faults – Elbows in or out; loose shoulders. Hindquarters – Width, muscular development and comparable to forequarters. Upper thighs well developed. Stifle moderately bent and hocks well let down, turning neither in nor out.

DEWCLAWS – On front legs generally not removed; dewclaws on hind legs generally removed.

COAT – Double coated. Undercoat thick, soft, dense and shorter than outer coat. Outer coat straight, harsh and standing somewhat off body. Hair on head, legs and ears short. Length of hair at withers and rump approximately two inches, which is slightly longer than on rest of body, except the tail, where coat is longest and most profuse. Fault – Any indication of ruff or feathering.

COLOR – Any color including white, brindle, or pinto. Colors are brilliant and clear and marking are well balanaced, with or without mast or blaze. White Akitas have no mask. Pinto has a white background with large, evenly placed patches covering head and more than one-third of body. Undercoat may be different color from outer coat.

GAIT – Brisk and powerful with strides of moderate length. Back remains strong, firm and level. Rear legs move in line with front legs.

SIZE – Males 26 to 28 inches at the withers; bitches 24 – 26 inches. Disqualification – Dogs under 25 inches; bitches under 23 inches.

TEMPERAMENT – Alert and responsive, dignified and courageous. Aggressive toward other dogs.

DISQUALIFICATIONS: Butterfly nose or total lack of pigmentation Drop or broken ears Noticeably undershot or overshot Sickle or uncurled tail Dogs under 25 inches; bitches under 23 inches

Approved effective April 4, 1973

12 COST OF AN AKITA RESCUE DOG

INITIAL VET COSTS $40 - $50 Office visit (occasionally waived, depending on vet) $20 - $40 Heartworm test $20 - $40 Fecal test $15 - $30 Rabies vaccination $15 - $30 DHLPP vaccination $20 - $60 Microchipping $130 - $250 TOTAL (occasionally less if discounted)

Spaying/Neutering $170 - $350 Male or female at vet with discount

The above figures are the cost barring any complications such as extra long uterine horns, pregnancy, undescended testicles, or damage done by abuse.

Using the above figures, the initial cost for an unsprayed/unneutered animal with no surgical complications can range as follows:

Minimum: $300 Maximum: $600

MAINTAINENCE COSTS (based on 30-day month) Monthly Daily $11 $.37 Flea preventative $8 $.25 Heartworm preventative $50 $1.70 Dry dog food (5-7 cups daily) $69 $2.32 TOTAL COSTS

We have used commercial boarding kennels for interim boarding at times due to lack of space in foster homes, or lack of foster homes. The daily rate is $10 - $16 per day and this includes a discount afforded to Akita Rescue.

The costs of a basically healthy rescue dog with unknown medical history, unsprayed/unneutered for 3 months is:

IN FOSTER HOME IN BOARDING KENNEL

$500 – 800 $630 - $1020

The $250 - $350 donation requested by Akita Rescue when a dog is adopted barely covers a one-month stay, much less the average 3 months an Akita usually stays with us. The only way we make up the difference is out of volunteer’s pockets, donations from concerned, caring Akita owners and breeders, and by fund-raising activities (fun match, merchandise, calendars, and other Akita specialty items).

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