The Akita has been honoured in Japanese homes since earliest civilisation. Over all this time, this strong and powerful dog had been used for guarding and hunting and is held as a status symbol. The breed was introduced into Britain by Gerald and Kath Mitchell (who need no introduction) in 1981.

Since then it has now become a popular dog. In 1990 the Akita was awarded a challenge certificate for the first time.

The Akita has become one of the favourite breeds in America and the UK. The Akita is dominant and aloof, but is renowned for its deeply devoted and loyal disposition.

The first litter to be registered with the British kennel club, was a litter of six puppies three dogs and three bitches, born on November the 2nd 1983. The dam was a bitch called Koshos Kis Kiki of Kiskas and the sire was called Song for Adam. Koshos Kis Kiki of Kiskas was imported from the famous Kosho ki kennels in California.
 
BREED STANDARD:

GENERAL APPEARANCE - Large powerful with substance and heavy bone.

CHARACTERISTICS - Large broad head with relatively small eyes and erect ears, carried forward in line with the back and neck large curled tail, in balance with the head.

TEMPERAMENT - Dignified, courageous.

HEAD AND SKULL -  Skull large and flat, broad forehead, Cheeks well developed, bridge of nose straight, nose large and black. lips tight and black. In white dogs flesh colour is permissible. Muzzle broad and strong.

EYES -  Relatively small, almond shape, clean, moderately set apart and dark brown. Eyes rims dark and tight.

EARS -  Relatively small thick, triangular not set low, carried forward, moderately set apart and slightly rounded at the tips.

MOUTH - Jaws strong with perfect and complete scissor bite. The upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the flews.

NECK - thick and muscular and widening gradually towards the shoulder.

FOREQUARTERS - Shoulders strong and powerful, Elbows very tight. Forelegs well boned and straight when viewed from the front. Pasterns slightly inclining forward.

HINDQUARTERS - Strong and muscular with long, well developed thighs and good strong hocks with a moderate turn of stifle. Strong hocks with only moderate angulation.

FEET - Thick well knuckled, and tight. Pads hard and nails hard.

TAIL - Large and full, set high and carried over the back, can be a double curl. Root should be large and strong.

COAT- Outer coat coarse, straight and standing off the body, undercoat, soft and dense.

COLOUR - Any colour, including white and brindle and pinto.

SIZE - Height at withers, dogs 26 ins to 28 ins, bitches 24 ins to 26ins.

MALES - All males should have two testicles fully descended into the scrotum.