Facts About the Longhair Akita

Origin

According to Barbara Bouyet, author of "Akita, Treasure of Japan", the longhair Akita probably originated sometime around the 1850's in Japan. During this time, Japan greatly increased international trade and as a result, many new breeds were introduced to the Japanese. The Japanese began to crossbreed the native "Matagi-Inu", ancestor to today's Akitas, with many european breeds including Mastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards and Bulldogs.

Also used in experimental crossbreeding was the long-coated Karafuto, a dog from the southernmost area of Sakhalin, which was introduced into the new lines. It is beleived that the long coated Akitas are the direct descendants of the Karafuto dog.

The Current Akita Standard

Both breeders and judges currently put alot of emphasis on "proper" coat length and so the long coat falls out of the norm for what is considered desirable. Although a long coat is not actually a disqualification from show, it is considered a "fault" and so it is tantamount to the same thing.