I met an Akita Inu today
I have rarely ever met any AI, some blended Akitas at shows occasionally, but I was certain I wasn't going to see a flame red Japanese type at an AKC show. He was juvenile, about 18 months (no where near as handsome as Kuma), and a little nervous. I didn't have a camera, but he was fairly heavy boned it appeared with an enormous head-sort of bear like, not as refined as the two I have seen before.
I asked his lady handler (who seemed very uptight), if he was the Japanese type (not just a red AA) and that I didn't know the Japanese type could be shown in AKC. That was where I realize I shouldn't have said anything at all, as I watched her face turn purple. She said "an Akita is an Akita in America! There is no difference." Anyways, I went back to my tent, I wasn't trying to start a breed war or anything, I was just curious in striking up a little conversation, but I'm learning that can be a little risky at dog shows. Yeesh, have a brandy!
Anyways, I'm not trying to strike up a conversation about the differences between AA and AI and the split, I just thought it was interesting to bump into one. There were also a TON of Tamaskans that I thought for 1/16 of a second were Shikoku until I put my glasses on. That would really have been something.
I asked his lady handler (who seemed very uptight), if he was the Japanese type (not just a red AA) and that I didn't know the Japanese type could be shown in AKC. That was where I realize I shouldn't have said anything at all, as I watched her face turn purple. She said "an Akita is an Akita in America! There is no difference." Anyways, I went back to my tent, I wasn't trying to start a breed war or anything, I was just curious in striking up a little conversation, but I'm learning that can be a little risky at dog shows. Yeesh, have a brandy!
Anyways, I'm not trying to strike up a conversation about the differences between AA and AI and the split, I just thought it was interesting to bump into one. There were also a TON of Tamaskans that I thought for 1/16 of a second were Shikoku until I put my glasses on. That would really have been something.
Comments
I think I saw an Akita Inu last year. I was making an oil delivery to someone's house and there was a huge Akita barking at me. He was red so I assume he was an Akita Inu, or at least had some in him.
I think there's an Akita in my area close to where I walk Mylo, but it's hard to tell... he's pretty obese. He looks miserable and it makes be sad =0(. I can guess why he's obese though... his owner walks him 5 houses over, and then back. I haven't really asked his owner b/c walking time is Mommy/Mylo time. He has my undivided attention (especially if other dogs are in sight).
Cool you met a JA tho! Do you know what kennel he was from?
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Has anyone else bumped into any red AA or seen pictures?
The first breeder I met (very nice people btw) were doing that. They had a red-white that was massive(120+) huge shoulders and a black mask. However their white and brindle ones were very similar to a JA except with really built shoulders. When I asked about a Japanese Akita, they just smiled and said these have just a hint of the Orient.
For the record -I like both types for what they are.