Akita Inu Hozonkai also known as AKIHO, is the largest and the most prestigious and respected organization of the Akita inu breed dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the AKITA (Japanese Akitainu) dog, its judges and members are acknowledged by many as true breed specialists. 

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AKIHO was founded in Japan in the year of 1927, by then-mayor Izumi Shigeie in Odate (Akita Prefecture in Japan) to preserve the breed from threats of crossbreeding and to promote the breed in its original form around the world. 

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In 1938 the Akita Inu Hyoujun (breed standard) was formulated, which served as foundation for AKIHO's inaugural exhibition and as a guideline for breeders. The current version was issued in 2005, which is the fourth revision of the breed standard, includes the reduction in recognized coat colors from six to four (red, white, brindle and sesame).

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May 1952, AKIHO became a public corporation foundation.

The AKIHO North America branch was first established in Los Angeles in 1970. Ever since AKIHO has established several branches across the World including China, Europe, Taiwan and Russia.​​

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The Akita under AKIHO guidelines and Standard.

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AKIHO has a distinct breed standard and classification system for its exhibitions, which differs from other western common registries like the FCI or AKC for example. The Akita under AKIHO guidelines is mostly characterized by its Essence and Expression "Head, Body and Tail". 

 

The English translation below—originally written for the book AKIHO Honbuten: Definitive Edition— by Peter van der Lust has been produced with strict adherence to the original Japanese text. No words have been added or omitted, ensuring that descriptions are conveyed as faithfully as possible.

Link to AKIHO- English translation: AKIHO Akita Inu Breed Standard — AKIHO EUROPE

 

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AKIHO Exhibitions: 

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HONBUNTEN:

Held twice a year by AKIHO Headquarters in Japan only.

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SHIBUTEN: 

are AKIHO exhibitions held by AKIHO branches around the world, including Europe and North America.

In North America, the Shibuten is currently held once a year. 

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Tachikomi: 

A combination of the kanji 'stand up' and 'remain' embodies AKIHO's traditional approach to represent the Akita Inu. Distinct from the FCI's / AKC's western practice of stacking, Tachikomi refers to the practice of showing the Akita Inu naturally with minimal manipulation of the dog, abstaining from the use of bait, commonly seen in western (FCI and AKC) competitions. This practice allows AKIHO judges to access a more authentic appraisal of the dog's physical structure, it also extends their evaluation to the dog's intangible qualities like its  kihaku (spirit), gouki (fortitude), and igen (dignity) which are essential to access the true essence of the Akita Inu. 

 

At Tachikomi the traditional Hkizuna (Japanese leash) is ideally lifted at a 45-degree angle, reflecting the Akita Inu's preffered neck angulation (also 45-degrees) with the handler distancing itself from the dog allowing the Judge to completely examine the dog. 

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AKIHO AGE CLASSES:

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Youken B gumi: puppies from 6 - 8 months old

Youken A gumi: puppies from 8 - 10 months old

Wakainu gumi: youth dog from 10 - 18 months old

Souken: intermediate dog from 18 - 30 months old 

Seiken B: adult dog class B from 30 - 48 months old 

Seiken A: adult dog class A 48 months and older. 

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AKIHO CLASSIFICATION GUIDE: 

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Shikkaku: Disqualifed

Kiken: withdrawn

Nintei: Recognized - no longer awarded in modern AKIHO judging

Junyuu: Good
Yuushuu: Excellent 

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Tokuyuu: Superior, the Tokuyuu award is assigned only to seiken (adult dogs). 

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Eiyoshou: Honorary award akin to Meiyoshou, but exclusively bestiwed at exhibitions held by overseas branches. 

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Meiyoshou: Honorary award that is awarded to one, none or multiple adult dogs of at least 48 months of age that are prime example to the breed. It is AKIHO's highest form of recognition, with Meiyosho Winners having their picture up for display on the Wall of Fame in the Akita Inu Museum at the AKIHO Headquarters in Odate, Japan. After winning this honorary award dogs are obliged to retire from competition. 

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