Fowarded by Mrs. Lonny Cohen July 16, 1999

Here is the newest information I have received about the split of the Akita breed in the FCI countries. I got this yesterday in the mail from AKC. The following is a report of the FCI General Assembly meeting in Mexico City on May 31 and June 1, 1999. This is in a letter to Al Cheaure, President of the American Kennel Club, from Toyosaku Kariyabu and Hirofumi Keitoku of the Japan Kennel Club.

Proposition of the General Committee concerning the AKITA problem

"Under the name <<Akita>> there are two definitively different types of dogs to be found: Akita of the Japanese type and the Great Japanese Dog (formerly American Akita). The recognition of the <<Great Japanese Dog (formerly American Akita)>> as a special breed within the FCI is a useful measure, but this alone will not help to clear up completely the present confusing situation.

The following solution should put an end to the present intolerable confusion.

In all the countries belonging to the FCI, all dogs registered under the name <<Akita>> have to be assessed individually by a body of three judges qualified for the breed (nominated by the country's Kennel Club). Dogs which conform to the FCI Akita Standard #255 will keep their pedigree under the name of <<Akita>>. Dogs conforming with the FCI standard #344 <<Great Japanese Dog>>(formerly American Akita) will receive a new pedigree under the new name. In case of doubt as to how to assess a dog, the Japan Kennel Club will provide judges to make the final decision. The assessments mentioned above should be done within 6 months from the official recognition of the <<Great Japanese Dog>>(formerly American Akita) and be finished by the end of 1999. The new registration of each dog is definite and cannot be altered.

As from January 1st, 2000 onward, the breed <<Akita>>(under FCI standard # 255) and the <<Great Japanese Dog>> (under FCI standard #344) are to be considered two totally independent breeds, any cross between these two breeds will be prohibited. From the 1st January 2000, the <<Great Japanese Dog <<(formerly American Akita) will be eligible for CACIB."

Settled matters at the FCI General Assembly.

Valid votes: 43

1) To divide the Akita into two different breeds.