Akita Chow

The Akita is a large, powerful spitz-type dog that presents a commanding and dignified appearance. Males typically stand between 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh 100 to 130 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 24 to 26 inches and 70 to 100 pounds. The breed possesses a substantial, well-balanced frame with a broad head that resembles a bear, featuring small, deep-set triangular eyes and small erect triangular ears that sit forward in line with the neck. The muscular body is slightly longer than tall with a level back, strong legs, and webbed feet that provide excellent support for their considerable size. The Akita carries a dense double coat that consists of a thick, soft undercoat beneath a straight, harsh outer coat that stands off from the body. The coat is shorter on the head and lower legs but longer on the tail and rear portions of the body. Acceptable colors include all solid shades such as white, brindle, and pinto, with rich and brilliant markings preferred. The Japanese Akita Inu variety tends toward more restricted coloring including red, fawn, sesame, brindle, and pure white. A distinctive feature is the large, curled tail that is carried proudly over the back or against the flank in a three-quarter, full, or double curl. The breed's physical structure reflects its origins as a hunting and guard dog in the mountainous regions of Japan. The powerful jaws, muscular neck, and compact feet equipped for traversing snow and rough terrain demonstrate the breed's working heritage. The Akita moves with a brisk, powerful gait that showcases the breed's agility despite its substantial size. The overall impression is one of substance, dignity, and alertness, with a noble bearing that has made the Akita a symbol of good health, happiness, and long life in its native Japan.

The Chow Chow is a powerfully built, sturdy dog of medium size with a distinctive lion-like appearance created by its impressive mane of fur around the head and shoulders. Males typically stand 19 to 22 inches at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 70 pounds, while females measure 18 to 20 inches and weigh 45 to 60 pounds. The breed presents a square profile when viewed from the side, with a broad skull, flat top head, and characteristic scowling expression created by facial wrinkles and the placement of the small, triangular ears that stand erect. One of the breed's most distinctive features is its blue-black tongue and dark mouth tissues, a unique trait shared by only one other breed. The Chow Chow comes in two coat varieties: rough and smooth. The rough coat is abundant, dense, and straight, standing off from the body with a particularly thick ruff around the head and neck that creates the breed's famous lion-like mane. The smooth variety has a shorter coat but still possesses a dense, hard outer coat with a definite undercoat. Both coat types require significant grooming attention. Acceptable colors include red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream, with solid colors preferred and any shadings typically confined to the ruff and tail. The heavily plumed tail is set high and carried closely to the back. The breed's unique physical characteristics extend to its movement patterns and overall structure. Chow Chows possess distinctive straight rear legs that create a stilted, somewhat stiff gait unlike most other breeds. This unique leg structure contributes to their dignified, rolling movement. The compact, cat-like feet are round and well-padded, supporting the breed's substantial build. Deep-set almond-shaped eyes contribute to the breed's characteristic dignified and somewhat aloof expression. The muscular neck supports the large head, and the chest is broad and deep, extending to the elbows. Overall, the Chow Chow presents an image of power, dignity, and ancient nobility.