My weekend was spent talking to people and putting together my thoughts for the upcoming Second World Akita Congress in Hamm, Germany. The letter of invitation stated there will be a special Akita Show on Saturday and the Congress on Sunday.

The letter listed three agenda items:

New classification between Japanese Akitas and American Akitas;

Project for an International Union;

Publication of a booklet on Akitas in international languages.

However , the exact format of the Congress is not indicated. I do not know if we will be afforded the opportunity to address the body , whether a round table discussion format will be utilized , a combination of comments/speeches and discussions, or what. In any event, I am prepared to speak to the congress attendees.

What follows is an outline of my presentation. If a discussion format is used, I will still try to cover these items during discussion.

Introductions and a thank you to the JKC and FCI for arranging the show and Congress.

Special thanks to Mr. Kariyabu and the JKC for their work on behalf of the Akita and for their presentations and discussions at the last two Nationals Specialties and their meetings and discussions with the Board.

Explanation of how the ACA functions , i.e. the by-laws requirement of 2/3 vote of those returning a written ballot for any changes to our standard, which, of course, will have to occur if the breed is split.

Explanation that the Board, as well as the members, has varying opinions and that the advocates of the various positions feel strongly about their viewpoints. Listing of opinions: split ASAP into two distinct breeds; split but at a future date; create varieties; create varieties first and later split into two distinct breeds; keep the status quo - don’t split; other ( if I hear of any other approaches before I go).

Factual variables, information needed, and concerns raised by ACA members related to a split:

How would FCI do a split, implementation plan, and timetable?

Criteria for a split - pedigree or something else?

Requirements to establish American Akita type/Japanese Akita type in FCI countries?

Extremely strong statement of importance of the name Akita to us and that the American type must be called American Akita not Greater Asiatic Spitz or some other unsuitable name.

How will they develop the standards - need to use existing AKC standard in developing the FCI standard for the American Akita.

Will FCI consider varieties or are they only considering a split into two distinct breeds?

-If there is a split into two distinct breeds;

what will happen to the dogs that are 100% American stock but have bred towards , and look like, the Japanese type, e.g. open faced reds, brindles, white with tight skin, triangular eyes, small triangular ears, etc. ?

If there is a split into two distinct breeds, what will happen to the "tweenies”?

If there is a split, what will be the impact on health, vigor, and disease fighting capabilities?

AKC requirements for splitting a breed and reading of a letter from Mr. Crowley . (See below)

Mr. Kariyabu’s assessment of the quality of the Japanese Akitas he has observed in America.

I will indicate that there will probably be some kind of poll or vote within the next year or so regarding our direction.

Closing thank you and indication that Sophia and Steve may wish to address the Congress on behalf of the ACA and Pat Szymanski may wish to speak on behalf of the JACA.

The point of all of this is to try to explain the variety of positions and concerns of our membership as well as to gather as much information as possible to answer the many “ how-would-this-work“ questions that folks are now raising and want answers to, so they can make informed decisions. I want it clearly understood that I am as anxious as anyone else to gather the data and address the many concerns in as expeditious and informed a manner as possible so that we can move forward to resolve the future of our breed.

Please rest assured that I view my role as being to representation of all the membership and will try to get as much information as possible to help us with our process. I am in this because I love our breed and want to do what is in the best interest of the Akita and the ACA membership as a whole. I plan on reporting on what transpires at the Congress.

Until then wish us luck and love your Akitas.

Thanks,

Rita

NOTE : AKC statistic show that Akita litter registrations went from 39^th place with 2,004 litters registered in 1987 to 33^rd place with 3,705 litters in 1997. Akita individual dog registrations went from 39^th place with 6,046 dogs in 1987 to 34^th place with 10,124 dogs in 1997. This information will also be going out to the Membership at large with your ACA membership renewal.