Akita E-Book

Barbara J. Andrews

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Serie: Comprehensive Owner's Guide
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 222

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2012

Beschreibung

This Comprehensive Owner's Guide to the Akita serves as a complete introduction to the largest of Japan's spitz breeds. Hailing from "Land of the Rising Sun," the Akita is a official recognized as a Natural Monument in Japan and regarded by Westerners as a dignified and courageous guardian breed. Written by two of the most influential Akita breeders in the world, Barbara J. ("BJ") Andrews of O'BJ kennels and Meg Purnell-Carpenter of Overhill kennels (UK), the book begins with a fascinating and informative chapter on the breed's history in Japan, tracing its development in the U.S. and England a historical path that both authors were instrumental in achieving. The authors continue with chapters on the breed's characteristics and the standard, encapsulating all of the virtues of this handsome, dominant and loyal breed, offering sound advice about which owners are best suited to the breed.New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with handsome adults and puppies bursting with attitude and personality! In all, there are over 135 photographs in this compact, useful, and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training the strong-minded and strong-bodied Akita will help readers better mold and train their dogs into the most socialized, well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.

Leseprobe

Physical Characteristics of theAkita

(from the the American Kennel Clubbreed standard)

Ears: Strongly erect and small in relation to rest of head. Triangular, slightly rounded at tip, wide at base, set wide on head but not too low, and carried slightly forward over eyes in line with back of neck.

Eyes: Dark brown, small, deep-set and triangular in shape. Eye rims black and tight.

Nose: Broad and black. Liver permitted on white Akitas, but black always preferred.

Head: Massive but in balance with body; free of wrinkle when at ease. Skull flat between ears and broad; jaws square and powerful with minimal dewlap.

Muzzle: Broad and full. Distance from nose to stop is to distance from stop to occiput as 2 is to 3.

Stop: Well defined, but not too abrupt. A shallow furrow extends well up forehead.

Forequarters: Shoulders strong and powerful with moderate layback. Forelegs heavy-boned and straight as viewed from front. Angle of pastern 15 degrees forward from vertical.

Color: Any color including white; brindle; or pinto. Colors are brilliant and clear and markings are well balanced, with or without mask or blaze. White Akitas have no mask. Undercoat may be a different color from outer coat.

Neck: Thick and muscular; comparatively short, widening gradually toward shoulders. A pronounced crest blends in with base of skull.

Tail: Large and full, set high and carried over back or against flank in a three-quarter, full, or double curl, always dipping to or below level of back. Root large and strong. Hair coarse, straight and full, with no appearance of a plume.

Body: Longer than high, as 10 is to 9 in males; 11 to 9 in bitches. Chest wide and deep; depth of chest is one-half height of dog at shoulder. Ribs well sprung, brisket well developed. Level back with firmly-muscled loin and moderate tuck-up. Skin pliant but not loose.

Coat: Double-coated. Undercoat thick, soft, dense and shorter than outer coat. Outer coat straight, harsh and standing somewhat off body.

Hindquarters: Width, muscular development and bone comparable to forequarters. Upper thighs well developed. Stifle moderately bent and hocks well let down, turning neither in nor out.

Dewdaws: On front legs generally not removed; dewclaws on hind legs generally removed.

Feet: Cat feet, well knuckled up with thick pads. Feet straight ahead.

Size: Males 26 to 28 inches at the withers; bitches 24 to 26 inches.

Contents

History of the Akita

Trace the mystical origins of the ancient wolf-spitz dog that evolved into the Akita of Japan, from its beginning as a hunter of large game, a fighting exhibition and a companion of royalty, to the breed’s recognition as a “Natural Monument” of Japan. Follow the Akita to America, where the breed was established and championed, and from there to the UK.

Characteristics of the Akita

Begin to solve the Akita enigmas concerning the breed’s intense personality, protective nature, cleanliness, superior intelligence and trainability. Be regaled by the famous story of the loyal Akita “Hachi-Ko,” learn about the breed’s rapport with children, and find out if the Akita is the right breed for you.

Breed Standard for the Akita

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Akita by studying the description of the breed as set forth in the American Kennel Club’s breed standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Your Puppy Akita

Be advised about choosing a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, typical puppy. Understand the responsibilities of ownership, including home preparation, acclimatization, the vet and prevention of common puppy problems.

Everyday Care of Your Akita

Enter into a sensible discussion of dietary and feeding considerations, exercise, grooming, traveling and identification of your dog. This chapter discusses Akita care for all stages of development.

Training Your Akita

By Charlotte Schwartz

Be informed about the importance of training your Akita from the basics of house-training and understanding the development of a young dog to executing obedience commands (sit, stay, down, etc.).

Health Care of Your Akita

Discover how to select a proper veterinarian and care for your dog at all stages of life. Topics include vaccination scheduling, skin problems, dealing with external and internal parasites and the medical and behavioral conditions common to the breed.

Your Senior Akita

Consider the care of your senior Akita, including the proper diet for a senior. Recognize the signs of an aging dog, both behavioral and medical; implement a senior-care program with your veterinarian.

Showing Your Akita

Experience the dog show world, including different types of shows and the making up of a champion. Go beyond the conformation ring to obedience trials and agility trials, etc.

KENNEL CLUB BOOKS®AKITAISBN 13: 978-1-59378-298-6eISBN 13: 978-1-59378-966-4

Copyright © 1999 • Kennel Club Books® • An Imprint of I-5 Press™ • A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC™3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 USACover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 • Printed in South Korea

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

Photographs by Carol Ann Johnson

with additional photos by Norvia Behling, T.J. Calhoun,Doskocil, Isabelle Français, Bill Jonas, Mikki Pet Products and Alice van Kempen.

The publisher wishes to thank Bill and B.J. Andrews, Marc Blanc, Steve and Judy Bolding, C.T. & N. Calloway, M. Fisk, Maurizio Moretto, Elaine Nussbaum, Paladin Kennels, Meg Purnell-Carpenter, Donald See, M. White Jr. and the rest of the owners for allowing their dogs to be photographed for this book.

Illustrations by Patricia Peters

The Akita was a known dog as early as 500 BC. It appeared as a distinct type in written records more than 300 years ago. One peek at a litter of Akita puppies and the world’s fascination with this ancient Japanese breed becomes evident.

ORIGINS OF THE AKITA OF JAPAN

As is so with many of the old wolf-spitz breeds, the origin of the Akita is a puzzle. Drawings and other artifacts dating back more than 3,000 years document the existence of a wolf-spitz dog throughout Asia. This early domesticated dog evolved into the breeds that we now call the Chow Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, husky (generic term) and, quite likely, the Akita. Actually, the Akita’s remote ancestors became identifiable by about 500 BC, and we can trace the Akita-inu as a distinct type back through over 300 years of written records.

The ancestors of the Akita may even have come to Japan before the European continent was separated by the Sea of Japan. Such ancient dogs were excellent bear hunters and served man in many ways. Dogs with big, double- or triple-layered, weather-resistant coats are usually referred to as Arctic-type dogs and have always had a history of working for their keep. The Akita might be said to fit into that category as well. It is a very complex breed and, like a colorful painting that has been converted into an intricate jigsaw puzzle, there are hundreds of pieces which, when fitted properly, become the masterpiece we call the Akita.

To further complicate accurate research, the Akita’s beginnings are obscured by a very old culture that is in itself still a mystery to most of the rest of the world. There is so much that we do not understand but that made perfectly good sense to the Japanese dog lover of the last century. For example, we are positively squeamish about skinning one of our beloved dogs, but the Japanese did so with the dogs they most revered. The skins were tanned and thus the favorite dog was preserved. The famous companion Akita, Hachi-Ko, is not only remembered as an awe-inspiring statue but also was preserved and is on display in one of Japan’s national museums.

The Akita’s importance in the daily life of the Japanese family is obvious in that he is considered a symbol of health and prosperity. In most countries, one presents a new mother or sick friend with flowers. In Japan, an Akita is still given as a token of the bearer’s wishes for a speedy recovery and all things good.

We are enchanted by Oriental customs related to the Akita, but we do indeed find it difficult to understand why dogs are still eaten in many Asian countries or why the Japanese were once so fond of appalling sporting events involving dogs. Although dogs have been and are still perceived as food in other parts of the world, it is a puzzling contradiction in Japan, where the Akita has long been so highly regarded. Equally puzzling, long ago it was considered entertaining to turn a hundred dogs loose in an arena as targets for men with bows and arrows. Thankfully, this is no longer done.

Along the same lines, dog fighting is another inhumane practise that once thrived in Japan. Probably as old as is the semi-domesticated canine, it has also been practiced in many other countries, including Britain and the US. The pastime of pitting dogs against one another evolved in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) under the reign of Shogun Hojo Takatoki. The Satake Clan of Odate City (a.k.a. “Dog Fighting Capital”) crossed the Akita-Matagi-inu with the mastiff-like Tosa-inu for precisely that purpose. During the relatively recent Meiji period (1866–1912), the Enyukai Club, formed in Odate in 1897, was still in vogue. Several such clubs hosted fighting tournaments, where eager fans would gather for a full day of entertainment. In 1908 Japan passed ordinances that officially outlawed the fighting of dogs. Shocking as that may be, it is in stark contrast to the fact that it wasn’t until the 1980s that the US officially forbid dog fighting in every state and began to prosecute offenders.

THE EMPEROR’S DOGSPEAK

Akitas were once owned only by royalty and a special language was used to talk to them.

The Akita is still a dominant dog, but thankfully the influence of the Tosa and other such fighting breeds has waned and the Akita is rarely quarrelsome. Very sure of his superiority over other dogs, he is quite the gentleman and can be surprisingly tolerant.

Despite the rather sketchy history of the Akita in Japan, we know he served a variety of useful purposes at different levels of society. As the peasant’s dog, he was a hunter. As the sporting partner of royalty, he is said to have hunted with falcons. Although he is reputed to have been a good water retriever, we personally refute that as we’ve never known an adult Akita to swim without strong encouragement! Wade? Lay down in cool water? Of course. Swim for the fun of it or to retrieve anything? Never.

As a hunter of big game such as mountain bear and boar, he was (and in parts of America, still is) quite adept. His courage is well documented and his fighting ability is legendary. Although he does not “give tongue,” as do the hound breeds, hunters will be able to follow the direction of the chase as the mighty bear and even the wild boar will not run as far as other game. They will be brought to bay by the dogs, and the tenacity and courage of the Akita will hold the quarry until the hunters arrive.

The Japanese have been recording tales about Akitas for hundreds of years. This statue, in bronze, commemorates the legendary loyal Akita Hachi-Ko.

Written history tells us that the breed at one time was officially owned only by the Japanese ruling class. In fact, during Emperor Senka’s reign, the office of Dog Keeper was officially established. There was even a special language used when talking to or about an Akita; the words themselves were actually called “dog words.” The care and training of an Akita were very ritualized. There were also special leashes used to denote rank and there were very specific ways in which the leash could be used to tie up an Akita. Special dogs achieved greater rank according to their degree of training and, of course, the personal preference of the Emperor.

WHAT IS THE REGISTER OF MERIT?

The suffix ROM (Register of Merit) indicates that an Akita has produced in the top 2 to 3% of breeding animals, a sure indicator of genetic superiority. The suffix was initiated in the early 1970s by author B.J. Andrews in her widely acclaimed Akita Handbook. Her record-keeping and publications were later adopted by the Akita Club of America. Two other suffixes are used: ROMX and ROMP, which can be combined as ROMXP. The “X” indicates that the dog has produced twice the number of progeny required for the ROM. The “P” indicates that the dog has produced an ROM-holding progeny.

The O’BJ dogs of the Andrews’ breeding in America claim the top three positions for the sires, namely Ch. Okii Yubi’s Sachmo of Makoto, ROMXP, who produced 101 champions, 16 of whom hold ROMs; Ch. The Widow-Maker O’BJ, ROMXP, who produced 65 champions, 3 of whom hold ROMs; and Ch. O’BJ Bigson of Sachmo, ROMXP, who produced 49 champions, 3 of whom hold ROMs. The top dam of all time is Ch. The Mad Hatter O’BJ, ROMXP, who produced 16 champions, 2 of whom have also produced ROM holders.

The Akita, like many breeds, derived its name from the area with which it was most closely associated. The Akita’s primary development is associated with Akita Prefecture in the northern part of Japan, Honshu Island. More specifically, the breed is closely connected to a particular town in Akita Prefecture called Odate City, also known as “Dog City” and “Boulevard of Dogs.” Mr. Shigiei Izumi, the mayor of Odate City, founded the Akita Dog Preservation Society in 1926.

As a point of clarification, one should not be confused by Japanese dog terms such as “ken” and “imi.” These words are used as a suffix, attached by a hyphen, as in Akita-ken or Shiba-inu. Both simply mean “dog.”

Japan established Natural (not “National” as it is sometimes mistakenly printed) Monument legislation during the middle of the Taisho era (1912–1926). This was designed to preserve culturally significant objects, including animals. In the early part of the Showa era, about 1925, Katsusuke Ishihara bemoaned the fact that there were very few dogs that possessed what he considered to be the standard in each breed. So it was with the Akita. Dr. Watase, who pioneered the Natural Monument bill, was most disappointed when he journeyed to Odate to study the Akita-inu.

Odate City was a logical place from which to begin his search as it was, at that time in history, a very remote area surrounded by towering mountain ranges and shut off to winter travel by severe weather. The local dog that was to become the Akita-inu evolved for several hundred years, untouched by other developing breed types. The large region that includes Akita Prefecture remained quite isolated until the 14th century. As a point of fact, the Hokkaido region is often referred to as the Ezo-chi or “Land of the Ainus” even today.

Dogs from China and Korea had begun to trickle into Japan under the reign of Emperor Jinmu, about 660 BC. With the introduction of Christianity in the 15th century, all sorts of dogs began to arrive in Japan along with their European owners. The mastifftype influence is still seen in dogs with an excess of skin, loose eyelids and hanging ears. The Elkhound and Keeshond-type dogs also left their marks on the native dog that the world would one day know as the Akita. The pinto coloration, particularly black and white, may have been from the non-spitz type Chinese Karainu. Scrolls from the early Kamakura era (1185–1249) also depict pinto dogs of Akita type as part of the background. Photographs of the early 1900s include black pinto Akitas.

The Karelian Bear Dog shares its black and white pattern and ability to tackle a bear with the Akita.

As an aside, there now exists a breed, the Karelian Bear Dog, that is undeniably similar to a black and white Akita. The breed closely resembles the lesser known Russo-European Laika, which descends from Russian and Finnish dogs from the area once known as Karelia. It is said to be equally as fierce and courageous as the Akita. The breed has been recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club for many years and has a devoted following in that country. One must wonder if the genes have somehow mingled with Canadian husky-type dogs. The Karelian is indeed a handsome dog, though of smaller stature than today’s Akita.

Regrettably, Dr. Watase found no dogs representative of a Natural Monument in what should have been the epicenter, the city of Odate. We surmise that he was searching for a dog once known as the Matagi-inu, a word meaning “hunter.” The native red dog with a light-colored muzzle, similar in coloration and type to primitive canines all over the world, had become diluted by the European dogs and the inevitable crossbreeding that resulted. Thus began a concerted effort to restore the type and color that were considered “pure.”

The primitive color pattern was strengthened during the resurgence of interest that occurred in the late 1980s. It is now considered representative of the Japanese Akita, as is white and brindle coloration and the absence of a black muzzle. The older generation Japanese visibly shudder at black dogs with white boots and vest—color patterns said to be representative of traditional funeral attire. None of this really matters to us because pintos, black masks and even “formally dressed” black dogs with white markings afford us with an infinite palette from which to choose a beautiful Akita.

TEN BREEDS OF JAPAN

The six Japanese spitz breeds are divided by size, namely the Akita as the large breed; the Shiba as the small breed, and four medium-size breeds, Kai, Kishu, Shikoku and Hokkaido (or Ainu). Only the Akita and Shiba have established significant followings outside Japan. There are four other recognized Japanese breeds, including the giant mastiff breed known as the Tosa, the lovely toy breed known as the Chin, the solid white Japanese Spitz and the diminutive Japanese Terrier. Of course, the Chin is the most popular of these breeds worldwide. In Japan, the Shiba is the most popular Japanese breed, followed by the Japanese Spitz, Chin and Akita.

In 1927 the Akiho (Akita-inu Hozankai Society) was established in Odate City. Nippo (Nippo-ken Hozankai) followed in 1928 and the Akita-inu Akikyo in 1948, each organization determined to restore the Akita as a Natural Monument and each was, in its way, quite successful in doing so.

American dog author and good friend to both authors, Andrew De Prisco with his two prized Japanese Shiba-inu companions and show dogs.

The Tosa-inu stands 24.5–28 in (62–71 cms) and can weigh up to 200 lb (90 kgs).

THE AKITA GOES TO AMERICA

A powerful influence in restoring the Akita to the rest of the world occurred when soldiers returning to the US in the late 1940s smuggled the big dogs out of Japan. These “Akitas” were not selected due to any concern for type, but because of their appeal as individual dogs. Members of America’s fighting forces must have been very drawn to the courage and loyalty of the dogs known as Akitas. As there were so few dogs brought back to the United States at that time, there was only the rarest opportunity to breed an Akita to an Akita. A prominent American family later thought it worthwhile to import some dogs, albeit purchased at pet shops, from the Tokyo area. Some were probably pure-bred, some were relatively healthy, but some failed in both regards. A couple of those dogs became strong genetic influences during the early years in the US, and many breeders in America believe that may in part account for the lack of consistent type and for the serious inbred genetic defects found in the breed.

In 1955 the Akita moved into the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Miscellaneous Class, a class similar to the Import Class in the UK, where new breeds can be exhibited. In 1956 what was eventually to become the American Akita Club was forming, and it came into formal existence in 1959. Americans had spent many years in the formation of various clubs, with individual owners struggling to become the dominant authority on Akitas. It has been said that most Akita people exhibit the same bold and dominant traits as their dogs! The splinter clubs and disagreements were resolved by the end of 1972, at which time the AKC approved the Akita Club of America’s breed standard.

Japanese imports could, however, still be registered as foundation stock until February 1974. The American gene pool, which established the type known worldwide as the “American Akita,” was indeed rather small in comparison to those of many other well-established breeds. Original foundation stock consisted of little more than 100 distinct pedigrees.

AN AKITA BY ANY OTHER NAME

The Akita may hold the record for the most breed names! They are known as Akitas, Akita-inus, Akita-kens, American Akitas, Japanese Akitas, Great Japanese Dogs, Tweenies and Blends.

It must be noted, however, that those original pedigrees were so questionable as to be considered mongrelized. Many of the original dogs brought back from Japan were not of pure parentage; therefore, a narrow gene pool was hardly the case. Dogs that had survived the worst of the war were in fact left to wander the streets by owners who loved them too much to destroy them. They could not risk being identified as owners of such large dogs, whose voracious appetites further reduced the scarce food supply, so they abandoned the dogs to the streets to fend for themselves.

Author B.J. Andrews with Ch. O’BJ Nikki No Takara, moving in the ring at the American National Specialty, where she won first in the American-bred Class over 20 bitches. Nikki is an inbred daughter of the great Sachmo, considered by most experts to be the best Akita ever bred.

A pinto Akita on the move. Coloration doesn’t matter–movement, temperament and soundness are all!

As indicated by numerous photos of the time, Nature took her course and the Akita interbred with mongrels and strays of other breeds. Indeed, Helen Keller’s Akita, with whom she was frequently photographed, would not today be regarded as purebred in either America or Japan. Nonetheless, those early imports had the intelligence and character that make the breed so remarkable and unique today.

Having arrived in America, the breed that would later be registered as the Akita was further out-crossed by random matings. In addition, there continued to be a few dogs imported from Japan. We must apply common sense rather than rhetoric in order to establish a factual genetic basis of the breed in America. Japan was busy reconstructing itself and any sort of cash income was most welcome; therefore, little attention was paid to the purity of dogs sold on the street or in pet shops. With the stud book so lacking in authenticity, the progeny of those matings subsequently, and as a matter of course, became AKC-registered.

Sire of over 100 American champions, this is the one and only Ch. Okii Yubi’s Sachmo of Makoto, owned by Bill and B.J. Andrews. He is the number-one sire of all Working breeds in the US.

There were, fortunately, a handful of dominant dogs that led to the development of several prominent lines. Issei Riki Oji Go was bred to Kuma’s Akai Kosho-Go, and that mating produced Ch. Mitsu Kuma’s O Kashihime-Go, Mitsu Kuma’s Splashdown (US top sire Sachmo’s granddam) and the breed’s first Group winner, Ch. Mitsu Kuma’s Tora Oji Go, owned by Terry Wright. The Mullens’ Mitsu Kuma kennels in New Jersey became well known for its contributions to the early development of the Akita in the States.

The Frerose Kennels of Fred Duane was founded on top show dog and producer, Am-Can-Berm. Ch. Kenjiko Royal Tenji, ROMXP. Jojo, as he was called, is the grandson of Japanese import Teddy Bear of Toyohashi Seiko.

A handsome import, Gyokushu of Tojo Kensha was the grandsire of Krug’s Sotto and Michiko of Kensha. Santo became a foundation sire for Bettye and Francis Krug of Maryland, and Michiko was a top producer for the Sakura kennels of Barbara Miller. Ch. Krug’s Ichiban Akemi-Go was the top-winning Akita bitch prior to AKC recognition.

Ch. O’BJ BigSon of Sachmo was the number-three sire of all time, photographed at the modest age of eleven. He sired 48 American champions, including tens of specialty winners and ROM get.

A small kennel was established by Bob Campbell, who shipped one of his foundation bitches, Namesu-Joo, back to the West Coast to be bred to the mighty Ashibaya Kuma, owned by Bea Hunt. That mating produced Yukan No Okii Yubi, ROMP, who sired Ch. Okii Yubi’s Dragon House Ko-Go, ROMXP, owned by Bill and Barbara Andrews. Ko-Go went on to become the number-two all-time top-producing dam. Bob Campbell is credited with having bred many top producers, including the number-one sire of all Working Group dogs in the US, Ch. Okii Yubi’s Sachmo of Makoto, ROMXP. Sachmo, as he was called, was also owned by Bill and Barbara (B.J.) Andrews. Sachmo’s grandsire was California’s top winner and producer, Ch. Fukumoto’s Ashibaya Kuma, a grandson of Jap. Gr. Ch. Kinsho-Go, the son of Mexican Ch. Triple K Hayai Taka.

The dominant brindle bitch, Jap. Gr. Ch. Haru Hime, produced very well for Barbara Confer when bred to Jap. Gr. Ch. Teddy Bear of Toyohashi Seiko. Ch. Sakusaku’s Tom Cat-Go, ROMP, is just one of the many top winners and Register of Merit progeny produced by Teddy Bear and Haru Hime.

Eng. Ch. Paper Doll O’BJ, sired by BigSon, was a lovely Akita, photographed at ten years of age. She was owned by C. and N. Callaway.

Walter Kam brought several Akitas from Japan to found Triple K kennels, in San Gabriel, California. They produced such great dogs as Mex. Ch. Triple K Hayai Taka and Ch. Triple K Shinya Ningyo, who produced Triple K Miko, the mother of the aforementioned Ashibaya Kuma. Shina Ningyo was herself a daughter of Jap. Gr. Ch. Kinsho-Go, a son of Jap. Gr. Ch. Kinsho-Go Abe.

The Akita Tani kennel of Liz Harrel was founded on two great dogs that traced directly to the Kams’ original import stock. Akita Tani’s Shoyo-Go was sired by Jap. Gr. Ch. Kinsho-Go, who was also the sire of Shinya Ningyo. Shoyo-Go was successfully bred to two of his half-sisters by Kinsho-Go, and also back to his dam, Kokoro. As he was already the product of a father-daughter breeding, the litter produced the very inbred dog Akita Tani’s Tatsumaki, ROM.