Our health testing levels for the Akita
We group breeding programs into three levels based on testing depth. Ask your breeder directly which level they meet.
A breeder at the Great level performs all mandatory tests plus 4 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Microphthalmia
Augen
Microphthalmia is a congenital developmental disorder of the visual system where one or both of a dog's eyeballs are abnormally small. This structural defect occurs during embryonic development and is often accompanied by other eye abnormalities, such as cataracts, which are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye. Because the eyeball itself is underdeveloped, the surrounding eyelids may also appear droopy or misaligned.
Passing: CLEAR
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)(PRA)
Augen
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. In this condition, the specialized cells responsible for detecting light, known as photoreceptors, gradually degenerate and die. Because these cells cannot recover or be replaced, the disease slowly but inevitably leads to complete blindness.
Passing: CARRIER
Pemphigus(PF)
Haut und Fell
Pemphigus is a group of serious autoimmune skin diseases, including a severe deep form called pemphigus vulgaris, where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks the proteins holding skin cells together. This attack disrupts the skin's outer layers, causing the cells to separate from one another. As a result, painful blisters, open sores, and crusts develop across the skin and mucous membranes.
Koerperfluessigkeiten · Passing: CLEAR
Sebaceous Adenitis(SA)
Haut und Fell
Sebaceous adenitis is an inflammatory skin disorder where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the sebaceous glands, which are the glands responsible for producing natural skin oils. Without these oils, the skin loses its protective moisture barrier, leading to severe dryness and damage to the hair follicles.
Passing: CLEAR
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.