Breeding suitability guide — Akita
For breeders: which tests, which thresholds, which mating rules apply
1. Core standard for parents
Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Deutscher Club für Nordische Hunde e.V. (DCNH) for Germany; Akita Club of America is only the AKC parent club for breeding approval — they must be on file for every breeding animal. The others are part of the recommended health standard and should be on file as well.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Passing result | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amelogenesis Imperfecta (Enamel Hypoplasia) (AI) | Physical examination | clear or carrier (carriers only with a clear partner) | Autosomal recessive | Curated by HonestDog |
| Eye conditions (ophthalmological eye exam) (ECVO) | Eye examination | clear | Complex | — |
| Distichiasis | Eye examination | clear | Complex | — |
| Ectropion / Entropion | — | clear | Complex | — |
| Corneal dystrophy (CD) | Eye examination | clear | Complex | — |
| Cataract (HC) | Eye examination | clear | Complex | — |
| Lens luxation (PLL) | Eye examination | clear | Autosomal recessive | — |
| Optic nerve hypoplasia and micropapilla (ONH) | Eye examination | clear | Unknown | — |
| Pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD) | Eye examination | clear | Complex | — |
| Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis (PHTVL) and Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV) (PHTVL/PHPL) | Eye examination | clear | Complex | — |
| Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) (PPM) | Eye examination | clear | Unknown | — |
| Retinal Dysplasia (RD) | Eye examination | clear | Complex | — |
| Hip dysplasia (HD) Club standard | X-ray | HD A–C (C only with conditions) | Polygenic | Deutscher Club für Nordische Hunde e.V. (DCNH) for Germany; Akita Club of America is only the AKC parent club |
2. Mating rules
When one parent has a borderline result, the other parent must meet specific criteria.
Eye conditions (ophthalmological eye exam) (ECVO)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
Distichiasis
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
Ectropion / Entropion
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
Corneal dystrophy (CD)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
Cataract (HC)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
Lens luxation (PLL)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
Optic nerve hypoplasia and micropapilla (ONH)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis (PHTVL) and Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV) (PHTVL/PHPL)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) (PPM)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
Retinal Dysplasia (RD)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
3. Recommended additional tests
Sensible additions for line planning.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Passing result | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microphthalmia | — | clear | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (PRA) | — | clear or carrier | Autosomal recessive | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Pemphigus (PF) | Body-fluid analysis | clear | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) | — | clear | Autosomal recessive | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
4. HonestDog verification
- Upload a legible certificate (PDF or photo) per test in the breeder dashboard
- Certificate must show date, examining vet, and FCI/VDH logo
- Certificates older than 36 months are flagged as stale
- We extract the results from each upload using AI and check them for consistency with the dog's profile — the profile tile then shows 'verified'