💥Important News From the RKC & JAIC💥

From the Secretary of The Japanese Akita Inu Club of the UK:

I am very pleased to announce that the Royal Kennel Club (RKC) has agreed to allocate Championship status to Japanese Akita Inu from 2026.

The Japanese Akita Inu was added to the Breed Register on the 1st January 2006 after the split of Akita and Akita Inu. With the registration of the Japanese Akita Inu Club, we held our first club show back in 2007. Coinciding with our 20th anniversary, the allocation of Championship Status from 2026 is further recognition of our wonderful breed, being a significant milestone in the breed’s history in the UK.

In 2021, the RKC introduced a phased and transparent system for the elevating of some non-Challenge Certificate (CC) breeds with separate classification to Championship Status.

For our breed, this begins with an annual allocation of 3 sets of CCs and will progress, if entry figures warrant, to 7 sets and eventually, under stage 1 of the new CC allocation model, 13 sets.

The CCs will be allocated to the following shows in 2026: Crufts, British Utility Breeds Association and the Japanese Akita Inu Club.

Given the allocation of the CC, the Club committee will be considering the venue and date for our Club show in 2026.

Further information for our members who are less familiar with dog showing:

Championship Status is a prestigious designation, awarded by the RKC to specific dog breeds that meet certain criteria related to their popularity, health, and overall viability within the UK. This status allows dogs of these breeds to compete for CCs at RKC licensed Championship Shows.

A Challenge Certificate is a formal recognition of a dog's excellence in conformation and adherence to its breed standard. Dogs that earn three CCs under three different judges become eligible for the title of Champion (or Show Champion, depending on the breed), signifying their superior quality as an exemplary representative of their breed.

The RKC determines which breeds are eligible for Championship Status based on factors such as:

Breed popularity: The number of dogs registered with The Kennel Club annually.

Breed health: Consideration of any health concerns or conditions prevalent in the breed and ongoing efforts to address them.

Breed development: The availability of a sufficient and sustainable breeding population.

The awarding of Championship Status reflects The RKC's commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare, quality, and sustainability of pedigree dog breeds in the UK.

I would like to extend our thanks to all that have supported and worked with the Committee to achieve this prestigious milestone.

I hope you will all continue to support our breed during these exciting times.

Ashlie Carter

Secretary of The Japanese Akita Inu Club