F&Q + AKIHO RULES

What will the judge procedure look like?

Judging is conducted in two stages. STAGE 1: Individual Evaluation (Daiichi Shinsa). Each dog is individually assessed and scored by the judge in four main categories: (Expression of Essence, Structure & Body Composition, Head & Facial Features, Coat Quality & Colour). Each category is worth 25 points, creating a maximum score of 100 points. STAGE 2: Comparative Evaluation. Dogs are then compared against others in their class. The judge evaluates overall balance, presence, breed type, maturity, and quality before determining the final rankings and awards. Every dog receives a placement within its class and a written critique.

Who can participate?

Anyone who owns an Akita Inu with either an FCI Pedigree or an AKIHO Pedigree may participate in the exhibition. Dogs holding only an FCI Pedigree must first complete an AKIHO Registration Evaluation (NINTEI) in order to be registered in the AKIHO registry. The Nintei session will take place on Saturday, 17 October 2026. In addition, every exhibitor must hold a valid AKIHO membership for 2026

My Akita has only an FCI pedigree - can I participate?

Yes. If your Akita has only an FCI Pedigree you can participate. However, your dog must first pass the AKIHO Registration Evaluation (NINTEI), which will take place on Saturday, 17 October 2026.

What is NINTEI?

NINTEI is an official AKIHO evaluation for Akitas that are not yet registered with AKIHO. Dogs with an FCI Pedigree can participate in the AKIHO UNITED EUROPE SHIBUTEN after passing the NINTEI evaluation. Dogs that pass NINTEI will receive an official AKIHO certificate issued directly from Japan. NINTEI certification is valid for two years.

Will there be English and Czech translation during the Seminars?

Yes. The seminars will be presented in Japanese, with live translation provided in both English and Czech to ensure that all participants can fully understand the presentations.

How does AKIHO placement work?

Every dog receives a placement. In the morning, each dog is individually evaluated by the judges. In the afternoon, dogs are compared within their class and ranked accordingly. Depending on their quality, dogs may be awarded Junyuu (Semi-Excellent), Yuushuu (Excellent), or, in adult classes, Tokuyuu (Special Distinction).

What titles & awards can be awarded during the exhibition?

Depending on the class and evaluation, dogs may be awarded Junyuu (Semi-Excellent), Yuushuu (Excellent), Tokuyuu (Special Distinction), and in eligible cases, Eiyoshou.

Can I enter both the FCI Specialty Show and the Shibuten?

Yes. You may enter both the FCI Specialty Show and the AKIHO Shibuten, provided your dog meets the entry requirements for each event and is properly registered for both exhibitions.

Where and when will the NINTEI certification take place?

The NINTEI certification will take place at the same venue as the exhibition – Interdog Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic – on Saturday, 17 October 2026, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Can I ask questions during the seminars?

Yes. Participants are encouraged to ask questions during the seminars. All questions and answers will be translated into both English and Czech, ensuring that everyone can fully understand and participate in the discussion.

What is a Shibuten?

A Shibuten is an official AKIHO branch exhibition judged by licensed AKIHO judges from Japan. Unlike FCI dog shows, dogs are evaluated according to the traditional Japanese Akita Inu standard, with emphasis on breed type, expression, movement, temperament, and overall quality. The judging system follows the same principles used at AKIHO exhibitions in Japan.

Why participate?

Official AKIHO judges from Japan evaluating your Akita according to traditional Japanese standards.

Authentic AKIHO judging – our Shibuten follows the same judging principles and procedures used in Japan.

Written critique for every dog, providing valuable feedback for breeders and owners.

Every dog receives a placement and evaluation.

Opportunity to obtain NINTEI certification and become registered with AKIHO.

Seminar presented by highly respected AKIHO judges from Japan.

Special breeder seminar featuring a breeder from Odate, offering unique insight into both the historical and modern development of the Akita Inu in Japan.

FCI Specialty Show at the same venue, judged by an experienced Akita breeder.

Official trophies from Japan awarded to class winners, produced by the same manufacturer that creates trophies for AKIHO Honbuten winners.

Special Masaru raffle for seminars participants.

Meet Akita enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.

Central European location with easy access for exhibitors and visitors from all over the world.

A unique opportunity to experience the Akita Inu exactly as it is judged and appreciated in Japan.

AKIHO Exhibition Rules

1. All dogs entered must be registered in the AKIHO registry. Dogs holding only an FCI Pedigree must pass an AKIHO Registration Evaluation (NINTEI) on Saturday, 17 October 2026.

2. Every exhibitor must hold a valid AKIHO membership for 2026

3. Valid rabies vaccination is mandatory.

4. Entering or leaving the ring during judging without permission from the Chief Judge is prohibited.

5. Females in season (in heat) are not permitted to participate.

6. Male dogs entered in Seiken Class must wear a safety collar (additional chain collar).