Bullkita -- American Bulldog X Akita Inu

		Bullkita
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			U.S.A. <> Japan -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as			Bullakita Bulkita

A brief presentation of the Bullkita

The Bullkita is a large-breed dog that is a cross between an American Bulldog and an Akita Inu. Bullkitas inherit qualities from both sides and are best known for being loyal like their Akita parent and friendly like their Bulldog parent. They vary in appearance, but generally resemble short-haired Akitas with some Bulldog characteristics. They have an average lifespan of 9 to 11 years, weigh 32 to 43 kilos and stand 46 to 56 centimeters tall. Their coat is short, smooth and dense, and comes in many colors common to both Bulldogs and Akitas. On the whole, they are devoted pets eager to please. These sturdy, attractive dogs need a moderate exercise regime to perform at their best.

History of the Bullkita

The name Bulkita is a combination of the names of the dog's two parent breeds, the American Bulldog and the Akita Inu. This cross between these two pure-bred dogs is relatively new, although it is a breed beloved by those who own it.

	A little of the American Bulldog
	The American Bulldog is descended from the ancient Mastiff family. In the 1800s, the American Bulldog was imported to the United States and was an expert at catching wild hogs. At the time, the American Bulldog was also used for baiting bulls, an exotic American sport. Before World War II, the American Bulldog was popular in the South and was used as a working dog for farmers and ranchers. John D. Johnson of Georgia helped repopulate the American Bulldog and preserve the breed to the best of its ability. The American Bulldog was originally massively powerful and aggressive towards others. Through selective breeding, breeders have succeeded in eliminating many of these aggressive traits. In 1989, the American Bulldog Association was created to oversee the breeding of this breed.

	Presentation of the American Bulldog
	A little of the Akita Inu
	The Akita Inu originated in Japan thousands of years ago. Originally hunters, they have a long history of being held in high esteem, regarded as spiritual symbols of health, protection, happiness and longevity. In 1931, the Akita Inu was designated one of Japan's national treasures. Helen Keller, who adored the breed, is credited with bringing the first Akita to North America. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972, today the Akita Inu ranks 46th in popularity and excels in therapy and in the ring.

	Standard of the Akita Inu

Appearance of the Bullkita

Bullkitas resemble slightly smaller Akitas with short coats and Bulldog characteristics. They are tall, with strong fore and hind legs and thick, muscular necks. Adult Bullkitas weigh from 32 to 43 kilos and stand 46 to 56 centimeters tall. They have round eyes and ears. Bullkita muzzles are relatively short with a broad black nose, but not crushed like those of a Bulldog. Their legs are big and wide to support their large frame. The wide range of coat variations within each parent breed explains the Bullkita's broad spectrum of colors. Their short, smooth, thick and dense coat can be black, brown brindle, fawn, silver, white, fallow, fawn brindle, red, red brindle, all colors have the possibility of including white and brindle coverage and markings.

Temperament of the Bullkita

Bullkitas are known for being familiar, friendly and loyal pets. They are assertive, yet sensitive animals, hyper attuned to their environment. As such, they thrive in stable environments with a consistent schedule and loving interactions with their owners. Too many changes at once can cause anxiety and exacerbate this breed's surly nature. If they take after their Bulldog parent, they'll do well with children. If the Bullkita is more Akita, however, it may need to be supervised with young children and other animals, at least until the parties have become familiar with each other. Yet the Bullkita is very people-oriented and eager to please. This quality makes them relatively easy to train. An added advantage is that they very rarely bark. You can expect a Bullkita to bond quickly with family members and initiate play and snuggle at home. This dog has moderate energy and will be happy if surrounded by people who are socially engaged and take care of their moderate exercise needs.

Needs and activities of the Bullkita

The Bullkita is a moderately energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy. A modest daily walk or dog park session should suffice. Bear in mind that this breed has a weakness for cool weather and should not be overexercised in extreme heat, especially if its coat is more like that of a purebred Akita. As long as the Bullkita gets the exercise it needs to maintain a healthy weight, it will be content in any type of domestic environment, whether urban, suburban or rural. It's important to note that affection and quality indoor time are also important for this breed's mental and emotional health.

Maintenance of the Bullkita

Bullkitas are not hypoallergenic dogs and are therefore not suitable for owners with allergies. Because of their short, smooth coats, they don't require much grooming, as they shed moderately and have a strong tendency to drool. Owners can reduce uncontrolled shedding by brushing their Bullkita's coat with a firm bristle brush. These dogs should only be bathed when necessary, so that their coats retain their natural oils and shine. Owners should, however, clean facial or body wrinkles daily to avoid skin infections that occur between the folds (this is important for Bullkitas with more than one Bulldog). Bullkitas should also have their nails trimmed once or twice a month to avoid painful nail proliferation or fracture. Like all breeds, Bullkitas should let their teeth be brushed daily.