Akita

Description: The Akita is a striking breed who is large, powerful, alert, well-balanced dog with much substance and heavy bone. They have a deep muzzle, small triangular eyes, erect ears, and a large single or double curled tail. The Akita’s head is triangular and their jaws are large and powerful. Renown for their fierce love, loyalty and obedience to their owner. Akitas are the largest of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds and have webbed feet which makes them very strong swimmers. The Japanese bred him as a fighting dog with a great temperament. They need space and should not be confined.

Other Names: Akita Inu, Japanese Akita, Shishi Inu

Type: Northern Breeds

Height: 24 – 28 inches Weight: 75 – 130 lbs.

Colors: Any colors including white, brindle and pinto, with or without a mask. Coat: Outer coat coarse, straight and stand-off. Soft, dense undercoat.

Temperament: The Akita’s are loyal and courageous companions that are affectionate with their own families but wary of strangers. Akitas make excellent guard dogs though they are usually good natured and quiet. They can also be stubborn at time and require socialization in order to get along with a rang of people. Akitas are also anactive, independent, dignified, and bold breed though they may be aggressive toward other dogs. With Children: Yes, the Akita will protect family children, apprehensive of other children. With Pets: Yes with family pets with socialization, but may be aggressive towards other small animals.

Watch-dog: Very High Guard-dog: High, alert but detached, never fearful

Care and Training: Akitas require daily brushing to bring out the best of their coat. They shed twice a year. Bathe only when necessary. Akitas need daily exercise  as they have a lot of muscle. Daily exercise is essential. Early obedience is necessary to prevent aggression against other dogs. Special Needs: Fenced yard, leashed, socialization, training.

Learning Rate: High, intelligence is extremely high. Akitas can be very bossy.

Activity: Moderate Living Environment: A house with a fenced yard is essential.

Health Issues: Autoimmune disorders, degenerative myelopathy, Hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy, and other eye problems.

Life Span: About 12 years. Litter Size: 5 – 7

Country of Origin: Japan History: Akitas date back over three hundred years and take their name from the prefecture of Akita in northern Japan. The Akita is the tallest of Japan’s native breeds. Developed in 1630 by a Samurai the Akita was produced to be an excellent fighter, guardian and hunter of large game. The Akita almost became extinct several times. In Japan, it’s image is often used to represent good health. In 1931 the Japanese government designated the Akitas as a National Monument and one of Japan’s national treasures. Japan has placed an emphasis on maintaining the breed.

First Registered by the AKC: 1972 AKC Group: Working Class: Working Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 5), KC,(GB), UKC