Country of Origin: Japan
Lifespan: 10-12 Years
Male Height: 25-28 Inches
Male Weight: 85-130 Pounds
Female Height: 23-26 Inches
Female Weight: 65-110 Pounds
American Kennel Club Classification : Working GroupCanadian Kennel Club Classification : Working DogsKennel Club (Great Britain) Classification : Utility
Akita Characteristics
The Akita is the largest of the Japanese dog breeds and comes in all colours, ranging from white to brindle. A solid, powerful, assertive, independent, and headstrong dog; this is a dog that requires a seasoned handler. With the proper obedience, love, and socialization, he will become a very loyal family dog who is happy to be involved in your daily activities.
The Akita does not generally do well interacting with other dogs because it has a strong instinct to become dominant. It is important to socialize this dog at early age. Early interaction with other dogs, children, and cats is important if this is to become a regular part of their lives. He requires daily exercise and regular weekly grooming. They do shed continuously, and more so during their twice yearly shedding season.
Akita History
The Akita dates back over three hundred years to the Island of Honshu in the region of Akita, Japan. A 4,000 year old archeological dig brought forward records that show a dog called the "peat dog" with clear similarities to the present day Akitas. Originally bred as a fighting dog, they were also popular for hunting bear, boar, and deer.
The Akita is highly revered in Japan. The skins of the deceased dogs were often hung in the Japanese houses as a sign of respect, and to serve as a memory. In 1931 the Japanese government named the Akita a national treasure. The first Akita was brought over to North America by Helen Keller in 1937. Many more of the dogs arrived on North American soil by American servicemen who brought them back with them after serving in Japan during the war. The breed achieved AKC recognition in 1972, and is still used to this day as a guard dog and as a police dog in Japan.
Probably the most famous of all Japanese dogs was an Akita named Haichiko. He would greet his master at the train station every day to walk home with him. When his master died at work, Haichiko continued to show up at the train station. He showed up everyday until he died 9 years later. To this day there is still a statue and an annual ceremony to commemorate the dedication and love of a dog for his master.
Akita History and Breeder Information
The Akita, also known as the Akita Inu or Akita-ken, is a large Japanese dog breed. They are named after Akita Precture, which is a region in Northern Japan. In Japan, the Akita is usually referred to as Akita-ken. 'Ken' means 'dog' is Japanese as does 'inu.' Male Akitas usually stand 24 to 28 inches tall and weight approximately 120 pounds. Females usually weigh about 100 pounds. Akitas can be black, brindle, white, fawn, or any combination or variety of these colors. Akita puppies and teens look very similar to Shiba Inus.
Originally, Akitas were bred as a hound dog to round up large game animals throughout the mountains of Japan. Like many hounds, the Akitas disposition is quite complacent and easygoing. While Akitas historically have been used as hounds, the AKC has put them in the Working Group. Akitas only bark when prompted to and are generally very quiet dogs. Relative to other large dogs, Akitas don't require as much exercise which makes them very good house dogs.
Much like the Shiba Inu and other Japanese breeds, the Akita grew nearly instinct during World War II mainly due to lack of food. After the war, the popularity of Akitas exploded as they were generally liked by the occupying forces in Japan because they were by far the largest Japanese breed. Their popularity vastly grew in the coming decades all over the world.
If socialized well, Akitas make agile, friendly, and loyal companions. If not socialized and left alone, they tend to have personality issues that can make them unfriendly dogs. This obviously isn't unique to Akitas, however due to their pack oriented background; an isolated Akita can develop negative personality traits more noticeable than other dogs. If you raise you're Akita with children in a family environment, they will make an outstanding house pet for anyone.
Akita Inu - Meet the Akita
The Akita is a large dog weighing between 75 and 120 pounds and up to 28" in height. Of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds, the Akita is the largest. Pronounced AH-ki-ta in Japan and a-KEE-ta in the western world, the Akita is a powerful, top notch watchdog and protector of his family and territory.
The AKC recognizes Akitas in any color including pinto, white or brindle. Colors are clear and brilliant. All white Akitas do not have a mask whereas other colors tend to have one. The soft, undercoat can be a different color than the outer coat. The harsh, thick outer coat requires regular grooming.
This large, energetic dog is extremely protective of family and territory. For this reason, they might be aggressive to other animal and children that they don't know if they feel that their territory is being invaded. They do best with older, well behaved children and are not recommended for children who might mistreat or tease them. They should be kept in a fenced in yard and never allowed to roam free. The Akita can be a loving, affectionate dog when properly treated. Early training and socialization is highly recommended for this breed. They require regular exercise and love to be with their family.
The Akita is a native of Japan and dates back to the 1600s to the Island of Honshu. It is the national dog of Japan and highly revered by the Japanese. You can find statues and Akita art throughout the country. Originally used as a military dog, guard dog and hunting dog, the Akita has not lost these watchdog instincts. Helen Keller was the first person in the US to own an Akita.
A breed with such a high instincts to protect and patrol his surroundings makes for an awesome guard dog. Depending on your family dynamics, the Akita may be ideal for your pet companion needs. Those with lots of other pets or small children might want to do more research before bringing and Akita into your home.
The Akita a Successful Working Dog
The Akita originated in Japan and is highly prized within their culture. You will find that Akita is a medium sized dog with the males gaining a height of 25 to 28 inches and the females 23 to 26 inches. They normally weigh between 65 to 130 pounds depending on sex and of course their care. Generally these dogs are white, pinto, or brindle in color. While they live in a moderate to hot climate in Japan you will find they have a double coat that is quite waterproof. The Akita has a harsh, straight topcoat, with an under coat that is dense and soft. This dog breed typically sheds their coat twice a year.
The character of the dog is alert, powerful, responsive, and courageous. In other words they love to have some sort of activity where they get to work as well as be very close to people. They are often great companions, therapy dogs, or guard dogs depending on your needs. They are usually not the greatest dog for small children as they are not as affectionate as other breeds, but they do take care of the ones they love.
The best characteristic of the Akita is the companionship they provide. They are extremely loyal to family members and tend to be restrained with strangers. You will find they are a one pet family. Other pets where they would have to share their food, territory, and family are considered a threat. They will have a more aggressive side with other pets or dogs. They tend to tolerate children and once they are used to the children will protect them. However they are not comfortable around other people's children. They do not excessively bark either.
If you are considering this dog breed you will want to make sure you and the dog are going to be a good fit. They are not happy with career families, novice dog owners, or owners who are submissive. They deal well when commanded, working, or when you can shower them with a lot of attention.
Akita dogs are going to require a certain amount of grooming. They need to be brushed daily with a firm bristle. You will want to avoid bathing the dog as much as possible. They tend to have sensitive skin and it can become irritated when you bath them and use shampoo. You also don't want to strip the coat of its natural oils during the bathing process as that can cause damage. This dog breed has webbed feet and need to have the hair trimmed away from their paws to make them more comfortable.
A caution for the Akita dogs is their medical problems. They are prone to hip dysphasia, hypothyroid, eye problems, and lupus. You have to be very attentive with the Akita breed when dealing with health care. You will want to make sure they have regular trips to the veterinarian and that they are given proper nutrition.
Lastly when you are considering owning an Akita you will need to spend a little time with intensive and extensive training. They need to have proper socialization and obedience training to make them a great pet. They need to understand whom the master is or they will take charge. The Akita also needs to have socialization training in order to help them deal with their surrounding environment. They are less likely to have issues with other people and pets when they are exposed as puppies to training. These dogs are extremely loyal and wish for patience, fairness, and consistency during training. You will find these dogs make wonderful working dogs.
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