Akita Breed Description

Akita Description, Straight from the Dog's Mouth
They call me Akira. I was named after a famous Japanese actor. When I'm asked to star in a film, I make sure it involves a lot of stunt acting because I'm the type that loves the outdoors, whether hiking, hunting, playing games or splashing in rivers and lakes. Hey, remember Helen Keller? Well, she helped popularize our breed by traveling and lecturing with her faithful Akita, Kami.

Most women are envious of my beautiful fur coat. It's weatherproof you know, which keeps me going in cold temperatures. On the flip side, it is because of my thick coat that makes warm temperatures uncomfortable for me. Get the picture?

My ideal human companions are:

• Experienced dog handlers

•Type-A personalities

• Families with older children

• Active, sporty types

As a breed, we are tough, smart and loyal companions. In fact, I believe that is the main purpose of our existence, to protect and be with our owner and his family. Without people in my life, I don't think I would do well at all. You can tell I'm intelligent. Just look at my photo...it testifies to this. I can get bored with repetitive teaching techniques. So, spice it up a bit--vary my discipline and training program. My training will be essential if you want to be the boss in the family, because if you don't take the lead, I will.

Also, I like plenty of exercise. If you expect an Akita to live in the city, then expect to walk your Akita vigorously every day. I'm certainly not a couch potato.

 

 

Introduction

Honored in their native land as a national treasure, Akitas are the largest of the 3 Japanese breeds belonging to the Spitz family of dogs. At one time, only nobility were allowed to own these dogs in Japan. They were used to hunt large game like wild boar and deer and are a rugged, athletic breed. They stand 28" at the shoulder and can weigh 80 lbs. or more These dogs need firm training and lots of exercise.

History

After World War II, breeding efforts began in earnest in Japan to recover the breed. Numbers had dropped during the war years, and breeding practices had reduced some of the ancient characteristics beloved by the Japanese. These efforts were highly successful, and in the postwar years, Americans brought Akitas back to the U.S. This produced a second line of dogs, and the aspired-to traits included larger animals with heavier bone structures. Although breeders consider these two as separate, the AKC does not and recognizes only a single breed of Akita.

Description

Akitas come in five colors: red, fawn, sesame, brindle and white. Muzzles, cheeks, chests, neck, body and tail should all have white highlights. Note that the Japanese Akita Inu does not permit the black masks that are standard for the American Akita.

They have large heads - the AKC standard describes it as massive. That and the bushy curled tail are the two most prominent individual characteristics. Overall these present as extremely powerful animals and even at ease, their posture is unrelentingly that of a hunter: alert and ready.

Temperament

These are sturdy dogs with a steely nature, thanks to their heritage as fierce hunters in northern Japan. They tracked small animals and large, cornering them and holding them - even boar and bear could be held by these fearless dogs.

While individual dogs of course vary, these dogs may be unsuitable for families with small children as they are fairly intolerant of both the noise and behavior. They view small animals as prey and should not be expected to understand that your neighbor's cat isn't classified as such. In short, they require constant and firm training to become a family pet and that training must be accomplished in such as a way as to keep the dog's interest. They are highly intelligent and bore easily, so owners must be creative in terms of presenting tasks and ideas so that the animal remains challenged and involved.

Health and Care

Some Akitas suffer from hypothyroid disease (hypothyroidism), meaning they produce insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. Hormone replacement therapy effectively creates the condition, but potential Akita owners should be aware of the potential for needing this ongoing treatment.

Their ancestry in Japan's cold mountainous region created a perfectly evolved animal with a thick double coat that is so dense it is actually waterproof. In warmer climates, this shedding is fairly constant. Early acclimation to brushing will help remove loose fur.

 

Sources

The American Kennel Club, The Akita Club of America, Wikipedia, The Akita Rescue Society of America

Colors

The Japanese Akita has only four different colors and they are brindle, white, sesame (i.e. hair that is red and has black tips), and red fawn.

Living Area

Akitas are very adaptable dogs and can adjust to different living conditions provided they are given frequent, regular exercise. They do best in a house with a large, fenced yard and shelter from the sun and cold. In very hot climates they should be kept indoor during the heat of the day.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Pets4You offers listings of Akita breeders with puppies for sale.