Akita Dogs

Appearance:

Body: A square and upright body with a thick, muscular neck and well-developed deep chest. Heavily boned and powerfully built.

Coat:A straight, harsh outer coat with a soft, thick and fine undercoat.

Color: White, brindle, pinto, black, fawn, and any combinations of these colors.

Ears: The ears are small, dense, erect, and triangular-shaped.

Eyes: Small and deep brown in color, triangular-shaped and deep set.

Feet: Round, tight and thickly padded.

Head: Round with a broad, flat forehead, well-defined stop, short muzzle and black nose.

Legs: Well-boned forelegs with the elbows fit close to the body and muscular hindquarters.

Neck: Short and straight.

Size:
Weight 75 - 120 pounds (34 - 54kg)
Height 24 - 28 inches (60 - 71cm)

Tail: carried up and curled over the back.

Behavior

Recommended for experienced dog handlers.

The Akita is an excellent house dog and fearless guard dog. They are alert, responsive and often shy with strangers. They need only moderate amounts of exercise and, if well-trained, make excellent companions.

They are a spirited and loyal dog and can be good with children if introduced to them, as a family member, at a young age.

Akita Inu dogs can be aggressive towards other dogs and are known to be involved in more dog fights than most other breeds. Males are known to be more aggressive than females. This can be controlled through early training and socialization.

The Japanese Akita can become stressed if left alone, without companionship, for extended periods of time. They are best suited for an owner who can devote a great deal of attention to them.

Because they are powerful, sometimes aloof, and difficult to train, the Akita is recommended for experienced dog handlers only.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Working Group - Dog Fighting Breed

The Akita was used in Japan as a guard dog and to hunt bear, deer, and wild boar in the mountains of northern Japan. They were also used as fighting dogs before it was made illegal.

According to The Complete Dog Book by The American Kennel Club, "There is a spiritual significance attached to the Akita. In Japan they are affectionately regarded as loyal companions and pets, protectors of the home and a symbol of good health. When a child is born, the proud family will usually receive a small statue of an Akita signifying health, happiness, and a long life. If a person is ill, friends will send a small statue of an Akita to express their wish for a speedy recovery."

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Regular daily exercise is necessary.

Grooming: Regular thorough brushing but only occasional bathing.

Health

Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 Years


Possible Problems:

Addison's Disease
Allergies - Could lead to skin problems.
Autoimmune Thyroiditis - destruction of the thyroid gland
Cruciate Ligament tears
Eye disorders - PRA and micro entropion
Epilepsy
Hip Dysplasia - deterioration of the hip socket
Hypothyroidism - a deficiency of the thyroid secretion
Patella Luxation - dislocated knee joint
Retinal Dysplasia - an eye disorder
Sebaceous Adenitis - disease of the sebacious gland of the skin that can lead to seborrhea oleosa

For further information go to:
Japanese Akita Club of America Inc.
Akita Club of America Genetics and Health Committee

Country of Origin

Japan - 1600s - the Akita is a national monument in Japan. They were first brought to the United States by Helen Keller around 1937.

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