Breed
Group:
Working |
| Weight:
male: 85-130, female: 65-110 lbs |
| Height:
male: 25-28, female: 23-26 inches |
| Color(s):
any color, including white, pinto, or brindle |
| Coat:
The
Akita is a double coat, waterproof breed. The outer coat is harsh,
straight, and stands slightly off the body. The under coat is dense,
soft, and close to the body. The hair on the head, legs, and ears is
short, while the hair on the tail is long and profuse. They typically
shed their coat twice a year. The Akita coat colors include pure white,
red, sesame, and brindle. |
| Overview:
The
Akita originated in Japan. Unchanged for centuries, this breed is
considered the national dog of Japan and a natural monument. They were
highly prized, revered, and only owned by nobility and aristocracy.
They were used in various capacities such as Imperial guards, hunter of
bear and boar, and waterfowl retrieving. They are the largest of the
Spitz-type breeds. Today, the Akita is a faithful companion, therapy
dog, and guard dog. |
| Character:
Akitas
are large, sturdy, and muscular. The paws are webbed which makes them
excellent swimmers. They have a reserved manner and carry themselves
with great dignity. They are powerful and alert, responsive and
courageous. The Akita is a noble and dominating breed. |
| Temperament:
The
Akita is highly intelligent, fearless, and spontaneous. They thrive on
human companionship. They are extremely loyal to their family and those
they know, but are wary and aloof of strangers. They are exceedingly
protective of their family, their territory, and of their food. They
are particularly aggressive toward other dogs and pets. They will get
along with older, very well behaved children within their family unit,
but will not tolerate children they don't know. They make excellent
guard dogs, although they are not excessive barkers. They do not do
well if left alone for extended periods of time. For this reason, they
are not well suited for a two career family. They require an inordinate
amount of attention. Akitas are not recommended for the novice dog
owner, or owners who are placid and submissive. |
| Care:
The
Akita requires significant grooming with a firm bristle brush on a
daily basis. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary with
a mild shampoo to prevent stripping the coat of the natural oils. It is
important to keep the hair on the bottom of the paws trimmed to
preserve their characteristic of webbed feet. They are prone to hip
dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye problems, and lupus. |
| Training:
The
Akita requires intensive and extensive socialization and obedience
training. It is absolutely imperative that they know who their master
is or they will take charge. They do not respond to harsh or
heavy-handed training methods. They do best with patience, kindness,
firmness, fairness, and consistency. Akitas typically prefer to be
clean and is easier to housetrain than many other breeds. |
| Activity:
The
Akita does not require an over-abundance of exercise. They are
moderately active indoors. They enjoy play sessions with their family
or other family activities. However, they will become bored and
destructive if left alone for extended periods of time either inside or
outside. They enjoy a daily walk, but it is vitally important they are
very securely leashed and kept from encountering other dogs. They are
not well suited for apartment dwellings and do best in a home with a
large securely fenced yard. |
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