The Akita is a large spitz breed of dog originating from the mountainous northern regions of Japan. There are two separate varieties of Akita: a Japanese strain, known as the “Akita Inu” or “Japanese Akita”; and an American strain, known as the “Akita” or “American Akita”. The Japanese strain comes in a small choice of colors, with all other colors considered atypical of the breed, while the American strain comes in all dog colors.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Japan
Used for: Guardian, Hunting, Fighting
Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Color: Any combination of colors. Common colors include white, brindle and pinto
Coat: Double-coated with a thick, soft, dense undercoat and a longer, straight, harsh outer coat
Average Height: 24-28 inches at the shoulder
Average Weight: 45kg (99.2lbs)
Group: Working Group
History and Domestication
Native of the Akita region, where it has remained unchanged for centuries, the Akita Inu is considered sacred and a good luck charm in Japan. Originally used for guarding royalty and nobility in feudal Japan, became a national dog and one of seven breeds designated as a Natural Monument since 1931.
Helen Keller brought the first Akita to America and many more came after World War II with the returning American servicemen, who had been stationed in Japan.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The Akita is a large, bold and powerful dog breed, with much substance and heavy bone. Its slightly longer than tall, and has a distinctly powerful appearance: a large head in contrast to small, triangular eyes; and a confident, rugged stance. Its double coat consists of a dense undercoat and a straight, harsh, outer coat — about 2 inches or less in length — standing off from the body. Such a combination provides ample insulation from water and weather. Its gait is brisk and powerful.
Care, Grooming and Health
The coarse, stiff, short-haired coat needs significant grooming. Sheds heavily, at least twice a year.
Prone to hip dysplasia, both hypothyroid and autoimmune thyroiditis, immune diseases like VKH and Pemphigus, skin problems like SA and eyes (PRA, Micro, entropion) patella and other problems with the knee.
Living Conditions
The Akita will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Needs moderate, but regular exercise to stay in shape. It should be taken for long daily walks. It is moderately active indoors, but it does not do well as a backyard dog. Companionship holds hands with loyalty, which is what this breed is all about. To make him live outside without benefit of family is to deny the very essence of the Akita breed. A lonely and bored Akita can become destructive and aggressive.
Temperament
The Akita is docile, intelligent, courageous and fearless. They are extremely loyal, very affectionate
and thrive on firm leadership from their handlers. Needs a firm, confident, consistent pack leader. Without it, the dog will be very willful and may become very aggressive to other dogs and animals. Akitas may bite. Children must be taught to display leadership qualities and at the same time respect the dog.