Akita Dog Breed

Background and Description

The Akita Dog Breed, also known as the Japanese Akita, is renowned for its intense loyalty and love. It originated in the northern area of Japan in the seventeenth century. Ownership at that time was restricted to the aristocrasy.

Initially, the breed was developed as a powerful hunting dog, but it also came to be revered in the home as a guardian and companion. In Japan, the Akita is symbolically associated with good health, longevity and happiness.

This breed was one of the first, among seven breeds, to be declared a national monument in Japan and as such, a protected canine.

The Akita is a handsome and impressive-looking dog with a solid, powerful and well-balanced frame. The dark eyes and naturally erect ears are comparatively small in a head that overall has larger characteristics.



The Akita dog breed will be no stranger to you if you have enjoyed, as well as cried through, the movie Hachi: A Dog's Tale, which was based on a true story involving an Akita named Hachiko. As a result of this story about Hachiko's incredible loyalty to his master, a statue and wall sculpture was erected at the Shibuya Station in Tokoya, honoring him - the train station being a focal location in the story. (See the movie for the whole story!)

Akitas became popular in America after World War II, when many of them were brought here by servicemen who had come to know and admire them during the occupation.

Appearance:

Height: 24-28 inches Weight: 70-130 lbs.
Color Variations: According the AKC standard, the coat of the Akita dog breed can be any color including white; brindle; or pinto. Colors are rich, brilliant and clear. Markings are well balanced, with or without mask or blaze. White Akitas have no mask. Pinto has a white background with large, evenly placed patches covering head and more than one-third of body. Undercoat may be a different color from outer coat.

Coat and Care:

The Akita dog breed has a thick double coat well suited to hunting in his native habitat. The under coat being soft while the outer coat is harsh and straight with an off-standing appearance. Around the head and legs, the hair is shorter compared to the withers and rump. The attractive tail, which curls over the back, has the longest and most dense amount of hair.

While Akitas are quite fastidious and pretty much self-groom, daily brushing will result in shedding becoming almost a non-event.

The exception to this is twice yearly heavy shedding of their coat during which time owners should remove the dead hair more frequently. A very exceptional tool for this job is the FURminator.

Personality and Traits:

While this breed was originally developed for hunting purposes, it has a fine reputation, as well as, many attributes to recommend it as a family companion and guard dog.

The Akita is especially known for its exceptional loyalty, affection and for forming strong bonds with his human family. In the home it can be quite docile, but due to its independent nature, it does best in a setting where it is treated fairly and where there is strong, yet respectful, leadership. Its natural protective instincts also make it a reliable guard dog.

Training is best accomplished using positive reinforcement techniques - never harshness. Socialization and training should be on-going events to help them understand and differentiate between friendly and threatening situations.

The Akita dog breed is essentially a peaceful and quiet breed, not given to nuisance barking. They also love to be included in the day-to-day family events, have a good sense of humor and definitely don't want to be sent outside and/or left alone all day.

While not unfriendly to visitors, they don't crave outside attention, preferring to take a more neutral stance.

Activity Level:

Akitas need to be excercised on a regular schedule. A twice daily significant walk plus the opportunity to run in a secure area is the ideal. If you are a family that likes to go on hikes, this dog has good endurance and will have no trouble keeping up with you.

Space Needs:

When the Akita is outside, he should be in a fenced area because of his strong prey drive. It is also ideal if the setting allows him room to run about.

That being said, because this dog is very family oriented, he should not be relegated to spending long periods of time outdoors.

Health:

Health issues that may affect the breed include: degenerative myelopathy, autoimmune disorders, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and progressive retinal atrophy.

It should be noted that the Akita is very sensitive to onions which even in small quantities can cause Heinz Body Anemia, a serious disorder causing damage to red blood cells. (This is also true for another Japanese dog breed - the Shiba Inu.)

Children:

The Akita Dog Breed is a large and powerful dog. Although it is very affectionate and loyal to its family, it is probably not the ideal dog to be around small children.

Elderly:

This breed has been used successfully in therapy situations, however as an everyday companion to the elderly, it is not recommended due to its strong drive to be in the alpha position.

Book Recommendations:

Guide to Owning an Akita: Includes history of the breed and health information. Provides information about selecting an Akita puppy, followed by proper care and feeding, grooming, and training.

Additionally there are suggested activities for the Akita, plus advice for showing the breed.

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