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The Akita is a Japanese breed originating in the Tohoku region of Japan, where the capital city (Akita) is located. This massive dog was bred to hunt bears, boars and elk. Also called the Akita Inu ( Inu meaning dog in Japanese), the Akita ken or the Japanese Akita. The breed dates back approximately 300 years and takes its name from the Perfecture of Akita in northern Japan.
The Akita is a fearless dog that is loyal and affectionate to a select few. They make great watch/guard dogs as they consider themselves the protector of the family. In the presence of family, this dog is calm, loving, gentle, intelligent and loyal. The breed should be watched when in the presence of strangers or other animals as it is not so cooperative or sweet when aggravated or teased.
The breed is known for its dislike of other animals, big or small, and therefore should be monitored when around them. When it comes to food or toys, they like what is theirs to not be touched by anyone else so training this dog at a young age is extremely necessary for its co habitance with its humans. This dog is fearless towards ANY potential threat and is ready and willing to defend. Owners of this dog must train it firmly at a young age. They need a moderate amount of exercise, so daily walks are needed and also access to a back yard would be ideal.
Weighing in at anywhere between 70-130 pounds (34-60 kgs) and averaging 24-28 inches high, the Akita is a large breed that is made up mostly of muscle mass. They have small dark eyes and ears that are pointed up and forward. The Akita has a luxurious coat made up of 2 layers: an outer coat and a very soft undercoat. The outer coat is waterproof, allowing this dog warmth while swimming and working in cold temperatures. The Akita has a variety of colours including, white, sesame, red or brindle. The American Akita can be pinto colored but the Japanese Akita must only have the main 4 colours. The tail is a curl and the very end of it should touch the lower back of the dog.
The Akita is prone to Hip Dysplasia, skin problems such as Hot Spots and Pemphigus (due to the thick coat), thyroid diseases (Hypo-Active), eye problems (Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Entropian) and knee problems (slipped patella due to their sheer weight), and bloat (due to their deep chest).
This dog has a high training ability so they pick things up quite quickly. If the owner is firm with the dog while training it will set the rules straight quicker. These dogs are very easy to housetrain and believe it or not are very clean animals, some say they resemble cats in this way! Akitas do not cope well with negative training methods so be sure to be kind yet strict when doing so.
This dog should be brushed quite regularly as carrying around 2 coats and having extra fur can be very warm, but they shouldn’t be bathed to often as to much bathing takes away the waterproof layer of the outer coat. The Akita sheds twice a year and when grooming during those times will seem as if all the extra fur could make up a whole new dog!
This dog is categorized in the Working Group. They can be great family dogs if raised with children and other pets. They would do well in either an apartment or house as long as they are exercised regularly. The Akitas lifespan is up to 12 years…unfortunately the bigger the dog the smaller the lifespan as life has it.
They have around 5-7 pups per litter. When obtaining a baby Akita, keep in mind that every puppy is different and to research your breed before bringing the baby home!
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