Akita

Size:	Large
Energy:	Medium
Barking:	Low
Coat:	Short/Medium
Shedding:	Little

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• Description

  Akitas are large, powerful dogs with much substance and dignity. Their proud head carriage and stance is enhanced by their small ears and dark eyes. They make a striking picture with their thick, plush coats, the colors of which are brilliant and clear. Their well-muscled limbs ensure that their movement is vigorous and resilient.

  Color

  Akitas come in any color including white, brindle or pinto.

  Category Size

  Large

  Coat Length

  Short/Medium

  Weight/Height Range

  Females can measure between 24 to 26 inches and dogs between 26-28 inches. Both dogs and females weigh between 75-110 lbs.

  HEIGHT	MIN	MAX	WEIGHT	MIN	MAX
  Female	26"	28"	Female	75 lbs.	110 lbs.
  Male	26"	28"	Male	75 lbs.	110 lbs.

  Ailments

  Akitas are generally healthy dogs but hip dysplasia is a known problem and screening of the parents before breeding is a must. Nervous and autoimmune diseases are common and should be inquired about before purchase. Dwarfism is also known in the breed along with entropion, a problem relating to in growing eyelashes. However, this could be because of the breed's relatively small eye size and it has been known for puppies with this condition to grow out of it.

  Suitable Breed for Allergy Sufferers

  No

  Common Ailments

  Bones (Developmental) - Hip dysplasia, Eye - Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Brain (Acquired) - Seizure (fit, epileptic fit) - Trauma, Eye - Entropion, Haemolymphatic - Bleeding disorders - Von Williebrands disease, Endocrine - Hypothyroidism, Endocrine - Pituitary dwarfism

• Personality

  This breed is not for a novice dog owner. These are independent and rather dominant dogs and care must be taken when strange children and other dogs are about, although they are more amenable with cats. Females are better with children than dogs. They are, however, very loyal to their own family. They are courageous and as such, good watchdogs without barking too much. Their hunting instincts are strong and this must be remembered at all times.

  Intelligence

  This is a bossy but intelligent breed and, therefore, needs to be controlled. Having said that, however, they do react badly to harsh methods of training. Never hit or punish an Akita. They need firm, loving discipline. Consistency in approach and positive reinforcement are the keys to success, as is starting training from a very early age.

  Energy

  Medium

  Tendency To Bark

  Low

  Overall Exercise Requirement

  Akitas require a lot of exercise to keep them well-muscled. That said, if you do have to miss a walk one day, they would accept it without a fuss. Do remember these are hunting dogs and great care should be taken when allowing them to run freely.

  Suitability for Personal Protection

  High

  Suitability as a Guard Dog

  High

  Suitability for Children

  Low

  Ease of Transportation

  Medium

  Level of Distress caused if left alone

  Low

  Level of aggression

  High

  Other animal compatibility

  Low

• Grooming & Showing

  The coat should be kept well groomed to bring out the best in it and twice a year, during heavy molts, a metal, double-toothed comb should be used.

  Grooming requirements

  Once a week

  Trimming required

  Occasional

  Tendency to shed hair

  Little

  Show characteristics

  The head should be long and flat with a defined stop and broad forehead. Jaws should be strong with a complete scissor bite. The eyes are relatively small, almond-shaped and dark brown in color. The ears, again are small, thick and triangular carried forward over the eyes, firmly erect and slightly rounded at the tips. The neck should be thick and muscular and relatively short with a pronounced crest blending into the back of the skull. The shoulders are strong and powerful with very tight elbows. The forelegs should be well boned and straight and the hindquarters strong and muscular with well-developed thighs. The feet should be thick, well-knuckled and very tight. Dewclaws on hind legs should be removed. The tail is large and full, set high and carried over the back in a three-quarter, full or double curl and should dip down to or below the level of the back.

  Breed classification

  Japanese Akitas belong to the Non-Sporting group and are today used as companions and guard dogs and seen in the show-ring.

• Origin

  The Akita is the largest of all the Japanese breeds and was originally bred in the province of Akita in the 1600's. Some believe the dogs were originally bred for hunting such prey as wild boar, deer and black bear. Others believe they were bred for pit fighting. However, when the Japanese (and European) dog-fighting sport lost favor, the dogs were then employed for hunting. In the late 19th century other breeds such as the German Shepherd Dog and the Pointer were imported, making the Japanese breeds suffer in popularity. The Society for Preservation of Japanese Dogs was then formed for the purpose of preserving the native breeds. This Society then declared that all native breeds were national monuments. After World War 1, Akitas were protected because they were becoming so scarce and The Akita Inu Hozankai Society of Japan was founded in 1927 to preserve the breed. In the 1930's, the Akita was so rare that only the very wealthy could afford to buy one, if indeed one could be found! In the United States, the breed has only been known since the early 1970's, gaining American Kennel Club recognition in 1973.

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