Akita Inu

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Akita Inu breed is native to the island of Honshu in the region of Akita, is considered as a natural monument and a national treasure in Japan, is also one of the oldest dog breeds (recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the most primitive breeds of dog).

Imperial, in appearance, the Akita inspires immediate respect. In the past, each noble houses kept a kennel of this large and mighty dog to hunt boar, bear and deer in the mountainous areas of Japan.

The Akita Inu are the biggest of the Spitz-type breeds and is an impressive and powerful animal with an incomparable shape; a massive bear-like head, deep muzzle, small eyes, erect and triangular ears uniquely positioned and a large curled tail.

Color

Rich, brilliant and clear, the most common colors of the Akita coat are pure white, red, brindle, sesame and pinto.

Coat

The Akita is a thick double-coated, waterproof breed. The outer coat is straight, harsh, and stands out slightly from the bottom off the body. The under coat is soft, dense and shorter than outer coat.

Personality

The Akita is a first class guard dog renown for his loyalty and obedience to his owner, however this strong willed, instinctual and dominant breed is not a dog for everyone. The Akita is particularly aggressive to other dogs and animals, if teased, Akita's may bite, however most Akita tend to be docile, quiet and keep to themselves, but sometimes spontaneous. Careful and very affectionate he may tolerate and be good with children from his own family, but he may not accept children they don't know, also they are wary and aloof of strangers. It's a powerful, alert, responsive, intelligent, dignified and fearless dog.

Care

The rough, stiff, short-haired coat needs moderate grooming. Bathe only when required as bathing removes the natural waterproofing of the coat. This breed sheds heavily twice a year, use a firm bristle brush. The Akita is subject to hip dysplasia and problems with the knee, immune diseases like VKH (uveodermatologic syndrome), hypothyroidism, allergic skin disease and possible congenital eye problems.

Training

The Akita is not recommended for the owners who are easygoing and compliant, it is absolutely imperative that they know who their master is. They require a huge amount of attention and must receive socialization and obedience training from a very early age. These dogs tend to get bored quickly and are capable of ferocity, then training requires patience, kindness, fairness, and consistent leadership, Akita do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods.

Activity

The Akita need space and should not be confined, however he will do okay in an apartment if it is moderately but regularly exercised. Daily walks, occasional swimming (Akitas have webbed feet and are very good swimmers) and freedom to run in a large securely fenced yard is important for him to stay in shape. Be aware to avoid really active exercises until when there joins are fully grown, usually about three years old.