Akita: Training, Personality, Health, Grooming

(Akita, Japanese Akita Dog )

Also known as: Akita Inu, Japanese Akita, Japanese Akita Inu, Great Japanese Dog

About Akita

Today, the Akita can be found in various parts of the world and is now mainly used for security. They also make wonderful pets.The Japanese are very proud of these dogs and they respect them a great deal. The Akita is a symbol of good health and wealth. There is even a monument in Japan that commemorates this breed.

Helen Keller was the first to bring an Akita to the United States in 1936.The Akita Shepherd is a German hybrid of the German Shepherd and the Akita Inu.

The best way to determine the temperament of these dogs is to look up the different breeds in the dog’s history and determine the different characteristics from the different breeds.

Description of the Dog

The Akita is the largest of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds. The dog is very powerful, solid and well proportioned. The dog has a broad, deep chest and level back. The head is broad and blunt with a triangle shape to it. The ears are small and erect and are carried forward. The eyes are often dark brown with a triangular shape. The nose is generally black, but brown on white Akitas are allowed. The lips are black and the tongue is pink. The tail is carried high and curls over the back. The Akita has cat-like feet. A black mask is forbidden in the breed standard.

Coat Color: Pure white, Red, Sesame, Brindle

Coat type

The coat is a double coat with a waterproof harsh layer on the outside and is insulated with a thick and soft undercoat.

Height

Male 26-28 inches
Female 24-26 inches

Weight

Male 75-100 pounds
Female75 -110 pounds

Temperament of the Dog

The Akita is usually a docile dog. However, they can be very aggressive to other dogs. They also do not care for dogs of the same gender. Males do not generally get along with other males, nor do females get along with other females. Akitas should also not be left alone with other breeds of dogs, as they can be very aggressive towards them. The breed is also food possessive and is capable of ferocity. The Akita is, however, a very courageous, intelligent, and fearless dog. They are known for being very protective of their family and their family's children.

The Akita is extremely faithful to its family. The dog should not be allowed to run off its leash around other animals. The dog may not be friendly towards other children and strangers. It is very important that these dogs are highly socialized, however, they should not be left unsupervised around strangers. They should also not be fed with other dogs because of their food possessiveness.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

Akitas enjoy both the indoor and outdoor lifestyle. They will feel secluded from their family if left outside all of the time.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

Akitas are good with the children of their family. Akitas should not be left unsupervised with children.

How to take care of the Akita Puppies? The Akita must learn respect from an early age. It is very important that these dogs have obedience training from the puppy stage. These dogs should also be well socialized as puppies. The puppy is very willful and will need firm training. The Akita must respect its human owners as the head of the household.

Training

The Akita must be trained by its owner. They do not do well at training schools, as they must learn the owner is the dominant figure in the household. They require a firm bond to be well behaved.

These dogs are very intelligent and they will get bored easily. They also learn very quickly and short training periods are suggested, as they will become bored. They can also be very stubborn and will simply walk away when they become uninterested in training. The Akita must learn basic obedience and the owner must practice with the dog on a continuous basis.

Although the dog is large, they do not require a large amount of exercise, moderate exercise and will be enough for these dogs. Most Akitas enjoy having a job. Try allowing your Akita to bring in the newspaper every morning. They may also try to take you by the wrist and lead you to their leash or dog treats. They do not do this out of aggression, but out of kindness. Firm but not harsh training is required in the early puppy stages.

They also do well with crate training for housebreaking.

Activity Level

How active is the breed?

The Akita will do well with moderate exercise, and in a sedentary home.

Exercise Need

The Akita does require moderate exercise, however, puppies, should begin a firm training regimen as early as possible. This is important as puppies must learn who the head of a household is. These dogs do well inside or outside and will enjoy an occasional walk. They do not have a lot of energy to expel and will often receive plenty of exercise while running around the yard.

Grooming

The course topcoat will require grooming with a firm bristled brush. Bathe only when absolutely necessary as the need topcoat has natural water proofing that will be removed by bathing. The breed is known to shed heavily twice a year.

Health & Care

Genetic Problems

Hip dysplasia and eye diseases are common genetic disorders. Dams and sires should be x-rayed and receive eye exams. The breed has also been known to suffer from thyroid, hypothyroid, autoimmune thyroiditis and immune diseases and skin problems. They may also have been known to have knee and patella problems.

Breeding the Dog and any Cautions

Hip dysplasia and eye disease should be checked before breeding.

Litter Size: 3 to 12 puppies, 7 or 8 are average.

Life Span: 10 to 12 years

National Breed Club: Akita Club of America

Recognition: AKC, ACA, FCI, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CKC, APRI, ACR, ACA