Akita Training and Temperament
The Akita makes a first class guard dog. Japanese mothers would often leave their children in the family Akita's protective care. They are very faithful but will be aggressive to other dogs and animals. They should never be allowed to run off lead when around other animals. They should also be supervised when around household pets and children. They are generally good with children from their own family.
The Akita is generally docile and affectionate with its family. Intelligent, and brave it is also willful and will need firm training as a puppy. As with all dogs, Akita training should be started as a puppy. To prevent behavioral problems later in life, training should follow a recognized training regime.
Either enroll in a certified local dog training school or read this.
The History Of The Akita
The Akita is also known as Akita Inu and originated in Japan during the 1600's.
They are named after a region on the Japanese island of Honshu, where it has remained unchanged for centuries. The Akita was a sporting dog to the Japanese nobility. Every Shogun had a kennel of these large dogs to hunt deer, boar and even bears. The culture forbade speaking to, or about the dogs except in a special language translated as "dog words".
Fine examples of the Akita were assiduously guarded and it wasn’t until after World War II that any appreciable amounts of these dogs left Japan.
They were accepted for registration in the American Kennel Club in 1973.
Description Of The Akita
The unaltered tail is set high on the back and curls forward.
Dogs average 26 - 28 inches at the shoulder. Whilst bitches are smaller at 24 - 26 inches.
Dogs weigh in at 75 - 120 pounds and bitches 75 -110 pounds.
Coat & Grooming
The dense, double coat of short to medium length lies close to the body.
In Japan the all white Akita is revered. In the United States and Britain parti-colors and brindles are are preferred. These coat varieties are not permissible at FCI sponsored shows, which are governed by the standard accepted by the dog's native Japan.
The dog is not an excessive shedder and moderate to high grooming is necessary. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary, as this will remove the natural waterproofing of the coat. Akitas will shed heavily twice annually.
This is the biggest of the Japanese Spitz type breeds. The Akita is a powerful, well-proportioned dog. It is strong and muscular with a flat, heavy head and a short muzzle. The dog is slightly longer than it is tall and has a broad, deep chest with a level back.
The small erect ears are carried forward, in line with the neck. It has small, triangular eyes are dark brown and the nose is generally black.
Life Expectancy and Health
The average lifespan for a Akita is around 10-12 years.
Reported health problems are hip dysplasia, congenital eye defects, hypothyroidism and allergic skin disease, autoimmune thyroiditis and other immune diseases. Skin problems such as SA, (PRA, Micro, entropion), patella and other problems with knees.