By: Andrew Mills
Breed Group: Working
Weight: male: 85-130, female: 65-110 lbs
Height: male: 25-28, female: 23-26 inches
Color(s): any color, including white, pinto, or brindle
Coat: The Akita is a twin coat, waterproof breed. The external coat is severe, straight, and stands off the body. The under coat is impenetrable, soft, and close to the body. The hair on the head, legs, and ears is short, while the hair on the tail is long and profuse. They naturally shed their coat double a year. The Akita coat colors include pure white, red, sesame, and brindle.
Overview: The Akita originated in Japan. Unchanged for centuries, this dog breed is considered the national dog of Japan and a natural shrine. They were extremely prized, respected, and only owned by nobility and aristocracy. They were used in a variety of capacities such as Imperial guards, hunter of bear and boar, and waterfowl retrieving. They are the largest of the Spitz-type dog breeds. Today, the Akita is a faithful companion, therapy dog, and guard dog.
Character: Akitas are large, durable, and strong. The paws are webbed which builds them exceptional swimmers. They have a reserved manner and carry themselves with great dignity. They are powerful and alert, responsive and bold. The Akita is a honorable and dominating dog breed.
Temperament: The Akita is highly smart, fearless, and spontaneous. They thrive on human companionship. They are extremely faithful to their family and those they know, but are wary and aloof of strangers. They are exceedingly protective of their family, their territory, and of their food. They are particularly destructive toward additional dogs and pets. They will get along with older, very well behaved kids within their family unit, but will not accept children they don't know. They make excellent guard dogs, although they are not excessive barkers. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. For this reason, they are not well suited for a two career family. They require an inordinate amount of attention. Akitas are not recommended for the novice dog possessor, or owners who are easygoing and obedient.
Care: The Akita requires significant grooming with a firm bristle brush on a daily basis. Bathing should only be done when completely necessary with a mild dog shampoo to avert disrobe of the coat of the natural oils. It is important to keep the hair on the bottom of the paws cut back to preserve their characteristic of webbed feet. They are prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye problems, and lupus.
Training: The Akita requires intensive and extensive socialization and obedience training. It is absolutely crucial that they know who their master is or they will take charge. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training approaches. They do best with patience, kindness, firmness, justice, and consistency. Akitas characteristically like better to be clean and is easier to housetrain than many other dog breeds.
Activity: The Akita does not require an over- of exercise. They are temperately lively inside. They enjoy play sessions with their family or other family activities. However, they will become bored and destructive if left for extended periods of time either inside or outside. They delight in a everyday walk, but it is vitally important they are very securely leashed and kept from encountering additional dogs. They are not well suited for apartment dwellings and do best in a home with a large securely fenced yard.
Ownership: If you are looking for Akita puppies for sale from well thought of Akita breeders or to adopt an Akita from an Akita rescue then make sure you comprehend as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy dog breed is different. Begin your research by reading about the dog breed info about the Akita puppy above.
