A truly noble and distinguished dog breed. The Akita originated in Japan and has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. The Akita was an extremely prized and revered dog, solely owned by nobility and aristocracy. The Akita was utilized in various capacities, including bear and boar hunting, and waterfowl retrieving. The American Akita is considered a separate breed from the Akita Inu (Japanese Akita) in many countries around the world. The Akita is the largest of the Spitz-type breeds. Today, Akita's are faithful companions and guard dogs.
Akita Characteristics
The Akita is big, strong and muscular. The paws of the Akita breed are webbed, making them excellent swimmers. Akita's carry themselves with dignity and have a slightly reserved nature. They are powerful alert, responsive and courageous dogs.
Akita Temperament
The Akita breed is extremely clever, fearless, and spontaneous. Akita's thrive on human companionship. They are devoted to their family and those they are familiar with, but wary and distant with strangers. The Akita is exceedingly protective of their family, territory, and food., and tend to be aggressive towards other dogs and pets. They are better suited to families with older children. The Akita is an excellent guard dog, but is prone to excessive barking. The Akita thrives on companionship and should not be left alone for extended intervals . Akita's require a lot of attention and are not well-suited to amateur dog owners or placid handlers.
Akita Care
Daily brushing with a bristle brush is necessary to care for the Akita's lustrous coat. The Akita should only be bathed when absolutely necessary. A light shampoo is recommended to prevent stripping the coat of pure oils. It is very important preserve the hair on the underside of the paws to protect the Akita's webbed feet. Akita's are prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye problems, and lupus.
Akita Coat
The Akita has a double, waterproof coat. The outer coat is rough, straight, and stands a little off the body. The under coat is dense, soft and close to the body. The hair on the head, legs, and ears is short, whereas the hair on the tail is long and plentiful. Akita's typically shed their coat twice a year. The Akita coat colors include pure white, red, sesame, and brindle
Akita Training
The Akita requires intensive and intensive socialization and obedience training. Akita's have a tendency towards dominance and it is crucial that they know who their master is or they will take charge. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training techniques. Akita's respond well to kindness, firmness, equity, and consistency. Akitas are naturally clean dogs and easier to house-train than many other breeds.
Akita Activity
The Akitabreed does not require excessive exercise. The Akita is only moderately active indoors. The Akita loves to play with their family and like to be involved in household activities. Akita's become bored easily and can be destructive if left alone for extended periods. They take pleasure in a daily walk, but it is vital they are very securely leashed and kept apart from other dogs. The Akita is not best-suited to apartment living and does best in large, securely- fenced yard.
