Akita : Dog Breed Selector : Animal Planet Watch Video The Akita appreciates mental and physical exercise every day. It needs the chance to run in a safe area or on leash for a long jog. Given ample exercise and training, it can be a quiet and well-mannered house dog. The Akita is able to live outdoors in temperate or cool climates, but it is happiest if it can spend most of its time with its family. The coat needs brushing about once a week to remove dead hair, more often when shedding. Akitas tend to be somewhat messy drinkers!  Major concerns: CHD, PRA  Minor concerns: elbow dysplasia, pemphigus, sebaceous adenitis, gastric torsion  Occasionally seen: PRA, patellar luxation, VKH-like syndrome, entropion, epilepsy, cataracts, polyneuropathy, renal cortical hypoplasia  Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye  Life span: 10  12 years  Note: Onions have been documented to cause changes in the red-blood cells of Akitas.

Watch Video The Akita is perhaps the most renowned and venerated of the native Japanese breeds. Although it bears a likeness to dogs from ancient Japanese tombs, the modern Akita traces back to the 17th century, when a nobleman with a keen interest in dogs was exiled to the Akita Prefecture of the island of Honshu, a rugged area with intensely cold winters. He challenged the landowners there to compete in breeding a race of powerful hunting dogs. These dogs distinguished themselves in the hunting of bear, deer and wild boar, holding the game at bay for the hunter. These Akita forebears were called matagi-inu, or "hunting dog." The breed's numbers and quality varied over the next 300 years. In the late 1800s, it underwent a period when it was used as a fighting dog, and some were even crossed with other breeds in an attempt to enhance its fighting prowess. In 1927, the Akita-inu Hozankai Society of Japan was formed to preserve the original Akita, and in 1931 the Akita was designated as one of Japan's natural treasures.

The most honored Akita of all time was Haichiko, who greeted his master every evening at the train station to accompany him home. When his master died at work one day, Haichiko waited for him and continued to return and wait for his master every day until he died nine years later on March 8, 1935. Today, a statue and annual ceremony pay homage to Haichiko's loyalty. The first Akita arrived in America in 1937, when Helen Keller returned from Japan with one. Following World War II, servicemen returned home with Akitas from Japan. The breed's popularity grew slowly until it received AKC recognition in 1972. Since then, it has steadily gained admirers and continues to grow in popularity. The Akita is now used as a guard and police dog in Japan. Akita Dog Breed Information and Pictures List Your Rescue Note There are two types of Akitas, the original Japanese Akita breed and now a separate designation for American standard Akitas. The weights and sizes are different and the American standard allows a black mask, whereas the original Japanese breed standard does not allow for a black mask.

According to the FCI, in Japan and in many other countries around the world the American Akita is considered a separate breed from the Akita Inu (Japanese Akita). In the United States and Canada, both the American Akita and the Akita Inu are considered a single breed with differences in type rather than two separate breeds. Other Names AH-ki-ta (proper Japanese pronunciation, with the emphasis placed on the first syllable) a-KEE-ta Inu (preferred pronunciation in the West) Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description American Akita AKC Standard Massive but in balance with body; free of wrinkles when at ease. Skull flat between ears and broad; jaws broad and powerful with minimal dewlap. Head forms a blunt triangle when viewed from above. Fault—narrow or snipey head. Muzzle—broad and full. Distance from nose to stop is to distance from stop to occiput as 2 is to 3. Stop—well defined, but not too abrupt. A shallow furrow extends well up forehead. Nose—broad and black; black noses on white Akitas preferred, but a lighter colored nose with or without shading of black or gray tone is acceptable.

Disqualification—partial or total lack of pigmentation on the nose surface. Ears—the ears of the Akita are characteristic of the breed; they are strongly erect and small in relation to rest of head. If ear is folded forward for measuring length, tip will touch upper eye rim. Ears are triangular, slightly rounded at tip, wide at base, set wide on head but not too low, and carried slightly forward over eyes in line with back of neck. Disqualification—drop or broken ears. Eyes—dark brown, small, deep-set and triangular in shape. Eye rims black and tight. Lips and Tongue—lips black and not pendulous; tongue pink. Teeth—strong with scissors bite preferred, but level bite acceptable. Neck—thick and muscular; comparatively short, widening gradually toward shoulders. A pronounced crest blends in with base of skull. Body—longer than high, as to 10 is to 9 in males; 11 to 9 in females. Measurement from the point of the sternum to the point of buttocks. Chest wide and deep; reaching down to the elbow, the depth of the body at the elbow equals half the height of the dog at the withers.

Ribs well sprung, brisket well developed. Level back with firmly-muscled loin and moderate tuck-up. Skin pliant but not loose. Serious faults—light bone, rangy body. Tail—large and full, set high and carried over back or against flank in a three-quarter, full, or double curl, always dipping to or below level of back. On a three-quarter curl, tip drops well down flank. Root large and strong. Tail bone reaches hock when let down. Hair coarse, straight and full, with no appearance of a plume. Disqualification—sickle or uncurled tail. Forequarters—shoulders strong and powerful with moderate layback. Forelegs heavy-boned and straight as viewed from front. Angle of pastern 15 degrees forward from vertical. Faults—elbows in or out, loose shoulders. Hindquarters—width, muscular development and bone comparable to forequarters. Upper thighs well developed. Stifle moderately bent and hocks well let down, turning neither in nor out. Dewclaws—on front legs generally not removed; dewclaws on hind legs generally removed. Feet—cat feet, well knuckled up with thick pads. Feet straight ahead.

Double-coated. Undercoat thick, soft, dense and shorter than outer coat. Outer coat straight, harsh and standing somewhat off body. Hair on head, legs and ears short. Length of hair at withers and rump approximately two inches, which is slightly longer than on rest of body, except tail, where coat is longest and most profuse. Fault—any indication of ruff or feathering. Any color including white; brindle; or pinto. Colors are rich, brilliant and clear. Markings are well balanced, with or without mask or blaze. White Akitas have no mask. Pinto has a white background with large, evenly placed patches covering head and more than one-third of body. Undercoat may be a different color from outer coat. Brisk and powerful with strides of moderate length. Back remains strong, firm and level. Rear legs move in line with front legs. Note: While it does not make the written standard, longhaired Akitas are sometimes born in a litter if both parents carry a recessive long-coat gene. The trait is also called "Woolie" or "Silkie." Temperament The Akita is docile, intelligent, courageous and fearless.

Careful and very affectionate with its family. Sometimes spontaneous, it needs a firm, confident, consistent pack leader . Without it, the dog will be very willful and may become very aggressive to other dogs and animals. It needs firm training as a puppy. The objective in training this dog is to achieve a pack leader status . It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack . When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a success. If the dog is allowed to believe he is the leader over the humans he may become very food-possessive as he tells the humans to wait their turn. He eats first. Considered a first-class guard dog in Japan, Japanese mothers would often leave their children in the family Akita's care. They are extremely loyal and thrive on firm leadership from their handlers. They should definitely be supervised with other household pets and children.

Although the breed may tolerate and be good with children from his own family, if you do not teach this dog he is below all humans in the pack order he may not accept other children and if teased, Akitas may bite. Children must be taught to display leadership qualities and at the same time respect the dog. With the right type of owner, the proper amount of daily mental and physical exercise and firm training, they can make a fine pet. Obedience training requires patience, as these dogs tend to get bored quickly. The Akita needs to be with its family. It vocalizes with many interesting sounds, but it is not an excessive barker.

Height, Weight Height: Males 26 - 28 inches (66 - 71 cm) Females 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm) Weight: Males 75 - 120 pounds (34 - 54 kg) Females 75 - 110 pounds (34 - 50 kg) Health Problems Prone to hip dysplasia, both hypothyroid and autoimmune thyroiditis, immune diseases like VKH and Pemphigus, skin problems like SA and eyes (PRA, Micro, entropion) patella and other problems with the knee. Living Conditions The Akita will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard. Exercise The Akita needs moderate but regular exercise to stay in shape. It should be taken for long daily walks . Life Expectancy 3 - 12 puppies, average 7 or 8 Grooming The coarse, stiff, short-haired coat needs significant grooming. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when absolutely necessary as bathing removes the natural waterproofing of the coat.

This breed sheds heavily twice a year. Origin The Akita Inu is native to the island of Honshu in the region of Akita in Japan, where it has remained unchanged for centuries. The Akita Inu is considered a national dog of Japan and is one of seven breeds designated as a Natural Monument. The breed has had many uses, such as police and military work, a guard dog (government and civilian), a fighting dog, a hunter of bear and deer and a sled dog. The Akita Inu is a versatile hunting dog, able to hunt in inclement weather. The Akita's soft mouth makes it possible for him to work as a waterfowl retrieval dog. The dog is considered sacred and a good luck charm in the country of Japan. Small statues of the Akita Inu are often given to new parents after babies are born as a gesture of good health and to sick people as a gesture of a speedy recovery. In 1937 the first Akita, who was named Kamikaze-go was brought to the United States by Helen Keller. The dog was a gift given to her during her trip to Akita Prefecture. Kamikaze-go died of canine distemper not long after she adopted him.

In July of 1938 another Akita named Kenzan-go, who was the older brother of her first Akita, was given to her as an official gift from the Japanese government. After World War II many serviceman brought Akita Inu dogs to the USA. There are two types of Akitas, the original Japanese Akita breed and now a separate designation for American standard Akitas. The weights and sizes are different and the American standard allows a black mask, whereas the original Japanese breed standard does not allow for a black mask. According to the FCI, in Japan and in many other countries around the world the American Akita is considered a separate breed from the Akita Inu (Japanese Akita). In the United States and Canada, both the American Akita and the Akita Inu are considered a single breed with differences in type rather than two separate breeds. The Japanese Akita is uncommon in most countries. Group Group Northern, AKC Working Group Recognition APRI = America's Pet Registry, Inc. ACA = Akita Club of America ACA = American Canine Association Inc. ACR = American Canine Registry DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc. NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

NKC = National Kennel Club Chloe the playful Akita puppy at 6 weeks old Teddy the 1-year-old Akita Teddy the 1-year-old Akita "Crystal is a baby American Akita Inu. She's like a little tiger, very cute and little. She is 50 days old in this picture. She's smart and loves my Alaskan Malamute named Winnie." "This is a picture of my puppy Akita, Juno. In this photo she is 4 months old. Akitas are by far my favorite breed of dog. They are powerful, smart, beautiful, loving and loyal dogs. Since my fiancee and I rescued her from the SPCA , we have been applying all of Cesar's "ways" and it has been nothing but good. She is on a schedule. When we wake, it is straight outside, then breakfast, then love. It does help that she was a very calm dog when we first got her. Even though she is a puppy, she is doing great in our new apartment.

I would say she is one of the happiest dogs I have been around." Juno the Akita at 2 years old Juno the Akita at 2 years old Hercules, an adult Akita Hercules, an adult Akita Hercules, an adult Akita "This is my sweet teddy bear Akita named EZ. He's a purebred long-coated Akita. He was definitely a mama's boy. But he very much loved my husband and two sons. He was calm and extremely friendly." EZ the purebred long-coated Akita "EZ and my German Shepherd were the stuffed animal bandits. EZ LOVED my youngest son’s stuffed teddy bears. He never chewed them up, but he and his partner in crime would sneak in there during the night and steal them and carry them to his doggie bed in the living room. Nearly every morning I'd see him curled up with 2 or 3 teddies. :)" "Over the years he's had a pet cat, goat and two dogs. To see that pack play was quite a sight, if you can only imagine. The goat had no idea it wasn't a dog. And it thought EZ was its mother. The cat chased the dogs... Craziness...

lol..." EZ the purebred long-coated Akita as a young puppy EZ the purebred long-coated Akita as a young puppy Akita Inu: What's Good and Bad About Akitas Home → Dog Breeds → Akita → Akita Dog Breed Review Akita Inu Temperament What's Bad About 'Em Akita Temperament, Personality, Behavior, Traits, and Characteristics, by Michele Welton . Copyright © 2000-2016 The Akita Inu is handsome, calm, dignified, clean (easy to housebreak), and quiet (seldom barks), so it's understandable that he might be viewed as a desirable pet. However . . . the Akita Inu has a dominant, complex personality that makes him very challenging to raise. Powerful, reserved with strangers, and protective, the Akita Inu must be accustomed to people at an early age so that his guarding instincts remain controlled rather than indiscriminate. Akitas can be so aggressive with other dogs of the same sex that two males or two females should never be left alone together.

The problem is that this breed can be difficult to "read" -- often he does not "posture" (display obvious signs of aggression) -- instead, an Akita Inu may co-exist peacefully with another dog until suddenly, apparently out of the blue, a minor disagreement occurs, or perhaps the other dog pushes the Akita too far or approaches the Akita's food bowl or favorite toy, and then the Akita may attack with unsuspected ferocity. Akitas can be very possessive of their food -- keep children away from them during mealtime. As you might guess, cats and other small animals are also at risk around an Akita. In general, it is simply safest to keep this breed as an only pet. Training can be a challenge, for the Akita Inu is assertive, strong-willed, and bores easily, and he may use his intelligence in ways that suit his own purposes. Yet owners who know how to lead will find him eminently trainable via praise and reward methods. This breed must be treated with respect -- absolutely no teasing -- but you must insist on respect in return or he will walk right over you. Akitas are not a good choice for a first-time dog owner.

Unlike many other large breeds, the Akita Inu doesn't require hours of running exercise. He does well with long brisk walks and an occasional vigorous run, especially in cold weather. Akitas LOVE snow and cold. If you want a dog who... Is large, rugged, and powerful, with a wolf-like appearance Has a thick coat that comes in many colors and patterns Carries himself with a dignified, impressive presence Looks imposing, so makes an effective deterrent Despite his size, doesn't need a great deal of exercise Doesn't bark much -- the "strong and silent" type Isn't clingy or overly-dependent More traits and characteristics of the Akita Inu If I was considering an Akita, I would be most concerned about... The strong temperament. Akitas are one of the most challenging breeds to understand and to raise. They have an independent mind of their own. Many Akitas are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your Akita Inu to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory.

My Akita Training Page discusses the program you need. Providing enough socialization. Many Akitas have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to outright aggression. If you have small children, I do not recommend an Akita Inu. There are just too many Akitas who don't tolerate any nonsense. Animal aggression. Akitas were developed to hunt other animals. Most Akitas will not tolerate another dog of the same sex, and some won't tolerate the opposite sex either. Most Akitas have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures, including deer and livestock. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals. To keep your Akita Inu in, and to keep other animals out, fences should be high, with wire sunk into the ground along the fence line to thwart digging. Heavy shedding. Akitas shed a goodly amount.

You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting. Make sure you're really up for this. Legal liabilities. Akitas may be targeted for "banning" in certain areas. Homeowners' insurance policies may be refused or revoked if you are discovered to own an Akita. Your friends and neighbors may be uncomfortable around this breed. In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a history as a guard dog and big game hunter should be seriously considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable. Frankly, most Akitas are "too much dog" for the average household and most people lack the skills necessary to manage this breed. MORE OF MY ARTICLES YOU MIGHT ENJOY..... Akita Temperament, Personality, Behavior Photo Gallery & Images Akita Personality The Akita dog breed was originally bred to guard Japanese royalty. Strong and imposing figures, their appearance alone can act as a deterrent to people with ill intent. Affectionate and loving with their families, Akitas can be a rewarding companion, but they have a strong will and a complex personality that can make them a challenge to train.

While they do not bark much and are a clean housemate, they can be dominant and strong willed. Akita Inus are not ideal pets for the first-time dog owner. Akita Activity Requirements Akitas do not require the same level of physical activity as other breeds of comparable size. Several brisk walks a day will suffice, and they should be allowed to run a few times a week. Because of their aggressive tendencies toward other dogs, dog parks are not the best place to exercise an Akita. A fenced-in, private yard is the ideal space for him to run. Despite the fact that they don't need too much running time, apartments are not the best home for Akitas. They are large and require space, and can feel confined in tight areas. Akitas are among the “banned” breeds that many insurance companies may not cover. Home owners should check their policies and consult with neighborhood associations before adopting an Akita. Akita Trainability Akitas are a challenge to train, as they are strong-willed and dominant. They are not for the timid or inconsistent leader. Strength and confidence are the key to working with this breed, as they can sense a pushover from a mile away.

They will make their trainer prove themselves as the leader before accepting commands. Originally bred as protectors, Akitas are instinctively wary of strangers. Early socialization is a must, so that the Akita can learn what is “normal” behavior from a stranger and what is “abnormal” behavior. They must know the difference between a friendly visitor and an unwelcome stranger, or they will generalize all strangers as bad. Akita Behavioral Traits Aggression toward other animals is the biggest issue with an Akita. They do not give any signs of distress before they attack, so they may be playing well one minute, but then seemingly turn on a dime if pushed too far. Akitas should be the only pet in the house to prevent aggressive and potentially violent attacks. Food aggression is also common among Akitas. Children should be taught never, ever to approach an Akita while eating or chewing a bone. Akitas do not bark. They are known in the dog world as the “strong, silent type.” Those who appreciate a quiet dog will appreciate the Akita. Facts About Akitas The Akita is a Japanese breed.

In his native country the Akita has been declared a "national treasure." An Akita in a home is believed to be a symbol of good health, prosperity and good fortune. Helen Keller brought the first Akita to the United States in 1937. The breed did not come again to American shores until after WW2 when returning GIs brought Akitas to America. They are a wonderful, magnificent breed but certainly not a dog for everyone. The following Facts sheet is NOT written in stone. More and more, breeders are selecting for good temperament, and Akitas are far less aggressive now than they were a decade ago. The information below is a heads up to so you understand the breed, and why they may have had a reputation for aggression. Throughout this website, I have tried to emphasize the importance of early and ongoing socialization, obedience training using positive reinforcement and your role as a pack leader. Those are the most important factors in developing the foundation for your Akita. If your kids run wild and rarely pay attention to you, please, don't get an Akita!

Akitas are large, males can weigh over 100 pounds; they have great body strength and can have willful temperaments, definitely not grandma's dog! All puppies are cute, including Akita puppies, but before you purchase a cuddly puppy that grows into a grizzly bear, read the FACTS. Akitas do not bark unless there is a good reason. When an Akita is barking, pay attention. They are silent hunters who hunt low to the ground without growls or noise, similar to cats. Akitas unused to other animals may consider small animals as prey and hunt them. This includes cats, rodents, birds, small wildlife and small dogs. Akitas can be raised to accept animals in residence. Some adult Akitas can even be trained to fit into a home where other animals are already established. It is, however, imperative that the Akita be closely watched around the other animals until you have established a peaceful co-existence. Chickens, ducks and other birds are a meal for an Akita, do not expect the dog to befriend fowl, though some Akitas have accepted them without a problem.

Akitas are natural guardians of the home and do not require any training to turn them into guard dogs. When there is a reason to protect family and property, your Akita will act to do so. Guests welcome in your home when you are present will NOT be welcomed by the Akita when you are not home. Your gates should be padlocked to protect the Akita and any neighborhood children who may enter your property. Donï¿½t leave an Akita or any dog alone with an infant. Imagine a baby suddenly crying to get attention from its mother. A dog can misinterpret the situation and in an attempt to bring the baby to the mother, the baby can be tragically injured. Dogs are not really nannies. Do not tie an Akita outside where strangers can approach. Many dog bites occur with this scenarioï¿½the dogï¿½s space extends from one end of the leash to the other. A child or toddler has no idea about canine boundaries and moves into the dogï¿½s space. Most dogs will defend their territory and you now have a situation that can be tragic for two families and fatal for the dog.

If you cannot house your dog properly, then donï¿½t own one until you can provide a safe sanctuary for the animal when youï¿½re not home. Akitas are inherently dominant towards other animals and for this reason, they should not be allowed to run free or roam at will in the neighborhood. You can exercise your Akita off leash when you are in an area where it's unlikely there will be much contact with other animals and people. Male Akitas show aggression toward other male dogs, and female Akitas usually will not tolerate another female. Akitas can live peacefully with a dog of the opposite sex, though some Akitas prefer being an only dog! Akitas are VERY food possessive. If you have other pets, you will want to be certain the Akita is given its own food bowl or treat well away from any other animals and that no other animal is allowed near the Akita until the food is gone. It's common sense to keep visiting children away from an Akita at dinnertime. Akitas not raised with children are not always tolerant of small children. The Akita should never be left alone with a child even if you are certain you have a dog that adores all children.

A large dog can accidentally injure a child. Often, Akitas raised with children will tolerate their own children but may not accept the neighborhood kids. As a general rule it is wise not to leave an Akita or any large dog alone with children under 12 years of age. Akitas do not like to be teased and can respond by biting. Some children are allowed to treat animals unkindly, a behavior that often leads to cruelty to animals. These children should be kept away from an Akita, whose large size and hunting instincts can endanger the child's life. Akitas consider eye contact a challenge and can react aggressively. It is strongly advised NOT to get down on the Akitas level and close to the dog's face unless you are well acquainted with the Akita. These positions can and do trigger an aggressive response. Akitas like to take charge--an inherited trait from their wolf ancestry and may at some time, challenge you for the dominant position. This behavior cannot be tolerated and a firm, consistent correction should be your immediate response. Akitas with good temperament accept discipline well--not beating, but intelligent discipline. A good scruff shaking is an effective form of discipline for an Akita.

Frequently, a firm verbal command or quick choke chain correction will get your point across. Akitas should be obedience trained by their owner and not sent away to school. A good obedience class will guarantee you a firm bond with your dog and a well-behaved dog. Remember though, Akitas are extremely intelligent and tend to get bored easily. They learn quickly so short training periods are suggested. This keeps the dog from becoming bored. Akitas are also very stubborn and when the dog thinks it's a waste of time to "sit" or "stay" one more time, he will simply walk away! Obedience training requires patience! Akitas may respond with aggression if treated harshly--do not hit or kick any dog, that sort of behavior means YOU have lost control of yourself and your dog. Akitas are dogs and unlike human beings, dogs do not have the same short-term memory as humans. Do not discipline your dog hours after an incident--the dog will NOT associate the discipline with an incident, which occurred earlier in the day. If you can see and catch your dog getting into mischief, discipline should be firm and immediate for it to be effective.

For example, if you return from work and find your Akita had been busily digging a hole, you should not discipline the dog when it greets you since the dog will not associate the discipline with a hole it may have worked on early that morning. Do NOT call your Akita to you for discipline, that encourages the dog to fear your presence and it will find ways to avoid you. The "come" command is important and may someday be a life-saving command for the dog. Do not jeopardize that safety factor. Each time your Akita comes to your side, it should be rewarded. Some Akitas are talkers! They may grunt, groan and mumble to entertain themselves and you. This conversational verbalizing IS NOT growling and should not be interpreted as a growl, which sounds quite different. Akita "talking" is an endearing trait and should not frighten you. After living with your dog, you will easily distinguish between talking and growling. Most Akitas enjoy carrying things around in their mouth, including your wrist! They may take you by the wrist to lead you to the cookie cupboard or to their lead. It is not an aggressive act; it is an endearing trait.

If their "mouthing" is annoying to you, give them a job to do: allow your Akita to bring in the newspaper or the mail. They love to do these types of jobs. For such a large breed, with a reputation for aloofness, you may be surprised to learn that Akitas are very sensitive and are adversely affected by stress and/or changes in their environment. Stress can be a trigger for autoimmune diseases in an Akita predisposed for these diseases. Akitas are very family-oriented and are not happy when kept apart from the family. Akitas develop bizarre behavior patterns when raised as an outside "yard dog." When left alone in a yard without quality family interaction, the dog will regress in socialization and boredom will cause destructive behavior. If you do not plan on having your dog live inside your home, you should not seriously consider an Akita for a pet. Akitas are not hyperactive and fit into a sedentary household, but optimum health requires that YOU and your Akita exercise regularly. A dog left outside while youï¿½re gone DOES NOT exercise it sleeps until your return.

If your lifestyle includes outdoor activities like camping, hiking, swimming, or snow sports, Akitas adore being part of these pastimes. Akitas will live from 10-12 years with good care and proper nutrition. Good nutrition for an Akita is an all-natural meat based food with high quality protein, especially fish. The origin of the Akita is Japan where rice, fish and sea plants are a diet staple and an ideal diet for the Akita. They should be fed two meals daily. Dry food should be soaked until it expands prior to feeding as obesity is dangerous for many health reasons but with Akitas, an overweight dog is prone to knee problems ultimately requiring surgery. Akitas suffer from gastric torsion, a life-threatening, sudden onset disorder that is fatal if untreated. Know the symptoms--discuss gastric torsion with your vet. Hypothyroid disease affects 70% of the breed; however, it is treated by twice daily hormone replacement therapy. A blood test, including T3 and T4 thyroid levels will determine the existence of the condition. The symptoms include skin and coat problems, sudden onset aggressive behavior, itching, lethargy, musky odor, and many more.

Before treating skin conditions as allergies, have your vet check for sarcoptic mange, sebaceous adenitis, and hypothyroid disease. Sudden onset aggression is very often linked to hypothyroid disease which is a treatable condition. Discuss this with your vet or seek more information from some websites on the Internet. There are many good books on this breed; they can all be found on Amazon.com: Akitas: Books ï¿½ 1990 B. Bouyet This puppy playpen utilizes the Akitas' creative sense of fun while teaching the puppies how to get along and share. Great idea! Facts About Akitas Facts About Akitas Facts About Akitas The Akita is a Japanese breed. In his native country the Akita has been declared a "national treasure." An Akita in a home is believed to be a symbol of good health, prosperity and good fortune. Helen Keller brought the first Akita to the United States in 1937. The breed did not come again to American shores until after WW2 when returning GIs brought Akitas to America. They are a wonderful, magnificent breed but certainly not a dog for everyone.

Akitas are large, males can weigh over 100 pounds; they have great body strength and willful temperaments, definitely not grandma's dog! All puppies are cute, including Akita puppies, but before you purchase a cuddly puppy that grows into a grizzly bear, read the FACTS. Akitas do not bark unless there is a good reason. When an Akita is barking, pay attention. They are silent hunters who hunt low to the ground without growls or noise, similar to cats. Akitas may consider small animals as prey and hunt them. This includes cats, rodents, birds, small wildlife and small dogs. Akitas can be raised to accept animals in residence. Some adult Akitas can even be trained to fit into a home where other animals are already established. It is, however, imperative that the Akita be closely watched around the other animals until you have established a peaceful co-existence. Chickens, ducks and other birds are a meal for an Akita, do not expect the dog to befriend fowl. Akitas are natural guardians of the home and do not require any training to turn them into guard dogs.

When there is a reason to protect family and property, your Akita will act to do so. Guests welcome in your home when you are present will NOT be welcomed by the Akita when you are not home. Your gates should be padlocked to protect the Akita and any neighborhood children who may enter your property. Akitas are inherently aggressive towards other animals and for this reason, they should not be allowed to run free or roam at will. You can exercise your Akita off leash when you are in an area where it's unlikely there will be much contact with other animals and people. Male Akitas show aggression toward other male dogs, and female Akitas usually will not tolerate another female. Akitas can live peacefully with a dog of the opposite sex, though some Akitas prefer being an only dog! Akitas are VERY food possessive. If you have other pets, you will want to be certain the Akita is given its own food bowl or treat well away from any other animals and that no other animal is allowed near the Akita until the food is gone. It's common sense to keep visiting children away from an Akita at dinnertime.

Akitas not raised with children are not always tolerant of small children. The Akita should never be left alone with a child even if you are certain you have a dog that adores all children. A large dog can accidentally injure a child. Often, Akitas raised with children will tolerate their own children but may not accept the neighborhood kids. As a general rule it is wise not to leave an Akita or any large dog alone with children under 12 years of age. Akitas do not like to be teased and can respond by biting. Some children are allowed to treat animals unkindly, a behavior that often leads to cruelty to animals. These children should be kept away from an Akita, whose large size and hunting instincts can endanger the child's life. Akitas consider eye contact a challenge and can react aggressively. It is strongly advised NOT to get down on the Akitas level and close to the dog's face unless you are well acquainted with the Akita. These positions can and do trigger an aggressive response. Akitas like to take charge--an inherited trait from their wolf ancestry and may at some time, challenge you for the dominant position.

This behavior cannot be tolerated and a firm, consistent correction should be your immediate response. Akitas with good temperament accept discipline well--not beating, but intelligent discipline. A good scruff shaking is an effective form of discipline for an Akita. Frequently, a firm verbal command or quick choke chain correction will get your point across. Akitas should be obedience trained BY their owner and not sent away to school like other breeds! A good obedience class will guarantee you a firm bond with your dog and a well-behaved dog. Remember though, Akitas are extremely intelligent and tend to get bored easily. They learn quickly so short training periods are suggested. This keeps the dog from becoming bored. Akitas are also very stubborn and when the dog thinks it's a waste of time to "sit" or "stay" one more time, he will simply walk away! Obedience training requires patience! Akitas may respond with aggression if treated harshly--do not hit or kick any dog, that sort of behavior means YOU have lost control of yourself and your dog. Akitas are dogs and unlike human beings, dogs do not have the same short-term memory as humans.

Do not discipline your dog hours after an incident--the dog will NOT associate the discipline with an incident, which occurred earlier in the day. If you can see and catch your dog getting into mischief, discipline should be firm and immediate for it to be effective. For example, if you return from work and find your Akita had been busily digging a hole, you should not discipline the dog when it greets you since the dog will not associate the discipline with a hole it may have worked on early that morning. Do NOT call your Akita to you for discipline, that encourages the dog to fear your presence and it will find ways to avoid you. The "come" command is important and may someday be a life-saving command for the dog. Do not jeopardize that safety factor. Each time your Akita comes to your side, it should be rewarded. Some Akitas are talkers! They may grunt, groan and mumble to entertain themselves and you. This conversational verbalizing IS NOT growling and should not be interpreted as a growl, which sounds quite different. Akita "talking" is an endearing trait and should not frighten you. After living with your dog, you will easily distinguish between talking and growling.

Most Akitas enjoy carrying things around in their mouth, including your wrist! They may take you by the wrist to lead you to the cookie cupboard or to their lead. It is not an aggressive act; it is an endearing trait. If their "mouthing" is annoying to you, give them a job to do: allow your Akita to bring in the newspaper or the mail. They love to do these types of jobs. For such a large breed, with a reputation for aloofness, you may be surprised to learn that Akitas are very sensitive and are adversely affected by stress and/or changes in their environment. Stress can be a trigger for autoimmune diseases in an Akita predisposed for these diseases. Akitas are very family-oriented and are not happy when kept apart from the family. Akitas develop bizarre behavior patterns when raised as an outside "yard dog." When left alone in a yard without quality family interaction, the dog will regress in socialization and boredom will cause destructive behavior. If you do not plan on having your dog live inside your home, you should not seriously consider an Akita for a pet.

Akitas are not hyperactive and fit into a sedentary household, but optimum health requires that YOU and your Akita exercise regularly. A dog left outside while youï¿½re gone DOES NOT exercise it sleeps until your return. If your lifestyle includes outdoor activities like camping, hiking, swimming, or snow sports, Akitas adore being part of these pastimes. Akitas will live from 10-12 years with good care and proper nutrition. Good nutrition for an Akita is an all-natural meat based food with high quality protein, especially fish. The origin of the Akita is Japan where rice, fish and sea plants are a diet staple and an ideal diet for the Akita. They should be fed two meals daily. Dry food should be soaked until it expands prior to feeding as Obesity is dangerous for many health reasons but with Akitas, an overweight dog is prone to knee problems that will require surgery. Akitas suffer from gastric torsion, a life-threatening, sudden onset disorder that is fatal if untreated. Know the symptoms--discuss gastric torsion with your vet. Hypothyroid disease affects 70% of the breed; however, it is treated by twice daily hormone replacement therapy.

A blood test, including T3 and T4 thyroid levels will determine the existence of the condition. The symptoms include skin and coat problems, sudden onset aggressive behavior, itching, lethargy, musky odor, and many more. Before treating skin conditions as allergies, have your vet check for sarcoptic mange, sebaceous adenitis, and hypothyroid disease. ï¿½ 1990 B. Bouyet ARSA ï¿½ 2004 | Email Breed Rescue Is.. Breed Rescue Is.. Breed Rescue Is..... More than a hundred years ago--in 1868--George Angell, founder of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals started the movement for humane education. His basic ideas taught us that education fostered a sense of responsibility on the part of people to act with compassion. Angell believed that people educated to be kind to animals are more likely to be compassionate to their fellow human beings. His vision was of humane education as a lifestyle that detested all cruelty, exploitation, and needless suffering on the part of animals and humans. So you see the foundation of our present animal welfare movement was inexorably linked to compassion and kindness for both animals and humans.

To work well, these two precepts cannot be separated. People with real compassion cannot reserve those feelings for animals and feel nothing for abused and abandoned children. Rescue is an extension of animal welfare and humane education with a long-term goal of controlling pet overpopulation and ending animal abuse. In a democracy we cannot command responsible breeding and responsible ownership, they are an ethical code of behavior. Yes, they can be taught, but the most successful educational programs in our country began with strong role models. Rescue volunteers have a unique opportunity to advance the well being of their chosen breed. By acting responsibly, we teach responsibility. When our actions are consistently ethical in all of our dog-related activities we become a role model not just for other rescuers but for breeders as well. Rescue cannot succeed if it separates from the breed it serves. Excuse my use of cliches but you can't build a strong foundation on lies, innuendoes and slander. Recently I learned that in many countries in Scandinavia and Europe, there is no pet overpopulation problem and most owners prefer not to sterilize their dogs. Can you imagine if we didn't sterilize our dogs in the United States?

There would be more dogs than cars on freeways, more cats then kids in sandboxes! Impossible! How? They plan their breeding programs, females in heat are separated from males, and dogs are part of a family not part of a business. It takes more effort to accomplish but the result is more effective than our current pattern of rescues acting as janitors to clean up after breeders. I offer this fact as an example of yet another reason why breed rescue cannot be ignored but cannot succeed without the participation of breeders. Solutions require unity. As a now retired voice for rescue based on 19 agonizing years of shelter work, I can stand back and see the problems in a more objective manner. We can all point fingers--it's the most effortless physical activity known to man. It doesn't accomplish anything but it makes us feel as if weï¿½re involved in a positive way. We can all sit here and list what's wrong with the breeders in our breed. Follow that up with a list of irritating faults you see in your rescue colleagues. Now what? You stand alone as a breed rescuer whose sole contribution is saving a few dogs while alienating thousands of potential rescuers.

You're not a role model, you're not salvation for those abandoned dogs and now you are part of the problem. Let's try something different. A great deal has been written to describe the attributes of a responsible breeder but little or nothing has been written to describe the qualifications of a responsible rescuer. First let's look at the basic characteristics of a responsible breeder: 1. A responsible breeder always puts the best interests of the dog above personal ambition, ego and profit. 2. Their dogs are well socialized, adequately exercised, fed the best food and live in a clean, pest-free, well managed environment. 3. Their dogs interact with people and receive hands-on personal attention every day. 4. Immediate veterinary care is available and preventative veterinary care is always provided. 5. A responsible breeder NEVER has more dogs than he/she can tend without additional help from an employee or family member. 6. Responsible breeders grab every opportunity to educate; they are diligent in screening puppy buyers, and will unselfishly mentor anyone to help their breed or an individual dog. 7. They recognize the importance of good sportsmanship and an ethical code of breeding; they know their behavior reflects on everyone in their breed.

They are honest and constantly pursue excellence in health and temperament. Go over the list again but this time replace the word "breeder" with "rescuer." We must meet the same high standard we demand from breeders if we are to be role models for the future. 1. A responsible rescuer always puts the best interests of all Akitas above personal ambition, ego and profit. Rescue is not a road to fame and there is no glory to be gained by standing on the backs of abandoned Akitas. Your decision to rescue does not make you better than anyone else. 2. A responsible rescuer makes certain their dogs are well socialized, adequately exercised, fed the best food and live in a clean, pest-free, well managed environment. Unlike breeders who know their dogs you have a constantly changing group of young and older adult dogs whose past experiences may cause erratic or dangerous behavior. The reputation of your breed depends on your ability to evaluate the dog and assess the potential home. 3. Responsible rescuers know the importance of each dog's daily interaction with people. Without daily hands-on personal attention it's not possible to properly evaluate a rescued dog. Many abandoned dogs are untrained.

That's easy to fix when you spend time with them. The act of training provides an excellent opportunity for evaluation. 4. Dogs from shelters very often are victims of neglect, rarely receiving adequate veterinary care. Your job is not simple maintenance; often it's complete physical rehabilitation. Spay and neuter of each dog must be done before a dog leaves your hands. It can never be entrusted to a new owner. 5. A responsible rescuer NEVER has more dogs than he/she can tend without additional help from an employee or family member. Responsible rescuers understand that not all dogs can be saved. People, who function as collectors, merely hold Akitas ransom to use as icons for fund raising. There are some things that are worse than death! Living in a crowded, substandard environment, existing on poor quality or generic dog food minus any cookies or treats is not humane treatment. Living without human companionship is no different than a puppy mill environment. Rescuers are by virtue of their title, people who improve upon the conditions these dogs have known. 6. Responsible rescuers grab every opportunity to educate; they are diligent in screening potential homes, and will unselfishly mentor anyone to help their breed or an individual dog.

Their goal is not to alienate but to unify because unity as a breed, and/or a club is the only way to save Akitas. 7. Responsible rescuers recognize the importance of ethical behavior behind the scenes and in the public eye. They know their conduct reflects on everyone in their breed. They are honest, open, and constantly pursue excellence in education and placement. As you can see there are important similarities between breeders and rescuers--they have a lot in common, primarily a love for the same breed. To work against each other is absurd when you consider how much more can be accomplished if they work together. Breeders are not the enemy and not all rescuers are heroes. So please folks, let's get off our high horses, pedestals, or whatever name you customarily give to people who hold themselves in higher esteem than their peers. The enemy is ignorance and Akita fanciers can only succeed in conquering the enemy if we work with each other instead of at opposite ends. ï¿½ 1999 Barbara Bouyet Akita Information, Pictures of Akitas | Dogster What They Are Like to Live With Akitas get along very well with children, especially the ones they know.

They may be a tad standoffish with new people (or rambunctious kids), but they eventually warm up to new people and situations. Akitas don’t bark too much, but they do “talk” occasionally. They are very intelligent and responsive, making excellent guard dogs. They love the outdoors, whether hiking, hunting, playing games or splashing in rivers and lakes. And their weatherproof coat keeps them going in cold temperatures. Overall, Akitas are tough, smart and loyal companions. Things You Should Know In addition to having great physical strength, Akitas also have powerful personalities. They are an ancient, strong-willed breed, and they need an owner who can devote the time, patience and training for proper socialization. Akitas can easily adjust to apartment living, but they need plenty of daily exercise to maintain a healthy state of mind and body. City-dwellers should walk their Akita vigorously every day, while country folk (or people with big, fenced back yards) should let their Akitas have big daily sprints outside. Remember to keep your Akita on a leash at all times in public. A healthy Akita can live as long as 12 years.

Common health issues include hip dysplasia, immune deficiencies, eye problems and thyroid problems. Their thick coat sheds heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing is a must. Akita History Bred to be courageous hunters, Akitas originated in the northern mountains of Japan (the Akita region). As their popularity spread throughout the world, they proved to be equally resourceful as police dogs, sledding dogs and guard dogs. In the United States, Helen Keller helped popularize Akitas by traveling and lecturing with her faithful Akita named Kami, and after World War II many American soldiers brought Akitas back home with them. In Japan, they are still considered a national treasure and a symbol of good health and prosperity. The Look of a Akita Akitas have large, sturdy frames covered in thick, water-resistant coats. They have broad heads with short muzzles, black noses and pointed ears that carry forward. Their triangular eyes are dark and deeply set. They have thick, muscular necks that widen a bit at the shoulders. Slightly longer than tall, Akitas have strong backs that end with curly tails, and their thick, double coats come in almost any color.

Overall, Akitas carry themselves with a commanding power and self-assurance. Talk About Akitas The perfect balance of strength, grace, and beauty I absolutely LOVE my Akita! I'm always asked what breed he is by people who are struck by his balance of strength, grace, and beauty. He's also got a great (and goofy) personality and an amazing ability to read people. Akita dogs are very catlike in their habits and personality -- they groom, they're neat, and they're a bit aloof with strangers (both human and animal). They're not for people who've never had a dog before, however. They're prone to some health issues like thyroid troubles, hip dysplasia, bloat, and several allergies. They also need a LOT of grooming (or you'll get "fur drifts"), training, and socialization from an early age (because they're smart and some Akita dogs may have issues with dominance and/or aggression). They need a good amount of low-impact exercise to help prevent boredom (and chewing). If you can do this, their love and loyalty is worth every bit!

~Desiree, owner of an Akita An excellent service companion My Cheezy has kept me healthy from seziuers and asthma attacks for around ten years. She is a black and white pinto Akita and has become more of a couch potato lately. You must be the Alpha to deal with Akitas. This is my 5th one and they all lived long, healthy lives. ~Wanda, owner of an Akita Search Breeds (based on 1,664 Akita profiles) Akita Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts - Dogtime Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs Height: 2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder Weight: 70 to 130 pounds Life Span: 10 to 12 years The Akita is a big, bold dog with a distinctly powerful appearance: a large head in contrast to small, triangular eyes; and a confident, rugged stance. The mere presence of a powerful Akita serves as a deterrent to most who would cause trouble. This breed is renowned for unwavering loyalty to his owners, and he can be surprisingly sweet and affectionate with family members.

Imagine a loving protector who will follow you from room to room, whose entire mission in life seems to be simply to serve you. The Akita is courageous, a natural guardian of his family. Stubborn and willful, he won't back down from a challenge. He doesn't usually bark unless there is a good reason, but he is vocal, making amusing grunts, moans, and mumbles. Some owners says the Akita mutters under his breath and seems to be talking to himself, while others say the Akita offers his opinion on all matters, from how to load the dishwasher to when the children should be put to bed. While these charming "talking" traits are exhibited to family, the Akita is often aloof and silent with visitors. He's naturally wary of strangers, though he will be welcoming enough to a houseguest as long as his owners are home. Socializing the Akita puppy (or retraining an adult dog) with as much exposure to friendly people as possible can help soften the edge of his wariness, though an Akita will always be an Akita — a dignified and sober presence, not a party animal. One of the Akita's singular traits is mouthing.

The Akita loves to carry things around in his mouth, and that includes your wrist. This is not an act of aggression, but simply an Akita way of communicating with those he loves. He may lead you to his leash because he wants to go for a walk, for example, or act on any number of other ideas that pop into his intelligent head. Many owners are charmed by the Akita's mouthing, but if you find it annoying, simply give your Akita a job that involves carrying something. He would happily get the newspaper or your slippers for you, or retrieve the mail or even those keys you keep misplacing. The Akita also proves himself unusual with his grooming habits, licking his body like a cat. And that's not his only feline trait: like a tiger, he'll stalk his prey silently, body low to the ground. This is not a dog that will growl or bark a warning before springing into action. At 100 pounds or more, the Akita is a lot of muscular power. This is a dominating breed, and the Akita will want to dominate you. Proper training is essential, and training should be done by the owner.

Because the Akita is so faithfully loyal, the bond between the owner and the dog must not be broken by boarding the dog with a trainer. Before buying an Akita, it is crucial to spend time researching how to train this particular breed. Akitas do not respond well to harsh training methods. If your training is respectful, the dog will in turn respect you. But be prepared for training to take longer than it does for other breeds. Though the Akita is highly intelligent, stubborn willfulness is a part of his personality, which can and does interfere with training. The best results come from doing plenty of homework on how to train before ever bringing an Akita home with you. This is not a breed for the timid. The willful and determined Akita is also, despite his public reserve, a very social pet who needs plenty of time with his family. He does not do well as a backyard dog. Companionship holds hands with loyalty, which is what this breed is all about. To make him live outside without benefit of family is to deny the very essence of the Akita breed. A lonely and bored Akita can become destructive and aggressive .

The Akita is not recommended for first-time dog owners, for those who want a lapdog , or for those unwilling to take charge. But for owners who can and will invest time and effort in research and proper training, the reward is a fine, intelligent companion with unwavering loyalty. In addition to all other considerations, choosing an Akita means deciding which side of a controversy you want to stand on. This controversy is "the split," and it relates to the Japanese or American standard for the breed. The Japanese Akita is considerably smaller, both in height and mass, than the American Akita — as much as 30 or more pounds lighter. His foxlike head is decidedly different from the broad head of the American breed. The Japanese Akita has almond-shaped eyes, while the American Akita's eyes are triangular. A black mask is much in vogue on the American Akita but is considered a show disqualifier in Japan, where markings on the face are white. If you want your dog to compete in any American Kennel Club events, the black mask means the dog has been bred to the American standard and will be allowed to compete.

In fact, in America, any color on the Akita is permitted; in Japan, only red, white, and some brindles are allowed. So wide are the differences between the types that it would seem that a split would be best for the breed. There appear to be as many strongly in favor of the split as there are those who are strongly against it. Deciding which standard to choose should be done only after much research and is largely a matter of personal taste. The Akita's natural hunting skills translate well to various activities. He still hunts today and is able to hold large game at bay until the hunter arrives. He can also retrieve waterfowl. He is adept at tracking, and his catlike movements make him talented in agility. Akita owners are increasingly surprising those skeptics who believe that the Akita nature prevents success in this field. While it's true that the breed's stubbornness can make training a challenge, Akitas and their owners are taking home ribbons as more people discover the thrill of accomplishment in working with this dog. Highlights To get a healthy pet, never buy a puppy from a irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store.

Find a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs for genetic health conditions and good temperaments. The Akita is aggressive with other dogs and is especially prone to same-sex aggression. The Akita is not a good choice for first-time dog owners. Positive socialization and consistent, firm training are essential for the Akita. If he is mishandled or mistreated, he often responds by becoming aggressive. The Akita will chase other pets in the house. The Akita sheds — a lot! Prolonged eye contact is considered a challenge by the Akita, and he may respond aggressively. Training the willful Akita can be challenging and requires understanding, experience, and patience. It's best to work with a trainer familiar with the breed, but be sure to do the training yourself. History The Akita is named for the province of Akita in northern Japan, where he is believed to have originated. The Akita's known existence goes back to the 1600s, when the breed guarded Japanese royalty and was used for hunting fowl and large game (including bears). This valiant breed was introduced to America by a woman of no small stature: Helen Keller.

The Japanese held Helen Keller in high esteem and took her to Shibuyu to show her the statue of Hachiko, an Akita who achieved worldwide fame in the 1920s for his loyalty. Hachiko's owner, a professor, returned from work each day at 3 p.m., and his devoted dog met him daily at the train station. When the professor died, loyal Hachiko continued his daily vigil until his own death a full decade later. When Helen Keller expressed her desire to have an Akita for her own, she was presented with a puppy, the first Akita brought to America. Keller was delighted with Kamikaze-go and was deeply saddened when he died of distemper at a young age. Upon hearing this news, the Japanese government officially presented her with Kamikaze's older brother, Kenzan-go. Keller later wrote that Kamikaze had been "an angel in fur" and that the Akita breed was "gentle, companionable, and trusty." After World War II, returning American servicemen who had been stationed in Japan brought back more Akitas.

Thomas Boyd is credited with producing the first Akita stud to sire puppies in the U.S., starting in 1956. The American Akita eventually evolved into a more robust dog than the Japanese Akita and was valued by many for this reason. Yet there were those who wanted to remain true to the Japanese standard. This split caused a decades-long battle that led to a delay in acceptance by the American Kennel Club. Finally, in 1972, the AKC accepted the Akita Club of America — but the split is still wide today and is a matter of great concern to Akita fanciers on both sides. What is never debated is the Akita's historical and famous combination of fearlessness and loyalty. These traits were once put to the test at the London Zoo, when a Sumatran tiger cub was orphaned. The zookeepers needed special help in raising the cub, and they chose an Akita puppy for this important task. They knew the Akita would not be frightened and could engage in play that would help the tiger cub with necessary life lessons.

Moreover, the Akita's dense fur would protect him from sharp claws, and the pup's inherent loyalty to his playmate would provide desired companionship and protection for the bewildered, orphaned cub. The Akita served in the role successfully and "retired" from the job when the tiger reached near-adulthood. This is a dog who is truly fearless, fully confident, and will exhibit unfaltering devotion to family. Size Males stand 26 to 28 inches and weigh 85 to 130 pounds. Females stand 24 to 26 inches and weigh 70 to 110 pounds. Personality The Akita is a bold and willful dog, naturally wary of strangers but extremely loyal to his family. He is alert, intelligent, and courageous. He tends to be aggressive toward other dogs, especially those of the same sex. He is best suited to a one-dog household. With his family, the Akita is affectionate and playful. He enjoys the companionship of his family and wants to participate in daily activities. He's mouthy and enjoys carrying toys and household items around.

Despite the common belief that he never barks, he is in fact noisy, known to grumble, moan — and, yes, bark if he believes the situation warrants it. Be aware the Akita's strong personality can be overwhelming. He is not the dog for a first-time owner, and he is not for the timid. He needs an owner who can provide firm, loving discipline. Activity is essential for this active breed. He needs plenty of exercise to keep him from becoming bored and, in turn, destructive . The naturally protective Akita has a propensity to become aggressive if allowed, or if he isn't raised properly. Training the Akita is essential, and so is proper socialization from an early age. Keep in mind that this breed is stubborn, so extra patience is necessary to teach him proper canine manners. Health Akitas are generally healthy, but like all breeds of dogs, they're prone to certain conditions and diseases. Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition in which the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but others don't display outward signs of discomfort.

(X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem.) Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred — so if you're buying a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems. Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly called bloat, is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs like Akitas. It is especially a problem if they eat one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in its stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is salivating excessively, and is retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, showing a rapid heart rate.

It's important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It's thought to be responsible for conditions such as epilepsy , alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma ,and other skin conditions. It is treated with medication and diet. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is a serious problem in Akitas. This genetic condition is difficult to diagnose and often mistaken for hypothyroidism, allergies, or other conditions. When a dog has SA, the sebaceous glands in the skin become inflamed (for unknown reasons) and are eventually destroyed. These glands typically produce sebum, a fatty secretion that helps prevent the skin from drying out.

Symptoms usually first occur when the dog is from one to five years old: affected dogs typically have dry, scaly skin and hair loss on top of the head, neck, and back. Severely affected dogs can have thickened skin and an unpleasant odor, along with secondary skin infections. Although the problem is primarily cosmetic, it can be uncomfortable for the dog. Your vet will perform a biopsy of the skin if she suspects SA and will then discuss a variety of treatment options with you. Care The Akita is happiest and does best when living inside with his family. This breed is not hyper, but he does need daily exercise . Thirty minutes to an hour a day is sufficient for an Akita; brisk walks, jogging (for an adult dog over two years of age), and romping in the yard are favorite activities. Visits to a dog park are probably not a good idea, given the Akita's aggressive tendency toward other dogs. Due to this breed's high intelligence, a varied routine is best. What you don't want is a bored Akita. That leads to such behavior problems as barking, digging , chewing , and aggression . Include the Akita with family activities, and don't leave him alone for long periods at a time.

A securely fenced yard is important, too, both for the safety of the Akita and for the safety of strangers who may mistakenly come into his turf. While he isn't typically aggressive with visitors if his family is home, when he's reserved and polite, all bets are off if his owners aren't around. The Akita is a loyal guardian, and he'll protect against anything he perceives to be a threat. Special care must be taken when raising an Akita puppy . These dogs grow very rapidly between the age of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. In addition, don't let your Akita puppy run and play on hard surfaces ,such as pavement; normal play on grass is fine. Avoid forced jumping or jogging on hard surfaces until the dog is at least two years old and his joints are fully formed (puppy agility classes, with their one-inch jumps, are fine). Feeding Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl. For more on feeding your Akita, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog . Coat Color And Grooming There are many different colors and color combinations in the American Akita, including black, white, chocolate, a combination of color and white, or brindle. The Akita is double-coated, with the undercoat being very dense and plush; the topcoat is short. Overall, grooming the Akita isn't terribly difficult. But the Akita is a shedder, so frequent vacuuming will be your new lifestyle if you choose this breed. Akita fur will be found on furniture, clothing, dishes, in food, and will form myriad dust bunnies on floors and carpets. Heavier shedding occurs two or three times a year.

Weekly brushing helps reduce the amount of hair in your home, and it keeps the plush coat of the Akita healthy. Despite his self-grooming habits, the Akita also needs bathing every three months or so. Of course, more often is okay if your dog rolls in a mud puddle or something smelly. The nails need to be trimmed once a month, and the ears checked once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Also wipe the ears out weekly, using a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner, to prevent problems. As with all breeds, it is important to begin grooming the Akita at an early age. Making grooming a positive and soothing experience will ensure easier handling as your Akita puppy grows into a large, willful adult. Children And Other Pets Adults should always supervise interactions between dogs and kids, and this is especially true with this breed. No child could have a more loyal guardian and playmate than an Akita — but a mistreated Akita can become a liability and may even endanger your child's life. It is imperative to teach youngsters to be respectful and kind in all their interactions with him.

That said, the Akita is suitable for families with older children. He should live in a one-pet household, however, because he is aggressive toward other dogs and will chase other pets. Rescue Groups Akitas are often obtained without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Akitas in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. If you don't see a rescue listed for your area, contact the national breed club or a local breed club and they can point you toward an Akita rescue organization.

Question: What kind of creature is an akita?
Answer: Dog