Akita

These large active dogs originated in Japan. With their thick woolly coat they are excellent in colder climates and actually waterproof. They do, however, require daily grooming to maintain this beautiful coat and owners must be wary of them in hot weather. The Akita is renown for its loyalty and intelligence but without stimulation can easily become bored and destructive. The Akita makes an excellent family dog as they are great with children and quite playful, however they should be the only family pet as they can become aggressive toward other animals. Their lifespan is around 10 years. The Akita is a respected breed in Japan. When a family has a child, it is traditional for them to receive a statue of an Akita to signify the health and happiness of the new baby and its relatives. History This breed originated in Japan but has since spread across the world. In its native land, it has been designated a national monument, which is a title of high honor. Though it's been famous in the East for a very long time, it didn't make an appearance in the Western lands until 1937, when Helen Keller brought one to the United States. When imported into the United States, Japan and many Eastern countries recognized two different types of the breed. The Japanese Akita was named the Akita Inu, while the American version was given the name "American Akita."� The only real difference between the breeds is the coat colors. It is important to note that both America and Canada still consider the two breeds as one "Akita"� breed. Appearance One of the first traits a prospective dog owner will notice about an Akita is the thick, furry tail that curls up and over its back. This prominent feature stands out as much as its huge head. An Akita's skull is huge and somewhat triangular in shape. The muzzle is thick and broad, the ears are completely erect, and the eyes are very dark and seemingly small in comparison to the other features (the eyes are the only thing on an Akita that seems small). The large tail and head are in proportion with the body. An Akita has thick bones, a broad chest, and an air of power. The neck is thick, like that of a wrestler's. Akitas stand up to 28 inches tall at the shoulders, and their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall. The males weigh between 75 and 120 pounds; the females weight between 70 and 100 pounds. All of these aforementioned features are typical of both the Akita Inu and the American Akita. However, the fur is different. In both, the coat has two layers a soft, undercoat and a harsh outer coat. The fur is short and straight over most of the body, except on the tail where the hair is longer. However, the color of the outer coat is what determines the difference between these breeds. The Akita Inu can be white, brindle, red, fawn, or sesame. Each Akita Inu is expected to at least have a streak of white fur on the cheeks, neck, and chest. The American Akita can have black masks and darker fur on the body and it can come in a wider variety of colors. Pinto colored fur is accepted in American Akitas, for instance. Temperament This breed is known as the Silent Hunter because they can be quiet yet still give off an air of power. Akitas can be very courageous, hardworking, and dignified. They are also very alert and aware of their surroundings and responsive to commands. For this reason, they make excellent dogs for therapy. When they are calm, it's safe to have small children around Akitas as long as they are supervised. However, it's wise for owners to remember that these dogs can be aggressive when guarding their masters or territory, so caution should be used. These dogs are not suited for multiple-pet households, especially if there are dogs of the same sex around; they are known to be intolerant in these situations. Pet Care Owning an Akita requires a strong hand. You have to make sure to establish your place as master and go through a lot of obedience training because Akitas like to be the head of the pack. Because of their large size, daily exercise is necessary. Regular walks and playtime will be beneficial. This dog is unusual in that it will groom itself often, much like a cat, but owners need to brush the coat regularly, too. What Owners Have to Say Most owners love their Akitas because of their friendliness. Like many other dogs, the Akita will give his owner a very warm welcome home by wagging his curled tail. However, owners will also note that it takes a strong hand to discipline this breed of dog. Is this the right dog for you? If you want a large dog that comes in a variety of colors, then the Akita is a good choice. They are excellent guard dogs because they look tough. However, if you don't establish yourself as the master early on, these dogs can be difficult to discipline and train. They can be aggressive toward other animals and are best suited in one-pet households. Don't think of getting an Akita if you have another dog, especially if both dogs would be the same sex. Because they are highly intelligent, these dogs can also become bored and destructive. Take all of these things into consideration when thinking of purchasing an Akita.

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