AKITA
APPEARANCE
The Akita is a large breed, with males often weighing over one hundred pounds and standing up to twenty-eight inches at the shoulder. The Akita is best recognized by its almost bear shaped head as well as the tightly curled tail. The coat of the Akita is harsh and straight, but has a softer, dense undercoat. There are various coat colors available, and this includes fawn, red, white, brindle, and silver. The height of the Akita is between 24-28 inches, and the weight is around 75-115 pounds.
PERSONALITY
The Akita is a noble and dominating breed. They are powerful and alert, responsive and courageous. This is an independent and often strong willed breed, and this can make training difficult. The Akita breed is also a very patient, loyal and devoted breed that protects children. They thrive on human companionship. They are extremely loyal to their family and those they know. They require an inordinate amount of attention. Akitas are not recommended for the novice dog owner.
TRAINING
They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods. Training can be trying at times, as the Akita will often try to establish dominance. They do best with patience, kindness, firmness, fairness, and consistency. Akitas typically prefer to be clean and is easier to housetrain than many other breeds. They require a huge amount of attention and must receive socialization and obedience training from a very early age.
EXERCISE
They enjoy play sessions with their family or other family activities. However, they will become bored and destructive if left alone for extended periods of time either inside or outside. They enjoy a daily walk, but it is vitally important they are very securely leashed and kept from encountering other dogs. Daily walks, occasional swimming (Akitas have webbed feet and are very good swimmers) and freedom to run in a large securely fenced yard is important for him to stay in shape.
SOCIALIZATION
They must receive socialization and obedience training from a very early age. When it comes to other pets, the Akita can be dog aggressive with dogs of the same sex, and may also be aggressive around others smaller animals. This is a breed that is usually fine with children that live in household, but can be protective when other children are around and can also be aloof and stand offish with strangers.
LIVING CONDITIONS
They are not well suited for apartment dwellings and do best in a home with a large securely fenced yard. The Akita is happiest in a large yard. Because of thick coat, might be uncomfortable in warm environments.
GROOMING
The Akita’s coat should be brushed on a weekly basis. It is important to use a grooming comb and a slicker, steel Pin brush to groom your Akita’s coat effectively. You can also use a firm bristle brush. However, you should bear in mind that this is a dog that sheds heavily on a seasonal basis, and therefore grooming may need to be stepped up during this period. It is important to know that you should not bath an Akita too frequently.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Akita is around 10-13 years. There are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, and this includes: progressive retinal atrophy, canine hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, hypothyroidism, lymphosarcoma, gastric torsion and pemphigus.
HISTORY
The Akita Inu breed is native to the island of Honshu in the region of Akita, is considered as a natural monument and a national treasure in Japan, is also one of the oldest dog breeds. The Akita was registered with the AKC in 1972.
