The Akita is a variety of huge strength and nobility, hailing from old Japan. Eminent for their boldness and faithfulness.
Standing tall at 24 to 28 crawls at the shoulder, these canines have a thick coat that comes in different varieties, including white. They have expansive, monstrous heads that are delightfully adjusted by their full, twisted tails. Their erect ears and dim, sparkling eyes radiate a ready and respectable disposition that is genuinely normal for the variety.
Akita are by and large calm and careful, yet their standoffish quality towards outsiders and bigotry for different creatures are very much noted. In any case, they have a fun-loving and tender side that they readily share with family and dear companions. They flourish with human friendship and are normally disposed to safeguard those they love with immovable devotion.
Preparing and socialization since the beginning are pivotal for Akita. Presenting them to a large number of individuals and different canines assists them with turning out to be balanced adults. This early connection trains them to recognize companions and possible dangers, guaranteeing they don’t see everybody and everything as a risk.
These canines join their noteworthy appearance with a solid feeling of obligation and faithfulness, making them remarkable friends. Whether as a family gatekeeper or a dedicated companion, Akita holds an exceptional spot in the hearts of the people who invite them into their lives.
Quick Facts
Beginning: Japan
Size: Huge
Breed Gathering: Working
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
Coat: Thick twofold coat, can be short or long-haired
Disposition: Faithful, stately, and saved with outsiders; friendly and defensive with family
Practice Needs: Moderate activity necessities, normal strolls and recess are fundamental
Preparing: Requires early socialization and steady, firm preparation because of their autonomous nature
Preparing: Normal brushing and incidental prepping to keep up with the coat’s wellbeing and appearance
Wellbeing: Inclined to specific medical problems, including hip dysplasia, immune system issues, and certain hereditary circumstances like moderate retinal decay (PRA).
Akita alludes to a northern district in Japan, and in Japanese, the expression “Inu” means “canine.”
History
Akita are Japan’s contribution to the ancient family of spitz-type dogs, which were bred across the northern parts of the world. The breed as we know it was developed in the early 1600s in Japan’s northern Akita prefecture. Legend has it, the emperor exiled a nobleman to this region, where he became a local ruler. This nobleman was a big dog enthusiast and encouraged his barons to breed a large, versatile hunting dog. After generations of selective breeding, they created the Akita, a powerful hunter with a strong work ethic and a brave heart who hunted in packs for big game like wild boar, deer, and the fierce Yezo bear.
Once, owning an Akita was a privilege reserved for the imperial family and their court. Nowadays, people all over the world love their Akita as loyal family guardians.
For centuries, Akita have been woven into myths and legends, holding a special place in Japanese culture. When a child is born, it’s customary for parents to receive an Akita figurine as a symbol of happiness and long life. And then there’s Hachiko, the incredibly loyal Akita from the 1920s, who remains one of Japan’s most treasured symbols of loyalty.
Throughout its history, the Akita breed has faced near extinction several times. To protect them, a Japanese national breed club was formed in 1927. Helen Keller brought the first Akita to the U.S. after receiving one as a gift in Japan. The breed gained popularity in America post-WWII when returning soldiers brought them home. Akita were officially recognized in the AKC Stud Book in 1972.
Akita Personality
The Akita is an intense, solid-willed canine that is normally mindful around outsiders yet furiously faithful to their loved ones. They’re ready, shrewd, and bold. In any case, they can be forceful toward different canines, particularly those of a similar sex, so they’re in an ideal situation in a one-canine family.
With their family, Akita is friendly and fun-loving. They love being important for everyday exercises and appreciate conveying toys and family things around. While certain individuals think Akitas never bark, that is false. They can be very vocal, frequently protesting, groaning, and yelping when they feel it’s essential.
Know, however, that Akita has solid characters that can overpower. They’re not appropriate for first-time canine proprietors or people who are tentative. Akita needs a firm, cherishing hand to direct them.
Akita needs a lot of activity to stay happy and well-behaved. Without enough exercise, they can get bored and start acting out destructively. These dogs are naturally protective and can become aggressive if not properly raised or trained.
Training and early socialization are crucial for Akita. Because they can be quite stubborn, you’ll need extra patience to teach them good behavior. Proper exercise and consistent training help keep these strong-willed dogs on the right track.
Different between American and Japanese Akita
The American Akita and Japanese Akita, while sharing a typical parentage, have created unmistakable contrasts after some time. American Akitas are bigger, with guys standing 26 to 28 creeps at the shoulder and gauging 100 to 130 pounds, though the Japanese Akita is somewhat more modest and lighter. As far as coat tones, American Akitas have a wide assortment, including many examples and varieties.
Conversely, Japanese Akitas are restricted to red, grovel, sesame, mottle, and unadulterated white, all with urajiro markings whitish fur on specific pieces of their body. The actual design likewise contrasts, with American Akitas having a more hearty and weighty-boned form contrasted with their Japanese partners. These distinctions mirror the different ways these varieties have taken in the US and Japan, bringing about two particular yet similarly magnificent kinds of Akitas.
Appearance
The Akita’s appearance is a demonstration of their chilly climate starting points. They’re a strong variety with weighty bones for their level. Their huge, bear-like head and erect, three-sided ears that follow the curve of the neck give them an unmistakable look. Their little, dull, profoundly set eyes are three-sided in shape, adding to their novel appearance.
With thick twofold covers and tight, feline-like feet, Akitas are exceptional for chilly climates. Their tails are another champion element, twisting over their backs in a delicate or twofold twist down the flank.
American Akita males usually stand about 26 to 28 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 100 and 130 pounds. The females are a bit smaller, standing 24 to 26 inches tall and weighing between 70 and 100 pounds. The Japanese Akita is a little smaller and lighter than the American version.
When it comes to coat colors and patterns, American Akitas can have any color or pattern. This includes the common Shiba Inu coloring pattern known as urajiro. On the other hand, Japanese Akitas are only allowed to be red, fawn, sesame, brindle, or pure white, all with urajiro markings. These markings include a whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle, cheeks, underside of the jaw, neck, chest, body, tail, and the inside of the legs.
Health
Like all dogs, Akita can be at risk of bloating, a sudden and serious condition where the stomach can twist if not treated quickly. It’s crucial for Akita owners to recognize the signs and act fast. When thinking about getting an Akita, make sure you choose a breeder who tests for common health issues like eye and thyroid disorders and hip dysplasia, which is a painful malformation of the hip joints. The National Breed Club recommends tests for hips, thyroid, and eyes to ensure a healthy pup. It’s always better to be informed and prepared!
Grooming
Akita are relatively low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. They stay quite clean and don’t have much of a “doggy odor.” Their thick, double coat needs brushing at least once a week to keep it looking good. Most of the time, they shed minimally, but twice a year, their undercoat will “blow,” and you’ll find clumps of fur all over. Brushing them all the more often during this period deals with the shedding.
It’s additionally essential to keep their nails managed to stay away from distress and possible issues. Remember about cleaning their teeth consistently to guarantee great dental wellbeing. By staying aware of these prep assignments, your Akita will remain cheerful and sound.
Exercise
Akita aren’t super high-energy dogs, but they still need a good amount of exercise. A daily walk or brisk walk around the block is usually enough for them. They love to play energetically too.
Even though they’re big males and can weigh over 100 pounds, they can manage well in smaller homes if they get their daily exercise. Bred to handle the tough conditions of northern Japan, Akitas are hardy, but they were also meant to be house dogs and guardians. They adapt really well to living indoors with their families.
Training
Akita are smart and fiercely loyal, but they’ve got a mind of their own. These dogs are big and strong, so training them from a young age is crucial. They’re natural guardians, which means they need to be socialized early and often to get used to different people and not see everyone as a threat.
Because of their independent streak and strong prey drive, it’s important to keep them on a leash unless they’re in a secure area. Akita can be aggressive toward other dogs, especially those of the same sex, so it’s important to be extra careful during interactions with other canines.
Nutrition
To keep your Akita in tip-top shape, make sure they’re eating high-quality dog food. Whether you go for store-bought or homemade, it should be right for their age, puppy, adult, or senior. For Akita over seven, experts often recommend a lighter diet to prevent kidney issues.
Keep an eye on their calorie intake, as they can put on weight easily. Treats are great for training, but don’t overdo it to avoid obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and always consult your vet if you’re unsure about their diet or weight. Always provide fresh, clean water.
Also, some Akita can be possessive about their food, so feed them away from other pets and kids to keep things calm. Follow these tips, and your Akita will be happy and healthy.
Akita Puppy
Akita puppies are little balls of energy and curiosity, growing fast into their loyal and protective roles. From a young age, you’ll notice their strong-willed and independent streaks, making early training and socialization a must.
Akita puppies love playtime and interaction, which helps them grow physically and mentally. With their thick, fluffy coats and expressive eyes, they’re not only adorable but also incredibly smart. They need mental challenges to keep them entertained. As they grow, their natural protective instincts kick in, making them devoted members of the family.
Akita Care
Akita thrives best when they’re living inside with their family. While they’re not overly energetic, they do need about 30 minutes to an hour of exercise each day. Brisk walks, jogging (for dogs over two years old), and playing in the yard are great activities for them.
Dog parks might not be the best idea, as Akita can be aggressive toward other dogs. Because they’re highly intelligent, keeping their routine varied is crucial. A bored Akita can start barking, digging, chewing, and even becoming aggressive.
It’s important to involve your Akita in family activities and not leave them alone for too long. A securely fenced yard is also essential, both to keep the Akita safe and to protect any unwitting strangers who might wander into their territory. While they’re usually not aggressive with visitors if their family is home, it’s a different story if their owners aren’t around.
When raising an Akita puppy, special care is needed. These pups grow quickly between four and seven months, which can make them prone to bone disorders. To prevent this, feed them a high-quality, low-calorie diet to slow their growth rate.
Make sure your Akita puppy avoids running and playing on hard surfaces like pavement; grass is fine for their normal playtime. Also, avoid any forced jumping or jogging on hard surfaces until they’re at least two years old and their joints are fully developed. Puppy agility classes with small jumps are okay, but keep it light until they’re fully grown.
Akita Feeding
Your Akita ought to eat around 3 to 5 cups of excellent dry food daily, yet this can change in view of their size, age, construct, digestion, and action level. Very much like individuals, canines are people, and their food needs can contrast. An exceptionally dynamic Akita will require more food compared with one that favors relaxing around.
The nature of the canine food likewise matters; a superior-quality food will be more nutritious, meaning you can take care of less of it. It’s consistently smart to converse with your vet about the best eating routine for your canine.
References
“American Akita.” 17 December 2019.
“The Unwavering, Bear-Hunting Akita.”. Japan Controlled. 2020-09-27. Recovered 2022-05-24.
Brearley, Joan McDonald (1985). The Book of the Akita. TFH. pp. 4-7. ISBN 0866220488.
“Akita | Breeds a to z | The Pet Hotel Club.”. www.thekennelclub.org.uk. Recovered 2022-05-24.
“Akita Breed Standard” (site). American Pet Hotel Club. Chronicled from the first on 14 May 2011. Recovered 20 February 2021.
“Breed Norms” (site). Joined Pet Hotel Club. Recovered 14 November 2016.
“FCI standard #344, American Akita.”. Organization Cynologique Internationale. Chronicled from the first archive on 15 May 2006. Recovered 9 Walk 2011.
“UK Breed Standard for Japanese Style.”. The Pet Hotel Club. Filed from the first site on 14 August 2020. Recovered 15 October 2011.
“UK Breed Standard for American Style”. The Pet Hotel Club. Filed from the first site on 14 August 2020. Recovered 15 October 2011.
“Australian Variety Standard”. Australian Public Pet Hotel Chamber. Filed from the first (site) on 2015-02-28. Recovered 22 December 2016.
