Description

The Akita is also known as the Akita Inu or Japanese Akita. The Akita is a large, powerful and alert dog. Most of its weight comes from its bone density and weight. Akita has a deep muzzle, small eyes, sharp ears, and a large curled tail. Akita are renowned for their love, loyalty and obedience to its owner. The Akita is the largest of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds. Akita have webbed feet and are very strong swimmers. Akita need space and should not be confined. Many debates have been about whether the Akita are two separate breeds, Japanese and American Akita.

Size of Male: Height: 25-28 inches Weight: 85-130 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23-26 inches Weight: 65-110 pounds

Temperament

The Akita is docile, but sometimes spontaneous. Akita is careful and very affectionate with its family. Akita is intelligent, courageous and fearless. It is very willful and needs firm training as a puppy. The Akita is an excellent guard dog because it is very wary towards strangers and cannot tolerate other animals. The Akita is very aggressive to other dogs and animals and should therefore never be allowed to run off its lead around other animals. Japanese mothers would often leave their children in the family Akita’s care. They are extremely faithful and thrive on companionship. It should definitely be supervised with other household pets and children. Although the breed may tolerate and be good with children from his own family, he may not accept other children. If teased, Akita’s may bite. Children must be taught to treat these dogs with kindness. This breed can be very food-possessive and willful. They are capable of ferocity, but with firm training, 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.

Living Conditions

The Akita will do fine in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. As with other dogs not exercising may cause the Akita although rare to misbehave due to boredom. Akita are moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard available for it to roam and run around.

Upkeep

The Akita appreciates mental and physical exercise every day. Akita needs the chance to run in a safe area or on leash for a long jog. With enough exercise and training, Akita can be quiet and well-mannered house dogs. 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 as with most other domestic dogs. The coat needs brushing about once a week to remove dead hair, more often when shedding. Also, Akita are messy drinkers!