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Akita
Puppies for Sale
Akita
(Japanese Akita) (Akita Inu) (Great
Japanese Dog)
Teddy, the 1 year old Akita
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Rescue an Akita
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Pronunciation |
ah-ki-ta (proper Japanese pronunciation, with the
emphasis placed on the first syllable)
a-KEE-ta Inu (preferred pronunciation in the West) |
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Description |
The largest of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds, the
Akita, pronounced a-KEE-ta, is a powerful, solid, well-proportioned and
distinctive looking dog. Strong and muscular with a flat, heavy head and strong,
short muzzle. The Akita is slightly longer than he is tall with a broad, deep
chest and level back. The head is broad and shaped like a blunt triangle. The
stop is well-defined and there is a shallow groove going up the center of the
forehead. The small, erect ears are carried forward and in line with the neck.
The small, triangular eyes are dark brown. The nose is generally black (brown is
permitted on white Akita's, but black is preferred); the lips are black and the
tongue is pink. The teeth should meet in a scissors, or level bite (scissors is
preferred by most breeders). The tail is carried high and curled over the back.
The Akita has webbed, cat-like feet - which makes it a fine swimmer. The double
coat is composed of a harsh, waterproof outer coat insulated with a thick, soft
undercoat. Coat colors are pure white, red, sesame and brindle. The colors
should be without clear borders. A black mask is forbidden. |
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Temperament |
The Akita is docile, but sometimes spontaneous.
Careful and very affectionate with its family. Intelligent, courageous and
fearless. It is very willful and needs firm training as a puppy. The Akita is a
first class guard dog. Japanese mothers would often leave their children in the
family Akita's care. They are extremely faithful and thrive on companionship.
The Akita is very aggressive to other dogs and animals and should therefore
never be allowed to run off its lead around other animals. 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. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 26-28 inches (66-71 cm.)
Bitches 24-26 inches (61-66 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg.) Bitches 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
Prone to hip dysplasia,
thyroid 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. |
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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. |
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Exercise |
The Akita needs moderate but regular exercise to
stay in shape. It should be taken for
long daily walks. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 10-12 years |
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Litter Size |
3 - 12 puppies - Average 7 or 8 |
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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 is native to the island of Honshu in the
region of Akita in Japan, where it has remained unchanged for centuries. Today,
the Akita is considered the national dog of Japan and is designated as a Natural
Monument. The breed has had many uses, first as an Imperial guard dog, then as a
fighting dog, hunter of deer and bear, for sledding, and for police, army and
guard work. The Akita has keen hunting abilities and can even hunt in deep snow.
He has a soft mouth, so he is suitable for waterfowl retrieval. In Japan, small
statues of the Akita are often sent to ill people to express a wish for their
speedy recovery, and to parents of newborn children to symbolize health. The
first Akita was brought to the USA by Helen Keller. American servicemen also
brought Akitas to the US after World War II. |
Group |
Group Northern, AKC Working Group |
| Recognition |
ACA, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CKC,
APRI, ACR, ACA |
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ACA = Akita
Club of America
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Akita Posters and Prints!
Teddy, the 1 year old Akita
"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."
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Hercules, an adult Akita
Hercules, an adult Akita
Hercules, an adult Akita
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Photo courtesy of Akita Inu Isamashisa Ken
Akita Inu Pictures Page 1
Breed Bans
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