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Physical Appearance
The Akita (Great Japanese dog) always makes a lasting first impression. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are large, powerful dogs with substantial bone and musculature. The broad chest and neck serve as a solid base for the Akita (Great Japanese dog)'s large head, the Akita (Great Japanese dog)'s most distinguishing feature. The broad skull and the short muzzle form a blunt triangle when viewed from above. The massive head in combination with the small triangular shaped eyes and small erect ears give the Akita (Great Japanese dog) an intimidating, yet dignified, expression.
The Akita (Great Japanese dog) is a very balanced looking dog, being only slightly longer than it is tall. The tail is curled and carried over the back, which serves to balance with the dog's head. Typically the male Akita (Great Japanese dog) is substantially larger than the female. The males range in weight from about 100 to 130 pounds, while the females range from 70 to 100 pounds.
The double coat of the Akita (Great Japanese dog) has the appearance of the typical northern breeds. It is short to moderate in length, but very dense and consists of two layers. The undercoat is very soft and is the primary insulator, while the outer coat, or the guard hair, is slightly longer and coarser. The Akita (Great Japanese dog) is very well suited to the coldest of climates, and while it might not enjoy hot weather, its coat does lighten considerably in the warmer months to compensate for the heat.
Temperament
The personality of the Akita (Great Japanese dog) is very complex. While temperaments vary, most would agree that the Akita (Great Japanese dog) is very intelligent, extremely loyal, and can exhibit aggressive tendencies. The aggressive tendencies are almost exclusively towards other dogs of the same sex. Typically, Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are not aggressive towards people, but do have a very well developed guarding and protective instinct. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s also have a high and well developed prey drive. An Akita (Great Japanese dog) is not likely to shower affection on someone that is not a member of his family or a close friend that he sees frequently.
The loyalty and devotion displayed by an Akita (Great Japanese dog) is phenomenal. The typical pet Akita (Great Japanese dog) will follow you from room to room, yet has the uncanny ability not to be under foot. Your Akita (Great Japanese dog) lives his life as if his only purpose is to protect you and spend time with you. This trait is evident in the tale of Hachiko.
The Akita (Great Japanese dog) as a House Pet
Even though Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are large, hardy dogs which can withstand the elements, they have been bred for centuries to be house companions. The two most outstanding characteristics of the Akita (Great Japanese dog) as a house pet are that they are very clean and that they are very easy to house break. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s have been described as almost "cat-like," they are so clean and odorless. This may also be one of the reasons why they housebreak so easily. Most Akita (Great Japanese dog)s respond so well to housebreaking that they are trained in a matter of weeks.
As far as the family children are concerned, there are a few worries. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are devoted, patient friends and protectors of children. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are typically very gentle with children, and it is said that Japanese mothers often left their children with only the Akita (Great Japanese dog)s to watch over and protect them.
Of course with a new baby entering into a home with an Akita (Great Japanese dog), proper introductions and precautions should be taken until the Akita (Great Japanese dog) understands the situation. Young children should never be left unsupervised with large dogs of any breed, as the potential for an accident is not worth the risk.
Is the Akita (Great Japanese dog) the Dog for Everyone?
Right about now, you are probably thinking . . . What's the catch? Well, the Akita (Great Japanese dog) is not the right dog for everyone. The person who assumes responsibility for an Akita (Great Japanese dog) MUST be able to take control of the dog at an early age. This means that the person has to be the dominant party in this relationship.
Dominance is more a state of mind, but you must also be prepared to physically dominate the dog if necessary. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s, as with most dogs, live their lives in a pack environment, whether the pack be animals or people. If you are not willing to be the leader of the pack, the Akita (Great Japanese dog) most certainly will. So the Akita (Great Japanese dog) owner must have the energy and will to keep a firm, consistent discipline as the dog matures. A little work and persistence in training in the early months with an Akita (Great Japanese dog) will reap you huge benefits as a well behaved member of the family down the road.
Is the Akita (Great Japanese dog) the Right Dog for You?
Before you buy an Akita (Great Japanese dog) puppy, THINK:
* What do I want my dog to be like?
* How will this dog fit into my lifestyle?
* What is my living situation?
* Consider what your needs are and what the dog's needs will be. Do they conflict?
* Think of the dogs you've enjoyed owning in the past. Were they easygoing or intense? Self-willed, or independent; outgoing or reserved; placid or energetic?
Then ask yourself if you have the TIME needed to devote to socializing, training, and loving your dog.
The Akita (Great Japanese dog) is an extremely intelligent, large, energetic, and strongly territorial dog whose life is oriented toward his owners. If he is the right dog for you, he is one of the most rewarding breeds to own, but this is also a demanding breed, and should not be casually added to the household on a whim.
Will you enjoy owning an Akita (Great Japanese dog)?
If you are looking for a bright, sensitive, responsive dog with whom you will be able to spend time, will be able to train and will be protective and loyal and devoted to you and your family for the rest of his life, then perhaps you will enjoy owning an Akita (Great Japanese dog).
The Akita (Great Japanese dog) can be a guard dog. He feels that one of his jobs is to protect his family. You don't need to train him to do this; it comes naturally to him. He will be watchful of people on your property, expressing suspicion with a low rumble; Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are not barkers. They quickly learn to differentiate between strangers and friends. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are not tolerant of other dogs especially those of the same sex. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD AN Akita (Great Japanese dog) BE ALLOWED TO ROAM THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD!!
The Akita (Great Japanese dog), although a large dog, does not require huge amounts of exercise. It will thrive on a moderate amount of exercise and enjoys playing energetically. You will be happier and so will your dog if you choose a breed that fits into your present lifestyle. Don't expect to change your way of life once you've acquired a dog.
Akita (Great Japanese dog)s do not shed on a continual basis; however, they do "blow their coats" about twice a year. As the new coat is beginning to grow into place, large tufts of hair will loosen. The coat can be easily removed by using an undercoat rake or wire slicker brush. The dog seems to enjoy this extra attention and if done on a regular basis as the coat is shedding, the new coat will come in more quickly.
The Akita (Great Japanese dog) is a working dog. The working dog group includes some of the most intelligent breeds of dogs. You'll be amazed at how quickly he learns, and at the number of things you can teach him.
But his intelligence carries an obligation with it. An Akita (Great Japanese dog) won't be happy if left alone in a pen or house all day. A working dog enjoys life most when he is given a responsibility and a job to do, whether the job is obedience, baby-sitting, back-packing, or hunting. The Akita (Great Japanese dog) demands your attention and thrives on it when trained and worked regularly.
DON'T BUY AN Akita (Great Japanese dog) because of the pictures you've seen, stories you've read or because they are the "IN THING". MEET THE DOGS. Watch them at shows and visit them at home. There is a big difference between a cute eight-week-old ball of fur and a full grown adult. If, after all of that, you still want an Akita (Great Japanese dog), then welcome to a most pleasurable experience.
Facts About Akita (Great Japanese dog)s
* The Akita (Great Japanese dog) is a Japanese breed and in his native country, the Akita (Great Japanese dog) has been declared a national treasure. An Akita (Great Japanese dog) in a home is believed to be a symbol of good health, prosperity and good fortune. Helen Keller brought the first Akita (Great Japanese dog) to the United States in 1937.
* Akita (Great Japanese dog)s do not bark unless there is a good reason. When an Akita (Great Japanese dog) is barking, pay attention. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are natural guardians of the home and do not require any training to turn them into guard dogs. When there is a reason to protect family and property, your Akita (Great Japanese dog) will act to do so.
* Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are inherently aggressive toward other animals and for this reason, they should not be allowed to run free or roam at will. You can exercise your Akita (Great Japanese dog) off leash when you are in an area where contact with other animals and people is unlikely.
* Male Akita (Great Japanese dog)s show aggression toward other male dogs, and female Akita (Great Japanese dog)s usually will not tolerate another female. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s can live peacefully with a dog of the opposite sex, though some Akita (Great Japanese dog)s prefer being an only dog!
* Akita (Great Japanese dog)s may consider small animals as prey and hunt them. This includes cats, rodents, birds, small wildlife and small dogs. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s can be raised to accept animals in residence. Some adult Akita (Great Japanese dog)s can even be trained to fit into a home where other animals are already established. It is, however, imperative that the Akita (Great Japanese dog) be closely watched around the other animals until you have established a peaceful co-existence.
* Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are VERY food possessive. If you have other pets, you will want to be certain the Akita (Great Japanese dog) is given it's own food bowl or treat well away from any other animals and that no other animal is allowed near the Akita (Great Japanese dog) until the food is gone.
* Akita (Great Japanese dog)s not raised with children are not always tolerant of small children and the Akita (Great Japanese dog) should never be left alone with a child until you are certain you have a dog who adores all children. Often, Akita (Great Japanese dog)s raised with children will tolerate their own children but may not accept the neighborhood kids. As a general rule it is wise not to leave an Akita (Great Japanese dog) or any large dog alone with children under 12 years of age.
* Akita (Great Japanese dog)s do not like to be teased and can respond by biting. Some children are allowed to treat animals unkindly, a behavior that often leads to cruelty to animals. These children should be kept away from an Akita (Great Japanese dog), whose large size and hunting instincts can endanger the child's life.
* Akita (Great Japanese dog)s like to take charge - an inherited trait from their wolf ancestry - and may at some time, challenge you for the dominant position. This behavior cannot be tolerated and a firm, consistent correction should be your immediate response. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s with good temperament accept discipline well - not beating, but intelligent discipline. A good scruff shaking is an effective form of discipline for an Akita (Great Japanese dog). frequently, a firm verbal command will get your point across.
* Akita (Great Japanese dog)s should be obedience trained BY their owner and not sent away to school like other breeds! A good obedience class, perhaps beginning with puppy kindergarten, will guarantee you a firm bond with your dog and a well behaved dog.. Remember though, Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are extremely intelligent and tend to get bored easily. They learn quickly, so short training periods are suggested. This keeps the dog from becoming bored. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are also very stubborn and when the dog thinks it's a waste of time to "sit" or "stay" one more time, he will simply walk away! Obedience training requires patience!
* Some Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are talkers! They may grunt, groan and mumble to entertain themselves and you. This conversational verbalizing IS NOT growling and should not be interpreted as a growl, which sounds quite different. Akita (Great Japanese dog) "talking" is an endearing trait and should not frighten you. After living with your dog, you will easily distinguish between talking and growling.
* Most Akita (Great Japanese dog)s enjoy carrying things around in their mouth, including your wrist! They may take you by the wrist to lead you to the cookie cupboard or to their lead. It is not an aggressive act, it is an endearing trait. Try allowing your Akita (Great Japanese dog) to bring in the newspaper or the mail. They love to do these types of jobs.
* Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are very family oriented and are not happy when kept apart from the family. If you do not plan on having your dog live with you inside both your home and yard, you should not seriously consider an Akita (Great Japanese dog) for a pet.
* Akita (Great Japanese dog)s are not hyperactive and fit into a sedentary household, but for optimum health for both YOU and your Akita (Great Japanese dog), regular exercise is important.
* Akita (Great Japanese dog)s will live from 10-14 years with good care and proper nutrition.
* Hypothyroid disease affects a large percentage of the breed and is easily treated by twice daily hormone replacement therapy. A simple blood test, including a T3 and T4 thyroid levels test, will determine the existence of the condition. The symptoms may include one or all of the following: skin and coat problems, sudden onset aggression, itching, lethargy, musky odor. Before treating skin conditions with any drugs, have your vet check for sarcoptic mange, sebaceous adenitis, and Hypothyroid disease. Other diseases found in Akita (Great Japanese dog)s include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (blindness) manifested by impaired night vision, hip and elbow problems, autoimmune diseases, degenerative myelopathy, and some blood disorders, though these are not common problems in the breed.
* Akita (Great Japanese dog)s require a good quality meat and bone meal based food and do not thrive as well on soybean based dog foods. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s 7 years and older should be fed one of the commercial LITE foods to lessen the onset of kidney disease which is a problem in older Akita (Great Japanese dog)s.
How to Choose a Reputable Breeder
When you are looking at a cute bundle of fur the important facts about just who is offering this Akita (Great Japanese dog) pup for sale may escape you. Often the buyer takes the darling pup home only to find out later that the person who sold the pup is either unable or unwilling to help the buyer.
Unethical breeders thrive because the average buyer is uninformed. Some buyers do less research on the purchase of a pup than they do on a new washing machine! Armed with knowledge, you can avoid being "taken in". Remember that "registered" is not a guarantee of quality; it simply means that the pup is registered, and even the most poorly bred dogs have "CH. bloodlines".
You will need a breeder who is available to you for the many questions you will have on rearing your dog, feeding, basic obedience, housebreaking, etc. You'll need someone who knows what makes the Akita (Great Japanese dog) tick. If you are interested in showing/breeding, you need a breeder who will help you get started in training and entering shows.
It does not cost any more to buy from a good breeder, and in fact, the "bargain" Akita (Great Japanese dog) may end up costing more in problems than a show pup! Your best possible choice of a breeder is a "hobby breeder". Stress is placed on the word hobby. The dedicated hobby breeder views his dogs as a hobby from which he expects no profit. When an individual breeds dogs for enjoyment, with the AKC Standard as a goal rather than a profit motive, the end result is superior pups. Such a breeder feels responsible for each little pup and stands behind every dog he has bred.
You should have certain requirements from anyone you talk to in order to assure that you are making a wise purchase.
* One requirement should be that the breeder belong to a local Akita (Great Japanese dog) Club, an obedience club, or an all-breed club.
Why? Through membership in one or all, the breeder is exposed to others who are also interested in Akita (Great Japanese dog)s, and dogs in general, and learns more about his breed, dog care, modern breeding practices, etc.
* The second requirement is that the breeder be involved in showing his dog(s). At this point you may be asking "But I only want a pet! I'm not interested in showing so what difference could that make to me?" PLENTY!
For one thing, showing dogs gives the breeder the same opportunity that belonging to a club does. It gives HIM a chance to share information and thoughts with others. Showing provides the competition that makes breeders want to produce better dogs. Breeders who do show are putting everything on the line; they are not depending on impressive pedigrees to carry them. They wish to show how good their dogs are in competition.
"Show people" are not necessarily jet setters or even very wealthy people. On average, they are just ordinary people who want to prove that the dogs they breed are worthy. Every dog that a breeder raises may not be worthy of being shown. In every litter there will be those pups which are strictly pet quality. However, a breeder who does not show his dogs has no idea how his dogs would fare in competition and deprives himself of the learning experience that showing provides.
OK, so maybe you don't want a "show dog", but don't you want a pet that was the end result of a carefully planned litter, rather than the result of an accident or a litter bred for profit alone? Don't you want a pet that got the same care as the potential champions in the litter?
The breeder who shows is known by others in the breed, he has a reputation to maintain. He is more likely to be careful and honest.
Before You Buy
Read the checklist of questions to ask the breeder and read your local Breed Club's CODE OF ETHICS. It would behoove you to use these tools in questioning the breeders you contact.
Checklist for the Puppy Buyer:
1. Be sure the pups come from Kennel Club registered parents, and insist on seeing the registration papers.
2. Ask for proof that both the sire and dam have been x-rayed for hip dysplasia and cleared of eye diseases. Make sure the sire and dam are x-rayed normal, and their eye exam showed no abnormalities. It's one thing to say, "Oh yes, they've both been x-rayed" or “A vet checked their eyes”. Let's see if they're both normal. Ask to see the OFA and CERF certificates; if the parents are not OFA'd or CERF’d, ask to call the vets for x-ray information and eye information.
3. Be sure the pups have been wormed for ascarids, and have been given the necessary vaccinations (Parvo, Distemper, Lepto, Hepatitis, etc., according to the age of the puppy). This should be in writing.
4. Be sure the breeder provides you with a health record and directions for feeding the pup. Information on supplements and how often to feed are quite important.
5. Read a copy of the A.K.C. Standard for the Akita (Great Japanese dog) so that you will know something about the requirements for the breed. There are size limitations, for instance. A puppy from parents barely making the breed standard in height will not likely grow comfortably to the 25" height required for Akita (Great Japanese dog) males, or the 23" height required for the Akita (Great Japanese dog) females.
6. Observe the parents. Is the dam friendly? If she panics and hides under a table, how many of the pups will take after her? If you want a personable, outgoing puppy you had better buy one produced by a personable, outgoing dam. Same goes for the sire of the litter.
7. If you are buying a male pup for show or breeding make sure the testicles have dropped into the scrotum. If a testicle is retained and the seller still wants you to take the pup, make sure the seller puts it in writing . . . dated . . . that he guarantees the other testicle to drop within a reasonable period. Most testicles are down and stable by the time the pups are six weeks old. If you are still waiting for one to drop at four months, you have a problem. Even if the testicle does drop that late, the dog is NOT a good bet for breeding. Your Veterinarian will explain. A dog with a retained testicle should be neutered, as cancer can develop.
8. Akita (Great Japanese dog)s may have a variety of problems you should be aware of, such as long silky hair, flopped ears (in a pup 8 months or older), sickle tail, splayed feet, entropion (your vet can explain this to you). Be cautious of buying a pup with really runny eyes. Hernias require surgery. A true hernia gives the pup a large (quarter-sized) bulge in the abdominal area.
9. The tail must curl. The lips, eye rims and nose should be black. The pup should look well fed, but if the belly is too distended it might be full of worms rather than food. The pup should show no signs of limping and should be able to use its legs easily in a trotting gate.
10. The pup should have a jolly attitude. He should look well fed and cared for. He should be easy and comfortable in the company of his litter mates and breeder. Take the time to observe the pups. Watch how they play. Remember . . . Akita (Great Japanese dog)s live to be about 10-14 years of age. That's a long time to live with a dog. How nice if you and the dog are good companions. How dreadful if you and the dog don't like each other after a couple of months. People that buy and get rid of pups every few months are missing the fun of a good relationship with a dog . . . a relationship that requires time to make it mellow.
11. Akita (Great Japanese dog) can also have eye problems: cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), etc. Both dam and sire should have eye checks dated within the past year. Ask to see the certificates.
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