Origin: Japan

Description: There are two types of Akita, the American Akita (as shown here) and the Japanese Akita. The Kennel Club of Great Britain officially splitbreed on the 1st January 2006. The American Akita is now known as the Akita, and the Japanese Akita known as the Japanese Akita-Inu.Originally Japanese dogs were small to medium in size and no large breeds existed.  Since 1603 in the Akita region, Akita Matagis (medium-sized bear-hunting dogs) were used as fighting dogs.  From 1868 Akita Matagis were crossed with Tosas and Mastiffs.  Consequently, the size of this breed increased but characteristics associated with Spitz type were lost.

In 1908 dog fighting was prohibited, but this breed was nevertheless preserved and improved as a large Japanese breed.  As a result, nine superior examples of this breed were designated as « Natural Monuments » in 1931.

During World War II (1939-1945), it was common to use dogs as a source of fur for military garments.  The police ordered the capture and confiscation of all dogs other than German Shepherd Dogs used for military purposes.  Some fanciers tried to circumvent the order by crossbreeding their dogs with German Shepherd Dogs. When World War II ended, Akitas had been drastically reduced in number and existed as three distinct types; 1) Matagi Akitas, 2) fighting Akitas, and 3) Shepherd Akitas.  This created a very confusing situation in the breed.

During the restoration process of the pure breed after the war., Kongo-go, a dog of the Dewa line, which exhibited characteristics of the Mastiff and German Shepherd

However, sensible learned fanciers did not approve of this type as a proper Japanese breed, so they made efforts to eliminate the strain old foreign breeds by crossbreeding with Matagi Akitas for the purpose of restoring the original pure breed. They succeeded in stabilizing the pure strain of large sized breed as known today.

The Akita is a large, strong, muscular dog with a broad chest and neck. The have a large head with small triangular shaped eyes and small erect ears. Their trade mark tail is curled and carried over their back

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.

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.

Japanese history describe the Akita as one of the oldest of the native dogs. The Akita breed developed in the Akita prefecture (hence its name) the northern most region of the island of Honshu. Centuries ago the breed was owned only by the Shogun, the imperial leaders of the country. The Akita was used as a hunter, guard, herder, and fighting dog. This dog was used to track large game and hold it at bay until the royal hunters arrived to make the kill. Game included: antelope, elk, boar and the 800 pound Yezo bear.

Utilization: Companion dog.

Behavior/Temperament: The temperament is composed, faithful, docile and receptive. 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.
Akita's are extremely intelligent, energetic, alert, courageous and very territorial. They are faithful, affectionate, and love human attention making them excellent companions and watchdogs. They are good with children within the family but will be wary of other children. The Akita was never bred to live or work in groups like many hound and sporting breeds. Therefore the individual Akita is happy being an only dog or one of two dogs in a household, but can be very aggressive towards animals not part of his family group, particularly strange dogs. They have a natural hunting instinct so would not get along with non canine animals.
This dog breed is not for everyone, and definitely not recommended for a first time dog owner. Akita's are large, powerful, independent and dominant dogs. Therefore they require a firm owner who can give them the time for necessary training. Akita's must be trained from early puppy-hood so they know who is the boss, otherwise they will become the dominant one of the household. Early socialisation is also required to prevent aggressive and unpredictable behaviour. They do not react well to harsh training instead they need firm, loving, and consistent discipline.

While Akitas may look like warm, cuddly dogs, this breed is often unfriendly towards outsiders. Obedience training at an early age is required, and exposure to lots of people is highly recommended. Some Akitas get along well with children when acclimated from an early age, while others never do. This breed will bark when they perceive a threat and therefore make good watchdogs.

Coat: Outer coat harsh and straight, undercoat soft and dense; the withers and the rump are covered with slightly longer hair; the hair on tail is longer than on the rest of the body. Akitas’ coats are easily cared for with a weekly brushing and exercise needs are easily met with a couple of long walks and some playtime each day.

Colour: Colours include: white, brindle or pinto. Red fawn, sesame (red fawn hairs with black tips), brindle and white. All the above mentioned colours except white must have « urajiro ». (Urajiro = whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of jaw, neck, chest, body and tail and on the inside of the legs). The Akita can be found in many colors and may have solid color coats or patchy coats made from two or more colors, such as white & brindle. The medium length outer-coat is stiff, while the under-coat is soft, dense and fine in nature.

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)

Health: 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.

Bloat - though not a hereditary condition, frequently affects many dogs including this breed. This is a very serious condition. When a dog bloats, the stomach can turn and block, causing a build up of gas. Unless treated quickly, bloat can be fatal. Signs of bloat include futile attempts to vomit and to salivate. Bloat, which may lead to cardiovascular collapse, usually occurs when exercise too closely follows eating. The incidence of bloat may be lessened by feeding adult dogs twice a day and, of course, by allowing a dog time to digest before taking him for a run in the park. Click Here for more information

Hip dysplasia - a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.

Hypothyroidism - an endocrine disease that results in the abnormally low production of thyroid hormones. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, mental depression, weight gain and a tendency to seek out warm places. Hypothyroidism can also affect the coat and skin, causing hair loss and excessive dandruff.

Von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) - is an autosomally (not sex-linked) inherited bleeding disorder with a prolonged bleeding time (somewhat similar to hemophilia in humans) and a mild to severe factor IX deficiency. A DNA test for vWD is now available. Carrier-to-carrier breedings, in theory, will produce puppies that are 25% clear, 50% carriers, and 25% affected. Ideally, only clear-to-clear or clear-to-carrier should occur, so that no puppies will be affected. Not all dogs that are vWD affected will have severe bleeding problems, but they ARE at risk whenever they need to have surgery or have an accident. Some unlucky affected dogs will actually bleed out from a needle stick or minor wound.

Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI or Wobbler's Syndrome) - Dogs (usually in mid-life) suffer from spinal cord compression caused by cervical vertebral instability or from a malformed spinal canal. Extreme symptoms are paralysis of the limbs (front, hind, or all four). Neck pain with extension and flexion may or may not be present. Surgical therapy is hotly debated and extremely expensive with questionable success. In some surgically treated cases, clinical recurrence has been identified.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - is a hereditary disease of the eye that has been identified in dobermans. PRA is a blanket term for many types of retinal diseases, all of which result in blindness. All dobermans, regardless of age or breeding status, should be examined yearly by a member of the Veterinary Opthalmologists.

Breed-related health concerns include: hypothyroidism, pemphigus foliaceous, hip & elbow dysplasia, hyperthyroidism and sebaceous adenitis.

Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years

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. This dog breed sheds a lot, if you don't like dog hair this is not the breed for you. The soft undercoat gets matted if it is not cared for properly. This breed needs to be thoroughly brushed at least two-three times a week.

Good with children:  Yes
Good with dogs: Yes
Good with other pets: Yes