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Akita InuJapanese Akita ~ Akita-Ken ~ Great Japanese Dog

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Canis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Justin Brough

     The large Akita Inu is a very intelligent, but strong-willed dog, needing a patient and firm hand in training and socializing.

    Akitas are known for being loyal companions to their families. They make great guard dogs and are highly intelligent. Around children they are familiar with they do well, but must be carefully supervised with unfamiliar children. They also tend to be aggressive towards other types of pets. When selecting an Akita Inu, check for signs of or predisposition to skin problems, hip dysplasia, and thyroid problems.

Common Name(s)     Akita Inu, Japanese Akita, Akita-Ken, Great Japanese Dog

Breed Type     The Akita is a working breed. Native to Japan, the Akita has been used as a guard dog, as a hunting dog, and in police and military work.

Background     The Akita Inu is an ancient breed descended from smaller Japanese hunting dogs, which were crossed with Tosas and Mastiffs in the 1800s to develop the breed as we know it. Reduced in number during World War II due to use as a source of fur, the Akita has since made a comeback thanks to breed devotees.

Description     The Akita Inu is a large dog with fluffy, thick fur. Accepted colors are red, fawn, sesame, and brindle with white markings on the chest, face, body and tail, or solid white. The head is blunt and triangular, the ears small and erect, and the eyes small and dark. Males are 26-28 inches in height and weigh 75-120 pounds. Females are 24-26 inches tall and weigh 75-110 pounds.

Care and Feeding     The Akita's food should contain poultry, fish, rice and wheat. Some experts also recommend adding a mall amount of canned tuna to the Akita's feedings. Care should be taken not to overfeed in order to prevent bloat. Regular brushing is crucial to keep your Akita's coat looking its best. Baths should be given only when necessary in order to preserve the coat's waterproofing.
    Akitas need annual checkups to stay healthy. Vaccinations should be given as follows:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
  

    Akitas shed heavily at times, so regular vacuuming is crucial if they are to be kept indoors.

Housing Your Dog     The Akita is fairly active indoors, but can do well in small spaces as long as it gets plenty of exercise. A large yard is recommended.

Social Behaviors     Akitas are very loyal to their families. They usually do well with children they are familiar with, but should be carefully supervised with unfamiliar ones. They tend to be aggressive toward other pets of any type.

Handling and Training     Akitas are very intelligent, but they are also strong-willed and get bored easily. Trainers must be very patient and firm.

Activities     Akitas do not require a great deal of exercise, but they do need to go for a walk each day. They can also benefit from regular off-leash play sessions.

Breeding/Reproduction     When selecting a mate for your Akita, check bloodlines for skin problems (including autoimmune disorders that attack the skin), hip dysplasia, and thyroid problems.

Common Health Problems     Autoimmune disorders are particularly problematic in this breed, and they require veterinary treatment. Thyroid problems are also fairly common.

Availability     Akitas are reasonably easy to find in most areas. Prices are generally $700 and up, and may be in the thousands.

References "Akita Inu", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
"Akita Inu", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed an Akita", Referenced online, 2008
Welton, Michelle, "Akitas: What's Good About ‘Em? What's Bad About ‘Em?", Copyright 2000-2006, Referenced online, 2008
"Akita Puppies for Sale", Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008

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