The Japanese Akita Inu

Origin and History of the Akita Dog.

The Japanese Akita is probably too strong and independent for the normal household. It was originally bred in Japan, as a hunting dog, for deer, wild boar and even bears. For this purpose, it required to be a large, strong dog with confident, dominant tendecies and an independent nature. The name derives from the Akita prefecture in Northern Japan. This breed is also known as Akita Inu, which is Japanese for dog.

The male Akita stands between 26 and 28 inches at the withers (females 24 to 26 inches) and will weigh from eighty to one hundred and ten pounds. They have strong, heavy bones and a muscular body. This is a lot of dog!

The Akita has a double coat, which is harsh and waterproof, with a thick, dense undercoat. It sheds profusely, all year round and requires brushing and grooming every day. Colors include white, white with tan patches and other combinations, including brindle. This breed loves the cold and the snow but will not be happy in a hot climate.

Long Coat Akitas are a variation of the standard breed.

Long coated Akita puppies occur in litters out of standard coated parents on a regular basis. The long coated Akita usually carries approximately 3 to 4 inches more coat than the standard coated Akita.  The long coats do not shed more than the standard coated Akita but do require a bit more brushing and overall coat care. The long coated Akita's coats are very similar to the Samoyeds or the long coated Chow-Chow's coats.

"The longcoat Akita's temperament makes them an ideal family pet", say their owners and breeders.  They tend to be bigger boned and  generally  larger than the short coat Akita. They usually are less dominant and more laid back than the short coat. Just as well, because this is a seriously large dog!

The Akita is not a dog for inexperienced owners, or for people who are elderly or weak. Akitas are intelligent and athletic and when socialized are faithful and affectionate but will always strive for the dominant position in the family group. He may show aggression towards family members and may not suit a family with small children. With this breed, it is vital that you are the Alpha Dog and that he knows his place in your "pack"!

The Akita may show aggression towards other dogs and small animals and should not be allowed to roam off-leash in public areas where there are many people and other dogs.

Training Akitas

The Akita can be difficult to train because they are intelligent and stubborn and can quickly become bored. it should never be a question of "asking" an Akita to do something. It must always be a strong command from a dominant owner. The Akita responds best to respectful commands and training techniques that rely on motivation rather than force. Strong-willed and proud, Akitas are not receptive to abusive methods. When you say "NO", mean it and make it stick.

Young dogs, both male and female, can be difficult to housebreak as they are prone to urinary problems at an early age.

There is plenty of information available online, much of it Free, on the subject of Dog Aggression. If your dog, of any breed, is aggressive to family, strangers or other dogs, this is a problem you must address.

If you take an Akita into your family, you must be prepared to spend time and effort on training, socializing, excercise and grooming. This large dog also costs a lot to feed.

Possibly because this breed is so big, strong and dominant, there seems to be a strong need for rescue facilities for these dogs. Almost every state in the US has a rescue society. The situation is the same in the UK. Here are some important links:

The Japanese Akita Welfare Trust UK         The Akita Rescue Society of America

Akitas in the Family

There are conflicting opinions about the suitability of Akitas with young children. Some sources quote the history, saying that they are devoted protectors of young children and that Japanese mothers often left their children with only the Akitas to watch over and protect them. Other opinions point out the dominant nature of the breed and the fact that these dogs will compete for their place in the pack. Certainly, a young child will be no match physically for an adult Akita.

Proper supervision of the behavior of the dog and the children is essential in this situation. Having said this, a well socialized Akita will be more comfortable with this.

Akitas are excellent guard dogs. They have a strong territorial instinct and will be very protective of family and property. As a watch dog, they are quietly effective. They are not prone to excessive barking but will certainly bark "when there is something to bark about".

The average lifespan of the Akita is about 12 years. Like many other breeds of dog, cancer is the most common cause of death. Recent surveys in both the United Kingdom and the USA/Canada revealed this to be the case, with other causes including cardiac and bloat/torsion.

Browse this huge selection of over 200 books and calendars on the Akita at Amazon.com

Here are the Breed Standards for The American Kennel Club

Here are The Breed Standards for the UK Kennel Club