Facts You Need To Know About An Akita

Ownership of the imposing and regal Akita was once confined to the Japanese aristocracy and those of royal blood. The breed had its origins in the mountainous regions of northern Honshu Island. They were often crossed with larger breeds by the Samurai to produce fighting dogs. They were versatile and used for hunting, guarding and herding flocks, or pulling sleds.

In 1931, the breed was designated a Japanese National Monument. If someone has fallen ill or a baby is born, the gift of a small statue is presented as a spiritual offering and good luck charm. The dog is commemorated in Shibuya where a statue gives tribute to a young dog called Hachi-Ko. It was Hachi-Ko\’s practice to meet his master at the train station each afternoon. When his owner failed to return after having a heart attack at work, the dog continued to wait at the station for nine years. The first of the breed to arrive in America belonged to Helen Keller and remained a faithful companion till it passed away.

Akitas have a strong desire to be pack-leaders, even within their human family. Supervision is needed among other pets, visitors and children. Small pets may be perceived as prey and aggression is often directed towards other dogs. It does not need training to take on a role as a guard dog.

On no account should they be teased. They are intelligent and easily bored with repetitive training. Plenty of mental and physical stimulation will keep them content and happy.

It is a Spit -type dog with a massive head and a thick tail which curls over the back. The ears are rounded and wide at the base. The dark brown eyes are triangular and deep set. They are very clean and easy to house-train. Diseases which may affect this breed are hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia. Blindness, degenerative myelopathy and blood disorders are sometimes seen.

Powerfully built and heavily boned, they weigh between 34 and 50 kgs (75 to 110 pounds). They bark very little but vocali e with their owners using a variety of sounds. The thickly padded feet are webbed. The outer coat is coarse and may be a different colour to the soft, dense undercoat. The face may be masked. Twice yearly shedding is usual and regular brushing should be part of their care routine. They usually live ten to twelve years.

The Akita will not suit a novice owner. Their inherent survival instincts and strength need to be tempered with training and sociali ation. A well-trained dog will be loyal and affectionate to its family and manageable in other situations. A committed owner with some experience will find the Akita rewarding and a loving companion.

You will find more information about dogs and a brief summary of the advantages of having an Akita dog as a pet, right now.

Facts You Need To Know About An Akita