Dog Breeds > Akita
The Akita
The Akita Inu has two separate distinctions; the original Japanese Akita and the American Akita. The Japanese Akita can be easily recognized; it does not have a black mask on the snout while the American is wearing one.
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Fascinating Facts
This breed is Japan’s national dog and one of the designated National Monuments. In 1935, the first Akita that was brought to the United States by Helen Keller was called Kamikaze-go. However, in 1937 Kamikaze-go died of severe canine distemper. Just a few years later Helen Keller received another Akita named Kenzan-go, a gift from the Japanese Government. Right after the Second World War had ended the US Servicemen brought and bred Akita to the United States.
Physical Appearance
The Akita Inu’s fully-grown height and weight is 26 – 28 inches and 34 – 54 pounds respectively. The Akita is a huge but exceedingly calm dog. The triangular head consists of a skull that is flat and broad between the ears and the jaw is broad with little dewlap. The muzzle is full and broad.
The Akita is double coated. The outer coat is harsh, straight and standing all over the body. The inner coat on the other hand is shorter that the outer coat, soft, dense and thick. The color of the coat includes white, pinto or brindle. Take note that a white Akita has no mask or black marking on its face.
Grooming
The firm and stiff coat of an Akita needs regular combing or brushing. Bathe only if necessary. Use combs or brushes with firm bristle so that the coat always achieves peak condition.
Mood
The Akita is a gentle, intelligent and brave dog with extreme loyalty to its owners/masters. There are times that the Akita acts according to its instinct but this breed is very obedient. You cannot stop or totally remove the dog’s instincts but you can train them well to keep their focus.
A properly trained Akita can live harmoniously with other dogs or animals however; the Akita can still get into trouble with any of them. Do not leave these animals unsupervised for long stretches of time. Another thing that owners/trainers/handlers should bear in mind is not to spoil the Akita. Spoiled dogs often think that they are superior to their masters. An over pampered dog exhibit negative traits such as guarding furniture, barking excessively and even biting their masters.
With Children
This breed is an extremely gentle when it comes to children. In Japan, Japanese mothers leave their children in the care of their trained Akitas. However, an untrained Akita may bite your children if you leave them playing unsupervised or the Akita has been engaged in a harsh and rough plays. Make sure that you warn your children not to hurt or annoy the Akita.
Training & Exercise
In order to keep the Akita in shape, regular but moderate exercises should be done. An hour or two of brisk or long walks are necessary and recommended.
When training the Akita, the trainer/owner/handler should have a strong and firm character otherwise the Akita would not listen and do things on their own. However, harsh and rough training methods are also unnecessary. You can use food to motivate the Akita more.
Health & Life Expectancy
The normal life expectancy of an Akita is about 10 – 12 years. This breed is susceptible to thyroid problems – hypothyroid and autoimmune thyroiditis. The Akita can also have hip dysplasia, Pemphigus, eye and knee problems.
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