Akita
Introduction
The Akita is a large and powerful dog breed with heavy bone, a muscular body and a strong, short muzzle. He has a powerful, brisk gait. Faithful and affectionate, the Akita loves human companionship.
The Akita is a friendly and affectionate dog breed. Early socialisation is a must to be assured that the Akita will not become aggressive.
History
The Akita is one of Seven Breeds designated as a National Monument in his native country of Japan. Bred as a versatile hunting dog in the rugged mountains of Northern Japan, the breed is a wonderful combination of dignity with good nature, alert courage and docility.
There is a spiritual significance attached to the Akita. In Japan they are affectionately regarded as loyal companions and pets, protectors of the home and a symbol of good health, when a child is born, the proud family will usually receive a small statue of an Akita signifying health, happiness, and a long-life. If a person is ill, friends will send a small statue of an Akita to express their wish for a speedy recovery.
The renowned Helen Keller is credited with bringing the first Akita into the United States in 1937. The breed's popularity in the United States following World War II may be attributed to American servicemen of the occupational forces, who so admired the noble dogs that they took them home to their families. They were attracted to the Akita because of the breed's intelligence and adaptability to different situations.
The Akita Club of America was founded in 1956. The breed was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book in October 1972, and to regular show classification in the Working Group beginning April 4, 1973.
Right Breed For You?
| Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No | No |
| What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large | Large |
| How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day | Over 2 hours a day |
| How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long | Short |
| How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day | Once a week |
| Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed | Does shed |
| What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either | Either |
| What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House | Small House |
| What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden | Large garden |
Breed Standard
 | General Appearance Large, powerful, alert, with much substance and heavy bone. |
| Characteristics Large, broad head, with relatively small eyes and erect ears carried forward in line with back of neck; large, curled tail, in balance with head. |
| Temperament Dignified, courageous, aloof; tends to show dominance over other dogs. |
| Eyes Relatively small, almond-shaped, clean, moderately set apart and dark brown. Eye rims dark and tight. |
| Mouth Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. |
| Neck Thick and muscular, comparatively short, widening gradually toward shoulders. Pronounced crest blends with back of skull. |
| Forequarters Shoulders strong and powerful, moderately laid back. Elbows very tight. Forelegs well boned and straight when viewed from front. Pasterns inclining at approximately 15 degrees. |
| Body Longer than high, as 10 is to 9 in males, 11 to 9 in bitches. Chest wide and deep, depth of brisket is one-half height of dog at shoulder. Well developed forechest. Level back, firmly muscled loin, moderate tuck up. Skin pliant but not loose. |
| Hindquarters Strong and muscular, well developed thighs, moderate turn of stifle. Strong hocks, with only moderate angulation, well let down, turning neither in nor out. |
| Feet Thick, well-knuckled, very tight, turning neither in nor out. Pads hard. Nails hard. Dewclaws on hind legs customarily removed. |
| Tail Large and full, set high, carried over back, full or double curl, always dipping to or below level of back. On a three-quarter curl tail, tip dips down flank. Root large and strong. Hair coarse, straight and full with no appearance of a plume. Sickle or uncurled tail highly undesirable. |
| Gait / Movement Large, powerful, alert, with much substance and heavy bone. |
| Coat Outer coat coarse, straight, and standing off body. Undercoat soft and dense. Coat at withers and rump is approximately 5 cms (2 ins), slightly longer than on rest of body more profuse on tail. No indication of ruff or feathering. |
| Colour Any colour including white brindle or pinto. Colours are brilliant and clear. Markings are well defined with or without mask or blaze. |
| Size Height at withers: dogs: 66-71 cms (26-28 ins); bitches: 61-66 cms (24-26 ins). |
Breed Photos
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