Great Japanese Dog, Japanese Akita, American Akita
Overview
This is a large and powerful breed, with much substance and heavy bone; it is slightly longer than tall. The Akita's build reflects its original job of hunting big game through deep snow and rugged terrain. Its double coat consists of a dense undercoat and a straight, harsh, outer coat — about 2 inches or less in length — standing off from the body. Such a combination provides ample insulation from water and weather. Its gait is brisk and powerful. The Akita is a versatile dog of large spitz type. It is able to perform as a hunting companion and protector.
As befitting its spitz-like heritage, the Akita is bold, independent, stubborn and tenacious. Demonstrative to its family, it is utterly devoted and will protect family members. It is reserved with strangers and can be aggressive toward other dogs. It can be domineering. Though not the breed for everyone, in the right hands the Akita is an excellent companion.
| Size | Large |
| Height | Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm) Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) |
| Weight | Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg) Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10-14 years |
| Colors | Black Fawn Red White |
| Origin | Japan |
| Classification | Purebred |
| Good Lapcat |
| Good In Apartments |
The Akita Inu will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard. |
| Good With Children |
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
| Good With Dogs |
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| Good With Cats |
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| Exercise Needs |
The Akita Inu needs moderate but regular exercise to stay in shape. It should be taken for long daily walks. |
| Trainability |
Moderately Easy Training: A confident and consistent approach is required to train an Akita. Repetitive drills or overly harsh training hinder the process. Akitas are easily housetrained. They must be socialized young if they are to live with other pets. |
| Affectionate |
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| Playfulness |
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| Grooming Requirements |
Low Maintenance: American Akitas are a low maintenance dog breed. Grooming them should be an easy process. They are fairly heavy shedders and can go heavier than normal two to three times per year. Daily brushing could be a good way to reduce this problem. This breed needs to bathe every few months, although it can be more often, depending on the needs of each owner. Toenails should be trimmed every month, and their ears should be cleaned once a week. |
| Shedding |
Constant Shedding: Expect this dog to shed frequently. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner. |
| Vocalization/Barking |
Rare |
Akita Pictures
