Akita Inu, The Ancient Japanese Dog

Breed Facts

• Country of Origin: Japan
• Height: Males 26–28 in (66–71 cm)/females 24–26 in (61–66 cm)
• Weight: Males 100–130 lb (45.5–59 kg)/females 70–100 lb (31.5–45.5 kg) [est.]
• Coat: Double coat with straight, harsh outercoat and thick, soft, dense undercoat; coat most prominent on tail
• Colors: Any color, including white, brindle, fawn, red, pinto; may have mask
• Other Names: American Akita
• Registries (With Group): AKC (Working); ANKC (Utility); CKC (Working); FCI (Spitz and Primitive); KC (Utility); UKC (Northern)

History and Personality

The Akita is an ancient Japanese dog, relative to the Ainu and the Shiba Inu. The largest of the spitz breeds, it was originally developed as a guard dog and fighting dog.

As dog fighting lost favor, the nobility found new uses for this brave breed in their hunts for deer, wild boars, and even black bears. After World War II, American servicemen who became fond of the breed while stationed in Japan smuggled some home with them, establishing the American lines of the Akita.

Fearless, brave, strong, independent, and intelligent are all apt descriptions of this tough, somewhat obstinate, robust dog. He is aggressive with other animals (and particularly dogs of the same sex) and will defend his territory against all intruders, human or otherwise, yet he is an affectionate and intensely loyal companion to his family.

Exercise, Training, Grooming, and Health

• Akitas appreciate and eagerly anticipate their walks and should have several of them a day.
• A working dog, the Akita is by nature an independent thinker, but if worked with properly from an early age, the Akita is certainly trainable. Socialization from an early age is critical for this breed.
• The Akita’s lush double coat needs regular and consistent care. He doesn’t shed regularly, but he blows his undercoat a couple times a year and will need daily brushing so that large clumps of fur are properly displaced.
• Average life span is 10 to 12 years. Breed health concerns may include bloat; elbow dysplasia; hip dysplasia; hyperkalaemia; hypothyroidism; juvenile-onset polyarthritis syndrome; myasthenia gravis (MG); pemphigus; progressive retinal atrophy (PRA); sebaceous adenitis (SA); uveodermatological syndrome (UDS); and von Willebrand disease.