The Akita breed has taken its name from its place of origin, which is Ontate in the Akita prefecture on the island of Honshu in northern Japan. This region is surrounded by mountains that are lashed by wild and snowy winters and humid summers on all four sides, there are magnificent cedar tree forests, vast meadows, rolling hills and the Yonesiro River, which completes this beautiful and impressive landscape, just like the Akita. The adult or puppy American Akita is impressive with its imposing presence, wonderful character and wit.
General Description
The Akita has being classified as a “working breed” of dogs that are used for hunting, sledding, protecting the family and companionship at home. Nowadays they are most often seen as guards, companions and family members. The Akita is described by terms such as: rugged, powerful – strapped animal, enchanting, distant from strangers, watchful, dominant, dignified, loyal, beautiful, low maintenance and protective. They have strong muscles and heavy bones in accordance with the standard.
As a “northern breed”, the Akita is equipped with a warm double coat that is suitable for cold climates. The double coat acts as insulation against the cold as well as protection against the summer heat. It sheds its fur once to twice a year, whereby the soft undercoat gracefully spreads out onto your rug! You shouldn’t worry because this period does not last long.
Like all living organisms, dogs also have certain
health problems and you must ensure that you select an Akita from a reputable breeder
so that you have a healthy partner in terms of mind and body.
The head is broad and forms a blunt triangle with a deep muzzle. The small eyes and the small pointy ears are transferred in accordance with the neck and are a feature of the breed. The long curly tail is in balance with the broad head and is another feature of the breed. The Akita is acceptable in every colour with or without the black masks. Despite its huge size, it is agile and as athletic as the owner chooses. Acquiring an Akita can be one of the most important experiences in life. This often misunderstood breed that had suffered abuse in the past is now a precious creature that is admired throughout the entire world.
Height: Male 66-71 cm | Female 61-66 cm
Weight: Male 45-59 Kg | Female 32-45 Kg
Personality
Every Akita comes into the world believing that is the leader of the pack, which is why it requires a stable and dynamic master to guide it. Without such a master, the Akita shall have the upper hand. It is intelligent, independent, protective, imposing and loyal.
The Akita is an instinctive guard and accordingly does not need special training because it may become aggressive. The Akita is friendly with children but children and Akita in the same area must be supervised. You must ensure that the children respect the dog and do not harass it. The Akita is relatively friendly with other animals, especially if they have grown up together and are of a different gender. Puppies should commence training from the moment that they come to live at home. Everything is possible and the “key” is socialisation.
At Home
The Akita is an excellent family companion and comfortably fits into the urban and rural environment. Timely and regular obedience training is the key to becoming an acceptable companion at home. A well trained and socialised Akita is welcome anywhere and every time. It doesn’t have many grooming needs but should receive some weekly attention. To preserve its beauty it requires brushing, trim nails, to be cleaned and teeth brushed.
Owner’s responsibility
The new owners of this dog must be informed about the advent of the Akita in their lives. The owner should be committed and prepared to socialise, socialise and again socialise with his puppy. This adorable teddy bear shall not always be a puppy.
The history of the Akita
The Akita is a Spitz breed. It was developed in Japan after many centuries of mating to arrive at the Japanese standard. The standards are written descriptions of the ideal dog breed, despite the fact that no dog does in fact attain this perfection. One breed standard describes the general appearance in detail, with features such as the head, the eyes, the ears, the front and rear limbs, the line of the back, the body proportions, walking, coat and colour. The standard for the American Akita was designed to impose a uniformity of the breed, in order to define a dispersed group of Akitas in America as a breed with a fixed type and distinctiveness. The American Dog Association approved and accepted the current breed standard on 4 April 1973. The Japanese and the American Akita since then have become two distinct breeds of dogs.
You can read information about the standard below:
Suitable Owners
The Akita is not a breed for everyone. It is a strong dog that requires a close bond with an owner of an equally strong will. It is extremely loyal and a natural protector of the owner’s family. Its intelligence and dominance can challenge even the most experienced dog owner. The Akita does not require guard dog training. When there is a reason to protect the family and the property, the Akita will do it.
Getting an Akita
The Akita is different to other breeds. It can’t be said to be an “easy” dog. You must be sure about your decision. You should meet other Akita dogs in their environment. You can observe some of the Akita dogs at shows to learn more about the breed.
You should read everything that you can find about the breed to be sure that it is the breed for you before acquisition an Akita. You should visit several breeders. Don’t just take the first sweet little puppy you encounter. Calculate the monthly expenses for the dignified life of your dog together with the annual examinations and vaccinations.You need to invest a considerable amount of money in his living, time and emotions, so research carefully.
Selecting an Akita breeder
Inspect the premises in relation to the cleanliness and the general care of the animals. Insist on seeing the mother of the puppies. The father is not always with the breeder, but photos or video should be available.
Ensure that the breeder follows both the breeding policy of the Kennel Club in his country as well as that of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (F.C.I. = World Canine Organisation) and is registered with these organisations. Conscientious breeders love the Akita and participate in all the shows with their dogs. Don’t be offended if a breeder wants to know about your lifestyle and the space where the puppy will grow up before entrusting it to you.
Do not proceed to acquire an Akita unless you have:
1. A historical pedigree on both parents.
2. Enrol your puppy with the Kennel Club of Greece in your name. It is illegal for a breeder to not send or charge for these documents.
3. A signed examination by an accredited veterinarian with the vaccines that have been administered, its physical integrity and the state of its health prior to taking delivery of a puppy.
4. If a breeder is unable or refuses to provide any of these documents/services, don’t take delivery of the puppy – go somewhere else.
Information Resources
Akita, Treasure of Japan (by Barbara Bouyet)
The Book of the Akita (by Joan McDonald Brearley)
The Complete Akita (by Joan M. Linderman and Virginia Funk)
The Akita, Book of the Breed (by Gerald and Kath Mitchell)
http://www.akita-friends.com/lead.htm
Akitas (by Edita Van Der Lyn)