Things I Need to Know About Japanese Akitas

The Japanese Akita is a dog with plenty of personality, and the Japanese see it as a symbol of courage and luck. Typically, these dogs live for 10 and 12 years. Since the Akita is a working dog, the breed has been used as a police dog, guard dog, sled dog and hunting dog. Because of the functions they were bred for and their size, they also need a lot of exercise. They should be taken on one long walk or two or three shorter ones each day.

  1. History

    • This breed of dog is named after the area in Japan where it originated. The first Akita was brought to America by a lady named Helen Keller who was given the dog as a gift by the Japanese government during the 1930s. World War II resulted in a dramatic decline in the number of Akitas, and by 1945 there were as few as 20 purebred Akitas remaining in Japan. In the years since, care has been taken to stabilize Akita numbers and the breed has become well-known worldwide. In America, breeding practices differed from those in Japan, which resulted in a separate breed - the American Akita.

    Appearance

    • A large, square, muscular dog, the Akita is easy to recognize with a tail that curls over its back. Males can weigh up to 120 lbs. and average around 28 inches in height, with females slightly smaller at 110 lbs. and 26 inches tall. This dog has a double coat, with a thick, coarse topcoat covering a softer undercoat. The color of the coat can range from black and white to brown and white and brindle and pinto.

    Temperament

    • Akitas are protective and fearless dogs. The breed is intelligent and requires careful training, which must be varied and unrepetitive. It also requires a strong owner who is able to discipline when necessary; the Akita is by nature a dominant dog and will always seek to be the leader. Affectionate and loyal towards people and animals they know well, Akitas do not mix well with strange dogs and can be standoffish towards people they don't know. Because of this, they need careful and patient socialization.

    Health

    • There are certain illnesses that are inclined to afflict Akitas. These are most commonly related to the autoimmune system, and these can manifest as joint difficulties, allergies, hip dysplasia, arthritis and skin, coat and eye problems. Autoimmune diseases are those in which antibodies attack the cells in the body and can be purely a reaction within the body, or a side effect of the body attempting to fight a tumor or virus. They are most common among purebred dogs, so it's important to visit the vet if there is any sign that a dog is in discomfort.