American Akita Breed information & Pictures

American Akita Breed Description

Life Expectancy
10-12 years

Learning Rate
Low

Litter Size
3 to 12

Size
Extra Large

Weight
Dogs: 75-120 pounds
Bitches: 75-110 pounds

Height
Dogs: 26-28 inches
Bitches: 24-26 inches

Country of Origin
America

Groups
AKC Working Dogs
FCI Group V.: Spitz and Primitive types
TKC Working

The Akita is a substantial breed for its height, with heavy bones. They have a large, bear-like head with erect, triangular ears set at a slight angle following the arch of the neck. The eyes of the Akita are small, dark, deeply set and triangular in shape.

The Akita takes its name from the Akita Region in Japan, where it was first bred. It was first used as an Imperial Guard Dog, before its strength and intelligence were put to use in fighting and hunting. It could bring down a bear, and had the swimming skills and soft mouth needed to retrieve waterfowl. Today, the Akita is still used in police and army work.

Temperament

The Akita is generally seen as territorial about its property, and can be reserved with strangers. It is sometimes described as feline in its actions; it is not unusual for an Akita to clean its face after eating, to preen its kennel mate, and to be fastidious in the house. They are known to be intolerant of other dogs of the same sex, as stated in the AKC breed standard.

The Akita is said to be careful, courageous, fearless, and intelligent. Sometimes spontaneous, it needs a confident, consistent handler, without which the dog will be very wilful and may become very aggressive to other dogs and animals.

Colors

Breed standards state that all dog breed coat colors are allowable in the American Akita, including pinto, all types of brindle, solid white, black mask, white mask, self-colored mask, even differing colors of under coat and overlay (guard hairs).

Coat

Akitas have thick double coats, and tight, well knuckled cat-like feet. Their tails are carried over the top of the back in a gentle or double curl down the loin. Grooming them should be an easy process. They are fairly heavy shedders and can go heavier than normal two to three times per year.

Health Issues

Akitas are very health dogs, but may suffer from hip dysplasia, and nervous and auto immune diseases. To help prevent the chance of hip or elbow dysplasia developing make sure your dog is on a healthy, well proportioned diet, and avoid excessive running and jumping while still a puppy as this can be hard on the developing joints. Because of their small eye size ingrowing lashes may occur (though this usually corrects itself after puppyhood).To minimize the risk of your dog developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy a puppy from a reputable American Akita breeder.

Living Environment

The Akita is happiest in a large yard, though it can manage in an apartment if it gets moderate but regular exercise. Because of its thick coat, it will be uncomfortable in warm environments.