Akita is the large breed of dog originated from North Japan in the region of Mountains.
There are 2 varieties of Akita:-
a) Japanese
b) American Akita
Japanese strain of this breed is called Akita inu (inu is japanese word meaning dog.) American strain known as Akita or American Akita. The Japanese strain is available in a small range of colours, while American strain comes in all dog colours. They have short double coat as Siberian Husky but long coated dogs can also found in many puppies due to recessive gene.
Litter size and Life span is same as Akita Inu.
The Akita is a powerful, independent and dominant breed, away from strangers but affectionate with family members.In United States, the Japanese and American strains of Akita are not considered as two separate breeds they are considered as single breed with differences in type.American Akita is also known as Great Japanese dog in some countries.In 2020, the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club , Australlian National Kennel Club , New Zealand Kennel Club and the Japan Kennel Club consider Japanese and American Akita as seperate breeds.In June , 1999 FCI Decided American type called as Great Japanese dog later named American Akita or Akita in January 2006.
Akita Dog Highlights
Breed Size
Large
Nature
Gentle, Friendly, Playful, Outgoing, Willful
Energy Level
Active
Intelligence
High
Barking Level
When Necessary
Coat Length
Long, Medium
Breed Group
Working
Droll Amount
Medium
Good with
Seniors, Cats, Dogs, Children, Familes
Feed Level
Medium, High
Colour Type
Ginger, Red, brindle, or white, all with white fur on the ventral areas of the dog (genetics variants can include black & grey)
Other Facts
They were referred to as “snow country dogs.”
Japanese History
Akita is originated in rural area of Odate , Akita a mountainous region of Japan. These breed were trained to hunt animals like wild boar and Ussuri brown bears.From 1500 to 1800 Akita Served as companions of Samurai and 1600s this breed was involved in dog fighting which was popular in Japan at that time.
The Akita were used during the Russo-Japanese War to track prisoners of war. During World War II the Akita was also crossed with German Shepherds to save them from the wartime.Non Military Dogs were culled. Some Used as scouts and some used as guards during war.
*The story of Hachiko, the most venerated Akita of all time Hachiko helped the Akita to push it into international dog world. Hachiko was born in 1923 and owner of this dog was Professor Hidesaburo Ueno of Tokyo.Professor Ueno lived near the Shibuya Train Station. Hachiko accompanied his master to and from the station each day.
On May 25, 1925, at the age of 18 months, the dog was waiting for the arrival of its owner on the four-hour train, but Professor Ueno had had a fatal pitch.Hachiko continued to wait for his master's return. He travelled to and from the station each day for the next nine years.in 1934, shortly before his death, a bronze statue was erected at the Shibuya train station in his honor.This statue was melted during world war 2 for ammo but after new one commissioned. Each year on April 8 since 1936, Hachiko's devotion has been honoured with a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Shibuya railroad station.Hachiko's legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty.*
- In 1931, the Akita was officially declared a Japanese Natural Monument.
- In 1967, 50th anniversary of Akita Dog, Akita Dog Museum was built.
There is a tradition in Japan, that when a child is born they receive a statue of an Akita. This symbolizes health, happiness, and a long life.World War II pushed the Akita to risk of extinction because of lack of nutritious food then many were killed by eating by starving populance and after govt. ordered to killed the all remaining dogs to prevent the spread of disease.After that they bred back with their ancestor dogs, the Matagi.
American History
American Akita is recognised by the American Kennel club in 1955.It was not until approved by AKC at the end of 1972 it was placed in Working class dog. In 1992 it was recognised by Japan Kennel Club. American Akita has more bear like head while Japanese Akita has fox like head. Both derive from common ancestory. In 1937, American Akita was introduced to the UK. Mr. Joseph Felton, a well known and award-winning Akita breeder, however it was not widely known in the early 1980s.In 1982 this breed was introduced in Australia and in 1986 Akita was introduced in New Zealand.
22-27 inch 28-39 kg 10-13 year
Height
Weight
Life Span
Health and Care
Auto immune disease sometime occur in this breed. These includes :-
- Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada syndrome
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia - an autoimmune blood disorder.
- Sebaceous adenitis - an autoimmune skin disorder.
- Hypoadrenocorticism, Diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism can be seen in Akita.
- Microphthalmia - developmental disorder of the eye.
- Hip dysplasia, Primary glaucoma, Progressive retinal atrophy, Elbow dysplasia and Cushing’s Syndrome these diseases can also seen in this breed.
- Brush the teeth regularly and wash their coat.
- Clean eyes and ears weekly.
Feeding
- Akita should be fed 5-7 cups of high quality dry food divided into 2 meals.
- Proper amount of Vitamin A and D given to the dog.
- 1 gram protien per 500 gram of bodyweight should be given to dog.
- For 2-3 months puppy - 150- 250grams per day divided into 4 parts.
- For 6 months - 300- 400 grams per day divided into 2 parts.
- For 8 months or above age dog - above 400 grams will be given divided into 2 parts.
Behaviour
This Breed feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.They don't tolerate that the same sex of this breed work with them. They should good with children. If the Akita is not well - trained it will treat strangers in agressive manner and also reactive towards other dogs.It needs a confident, consistent trainer, without which the dog will be very wilful and may become very aggressive to animals.
Fun Facts
- Akita is very loyal breed of dog you see the story of Hachiko above in history.
- There is a tradition in Japan, that when a child is born they receive a statue of an Akita. This symbolizes health, happiness, and a long life.
- National dog of Japan.
- Akita was used in world war 2.
Akita Dog Unique Name
| Male Name | Female Name |
|---|---|
| Chase | Basil |
| Eddie | Brownie |
| Elmer | Candy |
| Emmett | Diamond |
| Frankie | Dixie |
| Lucky | Gypsy |
| Mickey | Hazel |
| Petey | Isabella |
| Porter | Jersey |
| Prince | Mattie |
| Ralph | Minnie |
| Ranger | Nell |
| Rockwell | Nola |
| Shadow | Pearl |
| Tank | Precious |
| Zane | Princess |
| Zeus | Priscilla |
| Ziggy | Sassy |
| T-bone | Brindle |
| Yang | Tessie |
