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AKITA — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Training / Additional Information
Breed Description
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| Breed Registries: |
— Canadian Kennel Club - Working Dogs
— American Kennel Club - Working Group
— United Kennel Club - Northern Breeds
— The Kennel Club (U.K.) - Utility Group
— Fédération Cynologique Internationale * - FCI Standards No. 255 and 344 |
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees. |
| Origin: |
Japan |
Am/Can Ch Beardusk's United We Stand
(Manhattan)
Photo Courtesy of Beardusk Akitas |
| Height: |
Males—26 to 28 inches at the withers
Females—24 to 26 inches |
| Weight: |
Males — 100 to 130 lbs
Females — 70 to 100 lbs |
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The Akita is the largest of the Japanese breeds. In July 1931, the Government of Japan designated the Akita as a national monument and one of Japan's national treasures. He has been used to hunt ducks, birds, small furbearing animals, deer, elk, antelope, monkeys, boar and bear. He was also used to babysit children while their mothers worked in the fields.
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Today the Akita is most often seen as a loyal companion. However, they are a versatile breed and are sometimes seen working as police dogs, therapy dogs, hearing- and sight-impaired dogs, sled dogs, guardians, and hunting dogs. In addition, they can be involved in herding, obedience, and tracking.
In Japan, he is regarded as a loyal companion and pet, protector of the home and a symbol of good health. When a child is born, the family will usually receive a small statue of an Akita signifying health, happiness and a long life. If a person is ill, friends will send a statue to express their wish for a speedy recovery.
The Akita's personality is very complex. He is very intelligent, extremely loyal, and has well developed guarding and protective instincts, making him an excellent guard dog. While he can exhibit aggressive tendencies, these are almost exclusively seen towards other dogs of the same sex. The Akita is well known for his loyalty and devotion to his family, see the tale of "Chu-ken Hachiko" below for an example of the extreme devotion this breed can show.
Typically, the Akita is very gentle, protective and patient with children. As indicated previously, Japanese mothers often left their children with only the dog to watch over and protect them.
The Akita is a large, powerful dog with a thick double coat and a tail that is curled and carried over the back. The most distinguishing feature of the Akita is his large head. That in combination with the small triangular shaped eyes and small erect ears give the Akita a dignified and intimidating expression. Generally, the male Akita is substantially larger than the female.
The double coat gives the Akita the typical northern breed appearance. The coat is short to moderate in length and very dense. The undercoat which is the primary insulator is very soft while the outer coat is slightly longer and coarser.
Today, there are two distinct types of Akitas:
- The American Akita tends to be larger and stockier than the Japanese Akita; any coat colour is acceptable including white, brindle or pinto; markings are well balanced and he may or may not have a mask or blaze (except for the white Akita who has no mask).
- The Japanese Akita is more refined than the American Akita and the only colours allowed are brindle, white, and red with white markings.
See NOTE that follows for further details on the two distinct breeds.
NOTE - The American Akita and the Japanese Akita:
It must be noted that the breed has been officially split into two distinct and separate breeds in Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) member countries as well as in the United Kingdom. FCI member countries recognize the breeds as the "Akita" and the "American Akita" (previously known as the Great Japanese Dog). In the United Kingdom, the breeds are known as the "Japanese Akita Inu" and the "Akita". In Canada and the United States, however, the breed is not separated into two distinct breeds and is recognized as the "Akita" by the Canadian Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. For further details, please see the Breed Standards as well as Information on American and Japanese Akitas below.
Additional Information on American and Japanese Akitas:
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Akita Health Issues:
Akitas, as with other breeds, are susceptible to some health problems, some of a genetic nature, others viral. The Akita Health document includes information on some of the known health concerns found in the breed.
If you are considering the adoption of a Akita puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. This should include, among others, hip x-rays to exclude hip dysplasia and eyes should be checked to see that they are normal and PRA clear. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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Training Resources:
- Training — For information on training your Akita, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- The Akita Network — Excellent resource site with over 200 pages and 3500 compiled links.
- Akita Headquarters — Pedigree Database
- Hachiko — A story about the devotion and loyalty of one Akita dog in Japan.
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your Akita. (Note: Breed specific clubs can be found under the Akita Breed Clubs secton.)
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of Canada's Guide to Dogs provides information and listings of organizations who are involved in various jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Copyright © P.Mitchell 2004-2008. All Rights Reserved.
All content, including graphics, on the Canada's Guide to Dogs Website is Copyright-P.Mitchell,
unless otherwise noted, and may not be copied or reproduced without prior written permission.
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Last Updated: 28 March 2008
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