Akita
This Awesome dog has literally remained unchanged for centuries. A native of Honshu Island and the region of Akita, Japan. This remarkably handsome dog is the national dog of Japan. Akitas range from 24 to 28 in. in height and tip the scales at somewhere between 75 and 120 pounds. To look at this dog is to know he is powerful, well built. They have a double coat…a course, waterproof outer coat and a soft, thick undercoat, and come in a variety of colors…red, white, sesame, and brindle (black masks are forbidden). Through history this dog has been used to fight, to hunt bear and deer, for sledding, police work, and were once part of the imperial guard. The very first Akita in the U.S. was a dog for Helen Keller “Kami” short for Kamikaze-Go.
Temperament
Bred as hunting dogs the Akita can show aggresion with smaller animals in the home, and can be dominant towards other dogs… in paticular other male dogs. Wonderful guard dogs, highly intelligent they train easily unfortunately this also means the get bored quickly needing a great deal of mental stimulation to overcome this. They need a firm hand in training from someone who can be pack leader. It has been documented that Akitas can be very gentle with babies and small children even protective.
Grooming/Exercise
The Akita needs a good deal of brushing with a stiff brush, and bathing should only be done when absolutely neccesary. Akitas do need long daily walks to help them remain healthy. This dog adaptes very well to apartment living as long as his exercise is not neglected.
Health
Life span 10 to 12 years
Possible Issues
- Gastric Dilatation volvulus (GDV associated with the Bloat)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperkalaemia
- Canine Herpesvirus (a strain of Herpes virus that happens to affect canines)
- Pemphigus (autoimmune system attacks the dogs skin)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA and adult onset condition)
- Uveo Dermatological Syndrome (UDS)
- Heart Size…Akita’s hearts are rather small for the size of the dog. Anesthesia is to be given in small doses for surgery to prevent heart failure on the table.
