Dog Breeds - Akita

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed shows towards its family members, or familiar acquaintances, can vary significantly. Certain breeds may display a reserved demeanor towards everyone except their owner demonstrating loyalty and affection solely to them. On the other hand, there are breeds that warmly embrace all familiar faces treating each acquaintance as though they are a cherished best friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree to which a dog breed can patiently and tolerantly engage with children as well as its overall disposition towards family environments can differ greatly. It's crucial to always monitor interactions between dogs and young children or kids who may not have extensive experience with dogs to ensure safety and positive experiences for both parties.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The natural friendliness of a breed towards fellow canines is an essential trait to consider. While supervision during meetings and mingling with other dogs is crucial, certain breeds have an inherent predisposition to be more sociable with their kind, whether in private settings or out in the community.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair that the breed is likely to shed is something to consider. Breeds known for shedding a lot will demand more regular grooming, have a higher chance of activating specific allergies and necessitate more regular use of vacuum cleaners and lint rollers to keep your surroundings clean.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed, including the frequency of bathing brushing, trimming or other coat care practices should be evaluated based on your available time, patience and financial resources. Every breed needs its nails trimmed regularly but the overall grooming effort can vary widely influencing your daily routine and maintenance costs.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool is an important consideration, especially for those who prefer a clean and tidy environment. Breeds that are known to drool heavily may not be the ideal choice for individuals who wish to avoid having their clothes or furniture marked with slobber.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
When it comes to interacting with people they don't know, breeds show a wide range of behaviors. Some breeds tend to be cautious or standoffish with anyone new, regardless of the environment, while others are delighted at the prospect of making a new human acquaintance at any opportunity.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of excitement for playtime a particular breed exhibits can often extend beyond their youthful puppy days. Certain breeds maintain their passion for engaging games like tug-of-war or fetch deep into their adulthood whereas others prefer spending most of their time lounging on the sofa beside you content with a more laid-back lifestyle.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The tendency of certain breeds to notify you of the presence of strangers is noteworthy. These dogs are prone to respond to any perceived threat be it the postal worker or a squirrel in the garden. Such breeds are inclined to become friendly towards strangers once they have been welcomed into the home by their family members.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to changes plays a crucial role in their day-to-day life. This trait reflects how well a breed copes with alterations in living environments, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines, and other everyday fluctuations.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training your dog and its eagerness to acquire new skills greatly depends on the breed. Some breeds are highly motivated to please their owners and show a remarkable willingness to learn while others display a more independent nature preferring to follow their whims whenever and wherever they choose.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The level of physical activity and mental engagement a breed requires varies significantly. High-energy breeds are always on the move, prepared for their next expedition dedicating their day to running, jumping and playing. On the opposite end of the spectrum low-energy breeds embody the essence of couch potatoes contentedly lounging and napping for the majority of the time.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency and manner in which a breed vocalizes, which can range from barks to howls vary greatly among different breeds. While some breeds may alert every passerby or bird in the window with their barking, others are more selective, choosing to vocalize only in specific situations. Interestingly some breeds that do not bark can still be very vocal employing a variety of other sounds to communicate their feelings and desires.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The necessity for mental stimulation to keep a breed content and healthy varies, particularly among dogs bred for specific tasks. These purpose-bred dogs often engage in activities that demand decision-making problem-solving concentration or other cognitive skills. Without sufficient mental exercises to occupy their minds, they're likely to initiate their own projects to stay engaged. Unfortunately these self-initiated activities may not align with the types of projects you'd prefer indicating the importance of providing appropriate mental stimulation tailored to the breed's needs.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed shows towards its family members, or familiar acquaintances, can vary significantly. Certain breeds may display a reserved demeanor towards everyone except their owner demonstrating loyalty and affection solely to them. On the other hand, there are breeds that warmly embrace all familiar faces treating each acquaintance as though they are a cherished best friend.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree to which a dog breed can patiently and tolerantly engage with children as well as its overall disposition towards family environments can differ greatly. It's crucial to always monitor interactions between dogs and young children or kids who may not have extensive experience with dogs to ensure safety and positive experiences for both parties.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The natural friendliness of a breed towards fellow canines is an essential trait to consider. While supervision during meetings and mingling with other dogs is crucial, certain breeds have an inherent predisposition to be more sociable with their kind, whether in private settings or out in the community.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair that the breed is likely to shed is something to consider. Breeds known for shedding a lot will demand more regular grooming, have a higher chance of activating specific allergies and necessitate more regular use of vacuum cleaners and lint rollers to keep your surroundings clean.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed, including the frequency of bathing brushing, trimming or other coat care practices should be evaluated based on your available time, patience and financial resources. Every breed needs its nails trimmed regularly but the overall grooming effort can vary widely influencing your daily routine and maintenance costs.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool is an important consideration, especially for those who prefer a clean and tidy environment. Breeds that are known to drool heavily may not be the ideal choice for individuals who wish to avoid having their clothes or furniture marked with slobber.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

When it comes to interacting with people they don't know, breeds show a wide range of behaviors. Some breeds tend to be cautious or standoffish with anyone new, regardless of the environment, while others are delighted at the prospect of making a new human acquaintance at any opportunity.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of excitement for playtime a particular breed exhibits can often extend beyond their youthful puppy days. Certain breeds maintain their passion for engaging games like tug-of-war or fetch deep into their adulthood whereas others prefer spending most of their time lounging on the sofa beside you content with a more laid-back lifestyle.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The tendency of certain breeds to notify you of the presence of strangers is noteworthy. These dogs are prone to respond to any perceived threat be it the postal worker or a squirrel in the garden. Such breeds are inclined to become friendly towards strangers once they have been welcomed into the home by their family members.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to changes plays a crucial role in their day-to-day life. This trait reflects how well a breed copes with alterations in living environments, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines, and other everyday fluctuations.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training your dog and its eagerness to acquire new skills greatly depends on the breed. Some breeds are highly motivated to please their owners and show a remarkable willingness to learn while others display a more independent nature preferring to follow their whims whenever and wherever they choose.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The level of physical activity and mental engagement a breed requires varies significantly. High-energy breeds are always on the move, prepared for their next expedition dedicating their day to running, jumping and playing. On the opposite end of the spectrum low-energy breeds embody the essence of couch potatoes contentedly lounging and napping for the majority of the time.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

When Necessary

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The necessity for mental stimulation to keep a breed content and healthy varies, particularly among dogs bred for specific tasks. These purpose-bred dogs often engage in activities that demand decision-making problem-solving concentration or other cognitive skills. Without sufficient mental exercises to occupy their minds, they're likely to initiate their own projects to stay engaged. Unfortunately these self-initiated activities may not align with the types of projects you'd prefer indicating the importance of providing appropriate mental stimulation tailored to the breed's needs.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Fawn	082
Red	140
White	199
Brown Brindle	065
Red, Black Overlay	422
Silver, Black Overlay	424
Brown, Black Overlay	421
Fawn, Black Overlay	423

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black Mask, White Markings	005
Black & White Mask White Markings	105
Pinto, Black & White Mask	103
Black Mask	004
White Mask	015
Pinto, Black Mask	079
White Mask, White Markings	104

About The Breed

The Akita is a robust, double-coated breed with deep roots in Japanese history, renowned for its noble qualities of dignity, bravery, and devotion. Revered in their homeland they are celebrated as guardians of the family and emblems of well-being, joy and longevity. Akitas are sturdy heavily boned members of the spitz family known for their imposing presence. They stand tall at 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder sporting a thick coat that appears in a variety of colors including a striking white. The breed's broad and substantial head matched with a voluminous curled-over tail at the back, gives them a balanced and majestic appearance. Their upright ears and gleaming dark eyes lend an alert expression distinguishing the breed.

Known for their quiet and meticulous nature, Akitas exhibit a reserved demeanor. While they can be cautious around strangers and possibly less tolerant of other animals, they reveal a playful and affectionate side to those they consider family craving human interaction. The large independent Akita possesses a natural protective instinct towards their loved ones. To foster a well-adjusted temperament it is crucial for Akitas to undergo comprehensive socialization with both humans and other dogs from an early age.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Akita: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Akitas, similar to many dog breeds, are at risk of developing bloat, a dangerous condition that occurs suddenly when the stomach twists and requires urgent veterinary treatment. Owners of Akitas should be well-versed in spotting the early signs of bloat. Additionally, those considering an Akita should prioritize finding a trustworthy breeder who conducts health screenings on their breeding dogs for potential hereditary problems like eye and thyroid issues along with hip dysplasia which is a hip joint malformation leading to pain and potential arthritis. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Thyroid Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	Akitas are known for their cleanliness and lack of strong dog odor requiring minimal grooming effort. However, their dense luxurious double coat does require weekly brushing to stay optimal. They generally shed little but undergo a significant shedding phase twice yearly losing their undercoat in substantial amounts. More frequent grooming is beneficial during these heavy shedding periods to eradicate the shed coat. Additionally keeping their nails trimmed is crucial to prevent pain and walking difficulties and consistent dental care is essential for their health.

Exercise

	The Akita breed, while not exceedingly active, still necessitates a fair amount of exercise to stay healthy and content. Daily activities such as a jog or a quick walk are generally sufficient to satisfy most Akitas. These dogs also take pleasure in playful engagement. Despite their size with males frequently surpassing 100 pounds they can thrive in smaller living spaces provided they receive adequate daily exercise. Originating from northern Japan's rigorous outdoor environment, Akitas are robust canines. They were developed not only for hunting but also as indoor companions and protectors making them exceptionally well-suited to domestic life.

Training

	Akitas possess a keen intellect and a deep sense of loyalty yet they're known for their independent and sometimes stubborn disposition. Given their size and immense strength it's crucial for their training to start early in puppyhood and continue with consistency. Their natural role as protective guardians underscores the importance of broad and early socialization. They need to become comfortable with a variety of people without viewing them as potential threats. Their independent spirit and strong hunting instincts necessitate that they are always kept on a leash in any area that's not securely enclosed. Akitas have a propensity for aggression towards other dogs particularly those of the same sex, hence interactions with other canines should be approached with utmost care.

Nutrition

	The Akita thrives on a diet of high-quality dog food, be it commercially produced or home-cooked under the guidance and approval of a vet. It's essential that the food is suitable for the dog's life stage, whether they are a puppy, an adult, or a senior. Experts in the breed suggest that Akitas over the age of seven might benefit from a diet that's ‘light’ or less rich in calories to help guard against the potential development of kidney disease. Given their propensity to gain excess weight, monitoring your Akita's caloric intake and maintaining an optimal weight is crucial. While treats can significantly facilitate training, overindulgence could lead to obesity. It's beneficial to know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. If you're concerned about your dog's diet or weight, consulting with your veterinarian is advised. Always ensure there's a constant supply of clean, fresh water. Additionally, Akitas

Historiography

Akitas stand as Japan's majestic contribution to the venerable group of Spitz-type dogs, a lineage cherished across the northern reaches of our planet. This distinguished breed traces its origins back to the early 1600s within the scenic confines of Japan's Akita prefecture nestled in the north. Legend tells us of an emperor's decision to exile a rebellious noble to this utmost province on Honshu Island tasking him with governance. This noble, a fervent enthusiast of dogs, propelled the local lords to engage in the creation of a formidable multi-purpose hunting companion. Through relentless breeding efforts the Akita emerged - a breed boasting formidable strength, an indomitable spirit, and a deeply ingrained hunting prowess historically banding together to pursue such formidable prey as wild boars, deer, and the intimidating Yezo bear. Initially only the imperial elite and their circles could claim the honor of ownership yet today Akitas have found their way into the hearts and homes of people everywhere serving as unparalleled protectors of families.

Akitas have woven themselves into the fabric of Japanese folklore and tradition symbolizing virtues of joy and longevity. This is celebrated through the gifting of Akita figurines to bless newborns. The story of Hachiko, an Akita from the 1920s renowned for his unwavering loyalty remains a beloved national treasure in Japan. Throughout its storied existence the Akita breed has faced moments of peril nearly vanishing from the earth. In a bid to safeguard their future a dedicated breed club came into existence in Japan in 1927. The illustrious Helen Keller is often recognized for introducing the Akita to American shores, a precious gift during her journey to Japan. Post-WWII years saw a surge in their popularity stateside as soldiers returning from the Pacific brought these noble companions home. The year 1972 marked the Akita's formal acknowledgment in the AKC Stud Book solidifying their place in the American canine community.