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Akita Inu Dog Breed

The Akita is a Breed of large dog that originates  in Japan,  named for Akit Prefecture, where it is thought to have originated. “Inu” means “dog” in Japanese, although in practice this animal is nearly always referred as “Akita-ken.”

Appearance

The breed stands 24 to 28 inches at the withers. Females weigh anywhere from 70-100 pounds. Males are from 75-130 pounds. In Japan, Akitas come in only five colors: Red Fawn, Sesame (red fawn hairs with black tips), Brindle, and White. All except white must have whitish hair on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, the neck, chest, body and tail. The Pinto color is not accepted as a Japanese Akita color, but only as an American Akita color. In the United States, however, some breeders still interbeed the original Japanese type with the heavier American type, which is larger, shorter in fur, and allows more colors. It is felt by many that combining the two types leads to improved appearance and genetic health by increasing genetic diversity. In the United States, there is only one Akita breed. Akitas from all countries are registered with the American Kennel Club as “Akitas.” In many other countries the breed has been separated into two breeds: the Akita and the American Akita. However, the American Akita is acknowledged by many American breeders as being a different breed than the Japanese Akita, and these breeders advocate a splitting of the one breed into two.

Temperament

Although the American Kennel Club has put the Akita in the Working Group, several different breeds contributed to the modern Akita, some hunting dogs and some dogs used as competitive fighting dogs, however it must be made clear that the common idea that the Akita is a ‘Japanese Fighting Dog’ is some way away from factual accuracy. While the Akita’s ancestry may lie with dogs used for fighting, the modern day Akita is a long way from this and most good breeders will not breed from dogs that are known to have aggressive natures. In general the Akita is very laid back, and has an easy-going temperament which makes it a very good family environment pet.

Akitas are a large breed, not a giant breed. They are excellent house dogs. They require only a moderate amount of exercise. Akitas are known to be very quiet dogs, only barking “when there is something to bark about”. One of the most famous things about Akitas is that they make people feel calm and relaxed thus making an Akita the ideal dog if you have stress problems.

The two most popular reason for having the Akita as a house pet are that they are very clean and easy to housebreak. Akitas have been described as almost “cat-like,” as they are clean and odorless. This also may be one of the reasons why they housebreak so easily. Most Akitas respond so well to housebreaking that they are trained in a matter of weeks, although it may take longer if other “slower learning” dogs are present.

Health

Some of the health conditions known to affect this breed include:

• Canine herpesvirus, a strain of the Herpes virus that happens to affect canines
• Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), a condition associated with bloat;
• Canine Hip Dysplasia
• Hypothyroiditis

History

The Akita’s ancestors were dogs used by matagi for hunting. These dogs, usually called matagi inu, were not as large as modern Akita dogs. Many of these dogs were used as guard dogs. They were also used in the sport of hunting bears.

Akita Inu Pictures

Akita Inus For Sale

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