JAPANESE AKITA: POISED AND REGAL

Japanese breeds are always classified by size, with large dogs classified as akita, medium as shika, and small as shiba.  There are many medium sized breeds, but only one large breed, the Akita.  According to Bruce Fogle, DVM, and author of Dogalog, the Akita is an impressive dog with a "powerful presence."  While Akitas can be even tempered, some are difficult to handle or obedience train, and the breed is more likely to engage in dog fights than many other breeds, especially the males.  Well-trained individuals make excellent watchdogs, and wonderful companions; however, this breed is best kept by experienced dog handlers, since its tendency towards being undemonstrative and aloof can make obedience training an "irksome" task (Bruce Fogle, DVM, Dogalog).

APPEARANCE

The Japanese Akita is available in any color with a coat that is hard, and has a fine undercoat.  It has erect triangular ears, and rather small eyes that are deep brown in color.  Its body is large and massive with elbows that fit snugly to the body, and a stout, strong tail that is carried over its back when the dog is standing. 

BREED HISTORY

The Akita, the largest of all Japanese breeds, was once bred for pit fighting, explaining its tendency to be dog aggressive.  When this sport declined, the dog was used for hunting, but by the 1930s the breed was almost extinct.  The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Breeds was formed to assure the survival of the Akita, among other Japanese breeds (Bruce Fogle, DVM, Dogalog).

BREED CHARACTERISTICS

At from 75 to 110 pounds (34-50kg), the Akita is a large dog standing about 24 to 28 inches tall (60-71 cm).  He is not a good dog for kids, or for multiple pet households, but can be trained to be very well behaved by an experienced dog handler.  He requires little grooming, does very well in very cold weather, and is suitable for outside living if the situation is safe and appropriate.  His life expectancy is from 10 to 12 years (Fogle, Dogalog).