Akita (dog)
Originating from Japan, the Akita is a large breed. The Akita (dog) typically weighs Males, and has a double coat coat. Individual Akita (dog)s vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Japan
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- Double coat
- Colour
- Red, brindle, white. All with white fur on the ventral areas of the dog ( urajiro ).
- Litter size
- 3–12 puppies (avg. 7–8)
About the Akita (dog)
Originating from Japan, the Akita is a large breed. Males weigh 70-130 pounds and stand 24-28 inches tall.
Lifespan and health
Akitas generally live between 10 and 15 years, with many individuals reaching the upper end of that range when they receive consistent veterinary care, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. Lifespan is influenced by genetic predispositions, the quality of nutrition, weight management, and exposure to stressors or injuries; while the breed is not considered rare, regional variations in breeding practices can affect the availability of long‑term health data, but overall studies provide a reliable picture of their longevity. Common health issues
Overview
The {{cite book|script-title=ja:NHK日本語発音アクセント新辞典|publisher=NHK Publishing|editor=NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute|date=24 May 2016|lang=ja}}</ref>"}},"i":0}}]}'' id="mwBA">Akita Inu ( 秋田犬 , Akita Inu, Akita Ken ; .mw-parser-output .IPA-label-small{font-size:85%}.mw-parser-output .references .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .infobox .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .navbox .IPA-label-small{font-size:100%} Japanese pronunciation: [ a.kʲi̥.ta(ꜜ) i.nɯ, -ta.keɴ ] ) is a Japanese dog breed of large size. Originating from the mountains of northern Japan , the Akita has a short double coat similar to that of many other northern spitz breeds . The breed traces its roots to the Matagi Inu, a chūgata ken (medium-sized dog) historically used by the Matagi —traditional hunters of the Tōhoku region—for tracking and subduing large game such as tsukinowaguma ( Japanese black bear ), inoshishi ( wild boar ) and kamoshika ( Japanese serow ) in snow-covered mountain terrain. As a breed, Akitas are generally hardy. However, it is subject to debate as to whether the Akita strains are distinct, or if they constitute one breed.
Appearance
As a spitz breed, the appearance of the Akita reflects cold-weather adaptations essential to their original function. The Akita is a substantial breed for its height with heavy bones. Characteristic physical traits of the breed include a large, bear-like head with erect, triangular ears set at a slight angle following the arch of the neck. Additionally, the eyes of the Akita are small, dark, deeply set, and triangular in shape. Akitas have thick double coats, and tight, well-knuckled, cat-like feet. Their tails are carried over the tops of their backs in a gentle or double curl down the loin. Mature American-type males measure typically 26-28 in (66–71 cm) at the withers and weigh between 100 and 130 lb (45–59 kg). Mature females typically measure 24-26 in (61–66 cm) and weigh between 70 and 100 lb (32–45 kg). The Japanese type, as stated in the breed standards, is a little smaller and lighter. Breed standards state that all dog breed coat colors and patterns are allowable in the American Akita. This includes the common Shiba Inu coloring pattern known as urajiro . The Japanese Akitas, as per the breed standards, are restricted to red, fawn, sesame, brindle, and pure white, all with urajiro markings - whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of jaw, neck, chest, body, and tail, and on the inside of the legs.
Breed name
Outside of Japan, debate exists among fanciers whether these are two separate breeds of Akitas. As of 2020, the American Kennel Club now considers American and Japanese Akitas to be two separate breeds, no longer allowing free breeding between the two. The United Kennel Club , the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), The Kennel Club , the Australian National Kennel Council , the New Zealand Kennel Club , and the Japan Kennel Club consider Japanese and American Akitas as separate breeds. Some countries [ which? ] refer to the American Akita as simply the Akita and not the American Akita. The issue is especially controversial in Japan. For the FCI''s 84 countries, the breed split formally occurred in June 1999, when the FCI decided that the American type would be called the Great Japanese Dog, later renamed the American Akita in January 2006.
Coat types
The two coat types in the Akita are the standard coat length and the long coat. The long coat is considered a fault in the show ring, however. The long coat, also known as moku , is the result of an autosomal recessive gene and may occur phenotypically only if both sire and dam are carriers. They have longer (about 3-4 in long) and softer coats and are known to have sweeter temperaments. This gene is thought to come from the Karafuto Ken dog.
Temperament
The Akita is generally seen as territorial about its property, and can be reserved with strangers. The breed has been defined in some countries'' breed-specific legislation as a dangerous dog. The Akita is a large, strong, independent, and dominant dog. A well-trained Akita should be accepting of nonthreatening strangers, otherwise they treat all strangers in an aggressive manner. A survey on canine behaviour in five ''ancient'' breeds in Poland found the Akita to be the most aggressive towards other dogs with 59% of Akitas being reported to display aggression towards other dogs and animals. They were the second most likely to be aggressive towards humans with 13% of Akitas being reported to display aggression towards humans. Stereotypic behaviour was reported in 27% of Akitas, ranking it second out of the five breeds surveyed. Excessive vocalisation was only reported at 17% for the Akita, lower than the other breeds. Less than 10% of Akitas were reported to have separation anxiety , the lowest amount. 70% of all human directed aggression involved a visitor on the Akita''s territory, highlighting the defensive nature of the breed. A Japanese study found that the CAG repeat polymorphism in the AR gene in the Akita Inu was correlated with increased reports of aggression in male Akita dogs, but not females.
Working life
Predecessors of the modern Akita were used for hunting bear, wild boar, and deer in Japan as late as 1957. They would be used to flush out the boar and keep it at bay until the hunter could come and kill it. Today, the breed is used primarily as a companion dog , but is currently also known to be used as therapy dogs , and compete in all dog competitions, including conformation showing , obedience trials , canine good-citizen program , tracking trials , and agility competition , as well as weight pulling , hunting, and Schutzhunde (personal protection dogs).
Life expectancy
A UK study found a life expectancy of 11.4 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds .
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Akita (dog)?
The Akita is a large, muscular dog breed with a distinctive appearance. They have a thick double coat, typically white or brindle, and a broad, flat head with a short muzzle. Akitas are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent guard dogs. They are also highly intelligent and energetic, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Is the Akita (dog) a good family dog?
Akitas can make good family dogs for experienced owners who provide proper training and socialization. However, they can be wary of strangers and may be protective of their family, which can make them challenging for households with young children. Consistent, gentle training and early socialization are crucial for Akitas to become well-adjusted family pets.
What health problems do Akita (dog)s have?
Akitas are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and gastric torsion. They are also at risk for eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and management.
How much does a Akita (dog) puppy cost?
The cost of an Akita puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a reputable breeder may charge between $800 to $2,000 for a puppy. Additionally, there may be costs associated with spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping, which can add to the overall expense.
Where do Akita (dog)s come from?
The Akita (dog) comes from Japan. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Akita (dog), supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.