Dog
Group:
Working 
Akita Inu Champions
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Pronunciation:
a - KEE - ta Inu
Breed Description:
The Akita Inu breed of dog is a large, powerful, and alert working dog that originated in Japan. Dignified and courageous, the Akita today is popular in the show ring and also participates in performance and therapy work. An Akita trademark is the plush tail that curls over his back.
Only one single Akita breed is registered by the American Kennel Club. In countries other than the United States and Canada, the breed has been separated into two breeds: the Akita Inu (Japanese Akita) and the American Akita. In the US and Canada, both the American Akita and the Akita Inu are considered a single breed with differences in type.
The Akita Inu comes in only five colors: Red, Fawn, Sesame, Brindle, and Pure White. All except white must have whitish hair on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, the neck, chest, body and tail. Black Masks, as seen in the American Akita, are not permitted in the Japanese Akita Inu.
All colors, including Pinto, are accepted in the American Akita. In the US, some breeders interbreed the original Japanese type with the heavier American type, which is larger, and allows more colors. It is felt by some that combining the two types leads to improved appearance and genetic health by increasing genetic diversity.
Temperament:
The Akita Inu breed of dog is renowned as loyal and intelligent. Because of their intelligence, they are easily bored and can become destructive if given nothing to do. Akitas can live happily in apartments as long as they are given plenty of exercise. They need to be socialized as puppies so they are friendly dogs. Although they love human companionship, they are quite happy to be outside dogs as well, but should still be taken out for walks to prevent destruction of the yard. Akitas often become excitable when seeing their owners, wriggling around and making happy grunts.
Akita Inu’s may be intolerant of other dogs, particularly those of the same sex.
Akitas are very good with children, and are often quite playful; although they should be watched around small children as they could knock them over during play and can get a bit snippy when excited.
The Akita Inu has a reputation for sometimes being aggressive towards strangers, smaller animals or other dogs, particularly those of the same sex. Akitas would rather live in a home with no other pets present, unless they have been raised with them during puppy-hood. Before deciding if an Akita is the right dog for your house, first make sure of the breed at which you are looking; the American Akita or the Japanese Akita Inu. Further research is always advisable before deciding on a breed. Children must be taught to display leadership qualities and at the same time respecting the dog. With the right type of owner, the proper amount of daily mental and physical exercise and firm training, they can make a fine pet. Obedience training requires patience, as these dogs tend to get bored quickly. The Akita needs to be with its family. It vocalizes with many interesting sounds, but it is not an excessive barker.
Height:
The breed stands 24–26 inches high.
Weight:
The Akita Inu breed of dog weighs anywhere from 70–100 lb for females and 75–119 for males.
Health Problems:
Health issues that arise with the Akita Inu breed of dog include problems related to their relatively small-sized hearts and also gastric dilatation volvulus.
* Heart size. As a breed, Akitas have an unusually small heart for their size. A number of Akitas have died while being operated on under the normal dose of general anesthetic for a canine of that size, a dose which ultimately proved excessive and fatal to the Akita. To avoid anesthetic-induced death, only the bare minimum dose of general anesthetic should be used on an Akita Inu.
* Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). Owners of the Akita Inu breed of dog should take special note of the high incidence of GDV in the breed. Excess gas trapped in the dog's stomach causes "bloat." Twisting of the stomach (volvulus or "torsion") causes or is caused by that excess gas. GDV is an emergency condition requiring immediate veterinary treatment. Akita owners should be alert to the symptoms of GDV and know the location of the nearest emergency veterinary facility. Dogs with any symptoms of GDV (esp. unsuccessful attempts at vomiting) should be regarded as having GDV until proven otherwise by a veterinarian.
Symptoms of GDV include:
* Gagging or retching with unsuccessful attempts at vomiting (frothy foam may come up instead)
* Distended abdomen (may or may not be noticeable)
* Discomfort and pain esp. around the abdomen for no apparent reason-- this may be observed as frequent pacing, an inability to find a comfortable position, whimpering, or wincing when pressure is applied to the abdomen
* Weakness
* Depression
* Breathing difficulty
* Hyper salivation and panting
* Possible cardiac problems such as arrhythmias
* Cyanosis (blue gums or skin) in severe cases from a lack of oxygen
Exercise:
The Akita Inu breed of dog should be exercised daily for best health.
Life Expectancy:
Akitas in UK and USA/Canada surveys had a median lifespan of about 10 years.
Grooming:
The Akita Inu breed of dog possesses a double coat, with a dense straight undercoat, and a thick outer coat. This coat makes the dog waterproof, as well as being well-equipped for the fierce winters in northern Japan. Due to the thickness of their coat, the breed requires daily grooming, and also an awareness of the dog's heavy shedding, especially during warm weather. The breed will groom itself like a cat, but daily brushing is still necessary.
Origin:
Japanese history, both verbal and written, describe the ancestors of the Akita Inu, the Matagi dog, as one of the oldest of the native dogs. The Akita Inu of today developed primarily from these dogs in the northernmost region of the island of Honshū in the Akita prefecture, thus providing the breed's name. The Matagi's quarry included elk, antelope, boar, and the 120-stone Yezo bear. This swift, agile, unswervingly tenacious precursor dog tracked large game and held it at bay until the hunters arrived to make the kill. Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
