Akita or Akita Inu

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Japan.

MOST SUITED AS Vermin destroyer and family pet.

SIZE
The ideal shoulder-height is 67cm (28in) for dogs and 61cm (24in) for bitches. Variations of 3cm (1in) will be accepted.

COAT
The dog has straight, coarse covering hair with a soft dense undercoat. Permitted colours with the Japanese breed society are red, white, and streaked. A dark face is regarded in Japan as a fault.
In some countries such as the USA spotted and speckled dogs with a black face are permitted at shows. In such countries these coats are much favoured.

CARE REQUIRED
This breed is easy to care for. About twice per year they have a brief heavy moulting when a good comb with a double set of metal teeth should be used.

CHARACTER
These are equable, thoughtful, intelligent, and friendly dogs which are reasonably obedient, imperturbable, have a strong hunting instinct, are good watchdogs without barking too much, but they can also be independent and rather dominant. They will become friends, never slaves.

TRAINING
With a confident handler who is consistent in his approach, the Japanese Akita can learn a great deal. They do best if the drills are not constantly repeated. They are not a suitable breed for beginners unless you follow advice very closely.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Most Japanese Akitas have no time for other dogs and prefer not to have any other dog for company. They virtually all tend to extreme dominancy with other dogs, especially ones of their own sex.
They need to become acquainted with cats and other animals early on to prevent later problems. They usually get on reasonably well with children, provided the children do not invade the dog's own territory. They could never be considered a playmate for them. Strangers will get a rather reserved reception from this dog.

EXERCISE
Japanese Akitas have considerable stamina but if you miss a long walk one day, they will accept it without a fuss.Never forget that they have strong hunting instincts so that if they are permitted to run free, there is a strong possibility they will take off.

GENERAL
The Akita is highly revered in Japan as almost a national icon.