Description:

The Akita is independent, bold, and affectionate member of the Working group. A highly rated breed as a watchdog, an Akita will attempt to protect its master at all costs, and due to that can be reserved with other animals and strangers.

History Of The Akita:

The origins of the Akita breed dates back to ancient Japan. It's been discovered that these dogs where depicted on ancient Japanese tombs, which might indicated that today's breed is a consequence of efforts in 19th century to establish seven of the native breeds in Japan.

In time, breeders in Japan aimed to separate some of the traits of these fight dogs out of the Akita's, in particular the black mast, pinto pattern, and breeds large size. Although, in America some of these traits were favored and even encouraged. In an attempted to preserve the original bloodline of the Akita breed, in 1918 the Akita-inu Hozankai Society was established. Later in 1931, this dog breed was announced as an official monument in Japan.

The Akita breed first arrived in the U.S. in 1937. It was at the end of WWII, that a lot of Akita's came to the U.S. with soldiers returning home after battle. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972.

Akita Care:

The Akita is in need of plenty of physical and mental exercise, with an opportunity to run in a secure area or be taken on a jog all appreciated. With sufficient exercise given, the dogs will be content when inside.

These dog are able to live outside if need be, with a high tolerance for cooler climate conditions, although not faring so well in warmer temperatures. Grooming is a good brushing once or twice each week, and more frequently throughout the shedding season.

Health Information:

Health concerns seen in an Akita include CHD, PRA, elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, lymphosarcoma, pemphigus, hypothyroidism, cruciate ligament rupture, and sebaceous adenitis. Vets recommend that these dogs are checked for thyroid, elbow, hip, and eye related problems.

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