| Breed group: Working | | | | stand out in an environment where both owners work. |
| Weight: Males 75-120 lbs, Females 75-110 lbs | | | | It is advised that potential owners have some |
| Height: Males 26-28 inches, Females 24-26 inches | | | | experience in dog ownership as this breed can show |
| Overview | | | | some aggression toward other dogs. The Akita is |
| The Akita originated from the Akita region in Japan, | | | | quick to respond, very noble and also a very brave |
| and this breed is more than 3000 years old. The Akita | | | | dog. |
| has captured the hearts of the Japanese people for | | | | Care |
| many years now. Akitas are seen as the national dogs | | | | Akitas require a fair amount of grooming in order to |
| of Japan where they have also been selected as a | | | | keep their coats in a good condition. These dogs |
| Natural Monument. This breed is used as guard dogs, | | | | should be brushed with a hair brush daily. A gentle |
| fighting dogs and hunters - and also to perform army | | | | shampoo should be used to bathe these dogs with, but |
| and guard work. The Akita is a very good hunting dog, | | | | only when really necessary. If the shampoo is not |
| and they are also able to hunt in deep snow. Akitas | | | | gentle enough, it might strip their coats from its natural |
| captured the hearts of the Japanese people | | | | oils. |
| Temperament | | | | Training |
| This is a breed that thrives on human attention. The | | | | Akitas should have thorough training sessions. It is vital |
| Akita is a very loyal dog - but they can be wary of | | | | for these dogs to be submitted to sufficient |
| strangers at times. Akitas are bright dogs that do not | | | | socialization and obedience training. It is also very |
| show a lot of fear. This is a dog that will protect its | | | | important that the owners of these dogs establish their |
| family and territory fiercely - and they can be very | | | | dominance; otherwise these dogs will try to take |
| aggressive towards other animals. These dogs do | | | | control. The Akita will not do well if there are treated in |
| very well as guard dogs, but owners will be happy to | | | | a heavy-handed manner. These dogs should be |
| know that they do not bark excessively. Seeing that | | | | handled in a patient and kind manner that is also |
| the Akitas love human companionship, they will not | | | | steady. Akitas are fairly easy to housetrain. |