Description: Japanese Akita
The Japanese Akita, also known simply as Akita, is a large breed of dog originating from the mountainous regions of northern Japan. Distinctive for its noble and intimidating presence, the breed is robust and majestic, with a strong temperament and an aloof attitude. Akitas are revered in Japan for their loyalty and courage, famously epitomized by Hachikō, the loyal dog who waited for his owner every day for nine years following his owner's death. The breed has a thick double coat, which can vary in color, and they are known for their powerful stature and curled tail. While they are reserved and protective, making excellent watchdogs, they may require experienced handling due to their strong will and natural guarding instincts.
Japanese Akita ratings
Properties
The Japanese Akita, also known as Akita Inu, is a distinguished breed known for its noble and intimidating presence. This breed originates from the mountains of northern Japan, and is one of the most popular breeds in its native country. Notably different from their cousins, the American Akitas, the Japanese Akita has a more fox-like appearance with a more reserved and dignified aura.
Physically, the Akita Inu typically displays a robust, strong build and is renowned for its powerful stance. They generally weigh between 70 to 130 pounds, and their height ranges from 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder. The breed features a double coat that can be any color including white, brindle, or red. The dense undercoat is accompanied by a harsh, straight outer coat that requires regular grooming to manage shedding, especially during seasonal changes.
The temperament of the Japanese Akita is complex. Known for their loyalty and courage, they often form a strong bond with their owner, sometimes to the point of being protective. This loyalty, however, can lead to aggressive tendencies if the dog is not properly socialized and trained from an early age. They are generally reserved around strangers and can be protective of their family and territory, making them excellent watchdogs.
Training a Japanese Akita can be a challenge due to their strong will and independent nature. They respond best to consistent, firm, and respectful training methods. Early socialization is critical for this breed to ensure they become well-rounded and well-behaved pets. Despite their challenging nature, with the right training and care, Akitas can be loving and loyal companions.
Akitas have a moderate activity level. They do require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness but are not as hyper as some other breeds. Their exercise needs can typically be met with a couple of brisk walks daily and some playtime in a securely fenced yard.
Health-wise, Japanese Akitas are generally robust, but they are prone to certain genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and autoimmune thyroiditis, among others. It’s important for prospective owners to work with reputably bred Akitas and ensure they receive regular veterinary check-ups.
Overall, the Japanese Akita is a majestic and powerful breed, suited for those who understand and respect their complex nature. With proper care, training, and attention, they can be a deeply loyal companion, epitomizing the revered aspects of their storied heritage.
Appearance
The Japanese Akita, also known as Akita Inu, is a distinctive and powerful breed with a noble and intimidating presence. Originally bred for guarding royalty and nobility in feudal Japan, this breed carries a heritage of strength and loyalty. A breed hallmark is its physical appearance, characterized by size, structure, and a dignified stance.
The Akita's build is robust and heavy-boned, reflecting its history as a hunter of large game. Typically, males stand between 26 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 100 to 130 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, usually standing 24 to 26 inches tall and weighing 70 to 100 pounds. They possess a deep, broad chest and a level back, conveying power and stability.
One of the most captivating features of the Japanese Akita is its head, which is broad, with a flat skull and a short, strong muzzle. The eyes are small, dark, and deeply set, conveying the breed’s characteristic 'intense' look. Additionally, their ears are small in proportion to the rest of the head, sharply pointed and carried erect, contributing to their alert and vigilant expression.
The breed's double coat is another distinctive feature, consisting of a dense, plush undercoat with a harsh, straight outer coat. It is slightly longer around the shoulders and the rear end, with a magnificent tail that curls over the back, giving them a marked silhouette. This coat can protect them from the harsh winters and was a benefit in their original utilitarian roles in the cold regions of Japan.
The coloration of the Akita’s coat varies and includes white, brindle, and pinto, with markings that are well balanced, with or without a mask. Each characteristic color and marking on their coat is considered proper, without any preference given one over the other.
Despite their robust build, Akitas move with a lively, resilient gait suggesting agility and strength. When at a trot, their movement is smooth and powerful, with a well-balanced reach and drive. The overall appearance of the Japanese Akita not only reflects the breed’s physical abilities but also its temperament of alertness, dignity, and profound loyalty, all of which contribute to the breed’s striking impact.
History
The Japanese Akita, also known simply as 'Akita', is a breed of large dog originating from the mountainous northern regions of Japan. The breed is named after the Akita Prefecture, where it was believed to have been first developed. The breed's history can be traced back several centuries, and they have played a diverse range of roles throughout their history.
The origins of the Akita can be linked to the early 17th century when the breed was cultivated by the noble class to hunt large game, such as bears, boars, and deer. The dogs were celebrated for their loyalty, courage, and strength. This association with the samurai class of Japan bestowed a high status on the Akita, and they were often involved in dog fighting, a popular sport among the samurai to test their dogs’ fighting spirit and endurance.
As Japan began to modernize in the late 19th to early 20th century, the breed’s existence was threatened by a decline in big game populations and the increasing popularity of western dog breeds. During this time, the Akita was crossbred with other breeds, which nearly led to the dilution of the pure Akita lineage. Reacting to this, a group of dedicated Japanese nationalists started the Akita Inu Hozankai Society in 1927 with the goal of preserving the original Akita breed. Their efforts were impacted by World War II when many Akitas were used in the war effort or fell victim to famine.
Post-war, efforts intensified to preserve and restore the breed to its former glory, distinguishing the pure Japanese strains from those mixed with Western breeds, particularly the American Akita. The American occupation forces' interest in the Akita dog helped to revive the breed, and the exchange between Japan and America helped to solidify two distinct types: the Japanese Akita Inu and the American Akita.
Today, the Japanese Akita has a devoted following both in its homeland and abroad. It is celebrated as a national treasure in Japan, with the breed symbolizing good health, happiness, and long life. Worldwide, the Japanese Akita is recognized for its dignified and reserved nature, making it a popular choice for a family pet and a symbol in cultural references, like the famous story of Hachiko, the loyal Akita who waited for his deceased owner for years at a Tokyo train station. The breed continues to be a symbol of loyalty and resilience, attributes deeply rooted in its storied history.