Akita Inu

The Akita or Akita Inu is a breed of large Japanese dog.

Appearance

A fully grown male adult can be over three feet tall at the shoulders. On average a full grown male can reach 120 pounds, a female around 90-100 pounds. Akitas come in many different colors and patterns including white, brindle, black, fawn, and many combinations of these. It is one of the few breeds that the American Kennel Club recognizes in all its coat color variations.

Temperament

Although the AKC has put the Akita in the Working Group, historically, the Akita was used as a hound to run large game, such as bears, in the mountainous areas of Japan. Anyone who has had hounds will recognize that group's very laid back, easygoing temperament in this breed.

Despite their enormous size, they are excellent house dogs. They require only a moderate amount of exercise. Akitas are known to be very quiet dogs, only barking when there is something to bark about. When an Akita dog barks, pay attention.

When raised indoors with children, they are excellent companions. Left unattended in the backyard, they tend to develop "personality" problems and become very destructive to the yard. They are highly pack oriented, thus, isolating them from the pack (i.e., the owner) causes them great stress.

Miscellaneous

* Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog.[1]
* Perhaps the most famous Akita is Hachiko, a dog remembered in Japan for his loyalty. When his owner died, Hachiko returned to the train station every day for the rest of his life to wait for him. A life-size statue of Hachiko still stands at Shibuya Station.

Books about Akita Inu Dogs