History of the Akita Breed
The modern Akita can be traced back to the 17th century, when a nobleman was exiled to the Akita Prefecture of the island of Honshu, a rugged area with brutally cold winters. He challenged area landowners to compete in breeding powerful hunting dogs. The dogs they bred – the Akita forebears – were called matagi-inu, or “hunting dog.” In the late 1800s, the breed was often used as a fighting dog, and some were even crossed with other breeds in an attempt to enhance its fighting prowess. In 1927, the Akita-inu Hozankai Society of Japan was formed to preserve the original Akita, and in 1931 the Akita was designated as one of Japan’s natural treasures. The most honored Akita of all time was Haichiko, who greeted his master every evening at the train station to accompany him home. When his master died at work one day, Haichiko waited for him and continued to return and wait for his master every day until he died nine years later on March 8, 1935. Today, a statue and annual ceremony pay homage to Haichiko’s loyalty. The first Akita arrived in America in 1937, when Helen Keller returned from Japan with one. Following World War II, servicemen returned home with Akitas from Japan. The breed’s popularity grew slowly until it received AKC recognition in 1972. In Japan, the Akita is now used as a guard and police dog.
Size and Appearance of the Akita
The Akita is a large and powerful dog breed with heavy bone, a muscular body and a strong, short muzzle. The Akita is a versatile dog of large spitz type. The Akita’s powerful build and brisk gait reflect its original job of hunting big game through deep snow and rugged terrain. Double-coated, Akitas have a dense undercoat and a straight, harsh, outer coat about 2 inches long standing out from their bodies. The double coat provides insulation from water and weather. Akitas' coats can be of any color including white, brindle and pinto.
Akita Temperament
Faithful and affectionate, the Akita loves human companionship. The Akita is loyal to family and friends and is unusually tolerant and patient with children, but is reserved and aloof with strangers. It is able to perform as a hunting companion and protector. It can be aggressive toward other dogs and domineering. Early socialization is a must to be assured that the Akita will not become aggressive. Though not the breed for everyone, in the right hands the Akita is an excellent companion.
Akita Recommended Maintenance
Akitas have a straight, harsh outercoat and a soft, dense undercoat. Regular brushing is required to keep the coat looking neat, particularly during periods when the coat sheds. The Akita craves mental and physical exercise every day. It needs to run in a safe area or on leash for a long jog. The owner of an Akita should be an energetic and consistent disciplinarian in order to handle this large and powerful dog breed. With sufficient exercise and training, an Akita can be a quiet and well-mannered house dog. The Akita is able to live outdoors in temperate or cool climates, but best suited for indoor living. Akitas tend to be somewhat messy drinkers! Notably, onions have been documented to cause changes in the red-blood cells of Akitas and, therefore, it is vigorously recommended that Akitas never receive table food.
Akita Health
• Life span: 10 - 12 years
• Major concerns: Canine Hip Dysplasia, PRA
• Minor concerns: elbow dysplasia, pemphigus, sebaceous adenitis, gastric torsion
• Occasionally seen: patellar luxation, VKH-like syndrome, entropion, epilepsy, cataracts, polyneuropathy, renal cortical hypoplasia
• Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye
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