Dogs: The Akita, Strong, Fearless, and Loyal

But Not for Everyone

The Akita is a large, powerful dog breed renowned for its strength and loyalty. First bred in the 1600s to hunt wild boar, deer, and bear in the Akita province of Japan, they are quite fearless. In 1931, Akitas were declared a national monument by the government of Japan.

The appearance of the Akita is very striking. They possess erect ears, a strong snout, and a plume-like tail that bends over the back. They carry a generally noble and dignified bearing. Male Akitas stand between 26-28 inches and weigh 105-115 pounds. Females stand between 24-26 inches and weigh between 75 and 85 pounds. The eyes are medium sized and dark. The neck is thick and muscular and the chest is broad. Akitas have two coats, a thick, furry undercoat and a medium length, thinner overcoat. They come in almost every color. The fur should be combed or brushed several times every week to maintain a healthy coat. The beautiful coat adds to the Akita's already distinguished looks, guaranteeing plenty of admiration from strangers. Unfortunately, Akitas also shed fairly heavily twice a year.

Akitas are certainly not the right dog for everyone. They tend to have dominant personalities and therefore need proper training. They are often aloof around strangers. Some can be aggressive, but most have mild temperaments. For this reason, it is important to find a good Akita breeder who specializes in gentle temperaments.

The Akita has a much more independent personality than most breeds. They can be very stubborn, and may be difficult to teach to obey and come. They are fairly smart and can learn tricks, but may not perform them on command. Some Akitas will fetch a ball, but many will not.

This is an active dog that requires a lot of exercise. If left outside, Akitas may get bored and dig large holes. They usually avoid water. It is not recommended to take Akitas to dog parks and let them off the leash. Though they can be playful, they also have a tendency to fight with other dogs. In public, Akitas are usually well mannered around other people and kids, but may bite if they feel they or their owner is threatened.