| The Japanese Akita is a large, strong dog that is | | | | they see as 'in their care'. Even though this is well |
| known for its strength. Their head is a triangular | | | | known it is still best to be in good control of the dog |
| shape, from looking down on it, heavy with dark | | | | around children as the dog will not tolerate being |
| triangle eyes. Their body is muscular and strong and | | | | teased, so it is best to teach the child to behave |
| should be longer than their height. Their legs should | | | | around the dog. Their nature is to be dominating and |
| be of broad standing and have webbed paws. They | | | | hostile to other dogs and pets. If out walking it is |
| come in an array of colours, red, fawn, white, | | | | best to keep this dog on a lead. This dog can be |
| sesame and brindle. As for their coat, it is a medium | | | | very courageous as well. |
| length with a soft undercoat. They can have | | | | Health issues: The Japanese Akita breed can have hip |
| markings well defined, with or without a mask or | | | | dysplasia. They can have problems with their knees, |
| blaze. Their tail should curl but when held down should | | | | hypothyroid, VKH Pemphigus, SA skin problems and |
| reach the hock. This breed is not an excessive | | | | entropion patella. PRA autoimmune thyroiditis and |
| barker. Although a big dog the body should be in | | | | thyroiditis. |
| balance to look at. | | | | Living conditions: You have to be able to handle the |
| History: The Japanese Akita dog was originally bred in | | | | Japanese Akita breed well. The dog will need a |
| Japan. The Akita has remained the same for | | | | sturdy fenced garden and lots of long walks and |
| centuries, around 300 years. They came from a | | | | training is required. This dog is unsuitable for |
| region if Akita, on the island of Honshu, hence their | | | | apartments, unless you can sufficiently exercise. This |
| name. They are considered a national dog of Japan. | | | | breed needs lots of exercise a few times a day. |
| This dog was bred for hunting and dog fighting. They | | | | Grooming: The Akita has coarse fur, which will shed |
| have been used to hunt bears. | | | | twice yearly, this lasts for a few weeks. They need |
| Temperament: The Japanese Akita are known for | | | | lots of brushing using a firm bristle brush. It is best to |
| their intelligent, boldness and can need firm handling | | | | brush daily. Bathing should not be done often, only |
| due to the dogs high dominance issues. They love | | | | rarely, as this can damage the coat, and removes |
| their human families and protect the children who | | | | the waterproofing of the dog's coat. |