The Akita has been a respected and much loved Japanese breed for over 3,000 years old. It originated in the Northern part of Japan many centuries ago. The name of the dog, Akita, comes from a rugged, mountainous area at the Northern part of the Honshu Island. It was known as the matagiinu or the matagi which means as the “esteemed hunter”. Because of its hunting skills it was used for hunting deer, black bear and wild boar (McDonald ). The hunting abilities of Akita include great strength, silence, keen eye and nose, speed and its sturdy body suitable for hunting in snows. In the 17th century, they were used in fighting other dogs in some special competitions. The breed has captured the hearts of many citizens in Japan for centuries and, was declared a National monument in 1931.
There are two types of Akita dogs, they include; the Japanese Akita breed and the American Akita dog. The weights and sizes of the two types of dogs are different. The Japanese breed standard do not allow for a black mask while the American standard allows a black mask. It is thought that the breed was brought in America by servicemen coming from World War II. Also, an American citizen, Helen Keller was given an Akita by Mr. Ogasawara, a police in Odate city, Japan in 1937.
The Akita is a loyal, courageous and noble dog. They are large in size, are quiet, strong-willed and deliberate, though, it barks when necessary. The Akita can be a good protector of homes as well as a companion. It has a straight, stiff outer coat and a thick undercoat. The breed shed at a high rate, almost twice a year. The coat of the dog requires weekly brushing which will keep its coat healthy also decreasing shedding. Brushing requires to be done frequently especially during peak shedding seasons.
The Akitas can be very smart but, are also known to be willing and stubborn. These makes training Akitas very challenging but is also a necessity. It is hesitant when it is around strangers, which makes them not to get along with other dogs. In addition, it has a high energy level and should be exercised at least twice in a day.
The Akita thrives in households, showing great loyalty and affection to its family. They can be surprisingly affectionate and sweet with family members. It may get along well with kids if it is carefully socialized and thus grows being protective to them. They are also very protective of their pack and home. If they get to know that their home or pack is being threatened they become very aggressive. The Akita likes carrying things in its mouth, and this may include their friend wrist. This is a way of communicating with the ones he loves. For instance, he may take you to his leash for a walk or any other thing that comes into his head. The Akita shows glooming habits by licking its body. He does not growl or bark to a prey before it springs into action but he will stalk his prey very silently his body being low to the ground.
The Akitas are large and powerful dogs. For instance, males reach up to about 28 inches high, and they can weigh up to 135 pounds. Female Akitas can reach up to 23-25 inches in height, and 80-90 pounds of weight. Due to this, they require regular exercise in order to maintain physical and muscle tone. Exercising also prevents them from becoming overweight which might cause heart and hips failure.
A good character about Akita is of its good character. The Akitas are a renowned breed because of their stanch loyalty to their owners (Linderman, and Funx ). They are very loyal to their masters but the master should keep in mind that they are the Alpha pack leaders in their homes or else the Akita may assume that role. Thus, it is good for the master to establish his or her dominance early to ensure that it becomes loyal and loving companion. The Akitas are very intelligent. They possess human like intelligence and a high capacity for learning. Their intelligence makes them to be easily trainable if they are engaged in regular training. They respond to their masters’ wishes if they are trained properly.
The Akita lives in cool and moderate climates but, may also do well if allowed to sleep indoors. Though being generally healthy, the Akitas are liable to get into certain conditions and diseases. The most challenging health issue associated with the Akitas is the progressive retinal atrophy and the canine hip dysplasia. Other secondary concerns include lymphosarcoma, cruciate ligament rupture, gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, pelmphigus, sebaceous adenitis, and elbow dysplasia. Akitas that are well taken care of may live for 10-12 years (Bouyet ).
For a person who wants to buy an Akita, it is very important to spend some time researching on how you will train this particular breed. This is because they do not respond well to insensitive training methods. If you respect the dog, the dog will also respect you. Special care need to be taken when raising an Akita. A securely fenced yard is important for the safety of the Akita itself and of the strangers. It is recommended that the Akita should be feed with 3-5 cups of high quality food a day.