The Japanese Akita Dog Breed is a member of the Japanese Spitz breed. They are active, intelligent, loyal dogs that make excellent family pets and guard dogs. A well-socialized Akita will also make an excellent therapy dog or service dog to help people with disabilities.
The Japanese Akita Dog Breed is one of the six original Japanese Spitz breeds developed in the northern Japanese country. Despite this, these dogs were not kept as pets but for their hunting abilities and ability to keep warm in cold weather.
These dogs became known as the Akita after their native province of herding abilities. The other five original Japanese Spitz breeds are Hokkaido Dog, Ainu Dog, Kai Dog, Shikoku Dog, and Honshu Hound. The similarities between these breeds have led some researchers to regard them as having originated from a single common ancestor, although this has never been proven.
The Akita Dog is a medium-sized spitz-type dog. They can weigh from 45 to 65 lbs depending on the variant of the breed. The AKC breed standard recommends specific physical characteristics for the breed, such as a massive head and foreface, a muscular neck, a broad chest, and a deep brisket. Their coat can either be a single color or have a mixture of black, red, and tan markings, known as “tummo” markings.
The Akita Dog has a beautiful tail, usually docked at the base. This dog has a relatively low-pitched bark that is often followed by silence. The Akita Dog is highly loyal to its family and other people it knows. This dog is typically thrilled to see its owner and will wag its tail, lick its face and show an interest in whatever they are doing. Akitas are brilliant dogs and can quickly become bored if their daily routine is interrupted.
For this reason, keeping them busy and out of the house for short periods each day is essential. Akitas are highly protective of their family and will try to protect them at all costs. They are a strong breed and are not afraid of confrontations and will stand their ground and be highly aggressive if they feel their family is threatened.
Japanese Akita Dog Breed Variations
There are various minor variations of the Akita Dog, including the Akitachi, Ako, Hako, Hachiju, and Kita. These are all breeds in their own right and are not considered variations of the Akita Dog. There is also a rarer breed, the Sibushu, derived from the Akita.
History of the Akita Dog Breed
The Akita Dog was originally bred in Japan during the middle ages as a herding dog and was used to drive goats and sheep into pens. The dogs used in this process were thought to have developed a fearsome appearance due to the work they had to endure and the stress that came with it.
They were also thought to have developed a protectiveness towards their owner that is still present today. Some people believe that a herding dog is a direct descendant of the grey wolf; this is how these dogs are referred to as “Japanese wolves.” During the early 1900s, the Japanese government began restricting the importation of foreign dogs.
The Akita Dog was then bred more heavily in the mountainous regions of Japan and outside the government’s control. These dogs were thought to have become more muscular and powerful, and their aggressive tendencies were also thought to have significantly increased.
Soon after World War II, the dogs were further bred for fighting as a way to both release aggression as well as to create dogs that were significantly larger than before.
AKC Standard for the Japanese Akita Dog Breed
The Akita Dog is a standard-size dog that is a giant in size. They should have a massive head and foreface, a muscular neck, and a deep brisket. They should have a triangular or wedge-shaped tail that is never docked. Their coat can either be a single color or have a mixture of black, red, and tan markings known as “tummo.”
The Akita Dog has a relatively low-pitched bark that is often followed by silence. They should have a well-developed coat that sheds minimally throughout the year. This breed is moderately active indoors and moderately active outdoors.
Health Problems in the Japanese Akita Dog Breed
The Akita Dog is a strong breed and is considered a healthy breed, meaning that they are unlikely to develop many health problems due to their breed. Some health problems seen in other breeds of dogs include hip dysplasia, bloat, eye problems, cancer, and diabetes. The Akita Dog breed is not prone to any specific health issues.
Personality traits of the Japanese Akita Dog Breed
The Akita Dog is an intelligent and loyal breed highly protective of its family. This dog is often very vocal and will alert its owners to danger or anything that appears out of the ordinary. They are a strong breed and are not afraid of confrontations and will stand their ground and be highly aggressive if they feel their family is threatened.
The Akita Dog is a highly social and loving dog that will enthusiastically greet new people and other dogs. They are also highly trainable and can often be taught to perform several tricks. They are not recommended for owners who wish to use them as guard dogs, as they are not aggressive enough to protect their families.
Conclusion
The Japanese Akita Dog Breed is a loyal, protective, brilliant dog that makes an excellent family pet and guards dog. This dog is highly protective of its family and will try to protect them at all costs.
They are a strong breed and are not afraid of confrontations and will stand their ground and be highly aggressive if they feel their family is threatened. The Akita Dog is a robust, healthy, and loyal breed that makes an excellent family pet and guard dog.