AKITAS 
AKITA HISTORY
Akitas are the largest of the Japanese breeds. Originally, they were bred to hunt fowl, large game, and even bears. A pair of Akitas could hold at bay a Yezo bear, one of the fiercest bears known. Due to their hunting skill, these dogs were called matagi inus -- matagi being a title given to esteemed hunters in Japan and inu meaning dog. The breed slowly evolved from a solely hunting capacity to include guarding and companion capacities as well. Akitas were often left in charge of the children while the parents worked. As their role changed so did their name. They came to be called Akita inus for the Akita area where they came from. Unfortunately, the sport of dog fighting grew in popularity in Japan, and Akitas were bred and used for this sport. This practice has since been abolished but has left its mark on the breed causing dog aggression to become a common attribute among Akitas. Helen Keller is credited with bringing the first Akita to America and the breed grew in popularity until it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973. The Akita Club of America is the parent club of the Akita and was responsible for bringing the breed from its beginnings in this country to its AKC recognized status. Akitas have continued to evolve as a breed. There are now two distinct styles of Akitas -- the American and the Japanese -- that has been split into two breeds in FCI countries with the Japanese style Akita remaining with the name Akita and the American style Akita being called the Greater Japanese Dog (formerly known as the American Akita). Whether to split or not is a topic of hot debate and intense passion here in the United States and in the other non-FCI countries like the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, etc.
THE AKITA LOOK
Akitas today are large, powerful dogs that epitimize loyalty and dignity (though they do have their silly times). They stand from 26 to 28 inches for males and 24 to 26 for females. Weight is between 85 lbs and 120 lbs. Being a Spitz type breed, Akitas have curly tails ranging from three-quarter curls to double curls, erect ears, and double coats that blow, or shed completely, twice a year. The Akita head has been described as a bear head being broad and relatively short. The Akita coat consists of a short, harsh outercoat and a wooly undercoat. There is a recessive trait in the Akita breed for longhair. This is not a desirable trait and such Akitas should be spayed or neutered. Longhair Akitas are, however, Akitas with all the associated characteristics and make wonderful Akita companions. The American-style Akita can be any color as well as combinations of colors, and most have some white on them somewhere. The black mask is a common feature among American-style Akitas although by no means do all American-style Akitas have a black mask. The Japanese-style Akita is more limited in its color options -- white, red, and brindle -- and the black mask is not desired. The differences in these styles in much more than just color with the Japanese style being lighter boned and more refined than the American style. To see and compare the different standards, visit the Akita Action Association web site.
THE MIND OF THE AKITA
Akitas are extremely intelligent dogs and having amazing powers of discrimination. They are, however, also independent and self-thinking dogs. This combination makes it a definite challenge to train Akitas. They are highly trainable but traditional training methods of dog-will-do-anything-for-food don't always work. Owners must become flexible and inventive in their training techniques. Most Akitas have a stubborn streak and all have a great sense of humor. They like to act up in training. So uptight owners soon learn to laugh or they go crazy. This combination of independence and intelligence make Akitas not the ideal dog for everyone. A lot of work is required to raise an Akita puppy into a well-mannered adult. While it is possible for the Akita to do well as a first dog, they are not recommended as a first dog breed. Some previous dog experience is invaluable in raising the Akita puppy and dealing with the Akita adult. That said, there is no breed that is more rewarding to own. The work put in is far surpassed by the rewards.
UNDERSTANDING THE AKITA
Akitas are natural guards. They live to protect their family from harm. Thus, it is essential to teach them early in life what are normal parts of life and what are truly threats. So it is imperative to socialize, socialize, socialize the Akita. Obedience classes cannot be recommended strongly enough for the Akita puppy nor can trips to public places and puppy socialization classes. Akitas also carry the "mental baggage" of their dog fighting ancestors; therefore, most Akitas are dog aggressive. ALL Akitas need to be closely supervised with strange dogs. And Akitas were never intended to coexist in large groups. Same sex aggression is widespread problem with Akitas and maintaining large households of Akitas is tricky at best, disasterous at worst. Some owners manage to do this very well, but they will be the first to tell you it is hard work. Akitas can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time so it is imperative to avoid an Akita fight with any dog much less another Akita. Akitas are also natural predators. Small animals are considered prey and that includes the family cat. Some Akitas are worse than others in this regard but it is wise to supervise any Akita in the presence of cat(s). This drive also leads to squirrel, rabbit, bird, and rodent chasing. This may or may not be a problem where you live but be advised that it is a STRONG impulse to the Akita to chase these animals and, in so doing, run off in the woods further and further away from home and you. So use caution if you decide to ever let an Akita off-leash in a non-enclosed area.
AKITAS AND KIDS
Much has been said about Akitas and children. Part of the Akita history is one of a family guard and babysitter. So, it stands to reason that Akitas have the potential to be child's best friend and guardian. However, some Akitas seem to display this tendency more than others. It is NEVER, NEVER, let me repeat NEVER wise to leave any dog alone with a young child. That said, many Akitas seek out children to be with especially children of their family. Problems can arise when visiting children play rough with family children since an Akita may think that "its" children need protecting and attack the visiting children. Supervised introduction to a child is a must for the Akita. How the relationship progresses from there is up to the individual dog and child. How much freedom is given to the dog around the child is based on the particular child-dog interaction, but it is always best to err on the side of caution.
THE WORK OF THE AKITA
Akitas are classified as a Working Group breed by the American Kennel Club. While they might be more correctly placed in the Hound Group, the Working Group placement indicates the ability of the Akita to perform a variety of tasks. Akitas historically acted as guards, hunters, and companions. Present-day Akita activities include obedience, agility, tracking, pulling carts, pulling sleds, backpacking, acting as therapy dogs, peforming in the conformation ring, and, most importantly, providing their families countless hours of enjoyment just by being their Akita selves and giving their families endless amounts of love.
AKITA RESCUE
There are many people who are out there everyday working to save the abandoned, abused, and homeless Akitas in the many Akita Rescue organizations that unfortunately are needed. Please take the time to visit the sites of these organizations and help out any way you can if it is just an encouraging word via email.
AKITA ORGANIZATIONS
These are organizations dedicated to the promotion of the Akita both as a pet and as a competitor. Power is in numbers and to have a say in the future of the breed -- get involved. Start by checking out the following links.
OTHER AKITA WEB SITES
These are sites that don't really fall into the other categories. Do realize, however, that most dedicated Akita owners are also involved in rescue and Akita organizations so many of these personal pages also contain rescue and club information in addition to specific kennel information. Any of the owner's of these sites would be more than willing to discuss the Akita breed with you so click, look, ask, learn, and enjoy. Welcome to the world of Akitas and Akita-owned people!
If you have an Akita link you would like added to my site, please email me the URL and title. If any links fail to connect you please let me know as well.
If you are looking for Akita graphics, I have some that I have collected. Email me and I will send them. Also, if you have some good Akita graphics you don't mind sharing please send them to me. Thanx!
