"Excuse me, but what kind of dog is that? He looks just like a big bear!"
Chances are, the questioner has just met an Akita, a Natural Treasure of
Japan.
Akitas are most striking and impressive creatures with an attitude of
nobility and an appearance of strength and power. Their most noticeable physical
characteristic is a large, bear-like head with erect, triangular ears set at a
slight angle following the arch of the neck. They have thick, stand-offish
coats, and tight cat feet, well knuckled up. Their tails curl over the top of
the back in a graceful sweep down the loin, into a gentle curl, or into a double
curl. Their colors are rich and clear, like paint on a canvas.
A natural monument in Japan, the Akita's
proud heritage includes hunting large game such as bear,
elk, and boar. This powerful and dignified Dog is renowned for courage and loyalty, but may
not be tolerant of other animals. His luxurious double coat
can include any combination of vibrant colors. Aloof toward
strangers, they form strong family bonds. Highly intelligent
with keen sense of humor, the Akita responds best to
respectful commands and training techniques that rely on
motivation rather than force. Strong-willed and proud,
Akitas are not receptive to abusive methods.
Akitas originated in Japan
many, many years ago, and have been designated a
natural monument of Japan. They are a large, impressive
breed with natural guarding instincts. They can be aloof
with strangers, and are affectionate but not "clingy" with
their family. They tend to be independent, and while they
will always know where you are in your home, they are not
constantly underfoot, or in your face, needing attention as
do some of the more dependent breeds.
Their independent nature means they should NEVER be allowed
to roam loose or off lead in an unfenced area. Early and
constant socialization and training is a must with this
headstrong breed, as they will tend to want to make their
own decisions unless taught otherwise.
The Japanese originally bred them for hunting bear, so they
have a strong hunting instinct. This is another reason they
should never be off leash in an unsecured area, as they will
go off hunting on their own. Their regal demeanor stems
from a dominant attitude. In other words, they feel the
need to be the boss of other dogs. They may get along well
with dogs of the opposite sex that respect them; however
they will not tolerate a challenge from another dog.
Despite their size,
they can do well in a smaller area, as long as they are
given daily exercise.
Their thick double coat "blows" twice a year (this means it
will come out in clumps all over your house). Their
grooming needs are not excessive; regular brushing and nail
trimming, with the brushing stepped up during the coat
blowing period to help get rid of the dead coat and save
some work on your vacuum!
All that being said, why would anyone want one of these
large, challenging dogs that does not appear to ‘live to
please’ as most other breeds do? The breed does have its
benefits, or what those who are suited to the breed consider
an "up" side!
Akitas are generally quiet and not prone to nuisance
barking. Despite their quiet nature, they are natural
guardians. They do not need and should not have special
watch dog training. The Akita will instinctively guard your
home, which is one of the reasons they require extensive
socialization. They need to learn that not allstrangers are threats.
The Akita, despite their generous coat, tends to be a clean
breed with not much of a "doggy" odor. Dirt tends to dry
and fall off a proper Akita coat, and they can often be seen
grooming themselves in a cat-like manner. As mentioned
earlier, they do shed excessively twice a year, when they
lose old undercoat and grow new. However, the rest of the
year shedding is almost non-existent.
Akitas are an independent breed, but most have a silly side
reserved only for those people they know, love and trust.
They do require being a part of a family, and should never
be a trophy relegated to the back yard. Their exercise level
is medium. They will be happy with a good walk or jog, and
are not an overly hyper breed.
Finally, this is a breed that requires respect, from family,
friends and strangers; a hard concept for some people to
grasp. This does not mean that they do not respect their
owners or see them as leaders. If trained properly,
they will and should see every member of the family as a
leader, above them in the "pack order". Unfair or abusive
treatment and training will lead to an Akita that resents
you.
In addition, friends and strangers should wait to be
properly introduced. Akitas are not given to
indiscriminate friendships and do not need or want attention
from every person that crosses their path. This does not
mean that people should be afraid of an Akita. This does
mean they should treat them as the beautiful, noble breed
they are, giving them their space and respect, not
forcing themselves on the dog. |