AMERICAN AKITA Fact File
Original Function: Hunting large game and fighting
Modern Function: Guard dog, companion, showdog.
Appearance: Large and impressive, with much substance and heavy bone. A broad head, with deep muzzle, relatively small eyes and erect ears carried forward are characteristic of the breed. The high set, curled tail carried over the back is also characteristic of the breed, tail can be ¾, full or double curled.
Weight/Height: 66-71cm for males and 61-66cm for females
Coat Colours/Texture:Double coat, undercoat is thick, soft and very dense and shorter than the outercoat. Outercoat is straight, harsh and standing somewhat off of the body. Hair on head, lower legs and ears is short. Any colour like red, fawn, white or a combination of these is acceptable, they can also have a brindle pattern (striped). White dogs have no mask but other colours generally have a black mask.
Grooming:Due to dense undercoat, weekly brushing with a monthly bath and blow dry is recommended.
Character/Temperament: Known to have aggression issues with other dogs, especially of the same sex, this can be overcome to an extent with early socialization. They make excellent guard dogs but when out in public they should be approachable, alert and dignified. Off lead walking in public is never recommended. Akita’s do not tolerate out of control behaviour by other animals and will try and control the situation. Any fight is an invitation for an Akita to join in even if they were not the cause of the initial interaction.
Compatibility with other animals/cats: They generally accept what they have grown up with, all interactions must however be monitored and off lead walking in public is never recommended.
Compatibility with people/children: Perfect family dog, not demanding of attention at all and they are happy to just be near their family members. At home they tend to be natural guards and will be wary of strangers and people they don’t know well, this is different when they are out in public as long as they have been well socialized.
Indoors/Outdoors: Both, they are very adaptable
Exercise/Training: Moderate exercise, easily trained but not always obedient (with the right motivation or treat they will perform if they choose to.
Longevity/Health: Up to 14 years. Occur sometimes: hipdysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, cruciate ligament tear, heart.
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