 The Akita, known in Japan as the Akita Inu or Akita-ken, is the largest Japanese dog breed and highly revered in Japan where it is considered a national treasure. As well as being the national dog of Japan, the Akita is widely used in that country as a police dog and guard dog although it is believed by some to have been originally bred as a fighting dog. It was also commonly used for hunting bear, boar and deer and for rounding up other large game animals in the mountains of Japan. So versatile is the Akita, it is even used as a sled dog in parts of Alaska!
The Akita dates back over 300 years and is named after Akita Precture, a region in Northern Japan, although an archeological dig discovered a dog called the "peat dog" with obvious similarities to the present day Akita dating back 4,000 years.
The Akita is a large, energetic dog with an easy going disposition and can make a extremely protective and loyal family pet. Despite the fact that its natural instincts make it a superb guard dog, the Akita can also be a loving, affectionate dog if treated properly. Male Akitas usually stand 24 to 28 inches tall and weigh approximately 120 pounds. Females usually weigh about 100 pounds. Akitas can be black, brindle, white, fawn, or any combination or variety of these colours.
Much like the Shiba Inu and other Japanese breeds, the Akita almost became extinct during the second World War. After the war, the popularity of Akitas greatly increased as a result of American servicemen taking them home with them. Today, their popularity continues to grow all over the world. |
