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"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 colours 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 colours. Aloof toward strangers, they form strong
family bonds. Highly intelligent with keen sense of humour, 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 demeanour 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 all strangers are threats.
The Akita, despite their generous coat, tends to be a clean breed
with not much of a "doggy" odour. 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.
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