Group 6: Utility
Height:
Male: 66 – 71 cm
Female: 58 – 64 cm
Weight:
Male: 27 – 41 kg
Female: 23 – 36 kg
Energy Level: Moderate
Original Function: Hunting, guarding
Lifespan: 10 – 12 yrs
Recommended for: Experienced & knowledgeable handlers. Not a Beginners Dog
Note: If not well socialised from a young age may become aggressive towards other dogs.
The difference Between the Akita and the Japanese Akita.
Looks – There is a difference between how the Akita and Japanese Akita’s are built and the way they look.
The most noticeable difference between the Akita and Japanese Akitas of today is in the shapes of their heads. The Akita is larger-boned with a large triangular head and small eyes resembling the look of a bear.
The Japanese Akita’s head on the other hand, has almond eyes with ears that are set lower and more forward and this Akita resembles the head of an over-sized fox.
Colour – The Japanese Akita’s colours are limited to brindle, white, and red with white markings.
The Akita can be many different colours; often the undercoat has a different colour than the upper coat. However, they have mostly black masks.
Your Choice – If your preference is for a smaller boned dog with a face that looks similar to that of a fox, and you prefer to have a pure bred Japanese type of dog, then the Japanese Akita-Inu is one you will want to buy for yourself and your family.
If you prefer the larger Akita with its historical cross breeding, and its uncanny resemblance to a bear, you should make sure you select a reputable a breeder who specializes in this type of Akita.
Breed – The Japanese Akita-Inu was bred to be a companion dog whereas the Akita was bred to be a guard dog. Even so, the two Akitas have similar temperaments. Each individual dog will of course have its own personality.
It is more important to look at the personality traits of the parents of the puppy that you may want to buy. The puppy will likely inherit a similar temperament and personality to that of the parent dogs.
Please be sure you are prepared and committed to love and care for your Akita before you actually buy that adorable puppy!
General Appearance: Large, powerful alert, with much substance and heavy bone. Large, broad head, with relatively small eyes and erect ears carried forward in line with back of neck; large, curled tail, in balance with head.
Temperament: Dignified, courageous, aloof, tends to show dominance over other dogs, though the trait is not encouraged
Colour: Any colour including white brindle or pinto. Colours are brilliant and clear. Markings are well defined with or without mask or blaze.
Coat: Outer coat coarse, straight, and standing off body. Undercoat soft and dense. Coat at withers and rump is approximately 5 cm, slightly longer than on rest of body, more profuse on tail. No indication of ruff or feathering.
Grooming: A brush once a week while in coat is all they need, and a bath when needed. They shed coat twice a year and it’s a good idea to get a stripping comb and remove all the dead hair.
Exercise: They need moderate but regular exercise to stay in shape.
Health: A robust breed but can have problems with Hip Dysplasia, bloat, eye and thyroid. They need a good diet. Too much red meat or food colors in their diet may cause hot spots and other skin coat problems.