Akita

In feudal Japan this magnificent working breed was used as a guard dog for nobility, as well as for hunting black bear and wild boar. The Akita still maintains its noble and dignified persona, and is not a breed for the faint of heart. Impressive and beautiful, Akitas know no fear and are a great defender of the family. However, they can also be loving and amusing, but do need excellent training and socialization especially when young. The best trainer would be its owner due to the need to bond, and will attach dutifully to the right human, and for life. Yet having a professional assist you in the training process would be helpful, for this is a challenging breed to train. Akitas just want to be cherished and doted upon. But, it is vital that they know you are the dominant one, and not them. They are not a good breed for new dog owners, apartment dwellers, or families with small children. Akitas are a sensitive breed, and do not like being alone, they want to live indoors with you, and be the only pet in the house. They also are not a backyard dog, if they are forgotten and with nothing to do they can become violent and destructive. Cold weather is not really an issue for them, but the heat can be. The breed does have a high energy level, and needs lots of varied exercise and play, about 30-60 minutes a day. They are mouthy and love to carry something in their mouth, so giving them a task would be helpful to them. The Akita has something in common with a cat: they like to lick their coat, as well as stalk and pounce. Akitas are typically 24-28 inches high, and generally weigh 70-130 pounds, not exactly a lap dog. Their coloring is striking as they can be white, black, chocolate, brindle, or a varied blend of colors. They are double coated and have a thick and plush undercoat and a short top coat. They are easy to groom, even though they shed a lot, and weekly brushing and baths every few months would be sufficient. They do need their nails trimmed monthly, as well as their ears checked weekly. Akitas are ordinarily a healthy breed and with proper care can live a long and happy life.

Each dog breed can be prone to develop certain diseases or conditions, be sure to research your specific breed before making a purchase to ensure you´re prepared for any challenges that may arise. This information is only a generalization and we make no guarantees on any breed related to personality, appearance, or typical health characteristics.