The Akita
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The Akita is one of seven breeds designated as a natural treasure of his native country of Japan. The breed image was carved on ancient Japanese tombs from the time when this majestic breed could be owned only by emperors or other nobility.
The Akita is native to the island of Honshu in the region of Akita in Japan, where it has remained unchanged for centuries. Today, the Akita is considered the national dog of Japan and is designated as a Natural Monument. The breed has had many uses, first as an Imperial guard dog, then as a fighting dog, hunter of deer and bear, for sledding, and for police, army and guard work.
Akita's were developed in the rugged, snowy mountains of northern Japan. On hunts, the Akita was trained to go after wild bears and boars, cornering them and then barking until his master arrived with a bow and arrow or spear. The Akita has keen hunting abilities and can even hunt in deep snow. He has a soft mouth, so he is suitable for waterfowl retrieval.
The first Akita in the United States was brought over by Hellen Keller in 1937. She was given the dog by the Ministry of Education. Later, after the death of the dog, the Ministry forwarded a second Akita to her. Later, more arrived in the United States after World War II when US soldiers, who had fallen in love with the breed while in Japan, brought them back to the States.
In Japan, when a child is born, the proud family will usually receive a small statue of an Akita signifying health, happiness and a long life. If someone is ill, friends will send a statue to express their wish for a speedy recovery.
The Akita is docile, but sometimes spontaneous. Careful and very affectionate with its family. Intelligent, courageous and fearless. It is very willful and needs firm training as a puppy. The Akita is a first class guard dog. Japanese mothers would often leave their children in the family Akita's care. They are extremely faithful and thrive on companionship. The Akita is very aggressive to other dogs and animals and should therefore never be allowed to run off its lead around other animals. It should definitely be supervised with other household pets and children. Although the breed may tolerate and be good with children from his own family, he may not accept other children. If teased, Akita's may bite. Children must be taught to treat these dogs with kindness. This breed can be very food-possessive and willful. They are capable of ferocity, but with firm training, can make a fine pet. Obedience training requires patience, as these dogs tend to get bored quickly. The Akita needs to be with its family. It vocalizes with many interesting sounds, but it is not an excessive barker.
Males are 26-28 inches, females 24-26 inches at the withers.The double coat is composed of a harsh, waterproof outer coat insulated with a thick, soft undercoat. Coat colors are pure white, red, sesame and brindle. The colors should be without clear borders. They were admitted to the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1972, and to regular show classification in the Working Group beginning in 1973.
A health concern with the Akita is Microphthalmia. Anophthalmia and microphthalmia are often used interchangeably. Microphthalmia is a disorder in which one or both eyes are abnormally small, while anophthalmia is the absence of one or both eyes. These rare disorders develop during pregnancy and can be associated with other birth defects.
Another concern is VKH/Uveodermatologic Syndrome, which is loss of pigment (vitiligo) around and under the nose and eyes. Other abnormal findings can include vestibular abnormalities, blood or hair coat and attitude changes due to the disease process. Autoimmune in origin. Once diagnosed, prognosis and immediate treatment options should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Other concerns include hip dysplasia, thyroid disorders, allergies, skin problems and autoimmune.
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