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Each MetPet FlyToy is handmade by skilled artisans with great attention to detail.  They come in the form of bugs, amphibians, mammals and more in three very reasonable price points.

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Akita

  Large Breed

Akita Breed Information Illustration
See your Akita's photograph or illustration on
our dog breed pages

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  Working Dog
   
     
  Country of Origin Akita Prefecture on Honshu Island in Japan in the 1600s
  Ancestry The Akita is a descendant of the large, tough, cold-weather hunting dogs called Matagi-inu. 
Original  Function The Akita was developed to hunt boar, bear and deer in cold and rugged territory. 
  Height at Shoulder Female 23-26"  Male: 25-28"
  Weight Female 65-110 lbs  Male 85-130 lbs
  Lifespan 12 Years
  Coat The Akita has a heavy double coat that consists of a thick, insulating undercoat and a short, upstanding outer coat of approximately 2" long guard hairs.  Akita coats come in a variety of colors including white, brindle, pinto, red fawn and sesame, a black tipped variation of red fawn.
  Tail Strong, bushy, curled tail held over the back and sometimes dipping below the back line.
  Head Strong, wedge-shaped head with a flat skull.
  Ears Medium-sized, prick ears. 
  Related Breeds Some enthusiasts prefer to separate the Akita into two breeds: the American Akita and the Japanese Akita.  In the USA, they are generally regarded as a single breed. 
  Alternative Names Akita-ken, Akita Inu (dog), Japanese Akita
  Nicknames  
  Famous Individuals Hachiko of Shibuya who came to greet her owner at the train station everyday for years after he had died.  Her statue is a favorite meeting place to this day.

 

  Grooming: The Akita has a double coat consisting of a warm, dense undercoat and a stiffer outer coat that stands away from the body. The undercoat requires frequent brushing particularly during shedding seasons.  Having an Akita in the house requires frequent picking up of stray hairs. 

The Akita may also be a messy drinker. 
Exercise requirements: Moderate.  The Akita requires daily exercise but is not overly energetic.  As long as the temperature is cool to cold, the Akita will enjoy a hike or jog.  When the temperature is high, the Akita will prefer the air conditioned house to running around in the mid afternoon.
  Aggression: The Akita is a very good watchdog and guardian.  In this capacity, the Akita can be aggressive towards strangers and strange dogs.  Due to its size and willingness to guard territory and people, the Akita can be an intimidating dog. 

The Akita can be dangerous towards small animals and must be acclimated towards other animals and children.  Some Akitas may never be comfortable around smaller animals or other dogs.  Akitas may also be food aggressive. 

  Temperament: The Akita is tough, independent and can be stubborn.  The Akita is a serious working dog that may not be as outgoing and friendly as some people prefer.  Inside the home, Akitas can be sensitive and do not like being left alone and away from the family. 
  Owner requirement: Firm and physically strong.  The Akita is a large, muscular, strong dog that can become domineering without sufficient exercise and training.  Owners must be willing to provide training and socialization from an early age.  The Akita is an intelligent dog that can become destructive without sufficient mental stimulation.  With good, early and ongoing training and time with the family, the Akita can be a calm companion. 
  Trainability Moderate
  Health concerns Canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elbow dysplasia, bloat and gastric torsion, sebaceous adenitis, pemphigus, patellar luxation, entropion, epilepsy, cataracts, renal cortical hypoplasia, polyneuropathy.
  Environmental requirements: The Akita, with its thick double coat, has a very good tolerance for cold and a very low tolerance for heat.  The Akita requires strong fencing and should not be allowed to wander at will as it can be aggressive towards other animals. 
  Feeding requirements: The Akita requires more frequent, smaller meals to prevent bloat.  Although all dogs should avoid onions (particularly raw onions), Akitas may be particularly susceptible to anemia caused by onions. Akitas can also suffer from obesity especially as they age or when they do not receive sufficient exercise. 
AKC: American Kennel Club USA: Working Group since 1972
UKC: United Kennel Club USA: Northern Breeds
CKC: Canadian Kennel Club: Group 3 Working Dogs 
FCI: Fédération Cynologique Internationale: Spitz and Primitive Types
   (Group 5/Section 5/Breed 255)
ANKC: Australian National Kennel Council: Group 6 Utility
KCUK: Kennel Club United Kingdom: Utility
NZKC: New Zealand Kennel Club: Utility
The forebears of the Akita, the Matagi-inu were dogs developed for big game hunting in the Akita Prefecture of Honshu Island, Japan.  The Akita breed has a rather murky history between the 1600s and the late 1800s.  Some believe that the Akita was used as a fighting dog as well as a hunting and watchdog.

The Akita-inu Hozankai Society of Japan was formed in 1927 to preserve the breed and another club, the Nipponken Hozonkai in 1928, began registering Akitas to a written standard.  In 1931 the Akita was designated a national treasure of Japan.  In 1932 the publication of the story of the loyal Hachiko further helped popularize Akitas.  In 1937, a present of an Akita was made to Helen Keller.  Akitas came close to dying out as a breed during the World War II. 

The Akita has a reputation as an aloof and sometimes aggressive dog.  It is an excellent watchdog although it does not bark excessively.  The Akita is also an excellent guardian dog.  Akitas can chase and harm or kill small animals and can be aggressive around strange dogs.  This is generally not a good choice for a first time dog person as Akitas are large, strong, sometimes domineering dogs that require skill and a firm hand. 
 

 

 

 
 
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