Spotlight Breed: The Akita
by Judy Van Dyke, Akita Owner and Champion


The Noble Akita

The Akita is a Japanese breed named after the mountainous, northern province where it originated.   This large, strong dog was used for bear hunting in the rural areas and the Samuri used them for fighting dogs in the more populated areas. The Akita has been declared a national treasure of Japan.  In fact, an Akita in a home is believed to be a symbol of good health, prosperity and good fortune.

History

The Akita is renowned for its loyalty.  A Professor who taught at the University in Tokyo and lived within walking distance of the train station owned the most famous Akita in the history of the breed, Hachi-Ko, born in 1923. Every morning, he took his dog with him to the station where he caught the train to his work. In the afternoon, Hachi-Ko was always waiting for the professor when he returned. When Hachi-Ko was two, the Professor suffered a fatal stroke at the University and never returned home.  Relatives took the dog, but he persisted in returning to his original home, going from there to the train station where he continued to wait for his beloved master. The professor’s former gardener who was the manager of the train station loved the dog and watched over him.   For the remainder of his life, until he died at the age of 12, Hachi-Ko continued to meet the trains.  There is a famous monument to Hachi-Ko in that train station as well as several other locations in Japan.

Helen Keller was the first person to bring an Akita to the United States from Japan.   Unfortunately, the puppy died at 8 months.  She then acquired his littermate, and this dog remained her friend until his death at 10 years of age.

This magnificent breed nearly became extinct during WWII when the Japanese government ordered the police of the Akita Province to kill all the dogs because they were a drain on the economy -- and to provide fur for the military.  Only the dogs owned by the Police and those hidden in rural areas survived this K-9 holocaust.



Personality

The Akita personality is very complex. While temperaments do vary, of course, the Akita is very intelligent, extremely loyal, and can exhibit aggressive tendencies. These tendencies are almost exclusively towards other same-sex dogs. Akitas are not normally aggressive towards people, but do have a very well developed protective instinct.  Akitas are natural guardians of the home and do not require any guard-dog training.   In fact, they should absolutely NOT be trained for this purpose.  When there is a reason to protect family and property, the Akita will surely do so. They are very quiet dogs and do not bark unless there is a good reason. When an Akita starts barking, pay attention!  

The strongest trait of the Akita is loyalty to its family. The Akita lives as if his only purpose is to protect and spend time with his family. They are typically very gentle with children, and Japanese mothers often left their children with only the Akitas to watch over and protect them. (Of course, young children should never be left unsupervised with dogs of any breed, as the potential for an accident is not worth the risk.)   It cannot be overemphasized that Akitas are very family oriented and do not thrive when kept apart from the family.  

Akitas will take charge if they feels there is a leadership void.  They respond well to consistent, firm but gentle handling and must be treated with respect.  In return, they will treat their owners with the utmost respect.  Obedience training is essential and Akita owners must have the will and energy to handle a large, powerful dog.  Paradoxically, they are serious dogs but can be playful and goofy and have a delightful sense of humor.

Akitas have a high prey drive for small animals. They can be trained to fit into a home where other animals are already established, but it is imperative that the Akita be closely watched around the other animals until peaceful co-existence is established.  My 13-year-old female Akita lives with three large dogs—1 female and two males-- with no problems, although there were conflicts until the pack hierarchy was established and she was recognized as Queen of the domain.  She has always been very gentle with small dogs and puppies (but has killed groundhogs).

 Akitas may grunt, groan, mumble and whine to express themselves.  This verbalizing IS NOT growling and should not be interpreted as a growl--which sounds quite different. After living with an Akita, it is easy to distinguish between their talking and growling.   Also, an Akita may gently take your hand in his mouth to lead you to someplace important (like the treat jar or the refrigerator).  This is not aggression.  It is communication and guidance.

Care and Maintenance

Akitas are clean and odorless (very “cat-like”). Most respond so well to housebreaking that they are trained in a matter of weeks.   They are not hyperactive and fit into a sedentary household (although regular exercise is important).  They will live from 10-14 years with good care and proper nutrition. They do not do well on soybean based dog foods.   Akitas 7 years and older should be fed one of the commercial LITE foods to lessen the onset of kidney disease which is a problem in older Akitas. Hypothyroid disease affects a large percentage of the breed and is easily treated by inexpensive medication. Other diseases found in Akitas include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (blindness) manifested by impaired night vision, hip and elbow problems, autoimmune diseases, and degenerative myelopathy.

Appearance

Akitas always make a lasting first impression. They are large, powerful dogs and their massive heads give them an intimidating, yet dignified, expression. The males range in weight from about 100 to 130 pounds, while the females from 70 to 100 pounds.   They come in a variety of colors and patterns, including brindle, pinto, black, red, and white. Being a northern breed, the Akita has a very dense double coat and is well suited to the cold climates. The Akita coat does lighten considerably in the warmer months to compensate for the heat.   Be forewarned, the Akita “blows” its thick undercoat twice a year and can take up to a month before it is finished.  Invest in a very good vacuum cleaner!

In conclusion, the Akita is an extremely intelligent, large, energetic, and strongly territorial dog whose life is oriented toward his owners. If he is the right dog for you, he is one of the most rewarding breeds to own, but this is also a demanding breed, and should not be casually added to the household.




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