How to Identify An Akita

The Akita, whose full name is Akita Inu, is the largest of the three species of dog native to Japan. Technically this breed is classified as a member of the Spitz family, though it is more heavily built than a Spitz than would be brought to mind. They are considered a national treasure of Japan and have a long history of loyal service to their masters. In their time they were used by nobility to hunt large game such as boar, were used a guard dogs to protect family households, were used to track outlaws and fugitives over rough terrain, and were even brought to war beside their samurai masters. Nowadays this species is used as a police dog in Japan, as well as guardians and watchdogs internationally. They can also make good pets provided they are trained early on in life. Here is a guide on how to successfully identify an Akita Inu.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog
• Your Eyes

Identifying An Akita

1. Start by looking at the dog’s general shape and build. A male will grow up to 28 inches in height and a female will grow up to twenty six inches at the shoulder. Though not particularly tall, this breed can be up to 110 pounds thanks to a heavy and very muscular build. They have deep chests, wide shoulders, level backs, and tails that curve over to touch the dogs’ back. One particularly unique feature of an Akita is the presence of webbing between its toes, making them extremely good swimmers.

2. Examine the dog’s fur. Akitas have two coat lengths depending on the season. In the summer months an Akita will have a soft coat of fur less than an inch thick. In the winter a secondary coat will grow out that’s about twice that length, making the dog look much thicker and shaggier, it also changes the apparent dimensions of the skull. The only pure color an Akita can have is white; all the other colors are patterned.

3. Look at the dog’s head. Its skull is broad and shaped like a triangle, with a blunted end for its snout. The Akita has small triangular ears pointed forward and in line with its neck. In front of these are small triangular eyes which are typically brown or black. The muzzle shape is similar to that of a German shepherd, though shorter. If the dog matches this description then it’s definitely an Akita Inu.

Tips & Warnings

• The Akita is careful, gentle, and affectionate with its master and family, but may not be so docile around those it considers a stranger or a threat to its family. The species is accustomed to stiff discipline and plenty of physical exercise; it’s not a very good indoor pet though not at all destructive.They just sulk a lot.
• The Akita was used to hunt, track, protect, and fight throughout its long history in Japan. Because of this the dogs are very willful and require solid training as pups. They should not be allowed to come into contact with other dogs or pets because of a somewhat overdeveloped protective instinct. This instinct is so well developed that Japanese mothers have left their children in the dog's care when absolutely necessary. Akitas will care for children, but only the owner's children; they may be dangerous to other people's kids. For that same reason if they are around your children, your children should be taught to be both gentle and kind with the dog, as the Akita will not tolerate being handled roughly.

Resources

• Listing of Reliable Akita Inu Breeders