The Japanese Akita
The Akita Inu is a breed of dog that originates from Japan. In most countries this breed is considered separate of the Akita breed in the United States and recognized by the American Kennel Club. For information on that breed please visit our American Akita page.
Akita Inus stand between 24-28 inches at the withers and weigh between 75-120 pounds. They have a double coat, erect ears, and their tail is curled over the back. Only four coat colors are acceptable on the Akita Inu, red fawn, sesame, brindle, and white.
Recent DNA testing shows that the Akita Inu is one of the oldest breeds of dogs, originally used for hunting. Japa
nese history tells us that the ancestor of the modern day Akita Inu was the Matagi-inu, which literally means hunting dog. In more recent times other breeds were added to make larger and fiercer dogs for dog fighting. Then, in the 1900s the Japanese became interested in preserving their native breeds. At the time there were three different types of dogs that were considered “Akita”. There was the Matagi Akita, which was the one that closest resembled the original hunting dog, the Fighting Akita, which had added mastiff-type breeds, and the German Shepherd Akita, which was the result of “Akitas” crossed with German Shepherd. After WWII dogs began arriving in the USA, most of these dogs were the Fighting and German Shepherd type. These dogs would later be known as the American Akita. The Japanese, however focused on the ancient type, the Matagi. This seemed to be the most pure, without the introductions of other breeds. There selective breeding has given us today’s Japanese Akita, the Akita Inu.Akita Inus are intelligent and fearless dogs. They make excellent guard dogs, and territorial, this makes them aggressive towards other dogs. Generally they do well with children, however early socialization is a must, as well as proper training. Akita Inus get bored when left alone and to their own devices, they do best when they are around their family.
