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ABOUT DOG BREEDS
 AKITA
Description Temperament Height and Weight Health Problems
Ideal Living Conditions Exercise Life Expectancy Litter Size
Grooming Origin Group Color
Breed Clubs Breed Rescues

Description
The Akita is a large dog with very strong features that appear to extend forward. Its head and muzzle are massive with a flat appearance. Its thick neck extends down to the body, which is broad and well developed. It has a double coat that is thick and soft on the bottom layer and straight and coarse on the top layer. The coat is longest and most abundant on the tail, which is large and tightly curled back toward the torso. In contrast to the head and the rest of the body, the ears are small and stand at alert.
Temperament
The Akita has a proud and domineering appearance, but shows warmth and devotion to its family. Aggression is natural behavior. However, it can be easily trained to coexist harmoniously with other family pets and friendly to invited guests. Protecting its owners and their home is also a natural behavior. Will not withhold aggression when encountering any uninvited guests to his familyтАЩs home. Fine with children, but should not leave alone with them since children may tease and this may cause the dog to bite the child.
Height and Weight
Male height: 24-28 inchesMale weight: 80-130Female height: 22-26 inchesFemale weight: 60-110 pounds
Health Problems
The main health problems are hip dysplasia, PRA, sebaceous adenitis, gastric torsion, and elbow dysplasia. Less common health issues that may develop include epilepsy, cataracts, renal cortical hypoplasia, and polyneuropathy.
Ideal Living Conditions
The ideal living conditions for the Akita is a fenced yeard with lots of space. This will enable it to get exercise. The yard must be fenced and secure to keep the Akita from getting out and roaming the streets The Akita can be trained to live indoors, however, they will require outdoor exercise. Housebreaking them is no problem sincey they are considered to be clean as cats.
Exercise
Regular exercise is important for the Akita. It enjoys companionship and would prefer a walk alongside a family member, but can easily fulfill its exercise needs in a fenced yard.
Life Expectancy
10 - 12 years
Litter Size
Akita can have as many as 12 puppies. The averrage litter size is 8.
Grooming
The double coat of the Akita means that it will shed several times during the year. More attention to the coat is required when the Akita is kept indoors since it can blow its coat in large clumps. Regular brushing will help to remove any loose hair and keep the top coat smooth. A bath with a gentle shampoo or soap and conditioner will shorten the shedding process and keep the coat healthy looking. The Akita is susceptible to skin irritations, so careful attention to remove all traces of shampoo/soap and conditioner is necessary.
Origin
Also referred to as Akita Inu, the Akita is believed to have originated some time during the 1600s i
Group
Working Group
Color
Akita are a rainbow of colors, the most common being a shade of brown. With all colors, the coat is usually combined with black. The mask is usually black or white. Markings in black or white are also very common.
Breed Clubs
Akita Club of America http://www.akitaclub.org Akita Club of Canada http://www.total.net/~akitas/acc.html Japanese Akita Club of America http://www.akita-inu.com
Breed Rescues
Akita Rescue Society of America http://www.akitarescue.com Akita Rescue Mid-Atlantic Coast, Inc (ARMAC) http://www.akitarescue.org Akita Rescue Canada http://www.akitanetwork.com/Rescue/canadianrescues.htm

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