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Akita dog breed: Everything you need to know

The Akita is a big, strong and courageous breed of dog that is highly regarded as a guard and hunting dog. They are very protective of their territory and will not hesitate to protect their loved ones or family with their lives. It was created in the 1800s for hunting large game such as bear, deer and boar among other animals. Its Japanese name means “brave-strong”. They typically grow over 45cm (18″) at the shoulder and weigh 40kg (88lbs) or more making them one of the largest breeds in its category.

The Akita is a very muscular dog with a beautiful thick double coat that comes in red, white, brindle, fawn or black. It has a very proud posture and has strong limbs with well-developed muscles. It has a well-muscled neck and shoulders with an impressive head that is broad at the eyes and narrow at the cheeks. Its large ears are triangular while its eyes are almond-shaped. The tail should be carried over the back when relaxed but will drop to one side when it is alert or happy.

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The body is short and powerful and the Akita has a very strong jaw and skull. It also has a broad chest and shoulders with well-developed pectorals and forelegs with muscular bodies. The feet are robust with strong bones and very tough pads for gripping when needed. The tail is covered in long hair when the dog is alert but is usually left to hang loose when they are not alert or happy.

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Akita dogs have a double coat with the under-layer being soft, thick, dense, straight and hard-haired. This layer protects their skin from the cold and is thick enough to keep water from getting through while still being soft enough to allow the dog to move easily. The outer coat is slightly longer and coarser. It can have a bewildering assortment of colours including black, blue, fawn, red, brindle and tan. The undercoat is short and dense while the overcoat varies in length depending on the dog’s personality type.

The Akita dog breed has a very strong sense of smell which allows them to track prey with ease. They are very protective of their families and territory making them great guard dogs against intruders as well as good family dogs. They are not aggressive but they are very territorial and will make you aware of any trespassers. If the Akita is socialized correctly from an early age, it can be great with people of all ages. They are good with children but should not be left unsupervised as they are large dogs that can knock a child over without meaning to.

AKITA TRAINING

The Akita is very intelligent but they can be stubborn when it comes to training. Training in the early stages of their lives is very important to prevent them from developing aggressive tendencies. Consistency is key when it comes to training an Akita dog breed. Food rewards are good for training young puppies while older dogs who respond better to treats can be rewarded with play or affection instead of food.

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Some trainers will recommend an older, more dominant dog to train the puppy to ensure it does not become too dominant. The Akita can live in both an apartment or a house with a large yard. They do well if they are given adequate space for exercise and regular interaction with their families. They are generally not good candidates for outdoor kennels or boarding facilities. If left alone, they may suffer from separation anxiety.

Akita Puppies

The Akita dog breed is very territorial and stubborn at times. But is also very loyal once it bonds with its family making them great guard dogs. When properly socialized, they can be wonderful around people of all ages and can make great companions.

Akita dog breed puppies are popular for their loyalty and playfulness. They are great watchdogs and do very well with children if they are raised with them from a young age. These dogs require a lot of grooming, however, as their coats grow quite long.

They also shed during the spring and fall which can be quite messy if not cleaned up properly. It is also very important that they have their ears cleaned regularly to prevent infections or disease. Their long ears can trap a lot of debris over time.

Types of Akita dog breed

There are many different types of Akita dog breed you can choose to buy. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages that are important to understand before you commit to buying one. The following are the main types of Akita dog breed available.

1. The Japanese Akita

Also known as the Japanese Akita Inu or Japanese Akita Dog. The Japanese Akita is a large-sized dog with a thick, heavy coat that comes in any colour except pure white or liver colouring. It has a long snout, thick lips, excellently developed muscles and very pronounced cheekbones. And also has strong limbs and thighs with large paws that are well padded for walking on muddy ground without feeling discomfort.

The Japanese Akita has a very impressive and dangerous look and can move with great grace. This dog is loyal and obedient to its owner but tends to be reserved towards strangers making it a good guard dog. It is known for protecting its owner and territory fiercely and will only back down if the intruder means no harm. This dog breed is also affectionate with its family and loves nothing more than playing fetch or tug of war with the kids. Although very intelligent, this breed needs early socialization to prevent it from developing aggressive tendencies.

2. The American Akita

Also known as the American Akita Inu or American Akita Dog. It is an incredibly strong and brave dog breed that has many similarities with the Japanese Akita but has longer legs and smaller muzzles. It has a thick, double coat that comes in any colour except pure white or liver colouring. The body of this dog breed is very muscular, powerful and athletic with great chest development, broad shoulders and solid bone structure. The tail of this dog breed is usually left to hang loose unless it’s alert or happy.

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The American Akita is a very prideful breed so it does not need much correction nor punishment to become submissive towards its owner. Its loyalty to its family makes it a very protective dog that will do anything to save its family from danger. It is also affectionate towards its owner but tends to be more reserved towards strangers. Although this dog does not require much grooming, it needs plenty of exercises every day to avoid obesity.

3. The Akita Inu

Also known as the White Akita Dog, the Purebred Akita or the Standard Akita Dog. It is a large-sized dog with a very impressive appearance that comes in any colour except pure white or liver colouring. It has a long muzzle, large eyes, very good muscle development and good bone structure. This dog breed has a thick, double coat that is usually left to hang in the form of bangs on its forehead and on the centre of its neck.

The Akita Inu does not require much grooming. But it needs plenty of exercises every day to maintain its powerful muscles and avoid obesity. This dog breed is very intelligent and obedient, displaying great loyalty to its owner and family.

4. The Shiba Inu

Also is known as the Japanese Shiba Dog or the Japanese Red Dog. Shiba Inu is a medium-sized dog with a very powerful and athletic appearance. It has a thick, double coat that comes in any colour except pure white or liver colouring. Also, has very expressive eyes that seem to be looking at you intensely while it is very alert. The Shiba Inu has large pointed ears that are usually left to hang down. While the tail of this dog breed is always kept between its legs when relaxed or alert.

The Shiba Inu does not require much grooming but does shed during the spring and fall. It also requires plenty of exercises every day to maintain its powerful muscles and avoid obesity. This dog is very intelligent, obedient and loyal to its family. It requires early socialization to prevent aggression from developing. So it may be best for you to choose a more experienced trainer when training your Shiba Inu puppy.

The Shiba Inu is often considered as the Akita Inu’s cousin because the Akita Inu breed originated from the Shiba Dog so they have many similarities. The main difference between these two breeds is that the Akita Inu is very dominant while the Shiba Inu is more submissive. Acting submissively towards strangers only except for its master.

 Akita dog breed The life span

The life span of an Akita breed dog can vary. Depending on the type of Akita dog breed you have, the diet that they eat, their medical intervention, and how well that is being taken care of by their owner. However, generally speaking, it is a healthy breed of dog and they have a lifespan in a range from 9-15 years. The life span of the Akita dog breed depends on the type of Akita dog breed you have. The following are the average life spans of each type.

The Japanese Akita has an average life span of 9 to 12 years.

The American Akita has an average life span of 10 to 13 years.

The Shiba Inu has an average life span of 12 to 15 years.

You should also consider whether your Akita dog breed will have any health issues that could shorten his/her lifespan. Especially if you are buying a puppy rather than an adult or senior dog that is already past its prime age.

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