Working Dog Group - Japanese Akita

Japanese Akita was in existence since ancient times. They were known as the National dog of Japan, as their existence remained undeterred in the country's Honshu Island, in the Akita region since many years. These dogs are also given the status of the national monument, which is a great honor as they mark the heritage of the country's age old traditions and animals. There are two types of Akitas – the traditional Japanese Akita and the one that was adapted according to the America standards known as America Akita. The Japanese Akita is also known as Akita Inu.

This dog has many abilities and is used by the civilians, the military and the police for various purposes like hunting, retrieving and guarding. These dogs are also considered as a sign of good luck. Many times the parents of new born babies in Japan are given statuettes of this dog as a sign of good luck, health and prosperity to the new born baby and the parents. This dog is also used as a sled dog, and it is able to survive in any kind of weather. This Akita was brought to America first by Helen Keller as a gift, given to her during her visit to the region of Akita.

These are the largest type of dogs in the Spitz category. They are very strong and are known for their muscular and tough looks, well proportioned body. They have only five colors in their coats that are acceptable according to the Japanese standards which are sesame, pure white, brindle, red and fawn. These colors always come in combination with white markings on the chest, cheeks, paws and tail. The females and males are no different from one other, with almost the same height and weight. Their average height is 24 to 16 inches and can weigh up to 100 pounds approximately.

These dogs are highly intelligent and known to be good retrievers and hunters. They were used by many civilians and other people for guarding purposes. These dogs were also known to be highly instinctive; amicable and docile with children. Their courage and loyalty towards their family knows no bounds. This is precisely why they are used in the military for guarding and fighting purposes. These dogs were also known to have hunted bears and deer with its highly developed instincts and well known guarding abilities.

They have proved their loyalty to their family from ages. In Japan, many mothers went for their chores or shopping with Akita as the baby sitter of the family. They are known to be dominant in nature and will dominate the family if not taught to respect the family members and its master. The dog can become possessive with small things if it is not taught to be sharing. If they are not taught and trained properly to respect the authority of the family members, they can grow up to be dominating the people in the family and can bit children.

Though they do not bark often, they have keen sense of hearing and frequently express the presence of strangers with different sounds. They can also very aggressive if teased; hence this behavior should be curbed right from their puppyhood.

Akita is a highly intelligent dog; therefore it needs constant mental stimulation and proper training or it gets easily bored and may end up troubling its master. It must be taught very carefully and firmly that it is not the owner, and they should be also taught to be submissive and to accept authority.

Akita can prove to be an intelligent hunter, retriever and watchdog.