Working Dog Group - Japanese Akita

The largest and best known of the Japanese breeds, the Akita originated in the Polar regions and has a history that can be traced back more than 300 years. It is swift, can work in deep snow, and is a strong swimmer.

Coat: Outer coat coarse, straight, and stand-off; soft, dense undercoat.

Color: Any, including white, brindlc, and pinto, with or without mask.

Features: Large, flat skull; broad forehead; small eyes and cars; long body; large, full tail.

Size: Height at withers: dogs 26-28 in, bitches 24-26 in. Weight: 75-101 lb.

Care: Requires daily brushing and exercise.

Character: A versatile hunter and retriever, and a first-class guard dog, it is being kept widely as a pet. Can be formidable, needs obedience classes for its undoubted abilities.