Akita

Akitas have a calm nature whilst being loyal, intelligent and alert. Coupled with their large size, these traits make the Akita well suited for their original use as a hunting dog and current usefulness in law enforcement, search & rescue and animal-assisted therapy.

Taking part in dog sports such as carting, sledding, agility, tracking, rally obedience, and traditional obedience as sport can help to give physical and mental stimulation while fostering a strong family bond.

Akitas have built a reputation as a good family dog; however, as with all dogs, extremely close supervision with children is needed to prevent accidental injury to the child or to the dog and to avoid the dog subsequently developing fear-based defensive aggression, this seems to occur rapidly with Akitas if they are threatened, scared, or mistreated.

Akita History:

The Akita is an old breed native to Akita city in the Tohoku region of Honshu. The Akita has been used as a symbol of health and prosperity bearing the status of an imperial symbol and guard.

The breed dates back to 1630 when Matagi Inu breeders started crossing their dogs with other indigenous breeds to the Akita region. This resulted in the Odate Inu breed, which were subsequently crossbred with dogs native to other regions of Japan and larger European dogs, giving us the modern day Akita.

The Akita was designated as a national monument and became the national dog of Japan in 1931. The breed was established as a purebred line at that time. Today the breed has built a solid reputation as a companion dog across Europe and North America.