The Akita Inu is one of the oldest dog breeds in Japan. This breed is known for its large size, thick coat, and fierce loyalty to its owner. Akita Inus have a strong and confident personality and often show fierce loyalty towards their owners.
General details
The breed has a large size, weighing between 34 and 54 kilograms. The height for males is between 65 and 71 cm and for females between 61 and 68 cm. Their life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. They belong to Group 5 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes Spitz and primitive type dogs.
Breed history in brief
The Akita Inu dog breed is one of the oldest in Japan. It was created to help hunters capture large animals such as bears and moose. This breed was also used as a defense and guard dog.
Throughout history, the Akita Inu has been highly respected in Japan. Hunters of the time revered it as a protector of the family. It was also seen as a symbol of good fortune and good health. Although the Akita Inu was a highly valued hunting dog, it lost ground as modern hunting spread in Japan. However, today, the Akita Inu has become one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, being one of the most desired pets by dog lovers.
Breed characteristics
The Akita Inu breed, originating from Japan, is characterized by being a large dog with a strong, muscular structure and an imposing presence. Its head is broad and square, and its ears are short and positioned on top of the head. It has a straight muzzle, a muscular neck, and a well-developed body. Its coat is dense, rough, and soft to the touch. The color depends on the variety of Akita, but the most common are white, black, gray, fire, and cream. The fur on the head is generally darker than the rest of the body.
The traits that distinguish this breed from others are its protective attitude, loyalty, intelligence, and calm demeanor. These dogs are very affectionate with their owners, although some may be a bit reluctant to interact with strangers.
Common health problems
Among the most common health problems of this breed are hip dysplasia, entropion, ectropion, progressive retinal atrophy, and gastric torsion.
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