Akita

The Akita breed is hundreds of years old and is considered a natural treasure in his native country of Japan. The dog's image was carved on ancient Japanese tombs from the time when this majestic breed could be owned only by emperors or other nobility.

The breed was developed in the rugged, snowy mountains of northern Japan. On hunts, the Akita was trained to go after wild boars and bears, cornering them and then barking until his master arrived with a bow and arrow or spear. Akitas arrived in America after World War II, when U.S. soldiers, who had fallen in love with the breed in Japan, brought them back to the States.

The Akita is a very strong, loyal dog who loves the company of his family and will guard them with his life. Because of his history as a guard dog, the Akita will show aggression toward other dogs, so training must begin early and must be firm, but fair. His double coat sheds twice a year and should be brushed out twice a week.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: Large, powerful, alert, with much substance and heavy bone. Muscular, with brisk, strong movements. Dignified and courageous.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--males, 26 to 28 inches at the withers; females, 24 to 26 inches.

Fun Facts

An example of the Akita's loyalty is the dog Hachiko. In the 1920s he lived with a Tokyo University professor. Every day he walked with his owner to the train station to see him off to work; every evening he returned to the station to greet the professor and walk him home. One day the professor didn't return on the regular train; he had died at work. But the faithful Hachiko continued to come to the station every afternoon hoping to find him. He returned, day after day, for nine years, until his own death in 1934. There is now a statue at the train station in memory of this devoted dog.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.