Akita 

The Akita is a large dog weighing between 75 and 120 pounds and up to 28" in height. Of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds, the Akita is the largest. Pronounced AH-ki-ta in Japan and a-KEE-ta in the western world, the Akita is a powerful, top notch watchdog and protector of his family and territory.

The AKC recognizes Akitas in any color including pinto, white or brindle. Colors are clear and brilliant. All white Akitas do not have a mask whereas other colors tend to have one. The soft, undercoat can be a different color than the outer coat. The harsh, thick outer coat requires regular grooming. 

This large, energetic dog is extremely protective of family and territory. For this reason, they might be aggressive to other animal and children that they don't know if they feel that their territory is being invaded. They do best with older, well behaved children and are not recommended for children who might mistreat or tease them. They should be kept in a fenced in yard and never allowed to roam free. The Akita can be a loving, affectionate dog when properly treated. Early training and socialization is highly recommended for this breed. They require regular exercise and love to be with their family. 

The Akita is a native of Japan and dates back to the 1600s to the Island of Honshu.  It is the national dog of Japan and highly revered by the Japanese.  You can find statues and Akita art throughout the country.  Originally used as a military dog, guard dog and hunting dog, the Akita has not lost these watchdog instincts.  Helen Keller was the first person in the US to own an Akita. 

A breed with such a high instincts to protect and patrol his surroundings makes for an awesome guard dog.  Depending on your family dynamics, the Akita may be ideal for your pet companion needs.  Those with lots of other pets or small children might want to do more research before bringing and Akita into your home.

Because of their intelligence, Akitas get bored very easily and as a result, they often become destructive and aggressive if not given anything to do. Akita Inu can live happily in apartments as long as they are given plenty of exercise. They need to be socialized as puppies so they are friendly dogs and should have experienced owners. Although they love human companionship, they are quite happy to be outside dogs as well, but should still be taken out for walks to prevent destruction of the yard. Akita Inu often become excitable when seeing their owners, often wiggling around and making happy grunts.

Akita Inu are very good with youngsters from their own family, and often quite playful, although they should be watched around other people's children as they could knock them over during play.

The Akita Inu have a reputation for being aggressive towards smaller animals or other dogs, particularly those of the same sex. However, they can live happily with other dogs and animals providing they are socialized well. They are excellent guard dogs and naturally protective of their home and family. The Akita Inu has a reputation for being an excellent house dog. They make great family dogs with the right training and socialization

There are two types of Akitas, the original Japanese Akita breed and now a separate designation for American standard Akita's. The weights, sizes, are different and the American standard allows a black mask, where as the original Japanese breed standard does not allow for a black mask. According to the FCI , in Japan and in many other countries around the world the American Akita is considered a separate breed from the Akita Inu (Japanese Akita). In the United States and Canada, both the American Akita and the Akita Inu are considered a single breed with differences in type rather than two separate breeds. The Japanese Akita is uncommon in most countries.