Akita Dogs and Puppies Canada
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Akita Breed History:
Largest of the Japanese Spitz breeds, the Akita was originally bred to hunt large game such as bear, deer and wild boar. The Akita breed dates back approximately 300 years and takes its name from the Prefecture of Akita in northern Japan. In 1931, the Japanese Ministry of Education proclaimed the Akita dog to be a natural monument and all necessary steps were taken to preserve the Akita breed. Helen Keller brought the first Akita to North America in the 1930s after she was given the dog on a visit to Japan. However, it was returning servicemen who had been stationed in Japan who brought the Akita breed back in numbers at the close of World War II.
Akita Appearance:
The Akita always makes a lasting first impression. Akitas are large, powerful dogs with substantial bone and musculature. The broad chest and neck of the Akita serve as a solid base for the Akita's large head, the Akita's most distinguishing feature. The broad skull and the short muzzle form a blunt triangle when viewed from above. The massive head in combination with the small triangular shaped eyes and small erect ears give the Akita dog an intimidating, yet dignified, expression.
The Akita is a very balanced looking dog, being only slightly longer than it is tall. The tail is curled and carried over the back, which serves to balance with the dog's head. Typically the male Akita is substantially larger than the female. The males range in weight from about 100 to 130 pounds, while the females range from 70 to 100 pounds.
The double coat of the Akita has the appearance of the typical northern breeds. It is short to moderate in length, but very dense and consists of two layers. The Akita's undercoat is very soft and is the primary insulator, while the outer coat, or the guard hair, is slightly longer and coarser. The Akita is very well suited to the coldest of climates, and while it might not enjoy hot weather, its coat does lighten considerably in the warmer months to compensate for the heat.
Akita Temperament:
Akitas are extremely intelligent, large, energetic, very territorial and highly devoted to their owners. Akitas are loyal family dogs and fearless guardians of the home that excel in obedience work. These highly intelligent, affectionate dogs make excellent companions.
Akita Exercise Information:
Active and agile, this rugged and athletic dog requires lots of outdoor exercise. Akitas are not a good choice for couch potatoes - but will certainly help their owners embark on a new exercise program!
Akita Grooming Needs:
Their dense, double coat requires regular, thorough brushing at least once a week.
Akita Training
While the Akita is a very loving and loyal companion, he is still a large breed of dog and requires responsible training so that he knows how to behave on a leash and when in public. Additionally, the Akita tends to be aggressive towards other dogs, particularly males. For this reason, early socialization and obedience courses are essential. Owning an Akita can be a very rewarding experience, but you must be prepared to make a commitment to these large and loving dogs.
Akita Health Information:
Like any breed of dog, the Akita is subject to a variety of health concerns. Your best bet is, when deciding to choose a new Akita puppy, check around with several breeders and ask about the various health issues that can affect these beautiful little dogs. A reputable breeder should be well-versed in the health concerns and should be able to give you more details, as well as showing you the sire and dam of your potential puppy. Some of the health problems that can affect Akitas include:
Aquired Myathenia Gravis
Bloat
Hip Dysplasia
Hyperkalaemia
Uveo-Dermatological Syndrome (VKH)
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)
Susceptible to anesthesia, due to small heart size
Is the Akita The Right Breed For You:
The Akita is an amazing dog for the right family; known for their cleanliness and quiet personality, they are a popular house dog in their native Japan, as well as throughout the world. Akitas do require special consideration, prior to bringing one home however. For starters, the Akita can be a very reserved and aloof dog, particularly around strangers, and tend to dislike excessive noise and excitement. High-traffic homes or families with very young children may find a more social pet better suited to their needs. Additionally, Akitas are not recommended in homes with other animals, particularly other dogs - Aggression is common towards canines and they may cause injury to cats or other pets.
Akita Puppies
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If you are ready to make a lifelong commitment to that perfect Akita puppy, your next step is to locate the most responsible and reputable Akita dog breeder you can find. We sincerely hope that our Akita dog breed profile will assist you in your search for your new puppy, and help you avoid acquiring a puppy from any source other than a responsible Akita breeder. |
A Responsible Akita Puppy Breeder:
- Is a die-hard dog lover who breeds out of a sincere desire to perpetuate and improve upon the Akita dog breed.
- Is very well educated about the breed(s) they offer and the breed's traits, both desirable and undesirable.
- Adheres to a highly selective breeding program which focuses on health, temperament and conformation.
- Breeds only healthy, conformationally correct dogs with sound temperaments that are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) or, if from another country, with that country's authorative dog breed registry.
- Treats the dogs in their breeding home as members of the family, and does not constantly confine these dogs to crates, kennels or other pens.
- Has breeding dogs carefully screened for hereditary and other canine disorders prior to breeding.
- Whelps puppies indoors and ensures that puppies are well socialized, given proper nutrition and receive plenty of love and play.
- Offers and stands behind a reasonable health guarantee.
- Has a spay or neuter requirement on all puppies placed in pet homes.
- Is committed to each Akita puppy for life, and will re-home or take back a puppy if you cannot fulfill your commitment for any reason.
- Is happy to answer any questions you may have about the Akita dog breed or their dogs and puppies.
- Carefully screens potential puppy buyers to ensure that Akita puppies are placed only in loving, responsible forever homes.
Avoid Buying Your Akita Puppy From:
- A Pet Store.
- A Newspaper Ad.
- An online classifieds site.
- The side of the road.
- A parking lot.
- A friend or neighbour, unless they are an experienced and responsible Akita dog breeder.
- Any breeder with whom you do not feel 100% comfortable; you will be in contact with this person for the life of your dog or puppy.
Canada, like the US and the UK, has more than it's share of puppy mills. If you do not know what a puppy mill is, then please click here to read about this inhumane industry where dogs are treated as livestock, and puppies as merchandise. In addition to supporting an industry that thrives on the cruel mistreatment of dogs and puppies, by buying a puppy from a pet store, newspaper ad or online classifieds site is setting yourself and your family up for a heap of heartache.
Puppy mill puppies are generally more expensive than puppies from a reputable breeder, and can have numerous health, temperament and behavioural problems as a result of the conditions in which they were conceived, born and raised. Usually this results in taking on a family member with health problems that will cause ongoing additional veterinary costs, behavioural problems that may pose a hazard to your family, friends and neighbours, and, at worst, you may fall in love with a sickly puppy that will eventually need to be humanely euthanized.
The Akita dog breeders that are showcased on Dogs and Puppies Canada have undergone our own screening process, in an effort to ensure that we promote only highly reputable breeders, and keep puppy mills and backyard breeders from advertising with us. These breeders share our philosophy on what is a responsible breeder, and have agreed to abide by these guidelines for conduct.
Click here to View our directory of
Responsible Canadian Akita Dog Breeders
Additional Akita Information Resources
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Akita Dog Breeders:
