The Akita breed can be recognized at first glance: a large triangular face, small eyes, erect triangular ears, a thick tail curled up on the back and the impression of power that emanates from the animal. .

Poil : abundant and silky undercoat while the outer coat is hard and short and of a fawn red, sesame, white or brindle color.

Size (height at the withers): 64 to 70 cm for males and 58 to 64 cm for females.

Weight : from 30 to 50 kg.

Classification FCI : N° 255.

Akita is originally from northern Honshu, the main island of Japan. The Akita dog as we know it today is the result of crosses made in the XNUMXth century between the Akita Matagi and the Tosa and Mastiffs, in order to increase its size (the Japanese breeds being small or medium size). For centuries the Akita Matagi have been used for hunting bears and as fighting dogs. If the Second World War almost led to the disappearance of the breed through slaughter and crosses (with German shepherds in particular), its pure strain is now stabilized.

The adjectives that come up most often to qualify the Akita are: dignified, courageous, faithful, loyal and domineering, but also calm, docile and intelligent. However, this watchdog is very suspicious of strangers and other dogs, the presence of which it does not support if it has not been socialized with them from an early age.

Most sources consider the Akita Inu to have a life expectancy at birth of 10 to 12 years. Here are some common conditions seen in this breed:

Interventricular communication (VIC): it is an inherited heart defect that is most often asymptomatic but can sometimes cause heart failure. Cough, dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and exertion intolerance are symptoms to watch out for. An x-ray and an echocardiogram can be used to detect VIC. Treatment by surgery is very expensive and difficult to achieve. Most often, medication is taken to treat heart failure.

Uveocutaneous syndrome: this immune-related disorder causes visual disturbances that can lead to blindness in the animal (opacification of the cornea, conjunctiva, discoloration of the iris, effusion of blood inside the eye, retinal detachment, etc. .).

Pericarditis: inflammation of the pericardium causes fluid to build up around the heart. A deterioration in the general condition of the animal, without specific signs, should lead the veterinarian to perform a cardiac auscultation then additional examinations such as the chest x-ray, the electrocardiogram and the echocardiography. Emergency treatment consists of puncturing the effusion.

Patella dislocation: The Akita Inu is particularly prone to dislocation of the kneecap, a condition moreover seen rather in small breeds of dogs. When it recurs, it requires surgery. The Akita can also suffer from a cruciate ligament rupture.

Dermatological disorders: this dog has hypersensitivity of the skin and is subject to several types of ailments, such as sebaceous granulomatous adenitis which causes the formation of scales on the skin, graying and hair loss as well as hyperkeratosis.

The Akita is not a recommended dog for homes with small children and other pets. It requires affection, but also a dominant master who enacts fair, consistent and constant rules. Apartment living is not prohibited for this athletic animal with an athletic physique, as long as it can be allowed to let off steam outside every day.