Akita

Akita
The Akita is the largest and one of the best-known Japanese breeds in the world. It is a big muscular, and powerful dog known for its nobility, loyalty, and intelligence. It makes a great companion dog, but it’s not suitable for novice owners.
Origin
The Akita breed was first originated in Japan. It is named after the province of Akita in Northern Japan. Their ancestors can be traced back to the 1600s when the breed was served to guard the Japanese royalty and as hunting dogs to hunt fowls and large game. The breed was first brought to America by Helen Keller as her guide dog in 1937. Akita gained popularity in America after World War II with soldiers returning home from Japan. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1972.
Size
The male Akita has a shoulder height of 24-28 inches when fully grown, whereas the female Akita reaches up to 24-26 inches at shoulder. The male Akita weighs around 100-145 pounds, whereas a female weighs about 80-120 pounds. It has a flat skull, triangular-shaped eyes, small ears, and a large curly tail. It has webbed feet that make it a great swimmer.
Coat
The Akita possesses a double coat with a straight and coarse outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat. It has short hair on the head and legs. The breed comes in various solid colors and color combinations such as black, white, chocolate, and a mix of a color with white and brindle.
Temperament
The Akita is a brave and intelligent dog that requires a lot of human attention. They are indoor dogs and love to be around their family. They are highly territorial and protective and do not prefer any other dog around them. They get along well with children, preferably the older ones, but they do not do well with strangers. They should be made familiar with other pets in the house to avoid their territorial and aggressive behavior. Akita is an obedient, noble, and kind dog making it a perfect companion dog. Though they do not bark a lot, they are suspicious of the strangers, making them a good watchdog.
Care
Akita needs an hour of exercise and daily walks to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated. They can adapt to any living environment if they get the sufficient amount of physical activities. Early socialization is essential to turn your pup into a well-behaved dog. Akita is a moderate shedder, so they should be brushed regularly to avoid matting and dead hair. They need bathing every three months to keep the coat healthy. Maintain the overall hygiene of your pet by ensuring to clean eyes and ears and trimming nails. The hair on the bottom of the webbed feet must be cut occasionally.
Health
The average lifespan of the Akita is 10-12 years. The breed is prone to everyday health problems, including Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Hypothyroidism, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Sebaceous Adenitis. Do not forget to get the health clearance when you plan to bring this breed home.