The Japanese Akita is a large, strong dog that is known for its strength. Their head is a triangular shape, from looking down on it, heavy with dark triangle eyes. Their body is muscular and strong and should be longer than their height. Their legs should be of broad standing and have webbed paws. They come in an array of colors, red, fawn, white, sesame and brindle. As for their coat, it is a medium length with a soft undercoat. They can have markings well defined, with or without a mask or blaze. Their tail should curl but when held down should reach the hock. This breed is not an excessive barker. Although a big dog the body should be in balance to look at.

History: The Japanese Akita dog was originally bred in Japan. The Akita has remained the same for centuries, around 300 years. They came from a region if Akita, on the island of Honshu, hence their name. They are considered a national dog of Japan. This dog was bred for hunting and dog fighting. They have been used to hunt bears.

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Temperament: The Japanese Akita are known for their intelligent, boldness and can need firm handling due to the dogs high dominance issues. They love their human families and protect the children who they see as ‘in their care’. Even though this is well known it is still best to be in good control of the dog around children as the dog will not tolerate being teased, so it is best to teach the child to behave around the dog. Their nature is to be dominating and hostile to other dogs and pets. If out walking it is best to keep this dog on a lead. This dog can be very courageous as well.

Health issues: The Japanese Akita breed can have hip dysplasia. They can have problems with their knees, hypothyroid, VKH Pemphigus, SA skin problems and entropion patella. PRA autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroiditis.

Living conditions: You have to be able to handle the Japanese Akita breed well. The dog will need a sturdy fenced garden and lots of long walks and training is required. This dog is unsuitable for apartments, unless you can sufficiently exercise. This breed needs lots of exercise a few times a day.

Grooming: The Akita has coarse fur, which will shed twice yearly, this lasts for a few weeks. They need lots of brushing using a firm bristle brush. It is best to brush daily. Bathing should not be done often, only rarely, as this can damage the coat, and removes the waterproofing of the dog's coat.

The American Akita: To look at these dogs are nearly the same. The differences are in size and weight. The American Akita can have a black mask, which is a block of color not allowed in the Japanese Akita. Please note this is not considered a separate breed, rather a different type within the overall breed.

If you can't find a local breeder in your area don't worry, many breeders are using the major airlines like American, Delta, Continental and Northwest airlines for shipping their puppies.

At this time the airlines will ship puppies to the following States: Alabama AL - Alaska AK - Arizona AZ - Arkansas AR - California CA - Colorado CO - Connecticut CT - Delaware DE - Florida FL - Georgia GA - Hawaii HI - Idaho ID - Illinois IL - Indiana IN - Iowa IA - Kansas KS - Kentucky KY - Louisiana LA - Maine ME - Maryland MD - Massachusetts MA - Michigan MI - Minnesota MN - Mississippi MS - Missouri MO - Montana MT - Nebraska NE - Nevada NV - New Hampshire NH - New Jersey NJ - New Mexico NM - New York NY - North Carolina NC - North Dakota ND - Ohio OH - Oklahoma OK - Oregon OR - Pennsylvania PA - Rhode Island RI - South Carolina SC - South Dakota SD - Tennessee TN - Texas TX - Utah UT - Vermont VT - Virginia VA - Washington WA - Washington, D.C. - West Virginia WV - Wisconsin WI - Wyoming WY - Hawaii HI.