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Akita
Cautions:
Akitas are fiercely loyal family members, generally leery of strangers and most would prefer to be the only pet in the home.
This breed should only be considered by an experienced guardian who will set and enforce rules and boundaries, provide consistent but positive training and reinforcement, as well as sufficient exercise.
This is not a breed to be considered by anyone who may wish to start a family after acquiring a puppy.
Background
The Akita has been employed as a guard dog, fighting dog, deer and bear hunter, sled dog and has worked as a police and army dog.
When the sport of dog fighting became popular in Japan in the 1800's, the Akita was crossed with the Tosa, a Japanese fighting dog which resulted in a larger Akita but an increase in aggressive tendencies, particularly toward other dogs.
Appearance & Life Span
The average life span of the Akita is approximately 10 -12 years.
A male adult stands around 26- 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs about 80 -120 pounds. They have a double-hair coat which requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
This breed sheds heavily twice a year.
Personality & Training Issues
The Akita is an intelligent and agile dog but can be head strong with a dominate personality. Akitas are friendly, faithful dogs to family members but do not trust strangers. They may not enjoy small children but will tolerate them if they are raised with them from a puppy. They make good guard dogs and should always be supervised around children.
They can be aggressive toward other dogs, unless they are raised with them from a puppy. The Akita has a strong hunting drive and should never be allowed to roam freely.
Akitas require firm and consistent handling with positive reinforcement. They require an experienced dog owner.
Common Health Concerns:
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Hip Dysplasia
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Elbow Dyslpasia
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Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament
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Gastric Torsion
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Deafness (hereditary)
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Hypothyroidism
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Juvenile Onset Polyarthritis
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Cataracts (herediatary)
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Entropian
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Glaucoma
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy
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Retinal Dysplasia
Reported Health Issues (less common):
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Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
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Pericardial Effusion
Rescue Organizations & Breeders - in support of feeding raw food
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