INTRODUCTION
The Akita Inu's exact origins remain unknown although its history as a breed can be traced back some 350 years and, as a type, to about 500 bc through skeletal remains and carbon dating. The Akita was known as the Odate dog; named after the rugged mountainous area of Odate in the prefecture of Akita, on the island of Honshu. Inu translates to dog.
The Akita is the largest of the eight dogs regarded as being indigenous to Japan and throughout its turbulent past the Akita Inu has been used to hunt ducks, birds, small fur bearing animals, deer, elk, antelope, monkeys, boar or bear (including the 8001b Yezo bear). As fishing has always been a major Japanese industry, the Akita, with its webbed feet and thick coat which enabled them to withstand cold waters, also became useful for fishermen.
The Akita eventually came to be used as cattle herders, seeing eye dogs, sled dogs and as police dogs. They were also used to baby sit youngsters while their mothers worked in the rice fields.
The Akita first arrived in Australia in 1982 into South Australia.
The Akita is an irresistible attention getter and personified all the enigmatic character of the Orient. Your first impression is that of an immensely powerful and imposing animal with massive chest and head, suggestive of a bear. It is possessed of a dignity of expression that defies description.
TEMPERAMENT
The Akita Inu is a dignified, proud, courageous dog. He has a sober, calm disposition, fearless yet steady and he does not loose control when confronted with unusual or sudden stress situations. Even as a puppy, the Akita displays a dignity virtually unknown in puppies of most other breeds. He goes through a 'prestigious kindergarten' stage, equipped with a built-in self control. Even the battle of the puddle, and tug-of
war the first time on collar and lead are mostly matters to be taken in his stride.
With an uncanny ability, the Akita adjusts to and accepts widely varying circumstances and life styles; not as an imposition upon his canine freedom but as a way of life. Yet at the same time, he retains a remarkable aloof and free spirit. In short, disciplined social behaviours, quiet dignity and catlike grace with which he moves, make this beautiful dog a highly desirable living companion. He is an ever patient playmate for children, a no nonsense protector of family and home. Most of all, he is a joy to own at all times and in any given situation.
It is any wonder that the Japanese refer to the Akita as their National dog with pride. The Japanese speak lovingly of the Akita Inu as being TENDER IN HEART, AND STRONG IN STRENGTH - the dog that begins where others leave off.
The spirit of the Akita is very different to other breeds, in that he has a certain loyalty that belongs to you, yet remains independent. This extreme is best summed up in the story of ‘Hachi-Ko’.Hachi-ko was sent to professor Eizaburo Ueno in Tokyo, who had long admired the breed. Every day the professor would catch a train from Shibyuo Station for which his devoted Akita would accompany him. He would then turn up to await his masters return on the evening train.
On 21 May 1925, Hachi-ko returned to await his masters arrival, however, the professor had suffered a fatal stroke while at the university. Although cared for by relatives, Hachi-ko returned to the station to meet the evening train every night and on 8 March 1934, at eleven years and four months, he died still awaiting his masters return.
Such devotion received much recognition and today Hachi-ko’s bronze statue still stands at the railway station where it is honoured by a yearly tribute to Hachi-ko.APPEARANCE
The two most outstanding physical characteristics of the breed are his uniquely positioned ears which are held firmly erect and are carried forward over the eyes, in line with the neck. They are relatively small and triangular. The Anita grows to be a large dog and needs plenty of room and attention. Bitches grow between 24" to 26" and Males to 26" to 28".
The other feature is their large, full tail which is carried over the back and finishes in a curl. It compliments and balances their large head.
COAT & GROOMING
The Akita has a double coat, ie: an outer coat which is coarse, straight and stands off the body and an undercoat which is soft and dense. All
colours, providing they are brilliant and clear, are acceptable. The head can be either black, self coloured with or without mask. The Akita Inu is considered a symbol of good luck and good health in Japan and well wishers often send small statues of an Akita Inu to assure speedy recovery.
The Akita loses coat twice, sometimes three times a year. This is definitely something to consider if you are looking for a dog who will live inside the house with you and your family. When the Akita loses coat, that is exactly what happens, his coat drops out and at this time it is impossible to have him in the house with you and it will be necessary for you to provide an outside fenced area with a warm dry bed. To minimise mess and hasten the process a bath and good comb out during these times is ideal.
