This breed of dog is also called Akita-Ken, Japanese Akita and Great Japanese Dog.
�This is a strong dog with naturally shiny coat and due to its imposing and strong appearance it cannot go unnoticed. Their coat serves as protection from extreme temperatures.
�Named after the mountainous area of Akita Prefecture, this dog is highly valued for its loyalty, learning ability and readiness, and be
cause of these factors it is widely used as a police dog in its home country.
�This dog is not suitable for everyone, especially for the first dog owner, because they have to train and socialize it from an early age, and it can be led by people who understand their character and who know how to work with a dominant dog. This is one of the most challenging dogs to own because of its dominant and strong personality. Be sure to find out all the characteristics of this breed before you start looking for and contacting Akita Inu breeders.
�This Japanese breed was bred and used to fight and hunt bears. Therefore, members of this breed still have pronounced hunting instincts. In 1908, dog fights were banned, but the Akitas were preserved and promoted as a large Japanese breed.
�Hellen Keller visited Japan in 1937 and discovered Akita Inu dogs. She was introduced to two Akitas and they were the first dogs to arrive in the United States. During World War II (1939-1945) it was not uncommon to use dogs as a source of fur for military clothing. Akitas began to be killed for their fur, so many owners released their Akitas into the woods to escape and save their lives.
�Some began to cross them with German Shepherds to turn them into military dogs and thus save them from certain death. In the early 20th century, these dogs also crossed with other dog breeds such as the English Mastiff, Great Dane, Tosa Inu to provide them with the characteristics needed for dog fighting.
�The dogs that were released into the woods were eventually found by American soldiers who transported them across the border, to America, and so began the spread of this breed on other continents.
�They began to adore the breed and preferred larger and stronger dogs. Because of this first dog, another type of breed was later developed - the American Akita.
�The American Akita in the US and Canada is only considered a different type of Akita, while in the rest of the world it is considered a different breed. These dogs were officially recognized in 1955.
�Dog Characteristics:
�Energy level - 4/5
�The need for care - 4/5
�Activity required - 4/5
�Ability to learn - 3/5
�Intelligence - 4/5
�Agreeing with children - 3/5
�Getting along with dogs - 2/5
�Health - 3/5
