Colors: Any color including white; brindle; or pinto. colors are rich, brilliant and clear. markings are wel

Living: Akitas are very adaptable dogs and can adjust to different living conditions provided they are given

Recognized: The American Akita is considered a separate breed from the Akita Inu Japanese Akita, in many countri

Description

Akitas are most striking and impressive creatures with an attitude of nobility and an appearance of strength and power. As a northern breed, the appearance of the Akita reflects cold weather adaptations essential to their original function. The Akita is a substantial breed for its height with heavy bone. Characteristic physical traits of the breed include a large, bear-like head with erect, triangular ears set at a slight angle following the arch of the neck. Additionally, the eyes of the Akita are small, dark, deeply set and triangular in shape. Akitas have thick double coats, and tight, well knuckled cat feet. Their tails are carried over the top of the back in a graceful sweep down the loin, into a gentle curl, or into a double curl. All colors are permitted by the AKC Akita Breed Standard, and Pinto markings are also permitted

Temperament

Alert and responsive, dignified and courageous. Akitas may be intolerant of other dogs, particularly of the same sex.

Excercise

The Akita appreciates mental and physical exercise every day. It needs the chance to run in a safe area or on leash for a long jog. Given ample exercise and training, it can be a quiet and well-mannered house dog. The Akita is able to live outdoors in temperate or cool climates, but it is happiest if it can spend most of its time with its family. The coat needs brushing about once a week to remove dead hair, more often when shedding. Akitas tend to be somewhat messy drinkers!

Grooming

Double-coated. Undercoat thick, soft, dense and shorter than outer coat. Outer coat straight, harsh and standing somewhat off body. Hair on head, legs and ears short. Length of hair at withers and rump approximately two inches, which is slightly longer th

Health

Major concerns: CHD, PRA

Minor concerns: elbow dysplasia, pemphigus, sebaceous adenitis, gastric torsion

Occasionally seen: PRA, patellar luxation, VKH-like syndrome, entropion, epilepsy, cataracts, polyneuropathy, renal cortical hypoplasia

Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye