You must be the Pack Leader when dealing with the Akita

Originally from the northern region of Japan, The Akita Inu was of ten the preferred breed of Japanese aristocrats. They are very loyal and portective of the family, but you have to let them know that you are the pack leader. Training must begin early on to let the Akita know that their family is the pack and humans are above the dog otherwise the dog can be aggresssive. Often Japanese children were left with the Akita because they are so protective. The Akita is intelligent and can become bored easily, so lots of exercise and activity is recommended.

The American Akita is red, fawn, sesame, brindle, and pure white in color. All have white on the muzzle, cheeks, neck, chest, and tail. The ears stand alert as an adult (the painting I did is of a puppy with folded ears) and the head is full. The Akita has a double coat with the longest hair being about 2 inches long at the withers (top of the shoulders) with the exception of its curly tail that wraps back around on its hind end. The Akita stands 24-26 inches tall, weighing in at 70-119 pounds.

I have to share this story of the Akita. It came from www.akitas.org

"The renowned Helen Keller is credited with bringing the first Akita to the U.S.

Outside of a Tokyo train station there is a statue of Hachiko, faithful pet of Dr. Elisaburo Ueno. The dog waited faithfully each day for his master to debark the train after work. One day the master did not come home, but still Hachiko waited, keeping up his daily vigil for nine years. He ws fed by station attendants until his death, and each year a solemn ceremony is held in his honor. Keller was so taken with the story of the dog's fidelity that the Ministry of Education presented her with an Akita puppy named Kamikaze. Later, when the puppy died, the Ministry sent a second Akita to Miss Keller."

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for the next breed, Alaskan Malamute.