Dog Breeds: Akita Inu
The Akita Inu a powerful, imposing dog that is highly-regarded in its native Japan. In fact, they are so revered that they are considered national monuments, and owning an Akita is considered good luck.
The breed takes its name from the Akita Prefecture, the mountainous region where it originated. They were originally hunting dogs, used to track elk, boar and especially the fierce, grizzly-sized, Yezo bear.
The first Akita arrived in America in 1937, after two of these dogs were given to Helen Keller as a gift. In 1956 the Akita Club of America came into being, and in 1973 the breed gained AKC recognition.
These powerful dogs grow to between 22 and 27 inches at the shoulder and can weigh up to 125 pounds. The coat is thick and dense and comes in a variety of colors including red, fawn, sesame, brindle and pure white. They are medium shedders, with heavier shedding occurring twice a year.
Other stand-out features include a large head with small ears and a somewhat fox-like expression, and a tail that is plumed and curls over the back.
These are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10-14 years. However, like all purebred dogs they are prone to a number of diseases, including hypothyroid disease, progressive retinal atrophy and hip and kidney problems.
Only an Akita can be challenging, but they area also a joy to have around. These dogs are extremely loyal, and highly protective of those they love. They bond closely with their human pack and are naturally gentle with children. They also get on well with other pets that they've been socialized with. An Akita owner can expect an elaborate greeting when he returns home, as these dogs to to grunt and squirm about when they are happy.
Due to their high intelligence Akitas are quite easy to train, even if they are sometimes stubborn. You will though have to gain their trust and respect before they'll obey you unquestionably.
Akitas generally have a calm demeanor and are not usually demanding of attention or activity. However, regular exercise is required in order to keep the dog at a healthy weight.
Dogs that do not receive enough mental and physical stimulation are likely to become bored, and a bored Akita may well develop problem behaviors. With this breed it may manifest as aggression or destructiveness, so training, socialization, walks, games and so on, are a must.
That shouldn't deter you from adopting an Akita though because they are truly wonderful dogs and excellent family pets.
Finding puppy names, for your Akita Inu is an easy task, when you know where to look. My recommendation is puppy names hq.com, a site with an extensive database of dog names including 1000s of male dog names to choose from.
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