The Akita dog breed tends to produce large animals. But even more noticeable than Akitas' size are their unique shape. They have massive heads that are balanced out by their massive tails. The tails aren't just thick with plush. Akita dogs' tails actually curl up and then down the animal's side. The combination of size and elegance makes the Akita breed truly distinctive. The Akita breed is also far and away one of the oldest dog breeds, with a pedigree stretching back millennia.

The Akita dog breed tends to produce large animals. But even more noticeable than Akitas' size are their unique shape. They have massive heads that are balanced out by their massive tails. The tails aren't just thick with plush. Akita dogs' tails actually curl up and then down the animal's side. The combination of size and elegance makes the Akita breed truly distinctive. The Akita breed is also far and away one of the oldest dog breeds, with a pedigree stretching back millennia.

All in all, to humans, Akita dogs may seem a little aristocratic, since not only are they elegant, powerful, and long-pedigreed, but they tend to be aggressive toward other dogs. Of course, millennia spent alongside humans means that Akitas don't necessarily make bad pets, especially for humans who have the space to let these dogs be their natural outdoors-y selves.

Here are the characteristics of the Akita breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

The Akita's Behavior

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Recommended for: house dogs; the Akita breed's size and temperament makes an Akita dog less suitable for apartments.

Most Akita dogs tend to be quiet and keep to themselves. But Akitas are also alert, responsive and courageous. They tend to be aggressive toward other dogs.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

Akita's Physical Characteristics

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• Size: male: 26-28 inches; female: 24-26 inches
• Coat: Undercoat: thick, soft, and dense yet shorter than the outer coat. The outer coat is straight and stands out from the bottom a little bit.
• Color: Color is not an important feature of the Akita breed. The most common colors, according to the American Kennel Club's breed standard, are white, brindle, and pinto.
• Eyes: The Akita's distinctive eyes have a triangular shape, are Dark brown, small, deep-set, and have black rims.
• Ears: standing straight up, but small relative to the rest of the head.
• Skull: flat between ears, broad
• Muzzle: Broad and full
• Nose: broad, black
• Tail: large and full, curled

Akita's Origins and History

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Country/Region of Origin: Japan

Original purpose: used as a hound to run large game, such as bears, in the mountainous areas of Japan

Name: The breed is named for the Akita Prefecture in Japan.

Historical notes: Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the most primitive breeds of dog.