I Love Happy Endings

Shown here are Mike and Collen from Kansas with their dog Hiedi  The couple save this sweet girl and you can see how loving they are to their dog. Heidi we think is Lab-Aktia mix. She has a beautiful life with them. Hiedi stole my heart with her soft kisses.

Although the American Akita’s lineage began in the Tohoku region of Japan, it was Helen Keller who first brought a dog classified as an Akita breed to the United States. In 1937 the dog was presented to her as a gift. Unfortunately the first Akita named Kamikaze-go died of distemper months after its arrival. The Japanese government then presented her with an official gift of another Akita named Kenzan-go. Soon after World War II there were many Akitas that could be located in the United States due to servicemen who brought the Akitas home with them. The traditional Japanese Akita over the years has evolved into a separate breed and now has a separate designation from the ones originating from Japan- which are presently known as the American Akita.

The Akita is docile, intelligent, courageous and fearless. Careful and very affectionate with its family. Sometimes spontaneous, it needs a firm, confident, consistent  pack leader. Without it, the dog will be very willful and may become very aggressive to other dogs and animals. It needs firm training as a puppy. The objective in training this dog is to achieve a pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a success. If the dog is allowed to believe he is the leader over the humans he may become very food-possessive as he tells the humans to wait their turn. He eats first. Considered a first-class guard dog in Japan, Japanese mothers would often leave their children in the family Akita's care. They are extremely loyal and thrive on firm leadership from their handlers. They should definitely be supervised with other household pets and children. Although the breed may tolerate and be good with children from his own family, if you do not teach this dog he is below all humans in the pack order he may not accept other children and if teased, Akitas may bite. Children must be taught to display leadership qualities and at the same time respect the dog. With the right type of owner, the proper amount of daily mental and physical exercise and firm training, they can make a fine pet. Obedience training requires patience, as these dogs tend to get bored quickly. The Akita needs to be with its family. It vocalizes with many interesting sounds, but it is not an excessive barker. Height, Weight Height: Males 26 - 28 inches (66 - 71 cm)   Females 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm) Weight: Males 75 - 120 pounds (34 - 54 kg) Females 75 - 110 pounds (34 - 50 kg) Health Problems Prone to hip dysplasia, both hypothyroid and autoimmune thyroiditis, immune diseases like VKH and Pemphigus, skin problems like SA and eyes (PRA, Micro, entropion) patella and other problems with the knee. Living Conditions The Akita will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard. Exercise The Akita needs moderate but regular exercise to stay in shape. It should be taken for long daily walks. Life Expectancy About 10-12 years Litter Size 3 - 12 puppies, average 7 or 8 Grooming The coarse, stiff, short-haired coat needs significant grooming. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when absolutely necessary as bathing removes the natural waterproofing of the coat. This breed sheds heavily twice a year.