Akita

A versatile hunting and guarding dog, the Akita (“Silent Hunter” in Japan), is known for being a quiet, loyal, and intelligent dog. They are considered a “handsome” breed; many people find their features striking. The can have dominant personalities and should be properly trained and supervised around children. They are a clean breed sporting a short, sleek double-coat that requires daily brushing. As with all athletic breeds, they are at their best when receiving daily exercise.

Breed Notes:Courageous, Dignified, Profoundly Loyal

Famous Akitas and their Owners:

• Personifying the loyalty of this breed is Hachikō (1923-35), an Akita who reportedly Shibuya Station faithfully each day for 9 years, awaiting his deceased owner's return. Two statues of Hachikō have been erected at Shibuya Station, the more recent one regarded as perhaps "Japan's most famous example of public art."

Each AKC approved purebred breed has its own national club. The mission of these “parent breed clubs” is to improve and preserve a particular breed by advancing knowledge about its history, its health and care requirements and by assuring that the breed’s form and function remain true to its historical physical type and character: A Dalmatian, for instance, should be athletic and have a natural affinity for working with horses. A Fox Terrier should have the right body size and shape, and a drive to go after vermin.

Pet owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and others with a special love for a breed, join the parent breed club to meet like-minded enthusiasts and to support the club’s mission.  

The national parent breed club is the first place for the public to go to learn about a breed or find a knowledgeable, experienced breeder. 
 

• The Akita Club of America 
• Search AKC’s national clubs to find a specific AKC-recognized breed  
• Search AKC’s state specialty clubs to find a specific AKC-recognized breed in your state