Japanese Akita females are a treasure to behold, with their striking appearance and gentle nature. They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting.
Their average weight is around 70 pounds, with some females tipping the scales at 80 pounds or more. They're a sturdy breed, built for the harsh winters of Japan.
Japanese Akita females are loyal and affectionate companions, forming strong bonds with their family members. They're generally good with children, especially if socialized properly from an early age.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a joy to work with, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training.
Health and Care
The Japanese Akita is a beautiful breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hereditary eye disorders are a common problem in many breeds, including the Japanese Akita.
Regular eye testing is crucial to detect any potential issues early on. Hip dysplasia is another condition that can affect Japanese Akitas, leading to mobility problems if left untreated.
Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important to minimize the risk of these conditions passing on to their offspring.
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Health Issues
The Japanese Akita is a breed that can be prone to certain health issues.
Hereditary eye disorders can affect Japanese Akitas, making regular eye testing essential.
Hip dysplasia is another common issue, which can lead to mobility problems if left untreated.
Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is crucial to prevent the passing on of these conditions.
Grooming Dogs
Grooming your dog regularly is essential for their overall health and well-being. Regular grooming helps prevent matting and tangling of their fur, which can be painful for them.
Akitas need to be groomed two or three times a week to bring out the best in their coats. Japanese Akita Dogs require extra attention during heavy moults, when they shed a lot.
Regular grooming can also help prevent skin problems and reduce shedding. They do tend to shed a lot, especially during heavy moults.
A metal, double-toothed comb is recommended for Akitas during heavy moults to detangle their fur. This type of comb is specifically designed to handle thick and coarse coats.
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Training Dogs
Training dogs requires a lot of effort and attention, especially for big and powerful breeds like the Japanese Akita.
Akitas, for instance, need a lot of training and socialization to ensure they're under control and safe around other dogs and people.
They have a strong hunting instinct, which means a good recall is crucial to train, but it shouldn't always be relied upon.
Management is equally as important to prevent any unwanted situations.
While some Akitas enjoy training, many are far less interested in traditional obedience.
Despite this, they're strongly bonded to their owners and rarely wander far from them.
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Size and Growth
An Akita female typically takes around 2 years to reach her full mature size. Her weight will fluctuate as she grows, but by 24 months, she should weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.
At 2 months old, a female Akita will weigh between 15 and 25 pounds. By 4 months, she'll weigh between 35 and 45 pounds. This rapid growth will continue until she reaches adulthood.
To measure your Akita's height, you'll want to measure from the ground to her withers, which is the highest point where her shoulders meet the back of her neck. A cloth measuring tape is the easiest way to do this, but a standard tape measure will give you a good estimate if you can keep her still.
As an adult, a typical Akita female should be between 24 and 28 inches tall. Her length should be roughly 36 to 44 inches.
Here's a rough guide to your Akita's growth chart:
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and your Akita's growth may vary depending on several factors.
Genetics and Measurement
Genetics play a significant role in determining an Akita's weight and size. If an Akita is smaller in size and produces babies, chances are that their babies will take on those size genetics and be smaller than Akitas from other bloodlines.
Measuring your Akita's height is relatively simple - just measure from the ground to their withers, which is the highest point where their shoulders meet the back of their neck.
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American vs Japanese
American Akita females are known for their large size, with adults weighing between 70-130 pounds and standing 24-28 inches tall at the shoulder.
Compared to their Japanese counterparts, American Akitas are often described as more muscular and athletic.
The Japanese Akita is a more ancient breed, with a history dating back over 3,000 years to the time of the Japanese royalty.
In contrast, the American Akita was developed in the 20th century from a small group of Japanese Akitas brought to the United States.
Japanese Akitas are often more reserved and less outgoing than American Akitas, but they can still make great family pets with proper socialization.
Choosing a Dog
If you're considering bringing a Japanese Akita into your family, you'll want to think carefully about your lifestyle and living situation. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Japanese Akitas are a large breed, with females weighing between 70-100 pounds. They need plenty of space to move around and exercise.
You'll also want to consider the grooming needs of a Japanese Akita. They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, especially during shedding season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are female Akitas friendly?
Female Akitas can be loyal and protective of their owners, but may be wary of strangers. With proper socialization, they can form strong bonds with humans and children.
What is the lifespan of a female Akita?
The average lifespan of a female Akita is between 10 and 14 years, allowing for a long and loving relationship with your pet. With proper care, your Akita can thrive for over a decade.
Are female Akitas good guard dogs?
Female Akitas are natural guard dogs with a strong instinct to protect their families, making them a great choice for those seeking a loyal companion and guardian. However, proper training and socialization are crucial to bring out their full potential as guard dogs.
Is Akita Inu a good family dog?
Akita Inus are loyal and affectionate family dogs, but they can be wary of strangers and may require extra socialization. With proper care and attention, they can thrive as loving companions for families who appreciate their unique personality
Sources
- Japanese Akita Dog Breed Information (purina.co.uk)
- https://www.akita-inu.jp/ (akita-inu.jp)
- Japanese Akita Inu Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Source: Pawlicy Advisor (pawlicy.com)
- Akitainu Pedigree (akitapedigree.com)
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