Royalty Akitas Everything You Need to Know

Royalty Akitas are a specific line of Akitas that originated from Japan's royal family. They're known for their majestic appearance and gentle nature.

These dogs are descended from the original Akita breed, which was bred to hunt large game such as deer and bear. Their ancestors were highly valued by the Japanese royal family for their loyalty and hunting prowess.

Royalty Akitas are often described as having a more refined and elegant appearance than other Akitas. They typically weigh between 70-130 pounds and stand between 24-28 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their gentle nature makes them a great fit for families with children, as they're patient and even-tempered.

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Origin: Japan is where this majestic breed originated, and it's no surprise why they're often referred to as royalty.

The Royalty Akita is a large breed, and their size is just one of the many characteristics that make them stand out.

Breed Group: They fall under the Working breed group, which means they're intelligent and capable of learning quickly.

Their lifespan is relatively short, ranging from 10-15 years, so it's essential to make the most of the time you have with your Royalty Akita.

Coat: Their thick double coat can be either short or long-haired, and it requires regular brushing to maintain its health and appearance.

Temperament: Royalty Akitas are loyal and dignified, but they can be reserved with strangers, making them a great breed for families who want a protective companion.

Exercise Needs: These dogs require moderate exercise, which means regular walks and playtime are a must to keep them happy and healthy.

Training: Due to their independent nature, Royalty Akitas need early socialization and consistent, firm training to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults.

Grooming: Regular brushing and occasional grooming are necessary to maintain the coat's health and appearance, but it's a small price to pay for the love and companionship of your Royalty Akita.

Health: Unfortunately, Royalty Akitas are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, autoimmune disorders, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

Here are some key facts about the Royalty Akita breed:

Akitas are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain conditions and diseases. Hip dysplasia is a common issue in Akitas, where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint, potentially leading to arthritis.

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor your dog's growth and detect any potential issues early on. Reputable breeders will offer proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems.

Akitas are also susceptible to bloat, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and twists. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is salivating excessively, and is retching without throwing up.

Here are some feeding guidelines for your Akita:

By following these guidelines and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help your Akita live a long and healthy life.

Akita puppies grow rapidly, making them susceptible to bone disorders. A high-quality, low-calorie diet is essential to prevent overgrowth.

Adult Akitas need 3 to 5 cups of dry food per day, divided into two meals. This is a general guideline, and it's crucial to monitor your dog's weight and adjust food portions accordingly.

Feeding your Akita away from kids or other animals is a good idea, as they can be food-possessive. Always ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times.

Akitas require a well-balanced diet that maintains their muscular build without leading to excess weight. This can exacerbate potential health issues like hip dysplasia.

Here's a rough estimate of the daily feeding needs for Akita puppies at different ages:

As your puppy ages, you can lower the number of times you feed them from 3-4 to twice daily. It's also essential to continue feeding your pet puppy food until they're at least one year old.

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Akitas do shed, particularly during shedding seasons when they “blow” their coat twice a year.

Regular brushing during these periods can help to manage the shedding and keep the thick double coat free of mats.

Weekly brushing outside of shedding seasons is usually sufficient to keep any loose hair under control.

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The Akita breed has a rich history, originating in northern Japan in the 1600s where they were used for hunting and guarding royalty.

They traditionally represent good luck and health to the Japanese people, and were even declared a Natural Monument in 1931.

The breed was almost extinct in Japan during WWII, but was later introduced to the US by Helen Keller in 1937.

Akitas are known for their fearlessness and loyalty, traits that were once put to the test when an Akita puppy was used to raise an orphaned Sumatran tiger cub at the London Zoo.

The Akita breed has been recognized by several kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), and Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), each with their own breed standard.

Here are the recognized breed standards for the Akita breed:

The Akita breed has a rich history that spans centuries. Originating in the 1600s, they were used for hunting and guarding Japanese royalty.

Their traditional role was to hunt big game such as elk, wild boar, and bear. The breed's unwavering loyalty was epitomized by Hachikō, an Akita who waited for his owner's return at a train station for nearly ten years.

The Akita's lineage faced a serious threat during World War II, with government orders to cull all non-combat dogs. Some Akitas were released into the wild or crossbred with German Shepherd Dogs to avoid this fate.

The breed was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1964. This recognition helped to preserve the unique qualities of the Akita and paved the way for its appreciation on a global scale.

The Akita was introduced to the US by Helen Keller in 1937, and later by servicemen who brought back more Akitas after World War II. Thomas Boyd is credited with producing the first Akita stud to sire puppies in the US, starting in 1956.

The American Akita eventually evolved into a more robust dog than the Japanese Akita, but a split between the two standards caused a delay in acceptance by the American Kennel Club. This split is still a matter of great concern to Akita fanciers today.

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The Akita's head is a distinctive feature of the breed, with a broad and flat skull that forms a blunt triangle when viewed from above. This unique shape is due to the slight furrow extending up the forehead.

The eyes are small in comparison to the rest of the head, but they're a deep, dark brown that adds to the breed's keen gaze. The eye rims are tight and black, providing a sharp contrast that adds to the dog's alert demeanor.

The ears are triangular, erect, and slightly rounded at the tips, following the line of the neck and carried forward in a hooded fashion over the eyes.

The muzzle is broad and deep, with a well-defined stop that tapers gradually from the base to the nose. It's not pointed, but rather full and broad.

The nose is always black in color, except for white Akitas which may have a lighter-colored nose. This is a key feature of the breed, and partial or lack of pigment is unacceptable.

The Akita has a strong jaw and a level or scissors bite, where the upper incisors closely overlap the lower incisors and are set square to the jaws. This is vital for the breed's historic role as both a hunter and a guardian.

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The American Akita is a powerful breed with a massive build and sturdy stance. Their skin is pliant, but not loose, and they have a solid muscular body covered with a double coat that's short and lush.

Their coat is made up of two layers: a dense and fine undercoat, and a straight, coarse, and harsh overlying coat. The hair becomes slightly longer towards the lower end of their neck, stomach, and hindquarters.

Akitas have a distinctive muzzle shape with a black nose, strong deep jawline, and thin black lips. Their necks are thick, medium-length, and muscular.

Their cat-like feet are hard-padded, have plenty of fur, and are knuckled up, which helps them walk on snow by distributing their weight evenly. Their toes are also webbed, making it easier to navigate through snowy terrain.

They're perfectly built for work, but also make great indoor dogs. They love to cuddle and are fiercely protective of their families and territory.

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Akitas are large, sturdy, and powerful dogs, with males weighing around 110 pounds and females weighing around 80 pounds.

Their bodies are muscular and slightly longer than they're tall, making them well-suited for colder climates.

Akitas have broad chests and necks, as well as large heads with short muzzles, small eyes, and erect ears.

Their coats are short to medium in length and quite dense, with a thick and soft undercoat that provides excellent insulation.

The colors of Akitas include black, fawn, white, red, brown, and various brindle patterns.

Here's a list of the recognized coat colors and their corresponding codes:

Akitas' tails are a distinguishing characteristic, large and full, set high and carried over the back in a gentle or double curl.

The Akita's temperament is a unique blend of loyalty, protectiveness, and independence. They can be reserved around strangers, but with their owners, they're affectionate and loyal.

Akitas are naturally suspicious of other dogs, especially those of the same sex, and can be aggressive towards them. Proper socialization is key to helping them tolerate other animals.

As intelligent dogs, Akitas respond well to positive reinforcement training and mutual respect. They have a good capacity to learn, but their independent nature means they can get bored with repetitive tasks.

Their strong prey drive means they require secure fencing and supervision when outdoors, and training should focus on impulse control to manage these instincts.

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The Akita temperament is a unique blend of reserve, affection, and loyalty. Akitas are naturally wary of strangers and can be protective of their owners, making them great watchdogs.

According to the ATTS, 77.80% of Akitas passed a temperament test, which measures stability, shyness, and protectiveness. This suggests that Akitas are generally stable and loyal dogs.

However, Akitas are not always the best choice for families with small children, as they can be possessive of their toys and food. They can also be quite aggressive towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex.

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Socialization is key to helping Akitas become more tolerant of other animals. By introducing them to other dogs, cats, and children at a young age, you can help them grow into more socialized dogs.

Akitas are also known for being headstrong and powerful, which can make them challenging to train. However, with patience and consistency, they can learn to behave around kids and make excellent family pets.

Here are some key temperament traits to consider when bringing an Akita into your home:

Overall, Akitas are dignified and noble dogs that require careful consideration and attention to their unique temperament.

Akitas are very intelligent dogs but they can be difficult to control due to their independent and headstrong nature. Consistent training from an early age is crucial to develop good behavior and prevent problems.

They require moderate exercise, which can be achieved with a brisk walk or jog once a day. Akitas also enjoy playing and love water, so an occasional swim can be a great way to keep them active.

Positive reinforcement training is recommended, as Akitas respond well to this approach. Consistency and patience are key when training an Akita, especially when it comes to their independent nature.

Akitas are not overly vocal, but they will bark to alert their handlers to unusual situations, making them excellent watchdogs. However, excessive barking can be a problem if not addressed through training.

Their intelligence means they can learn quickly, but also get bored with repetitive tasks. To keep them engaged, training sessions should be short, varied, and fun.

Akitas require secure fencing and supervision when outdoors due to their strong prey drive. This breed may exhibit predatory behavior towards small animals, so training should focus on impulse control to manage these instincts.

Regular exercise is essential to maintain their physical and mental well-being, and can be met through walks, play sessions, and off-leash exercise in a securely fenced area. Akitas can be prone to overheating in hot weather, so exercise should be done during cooler parts of the day.

Akitas are not a very active breed, but daily exercise is still recommended to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They do well with long walks in cool weather, hikes, and playtime in the yard, and need plenty of space to run around.

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Since they are larger and heavier dogs, you may want to be wary of their surroundings before playtime, as they may knock things over while playing. Engaging their minds with games or tasks that require them to carry something in their mouth can be a great way to stimulate their innate hunting nature.

Early and easy housebreaking is possible with Akitas, as they usually potty train fairly quickly. Encouraging them to go potty outside with treats or soft chews can be an effective way to start the process.

Akitas are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Hip dysplasia is a common problem in Akitas, where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint, leading to pain and arthritis.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, also known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition that can occur when dogs eat or drink too quickly.

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland that can cause skin problems, weight gain, and lethargy.

Sebaceous adenitis is a genetic condition that affects the sebaceous glands in the skin, causing hair loss and skin lesions.

Progressive retinal atrophy is a group of genetic diseases that can cause the retina to degenerate and lead to blindness.

Regular veterinary check-ups and health screenings can help manage these risks and provide early diagnosis of any serious condition.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Akitas:

Akitas can live up to 10 to 14 years with proper care and attention, so it's essential to stay on top of their health needs to ensure they live a long and happy life.

Akitas are a large breed, with males typically standing 26 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 100 to 130 pounds.

Females are slightly smaller, usually standing 24 to 26 inches tall and weighing 70 to 100 pounds.

Both males and females have a strong, muscular build that contributes to their imposing presence.

With proper care, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary checkups, Akitas can enjoy a full and healthy life.

Adult male Akitas typically stand between 26 and 28 inches tall at the shoulder. This is a robust frame that's hard to ignore.

Mature females are slightly smaller, ranging from 24 to 26 inches in height. It's a noticeable difference, but not a deal-breaker for many owners.

The weight of a male Akita in healthy condition usually varies from 100 to 130 pounds. This is a significant range, but it's what you'd expect from a breed of this size.

Females are proportionately less, weighing roughly between 70 and 100 pounds. It's still a substantial weight, but it's what you'd expect from a smaller breed within the same family.

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Akitas have a lifespan of about 10 to 14 years. Genetics also play a role in a dog’s longevity, so it is important to consider the health of its lineage.

With proper care, Akitas can enjoy a full and healthy life. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary checkups.

The American Akita is a breed that's truly fit for royalty, with its impressive size and regal demeanor. They're one of the biggest registered dog breeds, with males ranging from 100 to 130 pounds and standing at 26 to 28 inches tall.

Their muscular build and sturdy stance make them a powerful sight to behold. Their skin is pliant, not loose, and they have a double coat that's short and lush.

Akitas are fiercely protective of their families and territory, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They're quite territorial and protective, and they won't hesitate to confront strangers if they feel threatened.

Their cat-like feet have hard pads and are webbed, which helps them walk on snow by distributing their weight evenly. This unique feature is a testament to their adaptability and ability to thrive in various environments.

Despite their large size, Akitas are perfectly happy living in houses with their families. They love to cuddle and are loyal companions, making them a great fit for families who want a loving and protective pet.

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Raising an Akita puppy requires a commitment to training and socialization, and the early establishment of boundaries to shape a well-adjusted and sociable adult dog.

Early socialization is crucial for Akita puppies, exposing them to various people, sights, sounds, and experiences helps mold their temperament as an adult. Consistent, positive training sessions are key to capitalizing on the breed's intelligence and eagerness to learn.

Akita puppies need regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their growth and initiate a vaccination schedule. Feeding them the right food is also essential, with a diet that supports rapid growth without causing too much weight gain too quickly.

Exercise for Akita puppies should be carefully considered to avoid overexerting their developing bodies. Short and frequent exercise sessions are beneficial, allowing the pup to burn energy and build muscle without causing harm.

Grooming should be introduced early to get the puppy accustomed to the routine, which not only helps to maintain the coat and skin but also strengthens the bond between the Akita and its caretaker.

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Akita puppies can be unpredictable when bothered, so it's best to stay close to them when around strangers or other pets.

Here are some feeding suggestions for your growing Akita puppy:

It's recommended to continue feeding your Akita puppy food until they're at least one year old, as it provides added nutrients that support their growth and development.

The Akita breed is a majestic companion that originated in the 1600s in the province of Akita in northern Japan. They were bred for hunting and guarding Japanese royalty.

To the Japanese people, Akitas traditionally represent good luck and health. Their rich history and cultural significance make them a beloved breed.

In 1931, Japan declared the Akita breed a Natural Monument, recognizing its importance. Three years later, a breed standard was instituted to preserve the breed's characteristics.

Akitas were almost extinct in Japan during WWII due to privations, but the breed was introduced to the US by Helen Keller in 1937.

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