Akita Inu

Akita Inu (秋田犬) is a breed of huge Japanese dog. Fully grown male adult can be over three feet tall at the shoulders. On average a full grown male can reach 120lbs a female around 90-100lbs. They come in many different colors and patterns including white, brindle, black, fawn, and many combinations of these. It is one of the few breeds that the American Kennel Club recognizes in all its coat color variations.

Although the AKC has put the Akita in the Working Group, historically, the Akita was used as a hound to run large game in the mountainous areas of Japan. Anyone who has had hounds will recognize that group's very laid-back, easygoing temperament in this breed.

Despite their enormous size, they are excellent house dogs. They require only a moderate amount of exercice. Akitas are known to be very quiet dogs, only barking when there is something to bark about. When an akita dog barks, pay attention.

When rasied indoors with children, they are excellent companions. If they are left unattended in the backyard, they tend to develop "personality" problems and become very destructive to the yard. They are highly pack oriented, thus, isolating them from the pack (i.e., the owner) causes them great stress.