What is the average age of an akita

The breed is also prone to some minor health issues, including gastric torsion, hypothyroidism , elbow dysplasia , cruciate ligament rupture , pemphigus , lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma , and sebaceous adenitis. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run thyroid, hip, eyes, and elbow tests on the dog.

Considered a "natural treasure" of Japan, its native country, the Akita was originally bred as an adaptable hunting dog in the mountainous region of Northern Japan. The Akita was saved from extinction in the s, during which the Japanese made a concerted effort to save seven native dog breeds.

The Akita is the largest among those seven breeds. Hachiko, arguably the most honored Akita, would wait for his master every day at the station to accompany him back home.

After Hachiko died on March 8, , a statue was built to commemorate his dedication; it is here that Hachiko's ceremony is held annually. Hellen Keller, renowned American author and political acitivist, is credited with bringing the first Akita to the United States in It later became recognized by the American Kennel Club in , and is today considered an excellent breed with good-natured and courageous attributes -- a fact that lends itself to the breed's most common profession in Japan: guard dog and police dog.

Home Dog Breeds. Written by: PetMD Editorial. Published: May 27, Physical Characteristics Akita dogs possess heavy bones and a body that is big, and a bit longer than it is tall. Personality and Temperament The Akita is obedient towards its master and always alert.

Care An Akita is at its best when kept inside the house with access to outdoors. With veterinary costs on the rise, it can be scary to think about the cost of treatment for your Akita should they be diagnosed with a chronic illness or have an accident. This is where pet insurance comes in. Many pet insurance plans also offer wellness add-ons that reimburse you for every day, preventative veterinary care like dental cleanings , veterinarian appointments, vaccinations and more.

Preventative care, along with a healthy diet and active lifestyle, will set your Akita up for success. Consult with your veterinarian today for the best, personalized recommendations for your Akita puppy. Veterinary care can be incredibly expensive, but pet insurance has you covered.

Use Pawlicy Advisor today to compare personalized pet insurance and wellness plan recommendations from the top Akita insurance providers. Akitas grow into stunning, imposing dogs who are loyal until the end. Give yourself peace of mind today knowing that should the worst happen, pet insurance has you and your Akita covered. Aliyah Diamond has more than ten years of experience in animal hospitals - working with dozens of species from dogs and cats, to elephants and snow leopards.

Her lifelong passion for helping animals currently has her earning her doctorate of veterinary medicine at Cornell University and helping Pawlicy Advisor educate pet parents. Skip to content. About the author Aliyah Diamond DVM Candidate - Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Aliyah Diamond has more than ten years of experience in animal hospitals - working with dozens of species from dogs and cats, to elephants and snow leopards.

Back to Blog. Pawlicy Advisor is the leading independent marketplace for finding the best coverage for your pet at the lowest rate. Breed Group: Working Height: 24 to 28 inches at shoulder Weight: 65 to pounds Life Span: 10 to 14 years The Akita may be the only breed in the world considered a natural monument in his home country.

Breed Characteristics Adaptability How easily a dog deals with change. Tendency to enjoy or tolerate other dogs. Amount and frequency of dog hair shedding.

Amount of warmth or friendliness displayed. Level of daily activity needed. Preferred amount of interaction with other pets and humans. Factors such as dog size and his tendency to make noise. Amount of bathing, brushing, even professional grooming needed. Tendency to be welcoming to new people. Breed's level of vocalization. Level of health issues a breed tends to have.

A dog's inclination to be protective of his home, yard or even car. Tendency toward a tolerance for cats and a lower prey drive. A dog's thinking and problem-solving ability not trainability. Level of ease in learning something new and a willingness to try new things. Dogs that tend to be more sturdy, playful and easygoing around children and more tolerant of children's behavior.

How lighthearted and spirited a dog tends to be. A breed that is likely to alert you to the presence of strangers. Adaptability How easily a dog deals with change. Did You Know? The History of Akitas The Akita originated on the Japanese island of Honshu in the rugged, cold, mountainous Akita prefecture, from which he takes his name. Akita Temperament and Personality The Akita is a powerful and independent dog with a bold nature.

What You Need to Know About Akita Health All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Finding an Akita Wherever you acquire your Akita, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides.

Choosing an Akita Breeder Finding a good breeder is the key to finding the right puppy. Adopting a Dog From an Akita Rescue or Shelter There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Use the Web Sites like Petfinder. Reach Out to Local Experts Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for an Akita. Talk to Breed Rescue Networking can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family.

Key Questions to Ask You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup.

These include: What is his energy level? How is he around other animals? How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors and children? What is his personality like? What is his age?

Is he housetrained? Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of? Are there any known health issues? Join the Conversation Like this article? Have a point of view to share? Let us know! Find a Veterinarian Near Watch the Latest Vetstreet Videos Check out our collection of more than videos about pet training, animal behavior, dog and cat breeds and more.

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You need JavaScript enabled to view this video. Select Dog or Cat. Thank you for subscribing. All rights reserved. Powered by Brightspot. Vetstreet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Top of Page. Dog Friendly Tendency to enjoy or tolerate other dogs. Shedding Level Amount and frequency of dog hair shedding. Affection Level Amount of warmth or friendliness displayed.

Exercise Needs Level of daily activity needed. Social Needs Preferred amount of interaction with other pets and humans. Apartment Friendly Factors such as dog size and his tendency to make noise.

Grooming Amount of bathing, brushing, even professional grooming needed. Stranger Friendly Tendency to be welcoming to new people. Barking Tendencies Breed's level of vocalization.

Health Issues Level of health issues a breed tends to have.