Facts about Akita

1. 10

   Akitas require extensive socialization during puppyhood to reduce aggression toward unfamiliar dogs, with studies showing well-socialized individuals are 3 times less likely to display hostile behavior toward other pets.

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2. 09

   Lifespan in Akitas typically ranges from 10 to 13 years, which is shorter than many dog breeds of similar size.

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3. 08

   Akita's territorial instincts and independent nature made them prized as guards for samurai homes and castles throughout feudal Japan.

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4. 07

   Seizures affect roughly 10 percent of Akitas, making epilepsy one of the breed's most common genetic health concerns.

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5. 06

   Approximately 8 to 10 puppies comprise a typical Akita litter, with each newborn weighing roughly one pound at birth.

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6. 05

   Loyalty to a single owner characterizes Akitas, as they typically bond most strongly with one person and can be aloof or reserved toward unfamiliar people and other dogs.

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7. 04

   In 1937, Helen Keller received an Akita as a gift during her visit to Japan, introducing the breed to American awareness and popularity.

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8. 03

   Double coats consisting of a dense undercoat and stiff outer fur allow Akitas to withstand temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

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9. 02

   Akitas can weigh between 70 and 130 pounds and were originally bred by Japanese nobility during the Edo period to hunt large game including boar and deer.

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10. 01

    The Akita breed originates from Japan's Akita prefecture and was designated as a National Monument in 1931 for cultural preservation.

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