The exact origin of the Akita remains unknown. Through skeletal remains and carbon dating, it was traced to 500 BC, although the Akita's specific breed history has only been recorded for the past 350 years. The Akita was also known as the Odate dog – named after the rugged mountainous area of Odate in the prefecture of Akita, on the island of Honshu.

As fishing has always been a major Japanese industry, the Akita, with its webbed feet and thick water-resistant coat, readily became the fishermen's workmate. Akitas were then used as cattle dogs, seeing-eye dogs for the blind, sled pullers and police dogs. They were also utilised as "babysitters" looking after children while their mothers worked in the rice fields. They first arrived in Australia in 1982.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

These proud dogs often live to eight years of age, but Akitas treated correctly and fed the proper nutrition can live up to 10 years.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

The Akita very much personifies the enigmatic character of the Orient.A dignified, proud, and courageous dog with a fearless yet steady disposition which does not lose control when confronted with unusual or sudden stress situations. Even as a puppy it displays a certain dignity. It is an ever-patient playmate for children and a no-nonsense protector of family and home. Most of all, in the hands of suitable owners it is a joy to own.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

Tends to show dominance over other dogs.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

The Akita loses its coat twice, sometimes three times a year and this is definitely something to consider if you are looking for a dog to live inside the house with you and your family. It requires extensive amounts of exercise and obedience training – this is a breed that needs to learn, from a young age, who is the "leader of the pack". When the Akita loses its coat, its fur literally drops out. At this time it is almost impossible to have it in the house with you so it is necessary to provide an outside fenced area with a warm, dry bed.

IDEAL OWNERS

Those who accept the challenge and understand what is required to do justice to this breed will be rewarded with a loyal and loving animal.

IN CONCLUSION

Now you know a little more about the Akita and have decided this is the dog for you and you want more information, contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Janine Ali	NSW	Contact
Adrienne and Brian Holzapfez	QLD	Contact
Taylor Hastings	SA	Contact
L and J Meharry and Dorr	QLD	Contact
Charles Boughen	WA	Contact
Rod Jonsson	WA	Contact
Tabatha Buckley	ACT	Contact
Jassie van der Kolk	SA	Contact
Karan Button	NSW	Contact
Tracey Walker	TAS	Contact
Jody Gibson	QLD	Contact
Jamas Tolhoek	QLD	Contact
Chelsea Bird	NSW	Contact
Angelica Nejal	NSW	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Dogs New South Wales PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.dogsnsw.org.au (Details current as of 22/11/11)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tasdogs.com/ (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)