GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 61-71cm (24”-28”). 
Colour: Black, brindle or red with or without white markings, or solid white. Black masks or white blazes are acceptable on the head.
Coat:  Outercoat - straight and harsh. Undercoat — dense and soft. 
Gait: Resilient, strong with moderately long strides. Hindlegs move in line with the front legs and when trotting, will single track.
The Akita is a heavily boned dog. The head is large with a defined stop and a shorter powerful muzzle. The eyes are small and the triangular pricked ears are carried well forward on the skull giving the desired hooded appearance. The neck is thick and muscular and runs into a rather long powerful back which finishes with a high set tail curled over the back. The powerful hindquarters are only moderately angulated with feet that are thick and well knuckled.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
Also known as the Japanese Akita Inu, these dignified dogs are courageous and always alert. They may be aggressive with other dogs, so they need a firm hand when being walked in public. However, with their owners, these dogs show their love and make loyal and affectionate pets. Their thick coatsshed twice a year and at these times regular brushing is necessary to remove the dead hair.
HISTORY
This breed takes its name from the Akita Prefecture in the northern Japanese province of Honshu — and the word - ‘Inu’ which means dog in Japanese. Originally Akitas were used to hunt deer, bear and wild boar and for the Japanese were the embodiment of what was expected in a competent ferocious watchdog, and as they excelled in this area, were also used for dog fighting. However, in modern times, the Japanese Government has banned this activity and their reputation was upgraded when the Akita was made the National Dog of Japan.