AKC Group	Working
Function	Protection
Origin	Japan
Average Life Span	10-14 years
Average Size	70-130 pounds
Coat	The double coat of the Akita has the appearance of the typical northern breeds.  It is short to moderate in length, but very dense and consists of two layers.  The undercoat is very soft and is the primary insulator, while the outer coat, or the guard hair, is slightly longer and coarser.
Grooming	brushing, brushing, brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming. This dog sheds conciderably
Intelligence	varies with blood lines (usually very high)
Trainability	The person who assumes responsibility for an Akita MUST be able to take control of the dog at an early age. A little work and persistence in training in the early months with an Akita will reap you huge benefits.
Temperament	Alert and responsive, dignified and courageous. Aggressive toward other dogs.
Common Health Problems	eye problems:  cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), etc
Common Personality Problems	aggressiveness,  dominant