The award winning children’s book, Hachiko Waits, inspired me to learn about Akitas.

I just finished reading Hachiko Waits written by Leslea Newman and illustrated by Machiyo Kodaira. I’ll admit I’m a sucker for a heartwarming animal tale, and this story of Hachiko, the famous Japanese Akita, both broke my heart and uplifted me.

Hachiko Waits is a fact-based book of fiction and award winning children’s book based on an inspiring true story. In January 1924, a Japanese Professor Ueno adopted a three-month old Akita puppy he named Hachiko. The professor took the train to work every day, and soon, Hachiko began to accompany him to the station, returning home when the train left, and returning each afternoon, just before three o’clock, to meet his master.

One day, the Professor dies unexpectedly at work, and every day, for ten years until his death, Hachiko returns to wait. Over the years, many Japanese people came to know and love Hachiko and he was well cared for until his death in old age of natural causes. The loyal dog actually died one day while waiting at the station for his master. The people of Japan were so impressed by Hachiko’s loyalty they erected a statue in his honor and placed it at the Shibuya Train Station. Money was raised and an artist named Ando was hired, and in 1934, just before Hachiko dies, a ceremony was held to dedicate this statue.

After reading this story, I became even more interested in this beautiful breed. My only experience with Akitas had been with Emma, a local dog, who recently died of old age. Emma and her owner would sometimes run into me and my Chow mix, Beardog, on walks. Her owner was over six feet and a strong man, who had to use all of his strength when Emma spotted deer or decided she needed to pull on her lead. I learned that Akita’s are unique in their ability to stand up and box opponents, are strong and formidable fighters when necessary, and loyal to their people.

One day in the park, Emma got up on her back legs and boxed a couple of dogs who were getting aggressive with Beardog. The loyal Emma decided we were her pack and she was going to stand up for us. She was a large and beautiful dog that needed an owner capable of restraining her and providing both love and discipline. I realized I was simply not ever going to have the privilege of owning such an Akita dog—my 50 lb. chow mix takes all of my strength. Akitas are the largest of the Spitz-type breeds, and would not be the dog of choice for people who are not able to handle a large breed.

The origin of Akita dogs
Akitas originated in Japan, where they are highly prized and revered. They have long been considered Japan’s national breed, and traditionally were only owned by nobility and aristocracy. They are considered working dogs and have been used as Imperial guards, hunters of bear and boar, and to retrieve waterfowl. The modern Akita makes a faithful companion, therapy, and guard dog.

The personality traits of Akita dogs
The Akita is know for its great intelligence. They thrive on human companionship, and are extremely loyal to their family and those they know, but are wary and aloof of strangers. They are exceedingly protective of their family, their territory, and of their food. They are also known to be aggressive toward other dogs and pets, and while they will get along with older, well-behaved children within their family unit, they are not very tolerant of children they don't know.

For these reasons, they make excellent guard dogs, although they are not excessive barkers.

Is an Akita dog the right dog for you?

Understanding the nature of this beautiful breed will help you decide if you’re ready to take on an Akita. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. For this reason, they are not well suited for a two-career family. They require a great deal of attention. Akitas are not recommended for the novice dog owner, or owners who are placid and submissive.

Consider if you have the time and dedication to give an Akita the intensive socialization and obedience training it needs. Can you offer him the companionship he needs? Are you patient and able to train with firmness, fairness, kindness and consistency? Akitas do not respond to harsh or heavy handed training methods. Are you physically capable of walking such a strong, muscular dog that may weigh 100 lbs, lift her when necessary, and deal with regularly grooming a large breed dog?

Are you able to take the time required to groom your Akita on a daily basis? Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary with a mild shampoo to prevent stripping the coat of the natural oils, but daily brushing with a strong brush is necessary. It’s important to keep the hair on the bottom of the paws trimmed to preserve their characteristic of webbed feet.

Are you aware of the breed’s health issues? Akitas, like many large breed dogs, are prone to hip dysplasia. They also tend toward hypothyroidism, eye problems, and lupus.

If you decide the noble and beautiful Akita is the breed for you, be sure you buy from a reputable breeder or adopt from a reputable Akita rescue.

Recommended reading:

Hachiko Waits by Leslea Newman and illustrated by Machiyo Kodaira

What a great holiday gift for children!

Watch for:

Hachiko: A Dog’s Story is a dramatic film adaptation of the 1987 film, Hachiko Monogatari, and was just released on August 8, 2009 in Japan. It will be released in theaters nationwide on December 18, 2008, and stars Richard Gere, Joan Allan, and Sarah Roemer.