Akita puppies are classed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a “working” dog.  No, get your mind out of the gutter, not that kind of working.  Other breeds joining Akita are Labradors, Huskies, St. Bernards, and Mastiffs.  The Akita breed originated in Japan.  Helen Keller is widely credited with bringing the dog to the United States after receiving two as gifts from the Japanese government in 1937

While Akita puppies are not classified as “guard” dogs, you will see them used often in this role.  The size of the animal and its fierce loyalty make this a good secondary role for the dog.  Akitas will make a LOT of noise if an intruder is spotted.  With the combination size of the dog, and lots of noise, most intruders find another place.  An Akita puppy is well known for its temperament. The dogs should be supervised around small children, and particularly around other animals.   The attitude of the animal ranges from bouncy to aggressive.

Size: for males 26 to 28 inches tall, females 24 to 26 inches. Dogs under 25 inches from floor to withers are disqualified.

Tail: large and full carried high in a curl over the dog’s back

Head: forms a blunt triangle when viewed from above

These are just a handful of the breed standards with the AKC.

Click for more information on Akita puppies, including a trailer of the Richard Gere movie, Hachi.