The Akita
is the largest of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds. It
is a powerful, solid, well-proportioned and distinctive
looking dog. Its broad, blunt, and triangular shaped
head is flat, strong and muscular with a short, strong
muzzle. The stop is well-defined and there is a shallow
groove going up the center of the forehead. Its ears
are small and erect and are carried forward and in line
with the neck. The dark brown eyes are small and triangular.
It generally has a black nose, but it may be brown.
Its lips are black and its tongue is pink. The Akita
is somewhat longer than it is tall. It has a deep, broad
chest and level back. It carries it tail high and curled
over the back. Its feet are webbed and cat-like which
help them to be excellent swimmers. It has a double
coat. The outer coat is harsh and waterproof and the
inner coat used for insulation is thick and soft.
