Akita Inu Buying Guide: Methods and Precautions Explained

(1) For first-time owners, before buying, it is best to visit a household that keeps this dog to learn about its appearance and habits, so that you have a clear idea when choosing one.

(2) If conditions permit, you should also find some introductory materials about this dog and study them carefully, to further understand the dog's appearance and the characteristics of each part of its body, and avoid mistakes when buying.

(3) When selecting, first pay attention to the standards for height and weight; if it is too large or too small, it may not be a purebred. Since young dogs are not yet old enough in days and their bodies are not yet fully developed, those slightly smaller than the standard may also be considered.

(4) The Akita Inu has a relatively large skull, shaped like an inverted triangle that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. If the head is too small, or the face is square, it does not conform to this dog's appearance standard and is not suitable for selection.

(5) The Akita Inu's ears are upright triangular ears, with the tips pointing up and the ear cavities facing forward. If the ears are too large or drooping, they do not match the appearance characteristics this dog should have, and it is not suitable for selection.

(6) This dog's eyes are relatively small, slightly triangular, and both the eyes and the eye rims are black. If the eyes are round and large, and light in color, they do not meet this dog's appearance standard requirements.

(7) The nose is relatively broad and large, with a relatively large nose tip, and is black. If the nose is slender and pointed and small, and the nose color is too light, this also goes against the Akita Inu's facial shape and is not suitable for selection.

(8) The neck is relatively thick and short, with full and well-developed muscles; the body length exceeds the height; the chest is broad and relatively thick, with a well-developed ribcage and expanded ribs. Those contrary to the above standards are not Akita Inu.

(9) The tail is set relatively high, and the tail is large and full, curled on the back or pressed against the ribs; the tail hair is coarse, straight and abundant. If the tail stands straight up, is straight and has little hair, or droops like a saber, it does not match the morphological characteristics this dog should have and cannot be selected.

(10) The coat should be a double coat: the upper coat is slightly longer and slightly coarse, while the undercoat is thick and fine and dense. The hair on the head, legs and ears is shorter, the hair on the upper arms and shoulders is longer, and the hair on the tail is even longer. If the hair length of each part is the opposite of this, it does not look like an Akita Inu, and it obviously cannot be purchased.

(11) Coat colors include white, brindle, or variegated markings, with white background with brownish-yellow patches being the most common. If the coat color differs too much, it also does not look like an Akita Inu.

(12) When the deal is settled, ask the seller for various certificates such as the dog's pedigree certificate and a transfer certificate signed by both parties.