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The Akita or Akita Inu is a large dog named after the Akita Prefecture in Japan where it originated. "Inu" means "dog" in Japanese, although this animal is nearly always referred as "Akita-ken,".

Appearance
Males can be over three feet tall, although this is rare; more typically, the breed stands 24 to 28 inches (60 to 71 cm). Males  can reach 120 pounds (54 kg), a female 100 pounds in weight. Akitas come in several colours and patterns including white, brindle, black, fawn, and many combinations of these.

Temperament
Although the AKC has put the Akita in the Working Group, historically, the Akita was used as a hound to run large game, such as bears, in the mountainous Japan. Anyone who has had hounds will recognise that group's very laid back, easygoing temperament in this breed. Despite their enormous size, they are excellent house dogs as they require only moderate exercise, and they bark rarely. They are great with kids. If kept outside with no company, they will become destructive. Goodbye sneakers. Goodbye garden. They are highly pack oriented, thus, isolating them from the pack (i.e., the owner) causes them great stress.

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