Akita Behaviour & Temperament - Page 32 - The Japanese Akita Welfare Trust

Akita Behaviour & Temperament - Page 32

Page 32 of 32

LOYALTY

After I started this series, I realized that I had left loyalty off my list of temperament components. This is a hallmark of Akita character, and the only excuse I can offer for overlooking it is that it so much an intrinsic part of Akita nature that we take it for granted.

I don't think I've ever been around an Akita didn't have it. Is it an inherited trait? Since some breeds to not have a lot of personal loyalty to any one person or group, I suspect it is, and it is vital that we keep it in the breed.

I think their sense of loyalty makes Akitas accepting of all the household inhabitants, including cats, kids, other adults, and livestock. It allows them to form firm friendships with other people--your friends, trainers, handlers, neighbors--and to never forget them. Akitas I raised and sold as puppies have greeted me enthusiastically years later.

To some extent, their sense of loyalty is the fount from which other traits arise. Without it, Akitas would not be protective of their friends. Given their sense of independence, the Akita's working ability probably finds its roots in loyalty.

Can you imagine an Akita that is not loyal to its family and friends? I can't; it is such a pervasive part of the breed that we just accept its presence. Losing it would make a profoundly different dog.

(Permission to reprint is granted by the author provided such reprint is for information purposes only and is not conveyed for any commercial consideration and further that it is credited to the author, Sherry E. Wallis.)

THE JAPANESE AKITA WELFARE TRUST WOULD LIKE TO THANK SHERRY FOR THIS ARTICLE AND FOR ALLOWING THE TRUST TO USE IT AS PART OF IT’S EDUCATION PROGRAMM

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Some of our Akitas currently looking for new homes.