Find Akita plush toys in the Kennel at the Forest Cottage.

Find Akita stuffed animals, facts and information in the Kennel at the Forest Cottage. Shown at top is Kita the Akita plush dog from Douglas. You'll find Akita plush toys in the gift shop.

The Akita is a large and powerful breed, and is native to the island of Honshu in the region of Akita in Japan, where it has remained unchanged for centuries.

The Akita is powerful, solid, well-proportioned, distinctive-looking and handsome. The Akita’s build reflects its original job of finding big game (elk, boar, bear) in deep snow and rugged terrain.

It is about 25 inches high at the withers and weighs around 90 to 125 pounds depending on the sex. It has a powerful, short, pointed muzzle. The eyes are dark and alert. The ears are erect, tilted slightly forward. The tail is thick and strong, reaching the hocks, and curled over the dog's back.

The hair is stiff, moderate length with a fine undercoat. This breed’s double coat consists of a dense undercoat and straight, rough, outer coat standing off from the body, about 2 inches or less in length. Such a combination provides ample insulation from water and weather. The Akita comes in a variety of colors. Its personality is docile, but can occasionally be impetuous. It is careful, affectionate, intelligent and courageous. It would be a good idea to get your Akita well socialized from birth with people and other dogs. It is aloof with strangers but affectionate with family members.

The lifespan is generally from 10 to 14 years.