How to Identify a Japanese Akitainu

Japanese Akitainu may have a coat that is red, white, or various brindle colors. ^[9]

1. 1
   Recognize the characteristics of a red-colored coat. Japanese Akitainu that have a red-colored coat should have rich, vivid coloring, along with a non-large amount of white coloring on their face. You should also notice shading that is either cream or white-colored, on the dog's cheeks or the sides of their muzzle, known as Omotejiro , along with potentially urajiro , which is white underside or light cream-colored shading, on the dog's neck, tail, abdomen, under their jaw, and on the inside areas of their legs, in which case you should notice red that fades to white in a gradient-style. Ideally, the tip of the dog's tail should be white in color. ^[10]
2. 2
   Know the characteristics of a white-colored coat. Japanese Akitainu that have a white-colored coat should have a coat that is as bright white in color as it can be. ^[11]
3. 3
   Learn the characteristics of a brindle-colored coat. Japanese Akitainu that have a brindle-colored coat should have streaks or stripes that are marked noticeably, fine, dark, and over a base that is lighter in color. Specifically, a brindle-colored Japanese Akitainu should either be black brindle, Shimofuri (grey/silver), or various red brindle shades. You should also notice that the dog either has a blaze going up their muzzle which is white in color or is self-masked. Ideally, a brindle-colored Japanese Akitainu should have roppaku , or six white marking points potentially in various degrees on all four paws, their tail tip, and muzzle. A brindle-colored Japanese Akitainu should also have Urajiro , which may be on their tail, neck, abdomen, on the inside area of their legs or under their jaw. ^[12]
4. 4
   Notice some general characteristics of the dog's coat. Regardless of their coat color, Japanese Akitainu should have a triple coat, with guard hairs standing off the body on their outer coat that is straight and coarse-feeling, one relatively soft and thicker undercoat, and one undercoat that is the closest to the dog's skin and usually more thick and has a texture which feels like wool, along with possibly being different-colored than the dog's guard coat. You should also notice significantly more full and long guard hairs on the dog's tail. ^[13]
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1. 1
   Figure out if the dog is affectionate towards their family. Japanese Akitainu are known to be quite affectionate towards and careful around their family. ^[14]
2. 2
   Be aware of the potential for aggression towards other animals and dogs. If a Japanese Akitainu does not receive consistent, firm training with a clear leader established, in addition to possibly becoming willful, they may end up becoming quite aggressive with other animals and dogs. ^[15]
3. 3
   Realize that this dog needs a moderate level of exercise. Japanese Akitainu will need regular, moderate exercise, through things like walks or games of fetch. ^[16]
4. 4
   Check for faithfulness. Japanese Akitainu are known to be quite faithful dogs overall, and it is necessary for them to be around their family. ^[17]
5. 5
   See if the dog is intelligent. While they can become willful and still need consistent, firm training, Japanese Akitainu are known to be intelligent dogs overall. ^[18]
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