February is the month for hearts and everyone at Central Bark has lost their heart to our February Dog of the Month: Hulk! It’s not hard to see why. Hulk is a five month old Akita puppy with a lush coat that shrugs off our Cleveland winter. You can regularly find Hulk enthusiastically romping around in his play group. Hulk is shown here playing with buddies Lula and Angel.
Hulk’s human parents are both as active as Hulk. Audrey is an attorney and a crew (rowing) enthusiast. Matt is also an attorney and a martial arts enthusiast. Their shared enthusiasms include Hulk (of course!) and Ohio State.
Hulk has some big paw prints to fill. Audrey and Matt’s prior Akita, Tank, was also much loved. Tank was a Canine Good Citizen and a therapy dog who volunteered in area nursing homes. Hulk is off to a great start. He sailed through earning his star puppy award in Central Bark’s Puppy 1 class and is now working his way through Puppy 2.
The Akita originated in Japan where it was almost driven to extinction during World War II. Thankfully, it flourished again after the war both in Japan and in America having arrived initially through returning servicemen.
Akita males typically range from 100 to 130 pounds when full grown and have a luxurious thick double coat. Akitas are generally strong and protective of their family yet respond well to other dogs when properly socialized from a young age. The Akita has been recognized as a living Japanese Natural Monument.
Dignified yet playful, surrounded by love, Hulk is our valentine. Congrulations to our February Dog of the Month!
