Akita was bred as a versatile hunting dog in Japan and, over the years, has assumed a place of honor in the hearts of the Japanese people. When a child is born, the parents are often given a small Akita statue as a symbol of happiness, health, and longevity.
The Akita stands 24 to 28 inches tall and weighs between 65 and 115 pounds, with females smaller than males. The head is broad, with a deep muzzle, upright ears, and small, dark eyes. The body is longer than the dog is tall at the shoulder, the chest is deep, and the tail is large, full, and carried over the back with a curl. The coat is double, with the undercoat soft and dense. The outer coat is straight and stands out from the body. Colors include white, pinto, or brindle. During most of the year, the Akita can be brushed twice a week. During spring and fall, when shedding is the heaviest, daily brushing is needed.
Akitas do not have a doggy odor and are catlike in their ability to help keep themselves clean. Akitas are not an overly active breed. A couple of long walks each day plus a quick jog alongside a bicycle will satisfy most of the needs. Puppies can be bouncy, silly, and like to play games, but adult Akitas can be quite serious. Akitas have strong guardian instincts. To grow up confident and well-adjusted, they must meet a variety of people early in life.
Training is also important; the Akita is a powerful dog who could take advantage of his owner. Training should be firm yet fair and fun. Akitas can be a difficult dog for a first-time dog owner. Loyal and devoted to a fault, they can also be stubborn and dominant. Although good with children who respect them, they are intolerant of teasing. They are not always good with visiting children or rough kids’ play; it may be misinterpreted as something harmful. As hunters, they are not good with small pets. Health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, knee and eye problems, and cancer.
Akita at K9 Research Lab
2 replies on “Akita”
The Akita Inu is handsome, calm, dignified, clean (easy to housebreak), and quiet (seldom barks), so it’s understandable that he might be viewed as a desirable pet.
However . . . the Akita Inu has a dominant, complex personality that makes him very challenging to raise.
Powerful, reserved with strangers, and protective, the Akita Inu must be accustomed to people at an early age so that his guarding instincts remain controlled rather than indiscriminate.
Akitas can be so aggressive with other dogs of the same sex that two males or two females should never be left alone together. The problem is that this breed can be difficult to “read” — often he does not “posture” (display obvious signs of aggression) — instead, an Akita Inu may co-exist peacefully with another dog until suddenly, apparently out of the blue, a minor disagreement occurs, or perhaps the other dog pushes the Akita too far or approaches the Akita’s food bowl or favorite toy, and then the Akita may attack with unsuspected ferocity. Akitas can be very possessive of their food — keep children away from them during mealtime.
As you might guess, cats and other small animals are also at risk around an Akita. In general, it is simply safest to keep this breed as an only pet.
Training can be a challenge, for the Akita Inu is assertive, strong-willed, and bores easily, and he may use his intelligence in ways that suit his own purposes.
Yet owners who know how to lead will find him eminently trainable via praise and reward methods. This breed must be treated with respect — absolutely no teasing — but you must insist on respect in return or he will walk right over you. Akitas are not a good choice for a first-time dog owner.
Unlike many other large breeds, the Akita Inu doesn’t require hours of running exercise. He does well with long brisk walks and an occasional vigorous run, especially in cold weather. Akitas LOVE snow and cold.
My Akita is a clown. She tears around the the house at full speed, amazingly she has never knocked anything over. She was very easy to house break. She slept and still sleeps in an open create in our bedroom, we did have the bedroom door closed when we were first house training her. When we first got her we took her outside after she ate and every 3 to 4 hours and just before bedtime. Telling her to go pee and praising her when she did. In two weeks time she was house trained. She did have a couple of accidents which was due to our lack paying attention. We had originally barricaded the living room so she could not go in their. She made a special point to break through the barrier and pee in the living room. When we stopped barricading the area, she stopped peeing in their. We realized it was her way of making a statement. She loves to rub herself on and roll over ice cubes. She knows her toys by name and she leaves everything else in the house alone. She has a very expressive face and when she feels lethargic she lays flat out on the floor resembling a great deal like a bear skin rug. She only barks when she thinks there is something to be concerned about. No one can sneak up to our house or be anywhere near the yard without us knowing about it. She stops barking when we go and check it out.
The Akita is a noble, loyal and courageous dog of somewhat large size. In general, the Akita is quiet, deliberate and strong-willed, though the breed will bark when he thinks it necessary.
Akitas make wonderful family dogs, however you should never leave a small child alone with any dog. You need to teach children how to handle the dog and to be a good pack leader. Akitas are naturally aggressive so you need to heavily socialize them with people and animals. We encourage our dog to play with other dogs and we encourage people including children to pet her. We do not allow her to be aggressive.
Akitas need a lot of attention. We are always playing and talking with our dog and teaching her how to be a good mannered citizen. If you put the time and effort in and you will have an amazing dog and friend.