Akita Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

The Akita Dog Overview

This is a massive and robust breed with a lot of substance and bone, and it’s a little longer than tall.

The Akita’s design reflects its original purpose of tracking down big animals in heavy snow and rough terrain.

The double coat of this breed comprises a dense undercoat and a straight, rough outer coat that stands off from the body and is around 2 inches or less in length.

This combination provides adequate protection against water and weather.

The stride is quick and forceful. The Akita is a multipurpose dog of the giant spitz breed, capable of serving as both a trekking companion and a guardian.

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Akita Highlights

The Akita Dog
The Akita Dog

  • The Akita can be hostile to other dogs and is highly susceptible to same-sex aggression. To eliminate these tendencies, they will require socializing training.
  • For first-time dog owners, the Akita is not a good choice.
  • The Akita need positive socialization as well as continuous, strong training. When he is mismanaged or mistreated, he frequently becomes hostile.
  • If not properly trained, the Akita will chase other pets in the house.
  • The Akita sheds a lot of fur!
  • Prolonged eye contact is regarded as a challenge by the Akita, who may react violently.
  • Training a stubborn Akita can be difficult and requires understanding, experience, and patience. It’s preferable to work with a trainer that is familiar with the breed, but you should also be involved in the training.

Akita Breed Features & Ratings:

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL:                                3 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS:             3 Star
PLAYFULNESS:                                   3 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL:                            3 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS:                 1 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS:     2 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS:     1 Star
WATCHFULNESS:                                 4 Star
EASE OF TRAINING:                             3 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS:             2 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY:                               5 Star
VOCALITY                                              5 Star

Akita Breed Profile

  • Dog Breed Group:  Working Dogs
  • Height:  2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder
  • Weight:  70 to 130 pounds
  • Life Span: 10 to 12 years
  • Type: Purebred  
  • AREA OF ORIGIN:  Japan
  • DATE OF ORIGIN: Unknown
  • OTHER NAMES:  Akita Inu, Japanese Akita
  • Temperament:  Alert, Courageous, Dignified, Docile, Friendly, Intelligent, Responsive
  • Activities : Conformation, Agility, Rally, Obedience
  • Color: The Akita can have an array of different colors, masks and markings.
  • Litter Size: 3-12 puppies
  • Puppy Prices: Average $1000 – $2500 USD

Akita Health

Bloat, a rapid, life-threatening illness in which the stomach twists without veterinarian assistance, can occur in Akitas, as it does in many other dogs.

Bloat is a medical emergency, and Akita owners should be aware of the symptoms.

Prospective owners should engage with a professional breeder who evaluates his or her breeding stock for health issues like eye and thyroid diseases, as well as hip dysplasia, a hip joint abnormality that can cause discomfort and arthritis.

Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
  • Hip Evaluation
  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation
  • Thyroid Evaluation

Akita Grooming

Akitas are generally clean and have little ‘doggy odor.’ They don’t need much grooming, but their thick, luxuriant double coat should be brushed at least once a week to keep it looking good.

Although Akitas shed very little most of the time, their dense undercoat will ‘blow’ twice a year, shedding so profusely that it will come out in clumps all over your house.

During this time, it is beneficial to brush the dog more regularly in order to remove the dead coat.

Overly long nails can create pain and issues for the dog, so they should be cut on a regular basis. Remember to brush the dog’s teeth on a regular basis to maintain dental health.

Despite their proclivity for self-grooming, Akitas require bathing every three months or so. Of course, more frequently is acceptable if your dog rolls in a mud puddle or something stinky.

Once a month, the nails should be clipped, and the ears should be checked once a week for dirt, redness, or a poor odor, which can signal an infection.

To avoid difficulties, clean the ears once a week with a cotton ball moistened with a moderate, pH-balanced ear cleaner.

Akita Exercise

The Akita is not a particularly active breed, but it does require some exercise. Most members of the breed may meet their needs by jogging or taking a brisk stroll around the block at least once a day.

Akitas enjoy playing vigorously as well. Although they are huge dogs, “males frequently weigh more than 100 pounds” Akitas can do well in a relatively small environment with adequate daily activity.

They are powerful dogs bred to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions of northern Japan, but they were also trained as house dogs, protectors, and hunters, and thus they can adapt well to life in the household.

Akita Training

Akitas are bright and devoted, but they are also independent and headstrong. As enormous and powerful dogs, it is critical that they are constantly trained beginning in puppyhood.

Because Akitas are instinctive guardians, it is critical that they receive early and thorough socialization while they are young.

They must learn to tolerate a wide spectrum of strangers without viewing them as a threat.

They should never be left unattended in an insecure place due to their independence and intense prey drive.

Akitas are known to be aggressive toward other dogs, particularly those of the same sex, and should be approached with extreme caution in canine relationships.

Akita Food and Nutrition

The Akita should do well on high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared under the observation and consent of your veterinarian.

Any diet chosen for the canine must be at maturity level (puppy, adult, or senior).

Some breed specialists propose that Akitas over the age of 7 be fed a ‘light’ or less calorie-dense diet as a preventative measure against the beginning of kidney disease.

Some dogs are prone to obesity, so keep a close watch on your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level.

Treats can be a valuable training aid, but feeding too much might lead to obesity. Learn which human foods are appropriate for canines and which are not.

Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns regarding your pet’s weight or diet. Fresh water should be supplied at all times.

It’s crucial to note that some Akitas can be food-obsessed, so keep their food bowl or treats away from other animals or children.

Akita Temperament and Personality

The Akita, like its spitz-like ancestors, is bold, independent, stubborn, and tenacious. They are completely devoted to their family and will safeguard family members.

This dog is reserved with strangers and can be forceful, so it should be introduced to new canines and family pets with caution. They can be tyrannical.

Though not for everyone, the Akita is a terrific companion in the right hands.

The Akita is a strong-willed dog who is naturally apprehensive of strangers but devoted to its family. They are vigilant, bright, and brave.

They are hostile against other dogs, particularly those of the same sex. They work well in a one-dog household.

Akita is friendly and playful with his family. They appreciate their family’s company and wish to engage in daily activities.

They’re chatty and enjoy transporting toys and household things. Despite popular opinion, they are noisy and have been known to growl, sigh, and, yes, bark if they decide the circumstance warrants it.

Be mindful that the Akita’s powerful demeanor might be intimidating. They are not the dog for a first-time owner, nor are they suitable for those who are afraid of dogs.

They require an owner who is firm but kind in his or her discipline. This athletic breed requires a lot of exercise.

They require a lot of movement to keep them from growing bored and, as a result, destructive.

If not properly raised, the naturally protective Akita has a proclivity to become violent.

Training and socialization of the Akita are vital from an early age. Remember that this breed is obstinate, thus extra patience is required to teach them correct canine manners.

Akita Care/Upkeep

When living inside with their family, the Akita is happiest and performs best. Although this breed is not hyper, they do require daily exercise.

Akitas require 30 minutes to an hour of exercise each day; preferred activities encompass brisk walks, jogging (for adult dogs over two years of age), and romping in the yard.

Given the Akita’s violent nature toward other dogs, heading to a dog park is probably not a good decision.

A diverse regimen is excellent for this breed because of its high intelligence. You do not want a bored Akita.

This results in behaviors like barking, digging, chewing, and hostility. Include the Akita in family events and avoid leaving them alone for extended periods of time.

A securely fenced yard is also necessary, both for the safety of the Akita and for the safety of guests who may inadvertently enter their territory.

While they are not normally hostile toward visitors when their family is around, all bets are off when their owners are not present.

The Akita is a faithful guardian who will defend against any harm they feel.

Every day, the Akita enjoys both mental and physical activity. They require the opportunity to run in a safe place or on a leash for a long jog.

This dog can be a peaceful and well-mannered home dog if given enough exercise and instruction.

Brushing the coat once a week is recommended to remove dead hair, and much more frequently while shedding.

Akita Relationship with Children and Other Pets

Interactions between dogs and children should always be supervised by adults, and this is especially true with this breed.

No child could have a more faithful protector and playmate than an Akita, yet an Akita that is mistreated can become a liability and possibly risk your child’s life.

It is critical to teach children to be courteous and friendly to dogs in all of their encounters with them. Even with well-trained canines, play between dogs and children should always be supervised.

The Akita is best suited to families with older children. However, they should normally live in a one-pet family because they can be violent toward other dogs and will chase other pets if not properly educated.

Akita Names

RankBoy NamesGirl Names
01MaxBella
02LeoMolly
03GusLulu
04JackLayla
05TobyLilly
06AceNala
07JakeZoey
08MiloElla
09BoMaya
10CodyDixie

All About  Akita

The Akita is a large, strong-looking dog with a massive head and small, triangular eyes, as well as a confident, rough attitude.

Most would-be troublemakers are put off by the sheer presence of a powerful Akita.

This breed is known for its everlasting devotion to its owners, and they can be quite charming and loving with family members.

Consider a devoted protector who will accompany you from room to room and whose sole purpose in life appears to be to serve you.

The Akita is a brave breed that serves as a natural watchdog for its family. They are obstinate and will not back down from a confrontation.

They don’t normally bark unless there’s a good reason, but they are talkative and make hilarious grunts, moans, and mumbles.

Some owners claim their Akita mutters under their breath and appears to be talking to themselves, while others claim their Akita shares their opinion on everything from how to load the dishwasher to when to put the kids to bed.

Akita History

The Akita is one of the most well-known and revered native Japanese breeds.

Despite its resemblance to dogs found in ancient Japanese tombs, the contemporary Akita is the outcome of a determined nineteenth-century attempt to rehabilitate seven original Japanese dog breeds. 

The largest of these breeds, the Akita, was rebuilt using a variety of breeds, including indigenous Odate dogs, who were considered as the best examples of native Japanese animals.

Many qualities descended from some predecessors, such as black mask, pinto pattern, and significant size, were selected against by Japanese breeders over time, although American breeders retained those traits. 

The Akita-inu Hozonkai Society of Japan was founded in 1918 to conserve the original Akita, and the Akita was declared as one of Japan’s natural monuments in 1931.

Hachiko, the most revered Akita of all time, welcomed his owner at the train station every evening to escort him home.

When his master died at work one day, Haichiko waited for him, and he returned every day until he died nine years later on March 8, 1935. Today, a statue and an annual ceremony honor Haichiko’s devotion.

Helen Keller brought the first Akita to America when she returned from Japan in 1937. Following WWII, servicemen returned home from Japan with Akitas.

The breed’s popularity grew gradually until it was recognized by the AKC in 1972. Since then, it has constantly garnered fans and has grown in popularity. In Japan, the Akita is now utilized as a guard and police dog.

Where to Adopt or Buy an Akita

The Akita Club of America is an excellent place to start your puppy hunt.

Their membership includes breeders from the United States, Canada, and Spain.

The best option to find an Akita rescue is to look into local rescue groups; the Akita Club of America Rescue can also provide leads.

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Do a lot of research and chat to other Akita owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups before deciding whether an Akita is the appropriate dog for you.

If you’re looking for comparable breeds, take a look at these:

Akita Fun Facts

  • They’re named for a region in Japan. 
  • They’re built for the snow
  • They have a strong presence in Japanese Culture
  • Hachiko is the most famous dog of the breed.
  • There is a museum dedicated for them.
  • The wealthy held a temporary monopoly for them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What do Akitas stand for?

Akitas are powerful, double-coated Japanese dogs known for their dignity, courage, and loyalty. They are revered in their homeland as family protectors and emblems of good health, happiness, and long life.

Do Akitas ever turn against their owners?

Akitas are not mean unless provoked or if they lack social skills. Akitas are extremely devoted and protective of their owners, and they can turn aggressive fast if they believe their owner is in danger.

How do Akitas express affection?

It’s their way of saying hello to other dogs when they smell their butts at the dog park or on the street. They’ll pounce on you. If you come home and your dog leaps all over you, this is a sign of love and affection.

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