If you want a loyal and intelligent companion, then the Akita might be the perfect dog for you! The Akita has long been a cherished family companion in Japan. These dogs are known for their loyalty and loving nature.
Start training your Akita puppy at an early age, or immediately you bring your puppy home and use plenty of positive reinforcement techniques, and you'll end up with a loyal, loving, and protective family companion.
In this in-depth guide for first time dog owners (and seasoned pet parents alike), you'll find everything you need to know about owning an Akita so you know if this is the right breed for you!
The Akita Dog: Breed Overview
Group: Purebred Dog
AKC Recognition: Yes, Working Dog
Other Name: Silent Hunters
Bred for: hunting bears
Size: Large
Average Height for Males: 25 inches to 28 inches
Average Height for Females: 23 to 26 inches
Average Weight for Males: 70 to 130 pounds
Average Weight for Females: 65 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Average litter size: 7 puppies
Coat: Medium length, double coat
Coat Colors: Any, including white, black, brown, gray, brindle, and red
Distinctive Features: Large head, plush curled tail, and upright triangular ears
Temperament: Loyal, loving, intelligent, courageous, and eager to please.
Good watchdog: yes.
Good guard dog: Yes
Exercise needs: Average
Energy Levels: Average
Tendency to Drool: Low
Barking Level: Low
Attention Requirements: Moderate
Tolerance to solitude: Low
Possible Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, patellar luxation, cataracts, epilepsy, entropion
Some Fun Facts about the Akita Dog Breed
Akitas were once known as Snow Country Dogs.
They have webbed toes to enable them to walk comfortably on snow.
They gain energy when the weather becomes cool.
The Akita Inu was once owned by the Japanese royal family.
The Akita Inu was bred to be a hunting dog.
Hachiko was a famous Akita dog recognized for his remarkable loyalty.
Hellen Keller brought Akitas to the US.
Akitas are very clean. They tend to groom themselves like cats.
Although Akitas are loyal to their owners, they might not get along well with other dogs.
The Akita should be trained and socialized well at a young age to prevent aggressive or antisocial behaviors.
Pros and Cons of an Akita
Pros
Akitas are loyal to their owners
They are affectionate
They enjoy being close to their owner and family.
They are courageous and up to any challenge.
They are protective and make great watchdogs and guard dogs
Cons
They get bored quickly.
They don't like being left alone.
Boredom can result in destructive behaviors.
The Origin and History of the Akita Dog Breed
The Akita was bred in northern Japan and was used as a hunting dog as far back as 1603.
By 1931, the Japanese Akita breed was a natural treasure in Japan and a symbol of courage and effort. Today, the breed is popular around the world as a companion.
The General Appearance of an Akita Dog
So, what does a full-grown American Akita look like?
The Akita is a very large dog with a sturdy and balanced frame. It has a large head, plush, curled tail, and erect triangular ears. Its dark, shiny eyes give it an alert appearance.
How Big Does an Akita Get?
American Akita dogs are large, powerful spitz-type canines with an impressive stature.
Height
According to the American Kennel Club, female Akitas stand between 24 and 24 inches tall, while males stand 26 to 28 inches tall.
Weight
According to the AKC, male Akitas weigh around 70 to 130 pounds, while females weigh between 65 and 100 pounds.
Lifespan
The Akita is a generally healthy dog breed with a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
Coat and Coat Colors
The Akita has a dense double coat, so he doesn't do well in the heat. This dog comes in various colors, including black, white, red, brindle, brown, and gray.
Akita Temperament, Behavior, and Personality Traits
Odds are you're considering getting an Akita because of the breed’s desirable personality traits.
These include:
Loyal and loving
Quiet—Akitas don't bark a lot.
Protective—Akitas make great watchdogs and guard dogs.
Adaptable to various living conditions
Active and athletic
Intelligent and eager to please
However, there are a few traits you also need to keep in mind before adding an Akita to your family.
Can be independent and challenging to train
Can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals
Must be well-socialized at a young age to prevent aggression later on
They don't like being left alone and can be destructive if boredom kicks in.
That said, Akitas are protective, loving, and affectionate dogs. They enjoy being with their families and do not bark without a reason. They need a firm leader, regular exercise, and early socialization to get along well with people and other animals.
Do Akitas Get Along Well with Children?
While Akitas love children, they might not be patient with very small kids. The Akita may not tolerate mishandling by small kids while small kids might be overwhelmed by this dog’s massive size. This dog will be best in families with older children.
Do Akitas Make Good Family Dogs?
The Akitas are loyal, loving, and protective dogs. They make great family pets, but they do better in homes with older children and single-dog homes. With proper training and socialization, they can make wonderful family dogs, but it's important to keep in mind that they aren't very tolerant of small kids or other dogs.
Are Akitas Good with Cats and Other Pets?
Akitas can be aggressive toward other canines and have a high prey drive, so they may chase after smaller animals like cats.
If you're getting an Akita, early training and socialization are a must.
Are Akitas Good for First-time Owners?
No. The Akita is a poor choice for first-time dog owners. Their strong-willed nature can make training difficult.
Firm training and positive socialization are necessary for this breed. If not trained and socialized well, they can become aggressive towards strangers and other animals in the family.
Barking Level
So does the Akita bark a lot? Well, Akitas are generally quiet and do not bark without a reason. However, they may bark in some situations to express themselves due to their hunting instincts.
Are Akitas High Maintenance?
Yes! Akitas are high-maintenance dogs. Although they are easy to groom and don't bark too much, they require mental stimulation and brushing at least once a week. They also need firm training from the get-go to become loyal and loving family companions.
Exercise Requirements
The Akita is an active and energetic dog that needs at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy.
Daily walks, jogs, and playtime in a spacious, fenced-in yard should help meet your dog's exercise needs. We also recommend engaging them in varied exercises to prevent boredom.
The Akita is an intelligent dog, so he also requires mental stimulation and attention. Without proper brain exercises, a bored dog can resort to barking, digging, chewing, and other destructive behaviors.
Also, avoid letting your Akita off leash, as they may chase after cats and other small animals in the household.
Training
The Akita is an intelligent dog, but can also be strong-willed. Although its independent nature can make training difficult, the Akita is also eager to please.
The key is to start training at a young age and continue training him over time. They respond best to firm and consistent trainers. Keep the training sessions short and use positive reinforcements like treats and praise to keep them interested in the training and to establish a strong bond with them.
We also recommend early socialization for this large dog breed. The Akita should be well socialized at a young age to prevent antisocial behavior around guests and other animals in the household.
Shedding Level
If you're still interested in adopting an Akita dog, you may be wondering, “Does the Akita shed a lot?”.
Fortunately, Akitas are low-shedding dogs. They will blow their coat twice a year. Their thick coats are generally clean and require brushing once a week.
Grooming and Maintenance
Akitas have a thick, double coat and shed twice a year. Weekly brushing will help reduce the shedding and keep their coat in good condition.
The Akita is good at keeping its coat clean, but this smart and dignified breed can be bathed every few weeks and dried with deodorizing wipes for dogs to maintain a beautiful coat. Using the right products to meet your dog's needs is necessary to achieve the best results.
Akitas are prone to dental issues, so you should brush their teeth at least three times per week. Also, remember to clean their ears regularly and trim their nails as needed.
Food and Nutrition
Akita dog owners should choose high-quality dog foods that will support their pups' health and longevity.
The average adult Akita should eat around 3 to 5 cups of dog food each day, depending on the dog's age, size, and activity level. Be sure to divide this amount into two to three meals each day.
Some pups are prone to obesity, so monitor your dog's weight level and calorie intake. Treats are a crucial aid in dog training, but avoid giving them too many treats at any time as this can lead to obesity.
Remember Akitas tend to be possessive of their food, treats, and toys. If you have other animals at home, make sure to give your Akita its own food and keep their food bowls and water bowls away from children and other animals.
Akita Health Issues
Akitas are generally healthy, but they can still suffer from certain health issues that potential owners should familiarize themselves with.
These health problems include
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Hip dysplasia
von Willebrand disease.
Cancer
Ear Infections
Bloating
How Much Does an Akita Puppy for Sale Cost?
The price of a purebred Akita puppy from a reputable breeder ranges from $600 to $2,000, with the average Akita price being about $1,000.
The Best Names for Akita Dogs
If you prefer an authentic Japanese dog name for your Akita, here are some cool names to consider:
Aiko
Akiko
Akira
Apollo
Bailey
Buster
Chika
Chiyo
Dai
Hachi
Hana
Hiro
Ichiro
Keiko
Kenji
Kin
Michi
Nala
Riku
Shiro
Sora
Stella
Yori
Yoshi
Yuki
Dogs Breeds Similar to Akitas
If you love the Akita or want a breed similar to an Akita, then you should check out the following dog breeds:
Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Malamute
American Eskimo Dog
Basenji.
Chow Chow
Finnish Spitz
Hokkaido Inu.
Kai Ken
Kishu Ken
Korean Jindo
Shiba Inu
Siberian Husky
Tosa Inu
Do you have an Akita Dog? If so, is your dog the same or different? And in what ways? Let us know in the comments!
Comments
Post a Comment