Akita — A Comprehensive Guide

Do you fancy an Akita? If so, that’s good, because we will discuss everything you need to know about this large and loyal Japanese breed, from their appearance and temperament to their exercise and training needs. Read on to learn all about the Akita’s history, health, care, and suitability as a family pet.

What is Akita?

The Akita is a dog breed from Japan. It is known for their courage and loyalty. Akitas make perfect guardian dogs or family companions. They have a long history as working dogs. They are used to hunt larger animals like wild boar or even black bears.

The Akita became popular worldwide after a movie based on the true story of an Akita named Hachiko who displayed remarkable devotion to its owner. He waited daily at a train station in Shibuya, Japan for his deceased owner for over 9 years. I shed a lot of tears watching that movie. Anyway, let’s continue.

Physical Characteristics

• Large, sturdy stature typically 24–28 inches tall and 70–130 pounds
• Double coat with standoff outer coat and dense undercoat
• Common coat colors include red, fawn, sesame, brindle, and white
• Massive head with erect, triangular ears and curled, fox-like tail
• Powerful and imposing physical presence

Health and Care

Akitas are prone to some health issues like hip dysplasia, bloat, viral infections, and eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy. Maintaining their health requires regular vet checkups, vaccinations, and preventative treatments.Their large size also predisposes them to bloat.

Akitas should be fed high-quality dry dog food formulated for large breeds. 2–3 cups divided into two daily meals is typical. Table scraps or excessive treats should be avoided. Ensuring proper nutrition will support their health and reduce weight gain.

Daily exercise of at least 30–60 minutes is ideal for Akitas to expend energy and prevent problem behaviors. Akitas especially appreciate having a safe, fenced outdoor space to roam during the day. Their double coat needs regular, thorough brushing to control shedding.

Temperament and Behavior

Akitas are calm indoors but extremely energetic outside. Akitas are intelligent but also independent with a strong will. Patience and consistency are essential when training them. They respond best to respectful, positive reinforcement training methods.

These dogs thrive as loving guardians and companions to responsible owners able to properly train and socialize them. Their natural protectiveness must be carefully controlled. With their family, they are sweet, gentle, and sensitive.

Training and Obedience

Akitas can be challenging to train due to their independence and strong will. Establishing yourself early on as a firm, consistent pack leader is key. Positive reinforcement training works best for motivation.

Areas to focus on include basic commands, leash manners, and socialization with various people, animals, and environments. Akitas excel at agility, tracking, obedience trials, and police work.

Exercise Requirements

• Vigorous daily exercise (30–60 mins)
• Long walks, hiking, running
• Fenced yard for playtime
• Mental stimulation through training, and toys

These dogs have abundant energy and stamina, so sufficient daily activity is essential. Long walks, play sessions, or jogging will help meet their needs. Having access to a yard gives them space to run around and explore.

Socialization and Interaction

Proper socialization is imperative for Akitas from an early age to shape their interactions with people and other animals. Frequent, positive exposures will help counteract wariness and reduce aggression toward strangers and dogs.

Akitas prefer spending most of their time bonding closely with their family. They can be aloof with strangers unless trained otherwise through continued socialization. Supervision is recommended when interacting with children or other pets. Their strong territorial instincts remain intact.

Feeding and Diet

Akitas should be fed a nutritious commercial diet formulated specifically for large breeds like themselves. This will provide balanced nutrition without encouraging rapid growth.

• High-quality dry kibble for large breeds
• 2–3 cups daily, divided into 2 meals
• Avoid table scraps or excessive treats

I know that a lot of owners feed their dogs with table scraps, but this will disrupt their diet and could lead to excessive weight gain.

Grooming and Maintenance

Akita’s double coat requires weekly brushing to control heavy shedding unless you want fur all over your floor. Use a slicker brush and undercoat rake to remove loose hair. Bathing should only be done occasionally to avoid drying out their skin.

Other grooming needs include regular nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning. Inspect ears and eyes while grooming for signs of infection. Their facial wrinkles also need periodic cleaning.

Living Arrangements

Akitas are well-suited for apartment living provided their daily exercise needs are met. However, they thrive best with access to a securely fenced yard. Akita owners must be prepared to provide ample daily activity indoors or out.

They should also have a spot inside your home as they love to bond closely with their family. They dislike spending long periods isolated outside. Leaving them alone for long periods can also lead to destructive tendencies. Akitas will become depressed without sufficient human companionship.

Breeding and Puppies

Reputable Akita breeders focus on health and temperament, doing all recommended OFA screenings. Litters are typically small at just 6–10 puppies. Akita puppies need early socialization and training as they mature very quickly. Their rapid growth must be managed through proper diet and exercise.

Is It Good For First-time Dog Owners?

The Akita dog breed is not an ideal choice for first-time dog owners. Their large size, protective instincts, and stubborn nature require a good amount of experience to properly train them.

An Akita needs a very confident, firm owner able to establish clear boundaries. Why? Because without proper handling, they can become extremely aggressive, and no one wants a large, aggressive dog. Their energetic exercise needs may also be overwhelming for a novice owner.

Final Thoughts

For experienced owners able to provide proper training, exercise, and companionship, the Akita can be a wonderfully devoted, loving dog. Their courageous nature combined with unyielding loyalty makes them exceptional guardians.

With the right socialization, Akitas can also be sweet, affectionate pets at home. By understanding all their extensive needs covered here, an Akita will thrive under your care.