Akita Dog Breed Traits & Facts

Last Updated on September 20, 2023

The Akita is an large and powerful breed of dog. They are frequently called one of the world’s most affectionate dogs. They are extremely affectionate and loving with their families however, they are extremely suspicious of anyone outside their own human family. There’s a lot of dogs in his hefty frame And not all people have the experience or knowledge to manage the breed.

Akitas are a rare breed within their native United States, so you will not see them often in shelters. But, it’s not unusual to see breeds with strong wills end up in shelters which is why that’s what the Akita is one of them.. This breed is known for being strong and stubborn, so when you’re a new pet owner, we recommend considering a different breed.

If you’ve got prior experience with dogs that are independent The Akita is a great pet for your home and family. In this thorough analysis of the breed we will go over the things you should expect when you welcome the one or more of these Japanese puppies to your home. Let’s get started and find out whether you’ve got what you need to manage this unique breed of dog.

Akita Dog

History

The Akita isn’t very old when compared to other breeds of dogs. It was created in Japan during the late 17 century. century. The legend says that the emperor banished a shady nobleman from the northern islands of Japan to spend his time as the provincial ruler. The nobleman was a massive dog lover, and instructed his men with breeding an enormous Spitz-type dog that could defend his land from the ravages of.

After many generations of breeding, after generations of breeding, the Aktia came into the world. He was more powerful than any person could ever imagined. And the Aktia was an extremely tough dog that loved his owners. The high prey drive of his and power allowed him to hunt deer, wild boar, and even the Yezo bear effortlessly. At first only the imperial family and the courts were able to own the hunter. However, over time it was allowed for the general public to be a part of his entourage.

The most well-known dog was named Hachiko in the 1920s. He sadly, was waiting for his owner every all day long at the station following his passing away. The remains of Hachiko are forever preserved in a museum located in the city he grew up in Japan. Many films have been created about his story. The Akita breed is an iconic species throughout Japan. When a baby is born the Akita statue is presented to the family in order to ensure a long life and joy.

The Akita breed first arrived in America in 1927. While in Japan, Helen Keller received an Akita as a present that she returned. However, it wasn’t until the soldiers returned from Japan following WWII that he was recognized and a hit in America. As per the American Kennel Club (AKC) the breed is regularly listed among the top 50 breeds in America.

Temperament

As we mentioned earlier, the Akita is a powerful as well as domineering personality that not all dogs is able to handle. Particularly not the first-time dog owner, or dogs who are docile and gentle. He should be housed by a family who can be committed to a lifetime of training and strict house rules. They should have a strong and reliable leader is someone he can admire. A dog that is unruly is not a recipe for an enjoyable household.

If you are able to provide him with the direction he requires He is an excellent pet for your family that will ensure your safety with his life. He is described as incredibly trustworthy by AKC. If his owners are attacked or threatened the dog will change from adorable to fierce in a matter of seconds. If you’re looking for an animal guardian for your family It’s difficult to find more than the Akita.

One of the best characteristics of this breed’s personality is that he’s extremely active and likes to be the centre of the spotlightall all the time. He is a fervent fan of attention and wants to be entertained constantly. This trait makes him a great family member. He is great with children of a certain age however, due to his size, he needs to be watched when around children of smaller size.

His affection for humans and a desire for attention means that the dog is not happy being left in a secluded area for prolonged periods. This may be surprising to the majority of dog owners. They think it’s okay to let the Akita to go about his routine without paying much attention. However, do this at your own risk You’ll soon have an unhappily and destructive dog in your possession. The intense personality of this dog and the co-dependency are two characteristics that could land the dog in shelters.

This kind and compassionate soul is the reason why many people are in love with Akitas. They are considered pets, and so be prepared for sluggish legs and dead film nights! They also make the most adorable warm water bottles with fur. Gentle giant is a name that fits the breed well, unless you get in trouble with his family, obviously.

Size & Appearance

Akita is the largest of Spitz breeds. Akita is the biggest of the Spitz breeds. The Akita is between 24 and 28 inches in height with a weight of between 70 to 130 pounds. A dog that weighs more than the 100 pounds weight is thought to be a giant dog. It is a dog that is built with a lot of substance and large bones. His neck is hefty and muscular, he carries the head proudly and with vigilance. They look like Siberian Huskies and are often compared with them..

Akita breed standard describes his head as massive. Akita breed standard describes his head as huge and massive, which is exactly what it is! His jaw is large and his nose round and soft. This leads to comparatively tiny triangular-shaped eyes. The ears of his are always straight and, likewise, tiny in comparison to the size of his head. The skin is smooth but not sloppy, concealing the muscular physique. Sometimes, it gives him a more softer appearance and a chubby appearance without actually being the most chubby.

The pups are large with feet, but they’re feline-like and round. The tail is his distinctive characteristic. It’s thick and fluffy, and is curled like the Catherine wheel across his back. If he is exuberant, his tail moves between his legs, however, because it’s curled, it turns as if it were helicopter blades. In contrast to other giant breeds of dogs the dewlaps on his are very minimal. This means he doesn’t have to drool as much as the Neopolitan Mastiff.

The Akita has two distinct versions that are distinct from the Akita. In America, they are both referred to as the Akita. In different countries they’re divided into two groups: they are the American Akita as well as Akita from Japan. Japanese Akita. The American Akita is bigger and more imposing, as well as more square in appearance. While the Japanese version is slimmer and more attractive.

Coat & Colors

The Akita is covered with an extremely dense double-coat. The layer underneath is soft and supple and keeps the body warm. The outer layer is more robust and a bit rougher and is weather-proof. But, it’s very soft and comfortable to the feel. The dog is a big shedder, and we will take you through in our grooming section. However, it is something you must be aware of if you decide to are bringing him into your home. The Akita life can be a tense one!

The hair on his shoulders and on his rump is the longest section of his coat (except for his tail) that is approximately two inches in length. The tail hair is anywhere between two and three inches long and is abundant. On his body the rest part of the coat has a shorter length, typically about 1 inch long. His coat’s texture is smooth and straight.

There is a wide range of coat colors available. The dog has the option of a variety of shades that include brindle, black, brown and fawn. Red, silver, and white. Or, a combination of them or, in rare cases an all-solid color. The mixed-colored coats are sometimes referred to by the name of ‘pinto’ coats, which are like the coats of cattle. They are white with large areas of color, which make about a third part of the coat. Colored Akitas often wear masks of black that completely cover his head.

Exercise Requirements

The Akita is a lively dog breed that needs at minimum 60 minutes of intense exercise each day. Due to his massive body and joints that are heavily loaded We do not recommend extreme exercise like long runs lasting for hours. However, his activities need to be vigorous, and the adventurous walks or playing in the park are excellent examples of the type of exercise he’d appreciate.

It is said that the Akita can be very intelligent and intelligent. He can be bored and anxious quickly. Therefore, make sure you keep him busy during the course of each week. Mundane walks through the neighborhood every day won’t inspire his brain to be active. The Akitas who are bored can become destructive quickly and you’ll be aware that you’re not engaging your dog enough. Between his workouts He will also require an active time with his loved ones. Also, he will have access to a range of dog toys to keep him entertained while you’re busy.

As puppies, you have to be patient when it comes to exercising. This is because your growing joints and bones shouldn’t be exposed to intense exercise. Avoid intense exercises until at minimum one year old. One of the best activities for young canines is to visit the doggy park in your neighborhood. There, he can interact with other dogs and brush up his socialization skills as well.

Living Conditions

It is a given that this huge to gigantic-sized dog breed isn’t designed for living in a small space. He requires a bigger home and, in particular, access to a secure backyard. The guy is accustomed to the mountains that make up the Japanese mountains, and enjoys the fresh air that flows through his nostrils. You’ll catch cabin fever when you keep him locked in a confined space for a long time.

It’s not just about activity levels also. Due to their size, along with their level of attachment to their human family members They can make smaller living spaces feel smaller. They aren’t like other breeds with huge bodies who sleep all day long. They require an active and energetic pet owner who can manage their exercise routine and control their large personalities. Although acreage isn’t an essential requirement, a large yard is the best to allow them some breathing space.

Training

The Akita is a very dominant dog and requires a firm master who can follow in his footsteps. It is important to understand the dominant dog and pack mentality. If you’re just beginning to become a pet owner, it isn’t the ideal breed to begin with. Both of you will be happier when you’ve had previous experiences with dominant large dogs.

He is smart however, he can also be extremely determined. Another reason that you should only hire him only if you’ve had prior experience. The Akita is a dog who follows his own schedule, not on yours. Begin obedience training as a puppy and ensure you keep the training sessions enjoyable because he is a lover of playing.

Begin training early, and keep up in his learning. Fair and firm is the best approach to him. It is important to be fair and firm. Akita is a dog that is sensitive and can sulk when you shout. It is essential for dogs with dominant personalities that the entire family is involved in the training. Make use of the same commands and adhere to the same guidelines and force him to do his best to get toys and food. If you surrender to temptation, you’ll lose the fight.

The Akita should be socialized from a young puppy If they are not socialized it could turn into an extremely risky dog. The sheer strength, the intense dedication, and instinctual protection must be developed into a balanced dog. This is accomplished by socializing, and it is an ongoing training commitment.

Training on leashes is another crucial requirement for training. With a weight of up to 130 pounds the dog can be extremely strong dog. He must also know how to walk well on a leash in order to be able to enjoy the walks you take with him. You might consider crate training to lower the anxiety level of your Akita. Akitas are often afflicted with anxiety over separation.

Health

It is believed that the Akita is a healthy breed of dog, given the size. Large dogs generally have shorter lives than other breeds however they can live for between 10 and 13 years of age. It is important to exercise him frequently, stay current with his health checks at the vet and feed him the highest quality food is within your budget. All of these will ensure that he stays with you throughout the length of time you can.

As with all breeds of dogs like all breeds of dogs, like all breeds of dogs, the Akita breed is susceptible to certain ailments more than other breeds. However, this doesn’t mean the Akita will never suffer from any other condition, it can provide a great place to begin. Check out the following, and then learn about the signs to look out for.

Hip Dysplasia

The hip joint is a target of a variety of large breed dogs. Since the Akita has a lot of growth to complete the skeleton of his dog develops quickly. This causes uneven growth that grinds the joint and causes injury. It can be painful and cause arthritis later in life. The signs to watch out for include stiffness when exercising and lameness at the rear end, and difficulties getting up and down the steps.

Eye Conditions

The Akita is susceptible to a variety of eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy as well as cataracts in later years. Both are typically caused by deterioration of the eyes due to age. If not treated these two conditions could lead to total blindness.

Thyroid Disorders

The Akita is susceptible to hypothyroidism. This is when the body isn’t producing enough of the thyroid hormone. This can cause fatigue and hair loss, skin issues and depression, weight gain and other issues. Certain Akita’s suffer from a condition known as sebaceous adenitis. It is often confused with hypothyroidism.

Nutrition

The Akita is a giant to large-sized dog that requires a large amount of energy to stay healthy all day. He requires between four and six cups of food each day, based on the size, age, and level of energy. Follow the instructions on the packaging and don’t overfeed your dog because he’ll become a bit squishy. The joints of your dog do not require any extra weight!

The breed is characterized by different life stages that all have distinct needs for nutrition. It is essential to spend the time to find out about these requirements and provide your Akita the correct dog food in accordance with his requirements. A high-quality kibble can provide an adequate diet that includes omega fatty acids that take care of the coat and skin of your dog.

It is essential to provide him with a diet that’s specifically made for giant and large breeds. These kibbles are formulated with the ideal amounts of nutrients to manage rapid bone growth and decrease the chance of becoming hip dysplasia. The food for large breed puppies is crucial for his development from an young stage.

The Akita is susceptible to an illness that can be life-threatening called Bloat. It is a common problem in large breed dogs and it is a concern with the time of feeding. Do not feed your dog right prior to or following exercise, because this is the time when this situation is more likely to be observed. Give him his daily allowance over at least two meals and using slow-feed bowls may aid too.

In addition, many vets recommend that dogs be fed an affluent or less calories food item starting at seven years old. This can help reduce the chance of becoming ill with kidney disease. This will also aid in controlling his weight since this breed is susceptible to obesity more often than other breeds of dogs.

Grooming

The Akita is a dog with an extremely thick double coat that requires some grooming. It is fortunate that since it is straight, it’s relatively easy to do, just take time. Through the year, you will require brushing at least two times per each week. During the shedding seasons, you need to extend this to every day in order to reduce hair clumps that are floating around your house. In the time of shedding the use of a deshedding device is required to ensure effective grooming.

For a giant or large dog for a giant or large dog, the Akita is a tidy dog that rarely suffers from odors of doggy. The Akita only requires to bathe once every 8-12 weeks or more. However, you should not go beyond this, since you could be damaging his skin and destroying the natural oils in his coat. The soft and fluffy coat will love conditioner shampoos to keep it looking at its best. Make sure to dry him completely after the bath as a moist undercoat can be uncomfortable, leading to infection, and may result in mold.

Other than that, his grooming routine is similar to any other breed of dog. Cleanse your teeth at least every week using doggy toothpaste to prevent periodontal disease. Trim his nails as and when they become excessively long. It is usually every month since they naturally thin when you training.

Breeders & Puppy Costs

Make sure you choose a reputable breeder who raises their puppies with affection and socialization as well as medical care. Choose breeders who have years of experience and insist on having a meeting at the location where the pups are being raised. Meet the puppy, their mother and check the health certificates prior to making any commitments. The best place to begin is to check the AKC’s list of trusted Akita breeders. The average price of an Akita purebred puppy is about $1500.

Do not engage in the puppy mill or a company that offers puppies for less than the cost of a typical puppy. Breeders who aren’t of high quality will not train their puppies and can cause a myriad of issues with their behavior. They are also unlikely to check for health issues which can result in costly medical bills following purchase. Do your part to ensure they are not in business.

Alongside the cost of a puppy in addition, you must take into consideration the ongoing expenses associated with having an Akita. Since it is a huge to gigantic-sized dog, everything that you purchase for him will be massive or large. Beds, crates toys, as well as more expensive insurance and food costs will require you be certain that you have the money to take care of him.

Rescues & Shelters

In light of the fact that sometimes Akitas are found in rescue shelters all over America You should consider adopting a rescue. Visit the nearest rescue centre and talk to the staff who will guide you through the process of adoption.

It’s likely to cost less than purchasing from an breeder and you may be saving their lives too. There are many rescue shelters specifically designed to concentrate solely on rehoming dogs from the breed. There is the Akita Club of America has a list of rescue organizations and you should look them up for a rescue dog that interests you.

We also suggest that you be open when considering the idea of adopting the Akita mixed. The crossbred dog is less likely to suffer from health issues, and they are generally less costly to adopt.

As Family Pets

  • This is a powerful dog that requires a seasoned family.
  • He is a highly protective and alert dog that makes one of the top guard dogs around town.
  • He should be exercising for at least 60 minutes each day.
  • It’s also important to allocate to a lot of time playing in between.
  • They are awed by being the centre of attention, and they hate being left to themselves.
  • He’s a very affectionate member of his family and will squish you on the couch.
  • The training he receives is a lifetime commitment, and he needs an experienced leader in the pack to ensure that he is content.
  • He requires a large family home that has access to a secure yard.
  • The breed is able to live with older children, and occasionally with other breeds (but it’s not the norm.).

Final Thoughts

The Akita is an extremely robust dog and is a formidable dog in both body as well as the mind. You must be a similarly strong-willed and dominant leader of the pack in order to enjoy a an enjoyable relationship with him. If you are able to tick all the boxes he that were mentioned earlier, you are certain to be able to work effectively. Are you up to take on the challenge? If so sure to have a an enjoyable and happy life together. Akita is the perfect dog. Akita is the perfect example of the man’s best companion.

Related Posts

Scroll to Top