Akita
Temperament
Courageous, Dignified and Unconditionally Loyal
Akita is a double-coated, ancient Japanese lineage dog known for it’s muscular build, courage and unconditional loyalty for it’s family. Akita is known as a wolf-like breed and is never recommended for first time or unexperienced pet owners. In fact, they are banned in many cities across the United States, such as Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Tennessee, and Washington. In fact, according to the Akita Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic, Akita have a terrible reputation for being aggressive, and regardless who started the incident, expect the Akita to be blamed.
Despite being an ancient breed that was on the brink of extinction, the Akita was not recognized by the American Kennel Club, or short for AKC until 2009.
Breed Characteristics
Adaptability
- Unexperienced Owners
- Apartment/Small Living
- Sensitivity Level
- Tolerates Being Alone
- Tolerates Cold Weather
- Tolerates Hot Weather
Akita is very widely known for it’s aggression thus having a very terrible reputation.
This is usually caused by inexperienced owners, ultimately causing the dog’s own downfall.
We recommend very experienced owners for this breed.
Despite what most believe in, small size or toy dogs does not always mean easily adaptable in small homes or apartment-style living. Akita is no exception to this rule, they are a ancient breed that loves to roam and work. They get very pent up and aggressive if they are confined to a small area daily.
Some dogs do not take a “dirty look” or a “leer” to heart, while others are grudge holders. Dogs with low sensitivity level are usually the easy-going and tolerant ones. This dog, Akita, is very very sensitive.
The Akita has no issues with being alone, in fact, it tolerates it a lot better than most dogs. After all, it is in their nature to be wary of everything around them.
Akita has no issues living in very cold weather, with their double-coat, they are warm all year round.
Due to having a double-coat, the Akita does not tolerate very well with hot weather.
Friendliness
Akita gets very attached to their pet owners and family in general. They show constant affectionate at their own terms. They do make a great family dog as long as it been well trained. They are profoundly loyal.
Despite being a great family dog, they do not do well with kids.
Akita enjoys being alone, they are very wary and do not get along with other animals, that includes dogs, whether it’s the same-sex or a different breed.
Akita’s nature does not well with having a cat in the family. Much like having another dog, cats and other pets such as Rabbits are strictly off limits as your Akita will have a very hard time adapting.
Some dogs will run towards strangers with their tail wagging and beg for pets, cuddles and smooches. Despite the terrible rumours and reputation surrounding the Akitas, they do have some merit in it. The Akitas are not friendly towards strangers, however, as they are territorial, they still won’t attack unprovoked in most situations.
Grooming and Health
Akita is a large-sized dog with males often weigh more than 45kg
Akita does not require constant shredding, grooming your dog is part of their life needs.
But with their double-coat, they will shred quite often.
Some great grooming tools includes
- Pet Grooming Tool by Pat Your Pet
- Pet Grooming Brush by MalsiPree
Have you ever cuddled a dog and it licks you, completely dousing you with drool? Well I got news for you, the Akita has very high drool potential meaning, you will be slobbered with drool everywhere and you may even find random pools of drool on the ground.
Do you need special grooming needs for a Akita.
The short answer is no, they don’t require any special bathing, clippers or brushes to keep them clean, health and groomed. But, they are just simply not easy to groom, ontop of shredding lots, their double-coat makes it all the more harder.
Akita are generally very healthy. as an ancient breed dating back to the 1800s, they usually have a very good DNA background and they don’t suffer from other special diseases.
However, just like all dogs, they are still subject to genetic health issues such as hip dysplasia, luxating patellas or eye diseases. They just don’t have an increased chance.
It is always recommended to have your dog up to the latest on their medicine needs, including but not limited to vaccines & worming
Dogs are known to eat eat eat eat and eat without knowing when to stop. Akita are no different, but the difference is, they are at high risk for overweight. You need to make sure your Akita is getting it’s daily exercise needs and the right portion servings of food daily.
If you are unsure how much exercise or food your dog needs, please visit your local Vet for a full examination.
Trainability
Akita are an intelligence breed. However, due to their complex personality, they are very difficult to train. They are naturally aggressive and must be accustomed to being around people at a young age. Biggest problem of the Akita is that they are very difficult to read and usually shows zero signs of aggression before the incident happens.
They are ranked #54 in the world.
Akita is ranked #54 in Dog’s Ranking List making it a an intelligence breed.
Biting issues are usually more present during puppyhood as it is more recommended for them to play-fight with their brothers and sisters so they learn about bite inhibition. Akita can be very mouthy, much more than other breeds. This is usually more aggression than an affectionate gesture, however, if not trained correctly by a very experienced owner, the Akita may get themselves into very serious trouble.
Akita are working dogs, not terriers, you would not expect them to hunt, chase or have the desire to kill. Akita is no exception to this, they do have a prey drive but it’s usually kept in check with daily walks and jogs.
Some breeds loves to bark at anything in sight, other enjoys howling. One of the most common rehome issues is due to the tendency to bark or howl. When choosing a dog, you need to understand how much you can withstand their natural behavioural before it becomes an issue.
With a Akita, they do love to bark, constantly, Just as bad as a Beagle or Fox Terrier. You & your neighbour would need to not have an issue as anything passes by, you can bet on your Akita that they are already barking at it.
Are Akita free-spirits. Yes, they are, unlike working dogs, they love to have time on their hands and explore everything around them by themselves.
Important Factors
Akita is a working dog, despite not really behaving as one, that means, they need to have lots of energy as they were originally bred to work.
Akita it not a vigorous dog, despite having lots of energy. However, if the upbringing is not the best, they may develop some unwanted habits such as straining on leash during walks or eating and drinking in excessive mouthfuls.
Akita not just have the energy to walk daily, they need to be walking daily. They are fine with long walks or jogs.
Without enough exercise daily, you may see unwanted behaviours such as barking, chewing, digging, and at times even destruction.
Akita love being around their family, they love being left alone but above all else, due to having the energy to do so, they love playing all day as well. Not so much rough play or being chased as their personality can flip within a moment of time and turn into aggression.
The Akita is a bold, courageous and loyal dog. They will be all in protecting their family without issues. While they are very aggressive dogs, It is always recommended to never let them engage with other animals that are much larger. They may be loyal and muscular, but that does not mean they are skilled fighters or guard dogs. Not only this, an Akita is usually always the point of blame for any incidents even if they are not in the wrong.
It’s always recommended to have them enrol in puppy school when they are young and have it exposed to lots of humans. This will help them socialize and help both you & your Akita understanding the basis and concept of puppy training.
Akita are not known to be fussy eaters, they will generally eat anything you throw at them.
The recommended daily amount is 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. However, your Akita may have special needs or preferences. Please consult your local vet for the best options for a healthy balanced diet.
Breed History
Akitas are Japan’s spitz breed that sheds quite a lot. The dog’s history can go as far back as the early 17th century in northern Japan.
The Akita is a fearless and loyal guardian of its family, it isn’t the type of dog to back down from any challenge. It is affectionate, respectful, and loyal when properly trained and socialized.
They can be stubborn and are not fond of strangers, making these traits perfect for a watchdog. Owners will need to properly train them to interact with other animals and people as they are the type of dog to be blamed for any that may incident occur
Despite the challenges Akita may pose, they are extremely faithful and cute companions that will shower their owners with love and adoration for life. If you and your family are ready for this commitment, you’ll have a lifelong friend who will never let you down.
Fun Fact: Prolonged eye contact with an Akita is considered a challenge and may trigger the Akita to respond aggressively.

