• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Is an Akita the right dog for you?

Posted June 21, 2019

 
Cluster of four Akita puppies. The Akita has a royal pedigree to match its noble looks.
The Akita’s triple-thick coat helps the breed acclimate to snowy climates.

Courageous, dignified, and loyal. These are popular terms used to describe the Akita, a dog with a royal pedigree to match its noble looks.

Owning an Akita was once restricted to the Japanese imperial family and their court, and they remain a revered breed in that country. Parents still sometimes receive an Akita figurine upon the birth of a child as a symbol of happiness and long life.

Some of the same traits that made the Akita so beloved in their country of origin are what make them such dependable companions. They’re also excellent family guard dogs a recent report found that they’re one of the most popular guard dogs in the nation.

If you’re looking to add an Akita to your household, review their various characteristics below to see how well your situation matches their needs.

Breed characteristics

Members of the working group, Akitas are large dogs that average 100 pounds and stand anywhere from 24 inches to 48 inches at the shoulder. Their overall size, coupled with their massive heads, erect ears, triple-thick coat, and large curled tail, make these handsome dogs an easily recognizable breed.

That thick coat is a hallmark of Northern breeds, as it acclimates them perfectly to snowy climates. However, Akitas also do well in warmer parts of the country with access to a climate-controlled environment, plenty of water, and shade when outdoors.

The dogs are often confused with the Husky, the Alaskan Malamute or the Shiba Inu, which has a similar appearance but is much smaller. 

Temperament

Akitas thrive on human relationships, bonding closely with their people. They are also wary of strangers, which makes them naturally protective of their home and family. Akitas should gain exposure to a variety of other people and places, especially while young, so they can learn that not everyone is a threat.

While every dog is an individual, Akitas tend to be intolerant of other animals, particularly dogs of the same sex. If you are looking to add to your current pack, you might want to explore a different breed.

Health issues

Bloating—an emergency that occurs when the stomach twists—is a serious health risk with any large breed of dog that also has a deep chest. There are no specific causes of bloat, though some vets suggest a preventive “tacking” of the stomach to the abdominal wall via a prophylactic gastropexy at the same time as neutering or spaying.

About 70% of Akitas are prone to developing hypothyroidism, so keep tabs on your dog’s T3 and T4 thyroid levels via regular blood tests.

Exercise and training needs 

Akitas are athletic dogs who should get regular walks or jogs to help them maintain a healthy weight. This is especially important in larger dogs, so they don’t develop joint problems.

Because they were bred to be hunters, Akitas have a strong instinct to chase prey and shouldn’t be off-leash unless they are very responsive to voice commands. Additionally, Akitas are smart and strong-willed so that training can be challenging. Always use positive training techniques when working with dogs of any breed, and take the time to find out what the most significant motivator is for your particular dog (dog treats, attention, toys, etc.) for the best results.

Grooming 

The Akita’s lush coat benefits from frequent brushing, but about twice a year you’ll probably find massive furballs rolling under the furniture when your dog sheds his undercoat. This biannual event will likely require a trip to the groomer.

For home-grooming, stick to regular brushes and not those with blades designed to cut away the undercoat, as these can damage an Akita’s guard hairs.

Akitas can be great companions

As if being a fuzzy, friendly, royal breed doesn’t make the Akita appealing enough, consider the fact that these dogs often love to talk. Indeed, they can develop a whole vocabulary of grunts and mumbles that they use with their people—and who doesn’t love a dog who can keep up his end of the conversation? 

Bailey Caldwell is a freelance writer who recently graduated with a degree in communication. She loves all things dogs! She has two furry friends named Skyler and Murphy. Skyler is a border collie and Murphy is a cocker spaniel. She loves to be able to write about anything to do with animals. 

 
 
 
 

Related Posts

  • Small dogs vs big dogs: Who yaps, bites and loves more?

    Every dog owner is sure to have an opinion on…

  • Collage of big dog breeds. Image for Dog Breed Category page.
    Survey says: Big dog breeds more popular than small pups

    Popular big dog breeds include Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German…

  • Leonberger puppies and adults are active dogs that need at least an hour of exercise each day. 
    Is a giant, friendly, active Leonberger the right dog for you?

    The Leonberger is a gentle giant that is easy to…

  • cavapoo Poodles are a popular crossbreeding choice
    Is a Cavapoo the right dog for you?

    A Cavapoo or Cavoodle is a smart, friendly doodle dog…

  • The German Spitz, with its foxlike face and fluffy double coat, is an easy-to-train dog who is eager to please.
    Is a German Spitz the right dog for you?

    The German Spitz is a fluffy dog with a foxlike…

  • The Alaskan Klee Kai is a beautiful and intelligent dog. They may be small, but the Klee Kai have big personalities.
    Is an Alaskan Klee Kai the right dog for you?

    The Alaskan Klee Kai are small dogs with big personalities.…

  • The German Shepherd is a
    Is a German Shepherd the right dog for you?

    The German Shepherd Dog is energetic, lively, courageous, and intelligent.…

  • Labsky
    Is a Labsky (Husky Lab Mix) the right dog for you?

    The Labsky is a crossbreed of the Siberian Husky and…

  • Border collie group shows coloring options: black and white, red and white or black.
    Is a border collie the right dog for you?

    The Border collie is a high-energy dog that does best…

  • Alaskan Malamutes are often confused for Alaskan or Siberian Huskies
    Is an Alaskan Malamute the right dog for you?

    The Alaskan Malamute requires an experienced dog owner who lives…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Adoption, Dog Breeds, Home Page Tagged With: Big dogs, Working dogs

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Yorkshire terrierSmall dogsOld dogsSocializationPuppy kindergartenValentine's DayTicksTwo dogsPet parentsPuppy-proofPandemicWaterPoodlePet sitterThanksgivingVacation dog careSeparation anxietyPetfinder.comPawRottweilerPomeranianWorking dogsOutdoor activitiestraining tipsPotty trainingRescue dogVeterinarianService dogsPit bullShedding

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Sleeping with your dog? Strengthen your bond with cuddle time
    Sleeping with your dog provides comfort, but it's important to consider the potential risks and benefits. Explore both sides of the debate. […]
  • Does my dog show love? Understand 12 signs of affection from dogs
    But how do dogs show their love? Let's take a closer look at some of the most common signs of affection from dogs. […]
  • Is a smart, loyal, hard-working wolf dog your dream dog?
    Wolf-dog breeds like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are loyal, smart companions that make ideal family dogs. […]
  • First-time dog owner? Try this 8-step dog nutrition guide
    Use this easy-to-follow dog nutrition guide for first-time owners to guarantee that your loving companion stays happy and healthy. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.