Is a Japanese Akita a dangerous dog?

The Japanese Akita has a beautiful appearance and many admirable traits. They are especially famous for their loyalty and devotion to their owners. But it’s surprising how often this breed is included in the list of potentially dangerous dogs.

Is a Japanese Akita a dangerous dog? This article will explore this topic thoroughly and help you decide if this dog is right for you or not.

Let’s dive right in!

Why are Akitas considered dangerous dogs?

Akitas are burly, heavy-boned dogs of imposing stature that can weigh up to 130 pounds and reach a height of 28 inches. They have a scissor-like jaw and a powerful bite like Pitbulls. It means their jaws cannot be pried open until they decide to let go.

Another reason why Akitas are considered dangerous dogs is because of their hunting and fighting history.

The Japanese Akita originated in the snowy mountainous region of Japan. They were bred for hunting animals like wild boar, elk, and brown bears. They also became popular fighting dogs in Japan in the 1600s.

But are they really that dangerous? Let’s find out the exact answer!

Is a Japanese Akita a dangerous dog?

The answer is it depends on you! A Japanese Akita can be dangerous if he is not properly socialized from a young age.

However, if you thoroughly research your dog’s breed information before adopting, willing to spend time and immense love to train and socialize your dog from the time he is a cute puppy, he will not be dangerous.

A well-socialized Akita is a well-behaved dog. As a result, you don’t have to worry about how he’ll react when you introduce him to various activities, take him to different places, and meet new people and other animals.

To a poorly socialized dog, the world is a scary place. They may overreact by showing undesirable behaviors like fear or aggression. So proper training and socialization are essential to keep your dog happy and healthy, also giving you peace of mind.

Read on to learn the typical temperament of the Japanese Akita.

What is the personality of an Akita dog?

Understanding a Japanese Akita puppy’s temperament is essential before bringing him home to ensure you get the right pup.

The Japanese Akita is naturally confident, territorially protective, and bold. This breed is an excellent guard dog. In his native Japan, he represents prestige, strength, loyalty, and good luck.

The Akita has a strong protective instinct, so if someone provokes him, especially when it involves his home, food, or family, he may react aggressively. But as long as he doesn’t feel threatened, this dog is quite friendly with people.

While living with a family, the Japanese Akita Inu is very adorable and enjoys participating in the daily activities of his human family. He is playful, loving, and loyal to his owner.

Thanks to his hunting background, you don’t have to worry about annoying barking when it comes to this breed because he only barks or howls when necessary.

But the downside of his hunting instinct is his tendency to be aggressive toward other animals. So it’s not a good idea to let an Akita roam freely in a park or other area where other animals are present.

For these reasons, Akita owners must be mindful of how they train and socialize their dogs and the way they behave toward them.

Are Akitas aggressive to their owners?

No, they don’t. Akitas are super loyal and devoted to their owner. You can check it out through a famous touching story about a dog named Hachiko.

Akitas are known for bravely guarding the lives of their human family members, even at the risk of their own lives.

Is an Akita a good family dog?    

His grace and intelligence make the Japanese Akita a desirable pet for many dog lovers. But he is just ideal for certain types of families.

An Akita is a good choice for families that have older children who can understand and know how to play with a dog respectfully.

He takes social status seriously and doesn’t tolerate mistreatment behaviors or invading his personal space. So adults have to supervise every interaction between dogs and kids.

In addition, he is not recommended for first-time owners and timid people.

Can an Akita get along with other dogs?

With other dogs, especially those of the same sex, Akita tends to exhibit aggressive behavior. You should never leave two same-sex dogs together.

Of course, every dog is different, but it’s best to train your dog to act appropriately or even enjoy the existence of other dogs.

Are Akitas good with cats?

No. Akitas were bred to hunt animals so they may chase and seize cats. You probably don’t want to have a cat and an Akita in the same house.

Final thoughts about whether Akitas are dangerous dogs

Because of their large size, protective instinct, strong will, and stubborn character, Akitas are considered dangerous dogs. But it’s not true!

These dogs are more challenging to handle than some other breeds. But if you are a good parent, truly love them, and commit to spending the time and energy necessary to socialize and train your Japanese Akita from a young age, they will grow up to be your most devoted companions.

Hanh Duong is a dog lover, freelance dog writer, and owner of PetChao.com, a blog for Akita fans. She has extensive experience in writing SEO-optimized articles that rank high on Google. Delivering high-quality content that really helps readers is her No. 1 priority as an ethical writer. You can reach Hanh via email at hanhduong@petchao.com.