Akita Overview

As a member of the Spitz family, the Akita is a headstrong, robust working dog with a strikingly noble stance. Bred for versatility, this is said to be the pride and joy of Japanese dogs. 

Depending on gender, the Akita’s weight can range between 60 – 110 lbs, so the home of the potential owner needs to be considered. With an extremely low heat tolerance, it is preferred that this dog does not live in overly hot or humid climates. 

The coat needs regular maintenance, and it is an accomplished shedder year-round. 

Although it is commonly used as a guard dog, it should not be left alone outside as a watchdog, or be treated like an “outside dog” and separated from its family. 

More than moderate exercise requirements mean this breed is not for the laid back owner. Like most dogs, a bored Akita will turn its excess energy into undesirable behavior. 

In regard to the size, exercise and grooming requirements of the Akita, it can certainly be said that it is not a dog for everybody. But in the hands of an experienced owner, it will be a great addition to the family.

Akita History

The Akita is part of an ancient breed that has been strongly preserved in 19^th century Japan. In an attempt to preserve their ancient breeds, the Japanese engaged in very strict and selective breeding from fighters, guards, and even family dogs. So while the Akita we know today is actually the product of many more ancient dogs, we regard it as “the original.” 

A testament to the breed’s loyalty, a monument and annual ceremony for the Akita named Hachiko was erected. As the story goes, Hachiko would greet his master every day and accompany him home from work. When his master died, the dog continued to return to his master’s place of work until he died almost a decade later. 

The breed appeared in the U.S. after World War II when American servicemen, smitten by the dogs’ charm, brought them home. Its popularity has slowly risen ever since its acceptance into the AKC in 1972.

Akita Character

While slightly easier to train than most Spitz dogs, the Akita is still true to its roots and rather hard-headed. It is protective of its family and very gentle around children. But instinct tends to take over, making it skittish, aggressive, and domineering around strangers. 

Early socialization is very important, because unsocialized adults tend to remain aggressive around other dogs, and the habit is nearly impossible to break. 

This breed requires an owner with plenty of time and energy to devote to exercise and mental stimulation. As a working dog breed, the Akita requires strong leadership and must have respect for its owner’s authority. 

If well-established, this breed can have impeccable manners in the household. 

Although its weather-resistant coat makes it ideal for the outdoors, it will not be happy living entirely in the backyard. This is a breed that demands the companionship of its owners, and if it feels left out of family activities, trouble can arise. 

The Akita is a sometimes difficult dog to manage. Proper training can make it a gentleman indoors, but its tendency to shed can make most owners cringe. The shedding problem can be fixed by making it an outdoor dog, but then it will be unhappy with its situation. 

The ideal home for an Akita is one with good boundaries, where it can live indoors, and where its owners are willing to keep it properly groomed.

Akita Care

The Akita requires significant grooming with a firm bristle brush on a daily basis. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary with a mild shampoo to prevent stripping the coat of the natural oils. It is important to keep the hair on the bottom of the paws trimmed to preserve their characteristic of webbed feet. They are prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye problems, and lupus.

Akita Training

The Akita requires intensive and extensive socialization and obedience training. It is absolutely imperative that they know who their master is or they will take charge. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods. They do best with patience, kindness, firmness, fairness, and consistency. Akitas typically prefer to be clean and is easier to housetrain than many other breeds.

Akita Health

Common Health Issues for the Akita:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Less Common Health Issues for the Akita:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Akita Resources