Akita Dog

The Akita is an ancient breed originating from the Akita Prefecture in northern Japan, with a history dating back centuries. These powerful Spitz-type dogs were originally bred for hunting large game such as bear, elk, and boar in rugged, snowy terrain. They were also used as guard dogs and, for a period, in dog fighting. The Akita’s courage, strength, and loyalty were highly prized by Japanese samurai and nobility.

The breed faced near extinction several times due to factors like rabies outbreaks, taxes on dogs, and the hardships of World War II, during which many dogs were culled for food or their fur for military use. Dedicated breeders worked to preserve the breed, and after the war, two main types began to emerge: the Japanese Akita Inu, which adheres more closely to the original Japanese standards, and the American Akita, which developed from stock brought to the U.S. by servicemen. The American Akita is generally larger and heavier-boned with a wider variety of coat colors. The story of Hachikō, an Akita who waited faithfully for his deceased owner at a train station for nearly a decade, catapulted the breed to international fame as a symbol of loyalty. The American Kennel Club recognized the Akita in 1972.

The Akita possesses a complex temperament characterized by dignity, courage, and profound loyalty to its family. They are typically calm and reserved in the home but are also alert and watchful, making them excellent natural guardians. Akitas are known for being aloof and wary of strangers and may not readily accept unfamiliar people into their space. With their own family, however, they can be deeply affectionate and devoted, though often not in an overly demonstrative or boisterous way.

This breed has a strong sense of hierarchy and can be dominant, especially towards other dogs of the same sex. Aggression towards other dogs is a significant concern and requires careful management, extensive socialization from a very young age, and responsible ownership. Akitas are intelligent but also independent and strong-willed, which can make training challenging. They are not recommended for novice dog owners and thrive with an experienced, confident leader who can provide firm, consistent, and respectful guidance. Early and ongoing socialization is paramount to developing a well-adjusted Akita.

The Akita has a thick, plush double coat designed to protect it from harsh weather. The outer coat is straight and harsh, while the undercoat is soft and dense. While their coat doesn’t require elaborate clipping or styling, Akitas are heavy shedders, especially during seasonal changes (typically twice a year) when they “blow” their undercoat.

Regular brushing, at least two to three times a week, is essential to remove loose dead hair, prevent matting, and keep the skin healthy. During heavy shedding periods, daily brushing with an undercoat rake and a slicker brush will be necessary to manage the significant amount of fur. Baths should be given only as needed, as over-bathing can strip the natural oils from their coat. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning to prevent infections, and dental care are also important aspects of their grooming routine.

Akitas have moderate exercise needs but require regular daily activity to stay physically and mentally healthy. They are not typically hyperactive dogs but enjoy purposeful exercise. Several brisk walks per day, totaling about an hour, along with some playtime in a securely fenced yard, are usually sufficient for an adult Akita.

They enjoy activities that allow them to be with their family, such as hiking or walking. Due to their potential for dog aggression and strong prey drive, Akitas should **always be walked on a leash** and should **never be allowed to roam freely** in unsecured areas. A securely fenced yard is essential. While they are powerful, they are not necessarily built for extreme endurance running like some other breeds. Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, or interactive games is also important to prevent boredom. They generally enjoy cooler weather and can be sensitive to overheating in hot, humid conditions due to their thick coats.

Akitas can be prone to certain genetic health conditions, and responsible breeders screen their breeding stock to minimize these risks. Potential health concerns include:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Common in large breeds, involving malformation of these joints.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): A life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists. Akitas are a deep-chested breed at risk.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Including Sebaceous Adenitis (a skin condition) and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome, which affects the eyes and skin.
• Eye Problems: Such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid).
• Von Willebrand’s Disease: An inherited bleeding disorder.
• Sensitivity to Anesthesia: Some Akitas can be sensitive to certain anesthetic drugs.

Choosing a reputable breeder who performs comprehensive health screenings (hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid, etc.) on their breeding dogs and providing regular veterinary care, a quality diet, and appropriate exercise are crucial for an Akita’s health and longevity.

Training an Akita requires a confident, patient, and experienced owner who understands their intelligent but highly independent and dominant nature. They are not a breed that responds well to harsh training methods or overly repetitive tasks. Positive reinforcement techniques, combined with firm, fair, and consistent leadership, are essential.

Key aspects of training an Akita include:

• Early and Lifelong Socialization: This is the most critical aspect of raising a well-adjusted Akita. Expose them to a vast array of people, sights, sounds, environments, and other well-behaved dogs from a very young age and continue this throughout their life. This helps to manage their natural wariness of strangers and potential for dog aggression.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and rewards to motivate them. Keep training sessions engaging and relatively short.
• Establish Clear Leadership: Akitas need to know that their owner is a calm, confident, and consistent leader. This is achieved through respect, not intimidation.
• Obedience Training: Basic obedience commands are crucial for managing a powerful dog. Focus on commands like “come,” “stay,” “leave it,” and polite leash manners.
• Channeling Instincts: Provide appropriate outlets for their intelligence and energy.

Puppy socialization classes and ongoing obedience training with a trainer experienced with dominant or Spitz-type breeds are highly recommended. Akitas are not generally recommended for first-time dog owners.