Japanese Akita

The Japanese Akita breed combines a strong, muscular frame with a graceful stance, exuding a sense of calm assurance. Their dark, almond-shaped eyes shine with cleverness, while their alert ears are always attentive. With a beautiful double coat available in various colors like red-fawn, sesame, brindle, and white, they certainly catch the eye at the dog park. These dogs are known for their independence and loyalty. They thrive best with an owner who has experience and can manage their occasional stubbornness with kindness. If you seek a devoted friend who will give you plenty of love (and shed some fur!), yet also values their own space, an Akita could be the ideal companion for you.

Quick Info

Size
Large
Colours
Varies; Red-fawn, sesame, brindle, and white are all common coats.
Lifespan
10 to 14 years
Height
24 to 28 inches
Type
Working
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
70 to 130 pounds
Family
Spitz

Personality

Imagine Akitas as the rock stars among dogs: powerful, self-reliant, and a bit flashy. These dogs are full of strength and character, which means they require skilled owners who can handle their willful nature with kindness. They are extremely loyal to their family but may seem distant to those they don’t know. However, don’t let their calm appearance trick you; these brave dogs are natural guardians who will let their owners know when something’s up without barking too much.

History

The Akita, Japan's biggest dog breed, originates from the hilly northern area known as Akita. This breed appeared in the 1600s and was known for being fierce fighters and skilled hunters. However, Akitas are not just strong; their intelligence and loyalty have made them beloved partners in various roles, such as in law enforcement. Nowadays, they are valued family pets, offering their owners affection and steadfast loyalty.

Ideal Owner

These fluffy companions can be somewhat mysterious and need an owner who is experienced and equally excited about training as they are about having fun. They enjoy playing fetch and being outdoors, but they also appreciate some quiet time. Therefore, homes with energetic young kids or lots of visitors might not be ideal. On the other hand, older children who value their alone time as much as their Akita will get along well. These dogs are very loyal to their families but can be distant with unfamiliar people, so it’s important for owners to understand their dog's signals. With the right person, these devoted pets can provide many years of love and happiness.

Exercise Needs

Imagine Akitas as the perfect balance on the energy meter: not too much, not too little. They won’t be pulling you into long runs, but these dogs do require some daily activity to keep their bodies fit and minds engaged. A quick jog or a lively walk in the neighborhood is a wonderful way to kick off their day, and they’ll likely enjoy some fun in the yard too. A lively game of fetch or a chase can really get them moving. Once they’ve had their exercise, Akitas are content to chill at home and spend time with their family.

Space Requirements

Like famous stars, Akitas enjoy their own space. These large dogs thrive in open areas, making small city apartments unsuitable for them. A large, fenced yard serves as their playground, where they can patrol and watch over their surroundings. Their dignified demeanor may seem distant to newcomers, so frequent doorbell rings from neighbors and delivery drivers can unsettle them. A quieter, countryside setting is their ideal living situation, offering them the calm they love.

Training

These energetic dogs bring a lot of fun, but they require a skilled owner who is dedicated to training to handle their strong-willed personality. They can be very loyal and will stick by your side like a shadow, but teaching an Akita can feel like working with a furry boss. Some may not be very keen on following commands, so even though regular training might not be their top choice, building a strong relationship and good management are essential.

Grooming

Akitas have a beautiful double coat that helps them stay cozy in any season, but it also means they lose a lot of hair. To manage this, you should brush them two to three times a week using a slicker brush. During the two main shedding periods each year, a metal comb with double teeth is very helpful for getting through their thick undercoat. Expect some extra fur in the air, but with regular grooming, your Akita will look great, and your house will stay mostly fur-free.

Suitability for Family Life

These dogs will fill your life with affection and act as your loyal guardian, but they also appreciate some time to themselves. Akitas are deeply loyal to their families, yet they often keep their distance from strangers and may feel uneasy in a lively home. Because of this, they are best suited for owners who have some experience and live in a quieter setting. Older kids who understand and respect the dog's need for space can be great companions for your Akita.

Did You know?

There are two types of Akitas: the Japanese Akita, known as Akita Inu, and the American Akita. They differ slightly in their body shape and fur. The most well-known Japanese Akita is Hachikō, who was a devoted friend to a professor named Eizaburo Ueno in Tokyo. Every day, Hachikō would walk with Eizaburo to the train station and wait for him to return. Today, a statue honoring Hachikō stands in Tokyo. Unlike many other dog breeds, Akitas are very particular about grooming themselves. They are quite clean and often spend a lot of time licking their coats, similar to cats.

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Need to Know

Good for experienced owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys daily walks
Large dog
Some drool
Requires grooming every other day
Quiet dog