If you want a dignified dog that’s completely devoted to you, you’ll love the Akita. Quiet and loyal, Akitas are often accused of being introverted. When in reality, they just really love their humans - so why would they need anyone else? Akitas thrive in adult households where they’re the only pet. They need a confident, experienced hand who can help them overcome their natural wariness towards people and other animals. But when you’re alone together, watch them let loose with their affectionate, goofy side.
Akita Facts
Akitas were originally bred in northern Japan in the early 17th century. Even though they’re now beloved pets around the world, they still hold a special place in Japanese culture. When a baby is born in Japan, it’s normal for parents to receive an Akita figurine which symbolises happiness and long life.
- Breed Group: Working
- Height: Female: 60-66cm; Male: 66-71cm
- Weight: Female: 32-45kg; Male: 45-59kg
- Life Span: 10-14 years
- Coat: Double, medium
- Colour: Various, including black, brown, fawn and white
What Does a Akita Look Like?
One word to sum up an Akita: dignified. This is reflected in their appearance, as these large dogs stand tall and proud, with male Akitas growing up to 71cm. As fiercely loyal and protective guard dogs, Akitas always look ready for action. That’s why their tails curl high over their backs, their dark eyes are shiny, and their rounded triangular ears stand alert. Large all over, even their heads can seem pretty broad and massive.
Their dense double coat is thickest (and fluffiest!) around their shoulders and rear-end. It comes in a range of colours, like black, brown, fawn, red and white. It might be a solid colour, brindle (subtle brown or tan stripes) or pinto (large and even colour patches). Some Akitas have a mask on their face to show off those lovely eyes.
Akita
Akita Temperament: Dignified and Devoted
Although some might say Akitas are introverted, it’s better to think of them as only being fans of some people: namely, you! Quiet and dignified, an Akita tends to be wary of strangers and doesn’t always enjoy the company of other animals, including dogs. Instead, they save their best goofy and affectionate side for their favourite humans. Akitas absolutely thrive on human companionship. That’s because they were bred to be guard- and watchdogs - it’s in their nature to want to protect you.
Expect to spend lots of quality time with an Akita. They might be large dogs but their exercise needs aren’t huge. Daily family walks together will be followed by snoozing the rest of the day away. Natural homebodies, as long as they’ve got their favourite humans around, Akitas are happy.
It’s really important to socialise and train an Akita properly from birth. Their protective instincts and wariness of strangers can lead them to carefully watch every interaction you have. If they don’t like what they see, they might step in and ‘help out’. Teaching your Akita the difference between a friend and a foe and play and attack is essential. Akitas can be aggressive towards other dogs, especially dogs of the same sex, so off-leash dog parks probably won’t be for your Akita. But that’s ok, who wants to socialise when they’ve got you? Akitas do best as the only pet in an adult-only household.
Keeping Akitas Healthy: 4 Issues to Watch Out For
The key to a long and happy life for your Akita is prevention. That means regular vet check-ups and keeping on top of flea and worm treatments.
Bloat
Like all deep-chested dogs, Akitas are at risk of bloat or GDV (gastric dilatation and volvulus). Bloat is when their stomach becomes full and distended with gas, causing it to twist on itself. Life-threatening, it needs immediate medical attention and potentially surgery. Signs of bloat include a swollen stomach, rapid or shallow breathing, restlessness and pacing, excessive saliva and repeated attempts to vomit, but nothing comes up. Bloat can be avoided by using slow feeders and not exercising your Akita for 1 hour before or after eating.
Joint Problems
As a large dog, in both size and weight, Akitas are prone to joint problems, including hip dysplasia. Keeping your Akita at a healthy weight, so no extra stress is put on their joints, reduces the risk of hip dysplasia. It’s an inherited condition so responsible breeders should screen for it.
Eye Issues
Another inherited condition that should be screened for is PRA (progressive retinal atrophy). Sadly, there’s no cure for PRA and it eventually leads to blindness. However, most dogs adapt well to blindness and continue to live full lives.
Immune Disorders
Akitas are at higher risk than other dog breeds of developing immune disorders. Thankfully, most of these are really rare, including one called acquired myasthenia gravis. Immune disorders have lots of different symptoms, including muscle weakness and fatigue. Because the symptoms are so varied, if you ever think something’s not quite right, take your Akita to the vet.
Caring for Your Akita Dog
Training and socialisation are the biggest part of caring for an Akita, helping them grow into happy, well-adjusted adult dogs. Surprisingly, their beautiful coats don’t take much to care for.
Grooming
Akitas are known to be a bit fussy about being clean, just like cats! They also don’t have much of a doggy smell. Keeping their thick and luxurious coat at its best means brushing them at least once a week. Although Akitas don't generally shed much, they do blow their undercoat seasonally during spring and autumn. This is when large amounts of fur will suddenly be coating your carpet, furniture and clothes!
During shedding season, it’s best to brush your Akita more frequently to remove the dead hair. Giving your Akita a bath with gentle dog shampoo and thoroughly drying them can also help get rid of this hair.
Keep your Akita’s nails trimmed to a comfortable length and brush their teeth every day to keep their mouth, teeth and gums healthy.
Nutrition
Akitas do well on quality commercial dog food that’s suitable for their life stage: puppy, adult or senior. Once your Akita becomes a senior (7 years and above), ask your vet about moving them to a less calorie-heavy diet. It’s thought this can help prevent kidney disease but it should only be done under vet supervision.
Treats make a great training aid, but keep an eye on how many treats they’re enjoying each day - those calories can add up, especially in a dog that doesn’t have a huge amount of exercise.
Some Akitas can be really possessive about their food and treats so feed them in their own space, well away from humans (especially young ones) and other pets.
Exercise
An Akita might not be the most active dog, but they still need regular, moderate exercise. What does this look like? A jog or brisk walk of about 30 minutes, at least once a day. Akitas love outdoor adventures too so will happily go on a longer hike.
Akitas also love playtime! Get into the garden together and chase some toys. As social dogs, an Akita won’t be happy being left alone in the garden to entertain themselves: they only want to play with you. Mental exercise is as important as physical exercise, so stock up on puzzle toys.
Once the exercise and play is done for the day, an Akita will enjoy quietly hanging out with you at home.
Training
Akitas are large, strong and powerful dogs which means it’s so important to train them consistently, starting from when they’re puppies. They might be super smart and loyal, but they’re also independent and headstrong so they need an experienced hand. Their intelligence means training can quickly get boring if it’s too repetitive. Aim for short and fun training sessions that are about 5 minutes long.
Positive reinforcement is a great way to train your Akita. It rewards your Akita for doing what you asked them to. These rewards might be treats, praise or playtime with a special toy. Keep training calm and positive. If you’re too forceful, Akitas can react aggressively. Experienced and confident professional trainers can help your Akita become the best version of themselves.
With their in-built guarding and protective instincts, early and extensive socialisation from puppyhood is essential. Socialisation teaches an Akita to accept new people and pups, rather than assuming they’re threats. Keep your Akita on a lead at all times in unfenced areas - their prey drive can kick in unexpectedly. Be wary of dog parks too, as Akitas, even well-trained and -socialised ones, can be aggressive towards other dogs, especially if they’re the same sex.