Akita

Akita Facts

Akita as pets:

general health

energy level

Detachability

trainability

intelligence

chewing tendency

size

family and kid friendly

happy/barking

High

separation anxiety

ease

preferred temperature

cold climate

exercise needs

ease

be friendly with other dogs

poor

Thoroughbred Cost of Ownership

$600 to $2,000

pack of dogs

Serving

male weight

100-130 lbs

female weight

70-100 lbs

key facts

• Akita dogs were once exclusively bred by the Japanese royal family and used as hunting dogs.
• While the Akita is very loyal to its owner, it doesn't get along well with other canines.
• The Akita must be socialized early in its life unless it may exhibit antisocial behavior as it grows up.

The Akita Inu is a massive working/hunting dog that originated sometime in the 17th century from the mountains of northern Japan. Named after the Akita prefecture where it originated, the breed was once bred exclusively by the imperial family and court as a powerful hunting dog. After being introduced to common people, the Akita became embedded in popular culture and mythology as the national dog and symbol of the motherland. The gift of the Akita Statue is intended as a symbol of longevity and happiness when a newborn is born.

The Akita is an example of a spitz: a wolf-like dog with a thick, thick coat, pointy ears, and a muzzle. Other features of the Akita include a fox-like face, a thick, bushy tail that curves backwards to cover its body, and webbed toes that help it walk on snow. After the occupation of Japan in the 1940s, returning American GIs introduced the breed to the United States, where it spawned a separate mix, the American Akita. The Japanese Akita has a narrow range of colors (such as brindle, red fawn, black and gray), while the American Akita has a wider and more expressive range of colors. Most organizations outside of the United States consider them to be separate mixed breeds rather than purebred Akitas.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning an Akita

size and weight

The Akita is a large dog with a large bone structure and strong muscles. Here's a more complete breakdown of its size:

common health problems

The Akita is generally a healthy breed, but it does have some issues (particularly related to the large frame) that can limit life expectancy to around 10 years. It's somewhat prone to progressive retinal atrophy (retina starts to degenerate), hypothyroidism (lethargy, obesity, hair loss, etc. due to underproduction of thyroid hormone), and hip dysplasia (misalignment between the thighbone and the hip joint).

One of the other characteristics of the breed is gastric dilatation – torsion, also commonly known as bloat. While this doesn't sound serious, it's actually a life-threatening condition, as the stomach can suddenly twist and become unable to expel air or gas. You should watch for signs of this condition, including an enlarged abdomen, heavy salivation, weakness, a fast heartbeat, and retching without vomiting.

Like many breeds, Akitas are prone to cancer, skin disease, ear infections, autoimmune disease, kidney disease, and drug sensitivities. A good breeder and/or veterinarian can screen for some of these problems early on.

To summarize the most pressing health concerns:

• cancer
• ear infection
• bloating
• eye disease
• Hypothyroidism

temperament

The Akita is a strong, independent, willful dog with a dignified demeanor and a courageous character. This often results in territorial behavior and distrust or apathy towards strangers. It can also attack other dogs, especially dogs of the same sex. Fortunately, the Akita is naturally very loyal to its friends and owners, and with proper training and care, some of its most unattractive traits can be tempered over time.

Since this is a working dog, the Akita adapts well to outdoor spaces and performs best when performing tasks. But it also adapts easily to indoor life as a watchdog. This breed isn't necessarily recommended for first-time dog owners or anyone wanting a low-maintenance companion, but it can give you a lot in return if you're willing to put in the time.

How to Care for an Akita Inu

The Akita is a high maintenance breed that takes time and effort to care for. Especially if you acquired this dog as a puppy, the breed will have different needs throughout its life cycle that require attention. You should be proactive in identifying and addressing your dog's health and behavior issues.

Best dog food for Akita Inu

Unfortunately, Akitas are prone to a host of health problems. Fortunately, conscientious Akita owners can choose a dog food that will help their dog's health and longevity.

Organic dog food is the easiest way to reduce substances in your Akita's diet that can cause cancer and hypothyroidism. Additionally, eating a grain-free wet food can reduce the chances of your Akita suffering from bloating.

Which brings us to AZ Animals' food recommendation for Akitas: Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Butcher & Bushel Organic Carved Turkey Dinner in Gravy .

Grain-free organic free-range chicken formula is easy to digest. Free of artificial preservatives, chemical pesticides, added growth hormones and antibiotics, and synthetic fertilizers may reduce the risk of cancer and thyroid problems in Akita dogs.

Check out Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Butcher & Bushel Organic Carved Turkey Dinner in Gravy on Chewy or Amazon.

A typical adult Akita needs about 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dog food per day, but the exact amount depends on the dog's age, size, activity level and metabolism. Experts recommend that you switch to less calorie-dense foods after age 7 to prevent kidney disease. Occasional dog treats can also help your dog with training.

Maintenance and Grooming

The Akita has a fairly thick double coat and needs to be brushed at least once a week. While not shedding all that often, it does have two times of the year when it sheds in clumps and needs extra frequent brushing. The Akita is very good at keeping its coat clean, but you should make an effort to maintain proper health and hygiene by trimming its nails, cleaning its ears and brushing its teeth regularly.

train

The Akita is a very alert and intelligent breed with an independent nature. While this stubborn tendency can sometimes interfere with training, the Akita is responsive and eager to learn new things. It responds best to a calm but decisive approach to training that makes it clear that you are in charge without alienating it. However, this breed needs to be properly socialized at an early age, or it may exhibit antisocial behavior later in life.

exercise

The Akita is a high-energy breed that needs about 30 minutes to an hour of moderate exercise each day. A jog, brisk walk, or play in a large space (especially a fenced yard) should be enough to burn off his excess energy, while fun tricks and tasks can keep both dog and owner happy. It's a good idea to keep your exercise routine varied and engaging. Otherwise, it may become bored and restless, leading to digging, chewing or barking. You also shouldn't loose the leash too often, or it could chase smaller animals.

puppy

As puppies, Akitas need some special care and plenty of high-quality food to support their growing bodies. It is most prone to bone disease between 4 and 7 months of age, when it is undergoing a rapid growth spurt. High-intensity exercise or playing on hard surfaces can stress a dog's joints until he is about two years old. An early examination by a veterinarian is necessary for this dog.

children

The Akita does enjoy the presence and affection of children, but it may not be the right dog for every family situation. Young children, in particular, may interact poorly with this breed. They may be overwhelmed by the dog's massive size, and the Akita may not tolerate abuse from young children. This breed does best in homes with older, more responsible children.

Similar Dogs to Akita Inu

If you're an Akita fan, then you might want to check out the following breeds:

• Shiba Inu: Akita and Shiba Inu have some similarities and differences. Perhaps the most famous Japanese dog export is the Shiba Inu, an ancient breed that dates back to around 300 BC. It was originally bred in the rugged mountains of Japan as a strong and skilled hunter, but today the Shiba is a popular companion, beloved for its expressive appearance and personality. Coat colors include red, sesame or black and tan.
• Ainu: Also known as the Hokkaido people, they originated from the northernmost island of Japan. Its strong physique, extraordinary guts, resistance to cold weather, and extraordinary sense of smell make it an excellent hunting partner for the native Ainu people. Coat colors include brindle, sesame, solid white, red, black and wolf grey.
• Siberian Husky: Although not closely related to the Akita, the Siberian Husky shares with other types of Spitz dogs a large frame, thick gray or black coat, athletic nature, and stubborn disposition. Huskies are also very loyal, outgoing, and resilient.

famous akita dog

Akita dogs are known the world over for their lovable temperament and loyal personalities. A particularly loyal dog named Hachiko became the most famous Akita of all time nine years after waiting at a train station in the 1920s for the return of its dead owner. As well as being immortalized by a statue, its story was also adapted into the movie "Hachiko" starring Richard Gere. Famous hosts include Helen Keller, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Henry Cavill and boxer Evander Holyfield.

Popular Names for Akita Inu

If you want to give your dog an authentic Japanese name, then these are some top choices (the first five are male, the next five are female):

• Hiroshi
• relatives
• road
• seaweed
• null
• Amaterasu
• eldest son
• Haruka
• Junmei
• Emi

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