Akita Dog Breed: Interesting Facts You Need To Know!

Akita dog breed: What kind of dog is an Akita? When it comes to choosing a dog breed that’s not only loyal but also a wonderful addition to your family, the Akita is a name that often comes to mind. Originating from Japan, this breed is known for its striking appearance and remarkable temperament. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into what kind of dog an Akita is and provide you with all the information you need to know about this magnificent breed. Whether you’re considering bringing an Akita into your life or you’re simply curious about these fascinating canines, read on to discover everything there is to know.

1.Akita dog breed origin and history

Akitas, a spitz-type dog, originated in Japan and was bred in colder, northern regions for centuries. The modern version of the breed was created in the 17th century in the Akita prefecture. A nobleman banished to the northern region, bred his underlings to compete for the best large, versatile hunting dog. The Akita breed has been on the brink of extinction multiple times, but today families across Japan and the world own it. Akitas represent good health, happiness, and long life, and figurines are often given to new parents.

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2.Akita dog breed characteristics

Akita dog breed size and Height

The average male is between 26 and 28 inches tall and 85 to 130 pounds. Between 24 and 26 inches in height, and 70 to 110 pounds in weight, are females.

Akita dog breed Body shape

Akitas are robust and heavy-boned canines, known for their slightly longer body proportions compared to their height, resulting in a distinctive rectangular shape.

Characteristic features of Akitas include their strong bodies, which are crowned by massive yet well-proportioned heads. When viewed from above, their heads take on the appearance of blunt triangles. Their erect ears, though sharp and pointed, may seem relatively small in comparison to the substantial size of their heads.

Akitas are recognized for their large and full tails, which naturally balance the breadth of their heads. These tails are consistently raised up over their backs, adding to their regal and imposing appearance.

Akita dog breed Coat and Colors 

Akitas have a unique double coat of medium length, consisting of two distinct coats with unique characteristics. The undercoats are thick, dense, and soft, while the outer coats are straight and rough, shortest on the head and limbs and longer on the torsos. The outer coat also forms long strands on their tails.

Akitas are a vibrant dog breed with at least 20 recognized color combinations, including black, brown, red, silver, fawn with black overlay, and white with red shading. They can also have black or white masks, pinto, and white markings.

Akita dog breed lifespan

The Akita is known for its surprisingly long lifespan, especially considering its substantial size. It’s quite likely that your Akita will enjoy a life well beyond a decade.

On average, this breed has a lifespan ranging from 10 to 14 years. This means that if you welcome an Akita into your family, particularly as a puppy, you should be prepared for a long and enduring companionship with your beloved pet.

Akita dog breed images

3.Akita dog breed personality

The Akita, a breed with a bold and willful disposition, possesses a set of distinctive characteristics that prospective owners should be aware of:

Loyalty and Wariness: Akitas are naturally wary of strangers, which makes them excellent watchdogs. However, their loyalty to their family is unwavering, and they are known to form strong bonds with their human companions.

Alertness, Intelligence, and Courage: Akitas are highly alert, intelligent, and courageous. These traits make them well-suited for tasks that require vigilance and bravery.

Aggressiveness Towards Other Dogs: Akitas have a tendency to be aggressive, particularly towards dogs of the same sex. It is often recommended that they thrive best in a one-dog household to avoid potential conflicts with other pets.

Affection and Playfulness with Family: With their family members, Akitas are known to be affectionate and playful. They seek companionship and enjoy participating in daily activities with their loved ones.

Mouthiness and Vocalization: Akitas have a penchant for carrying toys and household items in their mouths, and contrary to common belief, they can be quite vocal. They may grumble, moan, and, when they deem it necessary, bark to express themselves.

Strong and Dominant Personality: Akitas possess a dominant personality that can be overpowering for some owners. They are not recommended for first-time dog owners or those who are timid. Akitas require a confident owner who can provide firm, yet loving, discipline.

Exercise and Activity Needs: Akitas are an active breed and need plenty of exercise to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. Regular physical and mental stimulation is crucial to keep them happy and content.

Protective Instinct: Akitas have a natural protective instinct, which can sometimes manifest as territorial behavior. Proper training and socialization from an early age are essential to ensure that their protective instincts are well-balanced.

Stubbornness: Akitas are known for their stubborn nature. Successful training requires patience and consistency, and their owners must be prepared to invest the time and effort to teach them proper canine manners.

Akitas are unique and impressive dogs with a blend of loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts. They can make wonderful companions for the right owner, but it is vital to understand and appreciate their distinctive characteristics to establish a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with this remarkable breed.

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5.Akita dog breed food

Just like all dogs, Akitas require a diet that is digestible, complete, and well-balanced, ensuring they receive the necessary energy for their daily activities while maintaining a healthy weight. Here are some important considerations:

Weight Management: It’s crucial to monitor your Akita’s weight, as excess weight can place additional stress on their heart, joints, and metabolism. Controlling their portions and calorie intake while providing proper nutrition is essential. Keeping your Akita at an ideal body condition can significantly contribute to their long-term well-being. Opting for a fresh-food diet can make it easier to feed the right amount tailored to their age, size, and activity level.

Heart and Joint Health: A fresh diet that includes balanced Omega-3 fatty acids can promote cardiac health and help prevent joint issues. A pre-portioned fresh food plan simplifies calorie control, which in turn helps in maintaining a healthy weight—a key factor in ensuring heart and joint health, as well as overall vitality and quality of life.

Oral Health: Good dental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being. A fresh, whole-food diet not only promotes a healthier immune system but also helps fend off dental problems. Contrary to the belief that crunchy kibble cleans teeth, most kibble is highly processed and may contain substances that contribute to inflammation in the body, including oral tissues. Additionally, many kibble varieties are starchy and filled with fillers that break down into sugar, contributing to plaque and bacteria.

Quality Nutrition for Quality Digestion: A diet comprising fresh, lightly cooked food has been demonstrated to be more digestible compared to processed kibble. It can support a healthy gut and promote good digestion, resulting in better, smaller bowel movements.

A healthy diet, in conjunction with training, outdoor exercise, regular veterinary care, and quality time spent together, is one of the fundamental keys to ensuring your Akita leads a happy and fulfilling life.

Facts about the Akita dog breed

Akita dog breed allergies

Akitas are not considered a hypoallergenic breed. There is no definitive answer to whether they are hypoallergenic, as it depends on the individual dog’s shedding and dander levels. Some Akita Inus may shed less and produce fewer allergens, making them relatively hypoallergenic, while others may not be suitable for those with allergies.

If you are considering adopting an Akita dog breed and have allergies, it’s important to meet the dog in person to see if they trigger your allergies. Spending time with the specific Akita you plan to adopt can help you assess whether you can comfortably coexist with the dog without experiencing allergic reactions.

Are akitas good apartment dogs

Apartment living with a dog is a common issue among many people, but it is possible for big dogs like the Japanese Akita to adapt to apartment living. The happiness of a dog is not solely determined by the available space, but also by the presence of their master and the amount of time they can devote to their dog. The Japanese Akita can adapt to apartment living with some adjustments, but it is important to remember that having a large garden does not guarantee happiness. An Akita Inu living in an apartment with long walks and a dedicated master will be happier than one left alone in the garden with little human interaction.

Is akita an aggressive dog breed

Akitas, being loyal and affectionate watchdogs, can tolerate other animals but are often aggressive towards those not in their family group. Properly socialized, they can learn to tolerate other animals, but will likely maintain their top status. They are territorial about their home and aloof with strangers, barking only when there is truly something amiss.

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How dangerous is an akita dog

Akita dog bites are more likely to cause serious damage than smaller dogs, but they are not necessarily more aggressive than other breeds like Chihuahuas. It is important to stay aware of your surroundings, body language, and potential signals that you could unintentionally give to an aggressive Akita or any other dog breed. Akitas are energetic, powerful, and bold, and need to get as much exercise as possible to avoid becoming aggressive or violent. Outdoor space is also beneficial for these dogs, as they are known for their vocal nature, which can lead to calls from the police or animal services if neighbors get annoyed easily.

Akita dog breed cost

The cost of acquiring an Akita puppy is relatively high, with the average price ranging from $700 to $1,600. However, if you desire a puppy of show quality or one that has participated in exhibitions and competitions, the price can increase significantly, reaching up to $4,000.

Prior to making the decision to bring an Akita into your home, it is important to thoroughly understand both the advantages and disadvantages associated with this breed. Consulting with experienced breeders or current Akita owners is highly recommended. When engaging in these discussions, be sure to inquire about the health and temperament of the parent dogs as well as the characteristics of previous litters.

It is crucial to purchase Akita puppies exclusively from reputable breeders to ensure the well-being and quality of the puppy.

Akita dog good for family

In general, Akitas are known for their strong bond with their family members. They can be quite affectionate and loyal, forming deep connections with those they consider part of their pack. Akitas often thrive in households with older children who understand the importance of treating them with respect and kindness.

However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that many Akita dogs have a no-nonsense attitude, especially when it comes to mistreatment or disrespect. They take their social status within the family seriously and may not have much patience for young children who do not respect their boundaries or invade their personal space.

While Akitas can be loving and gentle, it’s essential to ensure that interactions between them and young children are supervised and that children are taught how to approach and behave around these majestic animals with the respect and care they deserve. Proper socialization and training from an early age can help Akitas and young children coexist harmoniously.

What does the dog breed Akita look like?

Akitas, a Spitz breed with a wolf-like appearance, originated in Japan’s mountains. They have a double coat, almond-shaped eyes, and a love for snow. Originating from snow country dogs, they developed webbed toes for easy walking on snow.

Are akitas high energy dogs?

Akitas, a high energy breed, require daily exercise to stay in shape, but may need to be convinced that playtime is fun. Daily exercise is crucial for their health and manageability, and a quick romp can help them stay healthy and manageable.

Are Akita dogs loyal?

The Akita breed of dogs is known for their loyalty, sensitivity, and protective nature, making them ideal for early socialization to develop good relationships with unfamiliar people and other animals, as they are somewhat aloof from strangers.

Are Akita dogs illegal?

In most countries, Akitas are not considered illegal. However, it’s crucial to be aware that some countries and cities have implemented breed-specific legislation (BSL) that imposes restrictions or outright bans on certain dog breeds, which can include Akitas.

For instance, Bermuda has outright banned Akitas, while in places like Singapore and the Republic of Ireland, there are restrictions in place regarding the ownership of Akitas. In the United States, there are no federal laws that ban specific breeds of dogs. However, it’s important to note that some individual states and localities within the U.S. have implemented breed-specific legislation.

If you are considering adopting an Akita or any other dog breed, it is highly advisable to conduct thorough research on the specific laws and regulations in your area. Being well-informed about local restrictions and requirements is essential to ensure a smooth and legal adoption process and a harmonious living environment for both you and your canine companion.

Akita dog breed banned?

The Akita breed, known for its aggressive nature, is banned in several US cities due to potential blame in encounters with other dogs or uninformed individuals, including Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Tennessee, and Washington.

Akita dog breed behavior?

Akitas, a powerful and challenging breed, require early obedience and socialization to avoid potential issues. They can be aggressive, especially towards others or during feeding, making them great pets only for serious owners.

Akita dog breed pros and cons

Pros

• Akitas are incredibly loyal to their owners and form deep bonds with them.
• Akitas can make amazing guardians and will protect their household with their last breath.
• Akitas are highly intelligent and do well with proper guidance.
• Akitas are very affectionate with their owners.
• Akitas have webbed toes that help them walk on snow by distributing their weight more evenly over soft surfaces like snow or mud.

Cons

• Akitas have a complex temperament and can be challenging to understand and raise .
• Akitas require enough socialization and may have protective instincts toward strangers .
• Akitas were developed to hunt other animals and may show animal aggression .
• Akitas shed a good amount of fur, which can be a problem for people with allergies .
• The large size of the Akita can make him difficult to control, so he is not a breed suitable for everyone.