Japanese Akita Dog Breed: Complete Guide to Care, Health, and Living Needs

The Japanese Akita is a majestic breed with a rich history and a loyal temperament. Originally bred to hunt large game, they are naturally strong and agile.

Their thick double coat sheds heavily, especially during shedding season, so be prepared for regular brushing and grooming. This will help prevent matting and keep them looking their best.

Akitas are generally quiet dogs, but they do have a distinctive howl that's often described as a deep, mournful sound. This can be a bit startling if you're not used to it.

Japanese Akitas are a relatively large breed, with males weighing up to 130 pounds and standing as tall as 28 inches at the shoulder.

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The Akita is a breed that's not for the faint of heart. They're a working breed that was bred to hunt and protect houses in Japan.

Akitas are excellent family dogs if trained early and consistently, and they tend to get along well with familiar children. However, they can be aloof towards strangers and might get jealous if you give too much love to another dog.

The Akita is one of the smartest dog breeds on earth, always remaining alert and never stopping learning due to their protective instinct. They're known as independent thinkers and can identify potential threats quickly.

Akitas are generally territorial about their property and can be reserved with strangers, which is why they're often seen as a bit aggressive. However, a well-trained Akita should be accepting of non-threatening strangers.

The Akita is one of the smartest dog breeds on earth. They always remain alert and never stop learning due to their protective instinct.

Akitas can quickly pick up new tricks compared to other dog breeds that require both time and effort. This makes them a great choice for active owners who enjoy training their dogs.

According to a Japanese study, the CAG repeat polymorphism in the AR gene in the Akita Inu was correlated with increased reports of aggression in male Akita dogs, but not females. This suggests that Akitas are highly intelligent, but also have a complex temperament.

A different take: Akita Protection Dog

Akitas are known as independent thinkers, which is why they can identify any potential threat quickly. This trait makes them excellent watchdogs, always on the lookout for potential danger.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them a popular choice for many dog owners. However, it's essential to remember that Akitas can be stubborn and require consistent training and socialization from an early age.

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Akitas have a strong prey drive due to their original purpose as hunting dogs. They're naturally inclined to chase small animals.

This means they might not be the best fit for homes with small pets, such as rabbits or guinea pigs. It's essential to consider this before bringing an Akitas into your family.

To manage their prey drive, it's recommended to keep your Akitas on a leash, especially in unfamiliar areas. This will help prevent them from taking off after a squirrel or other small animal.

With proper training and exercise, Akitas can learn to control their instincts and live harmoniously with other pets. However, it's crucial to remember that their prey drive is always present, and they need consistent guidance and supervision.

Akitas love spending time outside, and a fenced yard where they can roam and sniff is ideal. They're not just happy to be outside, but they thrive in cold weather, zooming around in the snow and even eating it to their hearts' content.

Regular grooming is essential to keep their coat clean and odorless, especially if they spend a lot of time outside. A clean Akita doesn't smell, but an Akita that loves the outside will need regular brushing and grooming to stay clean.

Akitas require moderate exercise, and a daily jog or long walk will suffice if they're not getting enough physical activity from roaming around in the yard. This breed can gain weight quickly if they're sedentary, so regular exercise is crucial to keep them healthy.

Consider reading: Do Corgis Need to Be Groomed

Akitas love spending time outside, and a fenced yard where they can roam and sniff is ideal. They'll zoom around in the snow, eating it and rolling around to their hearts' content.

They're happy to follow their owner from room to room, or watch them from the floor. Akitas have a strong prey drive, so they should always be on-leash and under watchful eyes when outside.

Their thick coats and hardy history make them well-suited for cold weather. They'll be even more energetic when it gets chilly, and they'll have a blast playing in the snow.

Akitas are relatively quiet, and barking usually isn't an issue unless they're alerting their family to a visitor or something unfamiliar.

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When feeding your Akita, it's essential to consider their size. Smaller Akitas typically need 4 cups of high-quality kibble daily.

The amount of kibble needed increases with the dog's size, so larger Akitas require 5.75 cups of kibble daily.

A high-quality diet is crucial to prevent future health problems in your pup. There's nothing wrong with a kibble, wet food, or fresh food diet as long as it's nutritionally complete.

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The Japanese Akita dog breed requires regular grooming to stay healthy and happy. Akita owners should be prepared for moderate shedding throughout the year, but especially during their twice-yearly "blow-coat" periods.

Brushing them a few times a week is usually enough, but be prepared for daily brushing during these peak shedding times. You'll also need to brush their teeth daily to keep up with their oral hygiene.

Some common health issues to watch out for in Akitas include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye problems. To prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, consider a surgery called gastropexy with your veterinarian.

Here are some key grooming and health tips to keep in mind:

The Akita's grooming needs are quite unique, and it's essential to understand their specific requirements to keep them looking and feeling their best.

Akitas are moderate shedders, but their double coat means they shed heavily twice a year, so be prepared for a lot of hair everywhere.

Brushing them regularly is a must, especially during these "blow-coat" periods when daily brushing is necessary to keep up with the shedding.

You'll also need to brush their teeth daily to maintain their oral hygiene, as Akitas are prone to dental issues.

Their nails require regular trimming to prevent overgrowth.

Their thick double coat is perfect for colder climates, but it also sheds heavily, making regular brushing a necessity.

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The Akita breed is generally known for being a healthy one, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Akita owners should be aware of these potential problems to ensure their furry friend lives a long and happy life.

One of the most significant health risks for Akitas is bloat, which can quickly become a life-threatening emergency. This is because the stomach twists and cuts off blood supply, requiring immediate surgery and costing upwards of $8,000 to $10,000.

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To prevent bloat, some veterinarians recommend a surgery called gastropexy, where the stomach is tacked to the abdomen wall to prevent twisting.

Hip dysplasia is another common health issue affecting Akitas, which can lead to osteoarthritis and pain. This skeletal condition occurs when the head of the femur doesn't fit properly into the hip socket.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Akitas:

It's essential for Akita owners to work closely with their veterinarians to identify potential health risks and prevent them from becoming serious issues. Regular check-ups and preventative care can go a long way in ensuring your Akita lives a long and healthy life.

The Japanese Akita dog breed has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century, with evidence of their existence dating back to the Jōmon Period (14,000–300 B.C.).

The Akita was initially bred as a strong, hard-working hunting dog but later transitioned into a loving family companion due to hunting becoming less common. They're now one of seven dog breeds designated as a natural national monument in Japan.

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In Japan, the Akita is so revered that a statue of an Akita is often given to families with newborn children, symbolizing health, happiness, and long life.

Here are some fun facts about the Akita breed:

The Akita breed has a rich history that spans thousands of years, with evidence of its existence dating back to the Jōmon Period, 14,000–300 B.C.

The Akita was originally bred as a strong and hard-working hunting dog, but over time, it transitioned into a beloved family companion due to its dignified demeanor and affectionate nature.

In the 17th century, the Akita's lineage can be traced back to the Akita prefecture in Japan, where it was highly valued for its loyalty.

The Akita was first introduced to the U.S. in 1937, when Helen Keller brought a pup named Kami home after a tour through Japan.

After World War II, the breed became a rarity in the U.S. until American soldiers brought them back from overseas, helping to popularize the breed.

The Akita was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972, solidifying its place in the world of dog breeds.

In Japan, the Akita is considered a national treasure and a natural national monument, reflecting its significant cultural and historical importance.

In Japan, the Akita is a highly revered breed that symbolizes health, happiness, and long life, often presented as a statue to new families as a gift.

The Akita prefecture in Japan is a must-visit destination for Akita dog enthusiasts, with numerous businesses offering opportunities to meet and interact with these amazing dogs.

Helen Keller's love for the Akita breed was inspired by the story of Hachiko, a loyal Akita who waited nearly 10 years at a train station for his owner's return, unaware that the owner had passed away.

Some famous Akita owners include Henry Cavill and his American Akita named Kal, as well as Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr., who have their adorable Akita Inus Kumi and Sato.

Here are some popular places to visit in the Akita prefecture where you can meet Akita dogs:

Que Sera is a Japanese Akita breeder based just outside of Dallas, Texas. They're active members of AKIHO North America, JACA, and the Heart of Texas Akita clubs.

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John and Carol, the owners, have been breeding AKIHO-registered litters for a while now. They prioritize health tests, ensuring their puppies are OFA-certified for hips and eyes.

Kita Kaigansoh Japanese Akitainu is another reputable breeder, located in Northern California. They're a small AKIHO-registered kennel with a titled-breeding female registered with AKIHO, UKC, and AKC.

This breeder's goal is to breed healthy puppies that conform to the AKIHO and AKC standards. They also aim to place their puppies in homes that are excited to join the AKIHO and JACA communities.

Que Sera Japanese Akitas and Kita Kaigansoh Japanese Akitainu both prioritize health testing, with Que Sera focusing on hips and eyes, and Kita Kaigansoh testing for hips, patella, elbows, eyes, and thyroid.

By choosing reputable breeders like these, you can ensure you're getting a healthy puppy that's been raised with care and attention to detail.

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Yakumo Sou is a kennel based in Western New York, dedicated to developing and preserving Japan's Akitainu breed in North America.

The kennel is owned by Kevin Carroll, who is actively involved in the breed worldwide as a breeder, owner, handler, and all-breed judge with the UKC.

Yakumo Sou prioritizes health in their breeding program, aiming for sustainable development of the breed.

Their primary focus is on safeguarding the Akitainu breed while promoting open forum style education for fanciers.