Long Haired Akita Dog: A Comprehensive Guide

The long haired Akita dog is a majestic breed known for its stunning coat and gentle nature. They have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

Their thick coat is one of their most distinctive features, with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat that sheds heavily twice a year. This shedding can be a challenge for owners.

Long haired Akitas are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10-13 years.

The Akita is an ancient breed of dog originating from Japan, specifically from the mountainous regions of the north.

They were originally bred to hunt large game such as bears and deer.

Akitas are known for their distinctive double coat, which sheds heavily and requires regular grooming.

Their thick undercoat and coarse outer coat make them well-suited to cold climates.

Akitas are a large breed of dog, typically weighing between 70-130 pounds.

They are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent family pets.

In Japan, Akitas are considered a national treasure and are often given as gifts to royalty.

Their lifespan is relatively long, with an average lifespan of 10-13 years.

A fresh viewpoint: Akitas Good Service Dogs

A long-haired Akita requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their beautiful coat. Brushing at least once a week is essential to keep their thick double coat looking its best.

They shed profusely when the season changes, so be prepared for more frequent grooming during these times. In fact, some Akitas may need daily brushing during their twice-yearly coat blow.

Regular nail trimming and teeth brushing are also crucial to their health and overall well-being. And, of course, their fastidious nature means they'll often clean themselves like cats, washing their face and muzzle in the process.

A fresh viewpoint: Dog Hair Everywhere Pet Grooming

A Long Coat Akita is an American Akita or Japanese Akita Inu with an extra long outer fur coat.

The long coat gene is a recessive gene acquired from the Karafuto-Ken dog, also known as the Sakhalin Husky, which was commonly used as a sled dog in the Akita prefecture.

A Long Coat Akita tends to be slightly shorter and stockier than a traditional coat Akita due to this additional gene.

They have a thick double coat that sheds profusely when the season changes, requiring more frequent grooming during these times.

Brushing at least once a week should be enough to help their long coat look its best, but they may need more frequent brushing during shedding season.

Their teeth should be brushed often and their nails should be trimmed on a regular basis to keep them clean and healthy.

Akitas need at least an hour of daily exercise, which can include a long jog or vigorous play, mental challenges like agility or scent work, and tugging and running games.

Their thick coat sheds minimally throughout the year, but when the season changes, they blow their coat, requiring daily brushing.

Akitas are prone to overheating, so they're not well suited for hot temperatures and need a well-fenced yard to prevent jumping.

Regular nail trimming and teeth brushing are essential for their health, and they're fastidious groomers, often cleaning themselves like cats.

A fresh viewpoint: American Akita Guard Dog

Their thick double coat requires brushing at least once a week, and during seasonal changes, they need more frequent grooming to get rid of the dead coat.

Akitas are susceptible to patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, and gastric dilation volvulus (GDV), a bloating condition that requires immediate veterinary intervention.

They enjoy colder weather and snow, but can gain weight quickly if they're sedentary, so daily exercise and mental stimulation are crucial.

Akitas are independent-minded and require consistent training from an early age, using positive reinforcement and calmness.

Their thick coat makes them prone to matting, so daily brushing is advised to keep matting at bay, and shaving them is a no-no.

Akitas are clean dogs that don't require extensive grooming, but they do shed profusely when the season changes, requiring more frequent grooming.

Their teeth should be brushed often and their nails should be trimmed on a regular basis to maintain their health.

Take a look at this: Japanese Akita Pics

Akitas are alert, courageous, and protective dogs that tend to be one-family dogs, utterly devoted to those in their inner circle but aloof toward and often suspicious of strangers.

They can be overly protective and may misinterpret some innocent actions as threats, which is why it's essential to socialize them properly from an early age. Akitas can be aggressive toward other dogs, though they're not excessive barkers.

Akitas are calm dogs, not excessively playful as adults except when alone with their family, but they can get jealous if you give too much love to another dog.

Akitas are alert, courageous, and protective dogs. They tend to be one-family dogs, utterly devoted to those in their inner circle but aloof toward and often suspicious of strangers.

These dogs are calm, not excessively playful as adults, except when alone with their family. They can be overly protective and may misinterpret some innocent actions as threats.

Akitas are not excessive barkers, but they can be aggressive toward other dogs. They are also strong-willed, making them challenging to manage for children or the elderly.

Worth a look: Shiba Inu Family

With proper training and early socialization, Akitas can learn to behave around kids and make excellent family pets. However, they can be possessive of their toys or food and are generally not open to playing.

Akitas were bred to hunt and protect houses in Japan, making them excellent watch dogs due to their reserved nature and general distrust of strangers. They bond closely to their families and can get jealous if you give too much love to another dog.

Akitas can live alongside household cats and dogs if introduced in puppyhood, but they may be aggressive toward other dogs, especially those of the same sex. They are large, powerful, and headstrong dogs that require proper socialization and training.

People with a certain temperament tend to be more optimistic, as they are more likely to have a positive outlook on life, which can be beneficial for their mental health.

Research suggests that individuals with a certain personality type are more prone to anxiety, which can be managed through stress-reducing activities like meditation.

Those who are more sensitive to their emotions tend to be more empathetic, allowing them to form deeper connections with others.

A study found that individuals with a certain temperament are more likely to be perfectionists, which can sometimes lead to an excessive focus on details.

People with a certain personality type tend to be more adaptable, which can help them navigate uncertain situations.

Those who are more introverted tend to prefer quieter environments, where they can recharge and focus on their thoughts.

Individuals with a certain temperament are more likely to be more open-minded, which can lead to a greater appreciation for different cultures and ways of life.

The Akita breed has a rich history that spans over a thousand years, with roots tracing back to the Jōmon Period (14,000–300 B.C.). They were originally bred as strong, hard-working hunting dogs in the Akita prefecture in Japan.

The breed was highly valued for its loyalty and was even considered a symbol of good health in Japanese culture. In fact, the Akita was designated as a natural national monument in Japan in 1931.

On a similar theme: Shiba Inu Price Japan

The Akita's athletic and resilient nature made it an ideal companion for Japanese royalty, and it was often used for guarding and hunting. The breed's association with nobility was so strong that only the imperial family and their court were allowed to keep them.

Here are some common health issues that affect the Akita breed:

These health issues are often related to the breed's smaller gene pool, which can make them more prone to certain conditions. Regular veterinary care and preventive measures can help mitigate these risks and keep your Akita healthy and happy.

The Akita breed has a rich history that spans over a thousand years, with roots that extend to other spitz dogs like huskies, chow chows, and malamutes.

The breed originated in the Akita prefecture in Japan, where it was used for hunting and guarding Japanese royalty. This noble heritage is still celebrated today, with the Akita being associated with nobility and good luck.

Worth a look: Japanese Akita Breed

In the 17th century, the Akita was a strong and hardworking hunting dog, bred to chase and hold bears and boars. Its athletic and resilient nature made it a perfect fit for the cold and mountainous region of Akita.

The breed was first recognized as a national monument in Japan in 1931, and four years later, the Japanese government established a breed standard. This recognition helped to preserve the breed and ensure its survival.

Helen Keller was instrumental in introducing the Akita to the United States, bringing the first Akita, Kami, to America in 1937. Her love for the breed was inspired by the devotion of Hachikō, a famous Akita who waited for his owner at a Tokyo subway station for nine years after his owner's passing.

The Akita was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972, and today it is one of the most beloved breeds in Japan and the United States.

Check this out: How Long Are Dogs in Labor before First Puppy

The Akita breed is known for its long lifespan, which can range from 10 to 13 years. However, like many breeds, Akitas are prone to certain health issues.

Hip dysplasia is a congenital condition that can lead to arthritis in Akitas. This is a common issue in many breeds, but it's especially prevalent in Akitas due to their smaller gene pool.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, also known as bloat, is a life-threatening emergency that can occur when an Akita eats or drinks too quickly. This can cause the stomach to twist and cut off blood supply, requiring expensive surgery.

Akitas are also prone to eye problems, including inherited conditions such as canine cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. These issues can be painful and affect the dog's quality of life.

To prevent bloat, some veterinarians recommend a surgery called gastropexy, which tacks the side of the stomach to the abdomen wall. This can help prevent the stomach from twisting and reduce the risk of GDV.

Here are some common Akita health problems:

It's essential for Akita owners to work closely with their veterinarians to prevent and manage these health issues. Regular check-ups and preventive care can help ensure your Akita lives a long and healthy life.

Long-haired Akitas love spending time outside, and a fenced yard where they can roam and sniff is ideal. They'll sniff around, find a spot, and lay down, surveying their surroundings.

Akitas thrive in cold weather, and they'll zoom around in the snow, eating it and rolling around to their hearts' content. Their slightly webbed toes help them walk on snowy drifts.

Indoors, long-haired Akitas are happy to follow their owner from room to room, or watch them from the floor.

Akitas are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, and they'll thrive in a fenced yard where they can roam and sniff around. They love to spend time outside and will often find a spot to lay down and survey their surroundings.

They're built for cold weather, with a thick coat that keeps them warm, and they'll even zoom around in the snow, eating it and rolling around to their hearts' content. Their slightly webbed toes help them walk on snowy drifts with ease.

Indoors, Akitas are happy to follow their owners from room to room, or simply watch them from the floor. They're relatively quiet, but will bark if they sense something unfamiliar or alert their family to a visitor.

Akitas are intelligent dogs that respond well to training, but they can be quite independent and headstrong, making them challenging to control.

Their thick coats and hardy history mean they love spending time outside, and a fenced yard where they can roam and sniff is ideal. A brisk walk or two per day, totaling from a half to a whole hour, is a good amount of exercise for this breed.

Akitas wilt in high temperatures, so it's essential to exercise them early and late on summer days, and retreat to the AC when it's hot. This breed thrives in cool weather, and they'll zoom around in the snow if they get the chance.

Akitas have a strong prey drive, so they should always be on-leash and under watchful eyes when outside. They can easily become bored if they don't get enough mental and physical stimulation, so consistent training from an early age is crucial.

Early socialization is vital to help your Akita learn not to perceive strangers as a threat. A brisk walk or jog once a day should be enough to keep them in good shape, but they also enjoy playing and tend to love water, so an occasional swim can be a great way to keep them active.

Long-haired Akitas need a balanced diet that supplies enough energy for daily activities while maintaining a healthy weight. This means controlling their portions and calorie intake to prevent extra stress on their heart, joints, and metabolism.

A high-quality, low-calorie diet is especially important for Akita puppies, who grow rapidly and are susceptible to bone disorders.

Fresh, whole-food diets promote a healthier immune system, which helps ward off dental maladies, including plaque and bacteria. Crunchy kibble, on the other hand, can fuel inflammation in the body.

Adult Akitas should be fed three to five cups of dry food distributed into two meals.

A fresh diet that provides balanced Omega-3 fatty acids may promote cardiac health and help ward off joint issues. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, which is key to keeping heart and joints healthy.

It's essential to watch your Akita's calorie intake and discuss any special needs with your vet, as some members of the breed are prone to getting overweight.

Consider reading: How Long to Keep Dogs off New Sod?