The Akita Inu is a breed of dog originating from Japan. She is assigned to FCI Group 5, the Spitz and Primitive Type Group, and Section 5, the Asian Spitz and Related Breeds Section. The Akita Inu is listed in the FCI register under the standard number 255 and is not declared a working dog by the Federation.
Alternative names for the Japanese dog breed include Akita Ken, Japanese Akita. The latter is the Japanese name for the Akita Inu. The Japanese Spitz is known for its intelligent and calm nature, as well as for its pronounced hunting and protective instincts.
Akita Inu Dog Breed Information
Height: Males: 67 cm, females: 61 cm
Weight: 35-40kg
FCI group: 5: Spitz and archetypal dogs
Section: 5: Asian Spitz and related breeds
Country of origin: Japan
Colors: reddish fawn, sesame, brindle, white
Life expectancy: 12 years
Suitable as: Companion, working dog
Sports: dog tracks, dog dancing, and sled dog sports
Temperament: self-confident, calm, stubborn, loyal, patient, loving
Leaving requirements: high
Low drool potential
The thickness of hair low
Maintenance effort: rather high
Coat structure: wiry, hard, and dense
Child-friendly: rather yes
Family dog: rather yes
Social: no
It almost looks like a cuddly bear – the Akita Inu, but under the thick fur is a proud dog. The Akita Inu is one of the best-known Japanese dog breeds and not only impresses dog lovers with its appearance but also with its self-confident character.
This dog is proud, headstrong, loyal, and faithful. The supposed “cuddly bear” is not suitable for everyone. In this article, you will find out everything you should know about an Akita Inu in general and we will give you tips on how to keep and care for the dog.
The Akita Inu is one of the most well-known Japanese dog breeds and was formerly used as a hunting and fighting dog. Today he is a family and guard dog.
The temperament traits of this dog breed are characterized by stubbornness and stubbornness. Nevertheless, he is loyal, faithful, and self-confident. He is a calm dog with a dignified appearance.
This breed of dog is not considered dangerous, but training requires a lot of patience from the owner. You shouldn’t get him as a first dog.
Origin and history of the Akita Inu
There is no clear tradition about the origin of the dog breed but from the 2nd century B.C. Clay depictions of dogs are known that look very similar to the type. This shows, however, that the dog is one of the oldest dog breeds. However, the ancestors of today’s Akitas, also known as peat dogs, were smaller and adapted to the living conditions depending on whether they lived in a northern region or in the south. In northern Japan, dogs were larger and had long coats, making them very similar to today’s breed. The four Japanese Spitz breeds developed from their ancestors. These include the Akita Inu, the Mittelspitz Nippon-Inu, the Kleinspitz Shiba-Inu and the well-known Chow-Chow.
The breed got its name from its home province of Akita on the Japanese island of Honshu. Up until the 1950s, there was an export ban on dogs. In 1931, the breed was honored as a natural monument of Japan, being the first of any Japanese dog breed.
The Akita Inu is an ancient Japanese national breed of dog. Akita stands for a province in Japan, the addition “Inu” simply means “dog”. Originally, the Akita Inu was used to hunt bears, wild boar, and game birds, as well as being a guard dog, pulling loads, and dogfighting.
In the 19th century dog fighting became more popular, with large, powerful Tosa and Mastiff breeds being crossed with the Akita Inu. The Akita Inu is an extremely self-confident, self-sufficient dog. This dog breed is best known for its intelligent, independent, and self-confident nature. He’s not a submissive dog at all and wants to make sense of the commands he’s asked for.
Especially with insecure owners, he prefers to rely on himself and make his own decisions. The owner should be able to assert himself with his calm manner. He follows a sovereign, just person reliably and obediently, is very faithful and loyal. Strangers will be disregarded unless the Akita Inu sees a threat to their family.
The Akita Inu is a very calm dog but has a very pronounced hunting and protective instinct. The breed is not easy to lead, which in turn is due to the hunting instinct and obstinacy. Another character trait is dominance because Akita Inu doesn’t like strange dogs next to him. This clearly shows the area and hierarchy awareness, which in turn makes him a good watchdog.
As a beginner and second dog, this breed is rather unsuitable. The physique is large, well proportioned, and muscular with a noticeably broad forehead and typical forehead furrow. The ears are small, triangular, rather thick, erect, and tilted forward. Males reach a height at the withers of about 67 cm, females about 61 cm.
Is the Akita Inu a Fighting Dog?
No, the Akita Inu is not a fighting dog. However, it was created from crosses between the English Mastiff and the Tosa Inus.
Nature & temperament of the Akita Inu
The Akita Inu has a calm, robust character and is particularly intelligent. Their behavior is characterized by a more or less intense hunting and protective instinct since these characteristics are still cultivated in breeding today. In contrast to other working dogs, such as the Rottweiler, the Akita Inu is particularly self-confident and independent. As a rule, the dogs do not tolerate other dogs around them and, although they are friendly towards people, they are reserved and indifferent.
The most famous Akita Inu is Hachiko, who had an exceptional friendship with his owner. He accompanied him every day on his way to work to the train station and waited there until his master came home. When the man died, Hachiko waited outside the train station for nine years until he died himself. History shows how special the character of the Akita is.
As already mentioned, in contrast to other dogs, the dog breed is particularly independent and self-confident. Even with puppies, you can see different behavior than puppies of European dog breeds. They, too, make decisions independently and do not seek the support of their owner. If you want to own an Akita Inu, you need to be aware that these dogs are kept and trained differently. The strong nature of the Japanese Akita Inus cannot be suppressed and humans must find the balance between consistency and affection. The dog must always know that the owner is the leader of the pack. Typical of the breed, the Akita has a pronounced hunting instinct that should be lived out with suitable activities.
Although Akitas have gotten used to humans, some original character traits are still noticeable. The Japanese breed is a suitable family and companion dog, but it is more recommended for dog connoisseurs.
From the table it is clear that the owner must be able to explain the dog’s hierarchy to the dog and must be able to handle the dog’s proud, often independent behavior. An Akita Inu needs consistent, non-yielding leadership that needs constant training.
However, this should not be confused with the mere “hard hand”. The Akita otherwise reacts with stubbornness, sometimes refusal. Rather, a clever upbringing with a well thought-out concept is necessary. This requires a lot of time and patience.
The Akita needs a high individual distance. He is confident and strong at the same time. Akitas are not everybodies darlings. It should also be mentioned that the hunting instinct is still alive in most Akitas. All of this can make going for a walk stressful if the child is poorly trained.
Even with well-behaved specimens, it may still be necessary to keep him on a leash. The holder must be in charge and alone must determine what is to be “defended”, when and how. Akitas are good watchdogs who like to strike once in a while. Raising the Akita requires a lot of dog sense and, above all, respect for its personality.
At the same time, clear limits must be set and strictly adhered to. You can’t force him, you have to convince him. Hardness or stubborn repetition of commands only have the opposite effect: the Akita dulls and follows its own will. His pronounced independence and his natural self-confidence require a lot of patience and experience in dog training. Therefore, the Akita is not suitable for beginners.
Is an Akita Inu a family pet?
Originally, the Akita was not a family dog, but over the years the dogs living here have adapted significantly and it is quite possible to keep them even if you have a family and children.
However, you should not leave him unsupervised with children. The Akita likes to develop a strong protective instinct towards his family, which should never be left unchecked. It is also important that the Akita knows its place in the human pack and is made aware of it again and again.
Unlike strangers, he is very cordial to family members. Because he is very loyal, he likes contact with his family. Today the Akita Inu is no longer of great importance as a hunting dog. He is mostly a family dog and companion dog. However, he is also an excellent watchdog and makes an excellent avalanche search dog and man-trailer.
Is an Akita Inu a Fighting Dog?
Although bred in Japan as a fighting dog, the Akina has an easygoing, powerful, and reserved personality. Although now popular as a companion and guard dog, they must be carefully bred and trained to eliminate aggressive potential.
Fighting dogs in the true sense are dogs that are used for animal fights, especially dog fights, but also for fights, e.g. B. were bred, trained, and used against bulls. The term originally did not designate a specific breed of dog, but a specific area of application.
What traits does an Akita Inu have?
In accordance with its original use, the Akita is a dog with strong hunting and protective instincts that sees itself as its own partner and not as its servant.
Therefore, while Akita Inus are very calm, even-tempered, and receptive dogs, they are not submissive and do not invariably obey every command. As an owner, you should therefore have a lot of patience and time for training.
They are also strong, confident personalities who are reluctant to have other dogs or animals in their household. That’s why they need patient, but still consistent and self-confident keepers who know how to deal with their stubbornness. Once you’ve earned their respect and affection, you can find the Akita to be a loyal companion through thick and thin.
Can you keep an Akita Inu indoors?
An Akita needs a family connection, but is also satisfied with being partially kept outside and can remain alone comparatively well. He barks little and can be kept in a rented apartment.
A house with a garden is best for keeping an Akita Inu. In this way he can fulfill his urge to move and his instinct to be awake. Nevertheless, he can also be kept in a larger apartment, as long as you provide enough exercise and sporting activities. Therefore, the rule of thumb applies: the smaller the apartment, the longer you should be outside with the dog.
How much exercise does an Akita Inu need?
The headstrong Akita Inu needs his daily exercise, but only joins in when he feels like it. If he doesn’t feel like moving, it’s hard to convince the dog to do so. He also likes to lie in his basket and sleep.
Although many adult Akita Inus like to snooze quietly and very frugally in their spot throughout the day, as predators they are walking animals, so daily exercise is very important. The duration and frequency of exercise depends on the dog’s age and need for exercise.
The guideline for puppies is: age in weeks equals time in minutes, but several times a day. An adult dog needs a total of at least one and a half to two hours of exercise two to three times a day.
However, it shouldn’t be the same route every time, because he likes to gather information about the dog world through the hopefully allowed sniffing and would of course like to gain new experiences here. In summer, when temperatures are high, the activity of the Akita is significantly lower and more restricted than in winter.
How dangerous is an Akita Inu?
An Akita Inu is not dangerous. If the dogs don’t get enough exercise, aggression can develop. However, Akita Inus is far from any malicious aggression.
In some countries outside of Germany, the Akita Inu is listed as a dangerous breed, such as Australia. Akitas were also faithful companions of the samurai in Japan. Originally, the dogs were well suited for hunting, chasing down bears, deer and wild boar. Akitas now serve more as a guard dog. They take on this task with pleasure.
The “American Akita” descends from the Japanese “Akita Inu”. However, this breed is not on any list of potentially dangerous dogs in North Rhine-Westphalia. Thus, according to the state, this dog breed does not pose a danger, but if an Akita does not have enough physical stress, it can become an aggressive dog. However, you should be aware that every dog needs daily exercise.
As far as the character of this breed is concerned, it is a quiet, reserved animal that can, however, be dominant towards other dogs. The Akita Inu is a loyal and loving protector.
Are Akita Inus Hypoallergenic?
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are a variety of breeds that are suitable for allergy sufferers. These dogs have a non-shedding coat that produces less dander. Dander is attached to animal hair and is the cause of most animal hair allergies in humans.
However, the Akita Inu is not hypoallergenic. In other words, if you have a dog allergy, you should get a different breed of dog.
How long can you leave an Akita Inu alone?
An Akita Inu is very labor-intensive. Just like any other dog, an Akita can be left alone at home for a while. It is important that he gets used to it slowly from an early age.
However, you cannot leave a young puppy alone for 8 hours. Even an adult dog should only be left alone for as long as you have practiced with it. Also, you should make sure his dog isn’t tearing apart the apartment when you’re not home.
Preparation is everything when you want to leave your dog at home alone. To do this, make sure he has safe access to an outdoor area where he can do his business. The Akita Inu is relatively good at staying alone. However, you should not leave your dog alone for longer than eight hours without supervision.
The appearance of the Akita Inu
Characteristic for the appearance of the Akita Inus is his strong and muscular stature, as well as his dense coat of hair. The large dogs can reach a height of up to 70 cm at the withers. Males average 67 cm tall, while females are around 6 cm shorter. According to the standard, there is a size tolerance of 3 cm. The weight of the Akita Ken is not standardized, but the dogs usually weigh between 35 and 40 kg. The physique of the Japanese Spitz is well proportioned and strong. The robust dogs are well muscled and have a body length ratio of 10:11.
Typical of the Akita Inu is a broad forehead with a deep forehead furrow. Among other things, the forward-leaning, triangular pricked ears give the Akita Inu its lovable appearance, which melts the heart of every dog lover. Overall, the Akita Inu exudes grandeur and dignity. The tail is typically tightly curled and carried over the back. The legs are proportional to the rest of the body and just as powerful.
The coat of the Akita Inu is usually hard in texture and coarse in appearance. However, it has a soft and dense undercoat that protects the dog from all weather conditions and keeps it warm. It is of moderate length and traditionally fawn or sesame colored. Akita Inus are often found with red-fawn-colored fur tipped with black.
According to the standard, brindle or pure white dogs are also allowed. In any case, dogs of this breed must exhibit the so-called “urachiro”, which describes the whitish hair on the sides of the muzzle, neck, book, tail, and cheeks. The urachiro can also be found on the inside of the limbs.
Training and husbandry of the Akita Inus – this is important to note
The Akita Inu is not suitable as a first dog. Training the Japanese dog can be challenging, even for experienced dog owners. Basically, the Akita Ken is considered a very docile and clever dog, but he brings a high degree of independence. The dog will never follow commands that don’t make sense to him. Tricks and tricks are a waste of time for the Akita Inu.
But the Japanese really enjoys learning the basic commands and working with his owner. If the Akita’s handler gives clear and precise instructions and acts with enough consistency and rigor, the dog will learn quickly. But the Akita Ken doesn’t tolerate harshness and immediately shuts down when it’s dealt with harshly. The sensitive and empathetic nature of the dog requires equal parts rigor and gentleness. Careful parenting is generally respectful, reliable, and consistent.
Keeping the Akita Inu is relatively uncomplicated, but has a few hurdles. The Japanese companion dog does not like to be left alone and is very focused on its caregiver. He doesn’t talk well to other dogs because he has a high individual distance. It is important when keeping the Akita that the dog is given enough opportunity to exercise.
It is not advisable to keep the dog in a small apartment. Ideally, they should be kept in a large house or apartment with a garden or terrace. So the dog has enough space to romp and can also withdraw if necessary.
An Akita usually gets along very well with the children of their own family, is patient and loving. During wild games with visiting children, the Akita may “protect” its own children, so it should not be left unattended. An Akita can get along well with small animals or cats living in the household if he has been accustomed to them from a puppy if possible.
In general, the Akita is satisfied with his family as company.
He prefers things to be quiet and manageable, and he can do without contact with strangers or animals. So you should keep your Akita Inu away from the public dog park.
Akitas usually find little to gain from contact with strangers of their own species. Good socialization with other dogs from puppyhood rarely helps. It is much more important to convey to the Akita from the start what behavior is expected of him when encountering dogs. The Akita is actually not difficult to train. But you should teach him well that obedience is important.
He is very self-confident and independent and only obeys because his human demands it. Nevertheless, it takes a lot of empathy, sovereign calm and patience in the upbringing.
Violence and volume only cause the Akita to retreat and even more so go its own way. Consistency and assertiveness, if possible an even bigger stubbornness in humans than the Akita has, are also prerequisites for a successful upbringing.
An Akita needs a family connection, but is also satisfied with being partially kept outside and can remain alone comparatively well.
He barks little and can be kept in a rented apartment. He prefers the low temperatures more than the summer heat. An Akita does not make any great demands on utilization. He likes long, quiet walks and prey games, some Akitas are also enthusiastic about dog sports. Overall, however, he is a rather stoic, relaxed dog who has little time for “silly” games and tricks.
However, its coat should be regularly (twice a week) freed from dead hair, otherwise, an unsightly coat will only cause problems. Due to its thick fur, you don’t see any parasites immediately, so you should check the fur more often for uninvited guests.
He loses his undercoat twice a year. A large part of the thick undercoat sheds, especially after the winter. Frequent combing is a mandatory duty when the fur is changing. The Akita loses a number of hairs in the process. This takes about 2-4 weeks. You should also pay attention to the care of the claws.
How much does an Akita Inu puppy cost?
An Akita Inu puppy costs between $1500 and $2200.
Diet of the Akita Inu
Akita Inus are known for their high culinary standards. In itself, the diet of the Akita Ken is not particularly complex, but the dogs usually need some time to get used to food and have a very demanding palate. It makes sense to try out different types of food and different feeding variants.
However, it is important to give the dog time to get used to a new food. Changing food too quickly can overload the dog’s digestion. The feed should be as high quality as possible and optionally organic. The Akita Inu can be freshly cooked or he can be fed BARF.
Health – life expectancy & common diseases
In general, the Akita, as well as the American Akita, are hardy, long-lived dogs that live up to 15 years. Like other large dogs, however, they can also suffer from osteoarthritis or spondylosis, especially in old age. In addition, allergies or skin diseases occur again and again in the Akita Inu, which must be treated by a veterinarian. So nothing stands in the way of a long, healthy life for the Akita Inu.
As with other Japanese dogs, a common ailment in the Akita is microcytosis. The cause is often an existing iron and copper deficiency, from which the Shar-Pei or the Chow Chow also suffers. The hereditary disease refers to particularly small red blood cells. As a result, the oxygen supply of the organism is impaired. If you are interested in an Akita, you should ask the breeder or seller whether the parents are known to have one of the typical diseases.
How old does an Akita Inu get?
An Akita Inu has an average life expectancy of 12 years.
Caring for the Akita Inu
Contrary to some expectations, grooming the Akita Inu is relatively uncomplicated. The dense, hard coat cleans itself excellently and does not grow back. No brushing, bathing, or trimming is usually necessary. Only when the seasonal coat change begins should the Akita Ken be brushed regularly to help. This can also prevent the dogs from shedding excessive fur and spreading it throughout the house.
Since the coat change occurs only twice a year, grooming is very uncomplicated and takes little time. In addition to grooming, regular care of every dog also includes regular checking of the eyes, mucous membranes, and genital area. These areas should be inspected for irritation, debris, and secretion. Regular check-ups at a trusted veterinarian are also important to ensure the dog’s health.
Akita Inu Activities and Training
The Akita Inu is sporty in nature and enthusiastic about all activities at the start. He is an excellent companion dog and behaves obediently and calmly. He likes to accompany you on horseback, on a bicycle, when inline skating or when running. Hiking or long walks are also great fun for the Japanese Spitz. Overall, the Akita Inu is a great all-rounder that bonds closely with its owner.
The Akita is rather reserved towards strangers, as well as towards children. The children of the household are no problem for the Akita Inu and he treats them with caution and friendliness. When it comes to strangers, things are different. The Akita Ken tries to protect its pack as much as possible, but care should be taken to ensure that this protective instinct does not take over. This can be achieved through proper leadership and training of the dog.
During training, the Akita Inu behaves attentively and obediently, as long as the executed commands make sense to the dog. The Japanese Spitz is definitely not a good candidate for performing tricks and tricks. The independent nature of the Akita sometimes makes training with the dog a challenge and a real adventure. While Akita Inus aren’t nervous, fearful, or stubborn, they have a mind of their own.
Patience, a steady hand, and trust are required when training with the Japanese Spitz. If Akita Inu learns what is required of him and where his limits are, he usually behaves obediently and attentively.
Good to know: Special features of the Akita Inus
Until 1999, two different species of Akita Inu, a Japanese specimen and an American variety were bred. But since the turn of the millennium, the breed has been divided into two independent breeds by the FCI. Since January 1, 2000, the American Akita has been listed as a separate breed in the Federation register.
The Japanese dog breed is best known for the film Hachiko. The film is about an Akita Inu who waits for his owner at the train station every day. But when his owner finally dies, Hachiko couldn’t be dissuaded from waiting nine more years for his owner. Until his own death, the faithful dog waited daily for his deceased owner. The film reflects the intense bond between dog and owner that the Akita Inu is willing to form.
Is the Akita Inu a family dog?
The Akita Inu is moderately suitable as a family dog. An attitude as a companion or protection dog is preferable to that of a family dog.
A real head of hair!
The Akita is a large, robust dog with a strong build. Akita Inu puppies grow quickly and can reach a height of up to 70 centimeters at the withers. The bitches are slightly smaller than the males.
If you look into the face of Akita-Inu puppies, you will quickly notice the distinctive, broad forehead and the white mask.
The small, triangular ears almost seem attached to the round, alert face.
The topcoat is hard, the undercoat is soft and dense. This means they are well protected against external weather influences. The tail, which is always curled up on the back and is densely hairy, is conspicuous.
Fawn colors and red-tawny variants with white are possible as fur colors. About sesame colors, i.e. red-tawny with black hair tips or even brindle (“mackerel”).
The weight is, of course, between 35 and almost 60 kilograms, depending on the size. The Akitas can live up to 15 years.
Disadvantages of the Akita Inu
The Akita Inu has a very independent nature, which can make training difficult. Japanese dogs are very stubborn, but develop excellent obedience after some training. With a bit of patience and enough consistency, the Akita Inu can also be trained.
American Akita, Akita and Hokkaido
Since 1999 and 2000, the FCI has distinguished between two different breeding lines.
The Akita, the Inu is no longer appended since then, designates the Japanese line with the above-mentioned coat colors and sizes. This breed portrait refers to this line.
From 1956 the Japanese Akita-Inu was bred in the USA. However, the newly created lineage was not recognized by Japan.
A major difference is the freedom of coat coloring, which allows everything including piebald and brindle.
The fur is significantly shorter, the tail can also be leaned to the side, but still rolled up.
The Hokkaido or Ainu-Inu is a little smaller and also comes from Japan. This looks similar to the Akitas, but is not as big.
Akita-Inu – A dignified resting place
Nothing fazes an Akita-Inu so quickly, the breed is considered to be very balanced. Unless he has to prove his qualities as a guard or protection dog. He fulfills this excellently. He was previously kept as a hunting dog.
If you adopt an Akita Inu puppy, it should be the only four-legged friend in its new home.
He is loyal to his master or mistress and is generally more friendly to people.
If there is no reason to be alert, he often meets strangers with indifference. He would rather not have other dogs around, since Akita-Inus are very idiosyncratic.
By the way: Hachiko is the best-known representative of the breed. He waited almost a decade at the train station for his master to return. There is even a film about this particularly loyal dog.
As the owner, just don’t show any insecurity
As a dog with particularly strong self-confidence and a dominant streak, the Akita Inu needs a qualified leader. Blind obedience is not for him.
If he gets the feeling that his owner is insecure or inconsistent, he strictly does his own thing. Because he knows one thing very well: he can always rely on himself.
And if the owner doesn’t know how to proceed, then the dog has to show the way.
In addition, an Akita-Inu puppy is indeed intelligent and capable of learning. But he wants to make sense of everything he learns.
Why should he learn something that is of no use to him…
What do you have to consider with Akita-Inu puppies?
As already mentioned, Akita-Inu puppies are not for beginners. Due to their characteristic of not wanting or being able to subordinate themselves, a lot of sensitivity and assertiveness is required here.
This means that you definitely need dog experience. Even better is the educational support provided by a good dog training school.
Then nothing stands in the way of good socialization and the basic commands that he definitely needs.
In addition to a lot of discipline in education, other things are also important. For example, enough exercise to challenge the big four-legged friend.
Hikes are no problem for Akita-Inu puppies, they complete them with great endurance. Agility is conceivable as a dog sport.
It is also well suited for watchdog and protection dog training as well as avalanche search dog training.
This is how he likes his home best
An Akita-Inu puppy is always happy if he has a garden to sniff in between walks. However, you can also keep an Akita without a garden.
But then many and longer walks are mandatory so that the four-legged friend does not rust.
you don’t have a garden Then you need at least one spacious apartment! Akita-Inu puppies may be small and cute, but you have to calculate their final size when you buy them.
The big dog does not want to feel restricted. He must therefore also be able to walk a few steps within his own four walls. And even the dog bed has to find its place somewhere.
He doesn’t feel comfortable in a small, cramped apartment. As an independent dog, he likes to have time for himself when things get too much for him.
For a nap or just to lounge around. This must be guaranteed so that the well-balanced Akita-Inu remains content.
What do Akita Inu puppies eat?
What they eat is important to keep them healthy. Akita-Inu puppies are fed differently in Japan than here. There is raw meat or fish for the dogs.
These forms of nutrition for dogs are the exception with us. Most dog owners turn to ready-made food for convenience and price.
Normally, the industrially produced feed is by no means the healthiest type of nutrition.
But at least it’s not much worse than our own ready meals and fast food.
However, Akita-Inu puppies are more prone to intolerances and allergies. It is therefore advisable to pay attention to a particularly high meat content or, better, to BARF. (Click here for the akita.de BARF field report)
However, they are not pure carnivores. If they can tolerate it, the diet should also include cereals, fruit and vegetables.
If you notice irregularities in the digestion of your Akita, if he vomits or if he has other gastrointestinal problems, you should first assume an allergy or intolerance.
Then a visit to the veterinarian and possibly a change of diet will help.
Are there breed-specific diseases in Akitas?
In general, the breed is considered very robust. Despite its size, it can also reach a proud age of up to 15 years. This shows that at least there hasn’t been overbreeding here.
Nevertheless, breeders must test the parents for hereditary diseases. You should definitely insist on the evidence of the examinations if you want to buy an Akita-Inu puppy.
But even if no diseases were found, it does not guarantee that the puppies are healthy.
In old age, Akitas can develop arthrosis, which can lead to restrictions and pain when moving. As a precaution, the Akita should not be allowed to climb stairs excessively.
It is not uncommon for this breed to have allergies or skin diseases.
There is one special feature: The Akita-Inu has reduced red blood cells.
You see, the list of common diseases is quite short. However, this is no guarantee that no other diseases can occur.
As with most diseases, lifestyle also plays a role.
Now the time has come: Buy an Akita-Inu puppy
So you are absolutely sure that this graceful beauty should become your friend and companion? Have all the important questions been answered? With Akita-Inu puppies, you must make sure that you have enough space and that you can keep them in a species-appropriate manner.
Then you have to start looking for a reputable breeder for Akita-Inu puppies. This is not that easy and may involve waiting times, since this breed is not that common in this country.
It is therefore worthwhile to look out for a suitable breeder in advance and, if necessary, to be noted for an upcoming litter.
Because of the rarity you have to reckon with high prices for the Akita-Inu puppies.
Caution is always advised with breeders who offer many different pedigree dogs and at particularly reasonable prices.
There is often an inappropriate puppy trade involved, which you should under no circumstances support.
Is the Akita Inu right for me?
In any case, the Akita Inu needs an owner who enjoys exercise and likes to spend time with the dog. The headstrong dogs want to be led by an experienced dog handler and are not suitable for beginners. The owner of an Akita Inu should have a lot of know-how, empathy, and skill and be willing to invest a lot of time in training and keeping the dog. He is rewarded with a loyal companion whose love is irreplaceable.
The Akita Inu is a Japanese breed of dog with many different characteristics. If you are your first dog, you should not get one, as training this dog is very time-consuming, you need a lot of patience and you have to assert yourself. But once he obeys you, he is a loyal companion and your best friend.
Although the Akita Inu brings positive traits and can be a loyal family pet, you should be aware that training is a lot of work. Because the dog should not be left alone all day.
Are you a Suitable Akita / Dog Owner?
You could be if you can answer the following questions positively:
Do you have enough knowledge about dogs to be able to train a large dog or are you willing to acquire this knowledge in a time-consuming manner?
Do you and/or the rest of your family really want to go for a walk with your Akita at least twice a day for the next 11 – 15 years – in heat, storms, rain, snow or ice?
Are you physically able to hold an adult Akita in any situation?
Is there a place where you can accommodate your dog if you can’t take it with you on vacation?
When choosing an Akita, you must consider that you are choosing a breed that is headstrong, confident, and strong.
A dog has to be trained, because this is the only way to ensure that you will have a reliable and civilized companion at your side.
The cute puppy turns into a big and self-confident dog in a short time. If you haven’t managed to train your dog properly until it is sexually mature, you will be in trouble.
Above all, you should always remember how much easier it is to give a puppy or young dog the training and guidance it needs than a 65-70cm male aged 9-12 months. The sentence: What Hans doesn’t learn, Hans will never learn again! also applies to dogs.
However, if you approach your Akita calmly and patiently and give yourself enough time to train him, you will have found a friend for life.
A sensibly kept and trained Akita is loyal, dependable, and obedient to its owner. In general, buying a dog should be carefully considered. A thoughtless purchase, which usually binds you to the breed for 10 to 15 years, almost always has fatal consequences, especially for the dog. You can save the dog and yourself from that if you have informed yourself sufficiently BEFORE. With love, patience, friendliness, and the necessary expertise, you will certainly get your dog to develop into a reliable companion.
The essence of the Akita and American Akita
The Akita or American Akita is an independent and independent dog, not submissive, with a strong bond with its caregiver, friendly to indifferent to strangers. He is very quiet indoors and barks comparatively little.
A good human/dog relationship is based on trust and mutual respect. A non-violent upbringing is a must! The Akita wants to be treated well by his human and this is the only way to gain his trust.
With pressure and harshness in training, the only thing that is ultimately achieved is that the Akita becomes stubborn or becomes aggressive. Make all exercises so interesting that the Akita or American Akita likes to do them voluntarily.
Praise and reward is essential to his joyful willingness to work!
Once you have found access to your dog, the Akita is capable and willing to perform well. Due to his calm nature, he is able to work with concentration and perseverance.
Therefore, nose work is particularly well suited for an Akita. She suits his tendency to independence and his nature as a “nose animal”.
The much-cited “will to please” is not very pronounced with the Akita. He has too much of his own mind for that. Nevertheless, Akita develop a very strong bond with their human reference persons.
Dogs are walking animals, so daily exercise is very important. Although the Akita loves to snooze or sleep for most of the day—preferably near you—he too needs exercise. How often and how long you walk your Akita depends on your dog’s age and need for exercise.
In addition to the daily exercise, the Akita also needs mental exercise. Most dogs are underchallenged here. Tasks in which the nose is used are well suited for this. This can range from simple search games on a walk or in the garden to demanding tasks such as finding small areas or differentiating between smells.
How well Akitas can work and how happy they are to take on tasks is shown by the examples in which Akitas are used successfully in popular sports, tracking work, mantrailing or as a therapy dog.
The key to joyful and reliable work always lies in the positive interaction between human and Akita and the quality of the relationship of trust.
The Akita – other dogs – hunting behavior
If you are looking for a dog that gets along with any other dog and that you can let loose on a dog park without any problems, you should not necessarily choose an Akita.
The Akita needs a high individual distance and many Akitas no longer like to play with other dogs once they have outgrown puppies and youngsters.
Problems can arise if Akitas have not learned how to communicate with their peers from puppyhood and – as is often the case – are kept away from other dogs and kept on a leash.
Especially the males try to dominate same-sex conspecifics. Bitches are usually easier to deal with other dogs, but it is also important for them whether and how many positive contacts they are given with other dogs from an early age.
The Akita was originally bred in Japan as a hunting dog. He has preserved this legacy. The majority of Akitas have a medium to strong hunting instinct, which can only be controlled through consistent training and a strong bond with their humans.
Development & Maintenance
Akitas almost reach their final size within the first eight months of life.
After this time, experience has shown that only a few centimeters are added in height. So you have a dog quite early on, which is large in stature, but is still more of a “toddler” in terms of the development and strengthening of its bones, ligaments and joints.
You should make sure that the dog does not overexert itself. Long walks, climbing, constant climbing of stairs etc. should be avoided. A dog does not know its limits. As long as you run, he runs with you. A puppy has no business being on a bike either.
Any mistakes made in feeding and caring for a young dog can have a very negative impact on the dog’s health.
A reasonable amount of exercise, affection, education and a balanced diet will save you trouble and vet bills in the years to come!
The care extends to the continuous control of the teeth, ears, paws, claws and coat. The former should be kept free of tartar with suitable means, the latter should be checked for parasites and brushed daily during the shedding period, i.e. twice a year. The masses of hair that accumulate here make the close relationship to the Nordic dog breeds clear, all of which have a very thick coat.
During the change of fur, itching and associated increased scratching can occur. Otherwise, grooming is not too complex: the stock coat, which consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, slightly protruding top coat, does not tangle and should only be wet-cleaned if necessary. It should also be ensured that the dog has the necessary vaccination protection.
The Akita in the family
The Akita gets along very well with children, but as with all dog breeds, do not leave children and dogs together without supervision.
No dog is suitable as a substitute for a cuddly toy or as an entertainment number at a children’s or family party. Dogs also have a right to rest and need their own retreat.
The Akita usually develops a strong protective instinct towards its family, which should under no circumstances be encouraged uncontrollably. You have to decide when to react – don’t let the dog do it!
Akitas are very attentive when it comes to their living space and “family.” Because of their keen territorial awareness, Akitas tend to track movement around property lines and domestic grounds and report it by barking. In the case of keeping in a rented apartment, the quality of the Akita as a guard dog should also be taken into account.
Territorial and rank-related behavior patterns can mix and lead to the fact that one’s own social group is differentiated from humans and animals and, if necessary, defended.
Training of the Akita
Since the Akita can no longer perform its original function as a working dog, it needs mental as well as physical exercise.
Most dogs are underchallenged in this area, which can be reflected in behavioral problems. As compensation, there are tasks in which the nose is used. This can range from simple search games on a walk or in the garden to challenging tasks such as finding small areas or mantrailing. Brain teasers such as unpacking something or trick training are also suitable. Dog sports like obedience, agility, dog dancing, and lunging fall into a different category because they combine physical exercise and strengthening with obedience components. The individual disposition of the dog may play a decisive role in successful exercise.
Getting a dog always means a turning point in people’s lives. Therefore, you should check whether you have enough resources of time, energy and financial means for a period of at least ten years to be able to do justice to the dog. And a prospective Akita owner should ask himself if he likes and can tolerate strong and independent characters beside himself and is self-critical enough to admit and accept his own lack of expertise in dog ownership. One who finds pleasure in directing the development of a living being through the use of knowledge and creativity and does not make it his goal to seek to eliminate racial traits; Anyone who has natural authority without claiming absolute power over the animal and who sees life with a dog as a constant challenge will see the Akita as the right dog for them.
Although many adult Akita like to snooze quietly and very frugally in their place throughout the day, as predators they are walking animals, so daily exercise is very important. Duration and frequency of exercise depends on the dog’s age and need for exercise. The guideline for puppies is: age in weeks equals time in minutes, but several times a day. An adult dog needs a total of at least one and a half to two hours of exercise two or three times a day, but not every time on the same route, because it likes to take in information about the dog world via the hopefully allowed sniffing and we don’t read every day either yesterday’s newspaper. In summer – when the temperatures are warm – the activity of the Akita is significantly lower and more restricted than in winter.
In good dog ownership, the dog has a dog space within the household that serves as a place to sleep and retreat and where the dog is safe from disturbances. In principle, it is good to choose the location in such a way that the dog is not out of the way, but in such a way that it can at least visually participate in family life. As an extremely people-oriented dog, the Akita always likes to be in the environment of its “pack”. The puppy, torn from its family unit, initially finds its place at night next to the human bed. He still needs our closeness, he misses being in contact with his siblings, so he gets used to it faster and, for practical purposes, we notice when the puppy is restless and has to get away.
