Akita Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Akita?

The Japanese Akita is named after the Akita prefecture in Northern Japan. They originate back in the 1600s when they were originally bred and trained to track and hunt wild boar, black bear, and large game. The Akita served as guard dogs to Japanese royalty during this time.

They are now trained to be police and guard dogs in Japan.

This dog breed was first introduced to America when world-renowned author and educator Helen Keller visited Japan. She was taken to the famous statue of Hachiko, after which she was presented with an Akita of her own. Kamikaze-go, the first Akita in America.

She had lost her first dog to an illness and was presented again with a second Akita by the Japanese government.

In 1956 the first litter of Akita puppies were born in America. This was made possible by an American Soldier who was stationed in Japan during World War II, who had brought back more Akita's.

With the American Akita evolving into a more muscular dog, there was a big divide between the Japanese Akita Fanciers national breed club and the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC was reluctant to officially register them as a breed. Until they finally accepted the Akita Club of America in 1972.

American Akitas show more of a resemblance/influence from their German Shepherd Dog ancestors.

Who are Akita dogs best for?

The Akita is not suitable for first-time dog owners as they are known to be very difficult to train. The Akita dog must be properly trained as they are typically aggressive.

They are best suited for owners who have experience with large dogs and also have a lot of patience. They fit in well with families with older children, can be very playful and are loving, loyal companions.

The naturally protective Akita will make an excellent guard dog for you and your family. They can be aggressive, so they are best for one dog households.

How much grooming does a Akita need?

With a double-coated fur, Akitas shed often. Their topcoat is short, while their bottom coat is thick. It is best to brush them every week to avoid their fur from getting all over your furniture and floors. Brushing them regularly also keeps their fur soft.

Akitas are known to self-clean after eating, but this does not mean you should not be bathing them. It is recommended to bathe them every 3 months, clip their nails every month as well as wipe their ears out every week.

Grooming should always be a fun and positive experience for both you and your dog. Starting these kinds of grooming habits from when they are young allows them to get used to them, making them much easier to handle when they get older.

Do Akita bark much?

As an adult dog, an Akita can be quite noisy. Although they look like the silent and stern type, they are known to bark quite often. Barking for them is not as unnecessary as for other dogs. They usually bark because they feel threatened and become aggressive.

Knowing their personality types and what their temperament is like will help you to understand what they are barking for. They are fierce and powerful dogs known for their guarding abilities and loyalty, so it makes sense that these are reasons for their barking.

Do Akita bite?

Biting and nibbling can be normal when they are puppies and can be stopped by giving them chew toys or something to distract them with.

They are also known to do a form of biting called "mouthing", which is not at all aggressive. They love to carry things in their mouths, so it is always best to have something that is easily accessible for them to carry around.

They are even known to hold their owner's hand or arm in their mouths as this is their way of showing that they are protecting you.

You should be training your dog from an early age that any form of biting is unacceptable to avoid unwanted accidents when they get older.

What is the temperament & personality of a Akita?

• The Akita is fiercely loyal.

• Highly intelligent but very stubborn, making them often difficult to train.

• They can be very aggressive toward other dogs, so it is best to train them when they are very young. This is particular to same-sex aggression.

• They are affectionate and playful, making them family-friendly dogs.

• They are very powerful dogs and are known to be extremely stubborn. This requires discipline and a lot of patience from Akita owners.

• They are a naturally protective dog breed.

What is the weight & size of a Akita?

American Male Akitas:

• On average are 66cm to 71cm in height and weigh 45 kg to 59kg.

American Female Akitas:

• On average are 61 cm to 66 cm and weigh 32 kg to 45kg.

Japanese Male Akitas:

• On average are 64cm to 70cm and weigh 32kg to 39kg.

Japanese Female Akitas:

• On average are 58cm to 64cm and weigh 23kg to 29kg.

How much training does a Akita need?

The Akita is a very stubborn but intelligent dog. This makes providing obedience training very important. They are naturally protective and prone to be aggressive, so training and early socialisation are key in getting them to control this kind of behaviour. This, in turn, allows them to be good dogs in public and around children.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Akita?

A generally healthy breed but are prone to certain illnesses and diseases.

• Hypothyroidism - This is a disease of the thyroid gland that can lead to severe skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation and pyoderma. It can also cause epilepsy and alopecia.

• Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) - Is a very common sickness for Akitas. When Akitas have SA, their skin will become very dry and can lead to hair loss on the top of their heads.

• Gastric Dilation-Volvulus - It is also known as bloating and is known to affect Akitas. This is a result of a distended stomach and is unable to get the excess air out. This can ultimately lead to death.

• Hip dysplasia - This is an inherited condition in which the thigh bone does not fit properly into the hip socket. It can ultimately lead to arthritis as they get older. It is important to adopt from a reputable breeder as dogs who have this should not breed.

What is the lifespan of a Akita?

The Akita has a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years.

How much should you feed a Akita?

It is recommended that an Akita is fed 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food. You do not want to overfeed or underfeed your dog. So it is best to consult with your veterinarian about the correct feeding size will be.

They need a low-calorie diet and should be fed twice a day. They are prone to weight gain, so you should monitor their food intake.

The feeding size as well the type of food is going to be dependent on your dogs' size as well as their dietary requirements.

What is the price of a Akita in Australia?

Akitas can be a very expensive dog to adopt. They can cost between $700 to $1600. Purebred Akitas with strong bloodlines can average around $4000.

You must purchase your puppy from reputable dog breeders who have the correct medical certification for the puppies and their parents.