Akita Training

Owning a dog is a life long responsibility. If you are thinking about owning any type of dog read as much as you can about the breed to see if the breed suits your lifestyle. Use this page to find out about the akita. For other breeds visit: dogs.info

Other Names: American Akita
Dog Group Kennel Club: Utility KC (GB)

Note: There are two types of Akita, the American Akita (as shown here) and the Japanese Akita. The Kennel Club of Great Britain will be officially splitting the breed on the 1st January 2006. The American Akita will then be know as the Akita, and the Japanese Akita will be known as the Japanese Akita-Inu.

General Profile
The Akita is a large, strong, muscular dog with a broad chest and neck. The have a large head with small triangular shaped eyes and small erect ears. Their trade mark tail is curled and carried over their back

The Akita's double coat is moderate in length and very dense. The inner coat is soft while the outer coat is more coarse and slightly longer. Colours include: white, brindle or pinto.

Weight: males 100 to 130 pounds, females 70 to 100 pounds.

Average life span: 10 -12 years

The Akita is the National Dog of Japan and is immensely powerful and dignified dog.
Akita's are extremely intelligent, energetic, alert, courageous and very territorial. They are faithful, affectionate, and love human attention making them excellent companions and watchdogs. They are good with children within the family but will be wary of other children. The Akita was never bred to live or work in groups like many hound and sporting breeds. Therefore the individual Akita is happy being an only dog or one of two dogs in a household, but can be very aggressive towards animals not part of his family group, particularly strange dogs. They have a natural hunting instinct so would not get along with non canine animals.

This breed is not for everyone, and definitely not recommended for a first time dog owner. Akita's are large, powerful, independent and dominant dogs. Therefore they require a firm owner who can give them the time for necessary training. Akita's must be trained from early puppy-hood so they know who is the boss, otherwise they will become the dominant one of the household. Early socialisation is also required to prevent aggressive and unpredictable behaviour. They do not react well to harsh training instead they need firm, loving, and consistent discipline.

This breed sheds a lot, if you don't like dog hair this is not the breed for you. The soft undercoat gets matted if it is not cared for properly. This breed needs to be thoroughly brushed at least two-three times a week.

This breed needs a lot of daily exercise. They should be kept on their lead due to their natural hunting instincts.

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