Japanese Akita Inu

Japanese Akitas can be excellent family dogs for households with older children. They’re calm and composed, but may struggle with rough or unpredictable play from younger kids. In these situations, Akitas have a tendency to be mouthy too. As a larger dog, they can also easily knock smaller children over if they’re not careful. Like all dogs, it’s important to actively supervise Akitas around children. This prevents any accidents or inappropriate interactions. 

Akitas are best suited to families who are experienced dog owners. They’re incredibly devoted to their loved ones and can be wary of unfamiliar guests. This may be a challenge if you have a busy home with lots of people coming and going. Also consider how you might manage them in social settings like holidays, birthdays, or visits to cafes and pub gardens. They may prefer to rest in a quiet spot alone instead of being in the middle of things with lots of visitors. 

Whilst they bond deeply with their family, they often struggle to tolerate other pets like cats and small animals. This is because of their hunting instincts. They’re also not super sociable with other dogs, especially dogs of the same sex (they don’t tend to get on!), so keep this in mind. 

Akitas are the cats of the dog world. They may not wear their hearts on their sleeves, but they’re deeply devoted to their families and show affection in a subtle way. An adult Japanese Akita is more likely to quietly follow you around rather than smother you with kisses. Younger Akitas will be a bit more lively – jumping on you or tugging on your sleeves. They’re not ones for snuggles on the sofa! 

Whilst the Akita may appear to be distant, don’t mistake this for a lack of love. Once they trust you, their loyalty is unshakable. They’re not likely to demand constant cuddles. But when they do lean in for affection, it’s all the more special. You’ll feel blessed when you get a lick or they bring you their favourite toy.  

Whilst not as playful as some breeds, Japanese Akitas do have a fun-loving side. This usually comes out when they’re comfortable around their humans.  

They enjoy holding and carrying toys, as well as playing games like fetch or tug-of-war. But they’ll lose interest if the game goes on for too long! These dogs are more likely to engage in short bursts of activity than sustained play. They prefer structured activities over chaotic ones. Variety is key for these dogs, and it doesn’t take much activity before they’re ready for a snooze. 

Thanks to their thick coat, they also like running around in the snow and puddles. Whatever the weather, they’re usually comfortable and content outside! 

No – not at all. Akitas are generally quiet and reserved, preferring to keep watch of their surroundings rather than bark at every little noise. They usually only bark if there’s a genuine reason, like a stranger approaching the house or something that seems out of place. Even then, they’ll only bark once or twice and then quiet down quickly. 

Their quiet nature makes them excellent guard dogs, without being overly noisy. But don’t be misled by their silence – they’re always alert, even when they seem relaxed!  

When they’re excited, you might be lucky enough to hear a “woo woo” or a chatty grumble. You can also expect some adorable snuffles and snores in their sleep. 

Without proper training, socialisation, exercise, and mental stimulation, any dog can develop behavioural issues. Akitas are no exception. They’re happiest when they’re given clear expectations and boundaries, along with plenty of mental and physical stimulation. This helps them channel their energy constructively. 

Akitas are naturally protective of people and things they love. They can be prone to guarding food, toys, or comfy spots.  

These dogs are naturally wary of strangers. Early socialisation is a must to help them feel more relaxed with visitors. This also means they won’t scare off friends and family. 

Akitas can be aggressive with other dogs, especially those of the same sex. This is because they haven’t been bred to be very social. They also have a strong prey drive (hunting instinct), so small pets like cats, rabbits, or guinea pigs might trigger them. They thrive in homes with no other pets, or with one dog of the opposite sex. 

Teaching them skills like recall and loose-lead walking is essential. It’s important to start this at an early age because of their strength, size, and independent spirit. Otherwise, you may find your walks feel more like drags! 

Japanese Akitas thrive in larger homes with cool tiles or hardwood floors for them to stretch out on. In colder months they may be tempted onto sofas and beds with you. But they don’t realise how big and heavy they are, and getting comfy isn't a very graceful affair! 

For this breed, a spacious, secure garden is a must so they can stretch their legs, sniff, and play. Make sure your fencing is at least six feet tall and secure. These dogs are notorious for finding ways to climb up, dig under, or squeeze through fencing.  

They’re less well-suited to living in flats because of their size, energy levels, and guard dog tendencies. Whilst you may know that a noise is your neighbour coming home, your Akita may respond like it’s a threat. And they’ll let you know about it! 

It’s possible for these dogs to live with other pets, as long as they’re introduced carefully. But don’t forget they have hunting instincts, so you should continue to closely monitor their interactions and keep up with any necessary training. 

Akitas live best in a calm, structured home. Their ideal human is someone experienced who understands their unique temperament. They also need to be committed to their lifelong training and socialisation. 

Japanese Akitas need at least one hour of daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally happy. This is a little less than their American Akita relatives, as they’re not quite as energetic. 

Bred as working dogs, they historically protected homes and land. They also went out with their humans to hunt prey like monkeys, rabbits, and even bears! Because of this rich heritage, Akitas love purposeful activities like hiking, obedience training, scent work, and carrying a backpack on walks. They enjoy a good sniff when they’re out and about and will find all sorts of things. From discarded snacks to small animals, nothing gets past them – so keep your eyes peeled! 

Whilst they’re not as high-energy as some breeds, they still need consistent activity to prevent boredom. Mental stimulation is just as important. Puzzle toys, scent games, and training sessions can help keep their intelligent minds occupied. You should be prepared to dedicate time each day to physical and mental activities. Boredom could lead to unwanted behaviours like chewing or digging. 

Japanese Akitas are fairly hard to train, as their working heritage gives them a strong-willed streak. They prefer to think for themselves, and teaching them new things isn’t easy. They’ll often look at you with a “why should I?” expression! So they really benefit from consistent, reward-based training to keep them motivated.

All dogs require reward-based training and socialisation to learn basic behaviours, as well as how to interact with other dogs, animals, and people. Without this, they can develop anxiety or rude behaviour in certain situations, which can make them hard to manage. This also means extra time and training to change behaviours when they’re older. As dogs mature, they go through several life stages that can change their behaviour. So you’ll need to focus on different aspects of training along the way. We can help you with this through our free behaviour helpline. 

Common behavioural issues to watch for in Akitas include: 
Aggression towards other dogs (especially of the same sex) 
Resource guarding 
Poor recall due to their independent streak 
Prey drive (hunting instinct) leading to chasing small animals 
Aloofness (being distant) or aggression with strangers 

Japanese Akitas have a thick double coat that sheds heavily twice a year during seasonal moulting – you’ll be wading through fur! Generally, they shed a lot due to their size and coat type. So be prepared to get your money’s worth from your vacuum cleaner. Brushing several times a week with a slicker brush helps reduce shedding and keeps their coat in good condition. During heavy shedding periods in spring and autumn, daily brushing with an undercoat rake is essential. 

Akitas can have standard or long coats, with the latter being extra fluffy and sheddy. Either way, it’s vital not to shave their fur. You may think that cutting their thick coat will keep them cool, but it will actually put them at risk of overheating in warmer months. It can also damage their coat and may never grow back healthily again. 

Bathing should be done only occasionally, as their coat repels dirt naturally. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are also important for your dog’s wellbeing. This can be done at home if you train your dog to enjoy grooming from the start. 

There are several common health conditions the Japanese Akita can develop, which include: 
Hip dysplasia: a genetic condition affecting the hip joint, leading to pain and mobility issues. 
Autoimmune diseases: including hypothyroidism and skin issues  
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): a degenerative eye condition that can cause blindness. 
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): a life-threatening condition requiring immediate veterinary attention. 
Cruciate Ligament Injury: knee injuries are common in large breeds like the Akita. 

You can help keep your dog in tip-top shape with regular health checks, a good diet and exercise.