Akitas: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

The Akita Inu is handsome, calm, dignified, clean (easy to housebreak), and quiet (seldom barks). So it's understandable that he might be viewed as a desirable pet!

However.... the Akita Inu has a complex personality that makes him very challenging to raise.

Physically powerful, reserved with strangers, and protective, the Akita Inu must be accustomed to people at an early age so that his guarding instincts remain controlled rather than indiscriminate.

Akitas can be so aggressive with other dogs of the same sex that two males or two females should never be left alone together. The problem is that this breed can be difficult to "read" – often he does not "posture" (display obvious signs of aggression) – instead, an Akita may co-exist peacefully with another dog until suddenly, apparently out of the blue, a minor disagreement occurs, or perhaps the other dog pushes the Akita too far or approaches the Akita's food bowl or favorite toy, and then the Akita may attack with ferocity. Akitas can be very possessive of their food – keep children and other pets away from them during mealtime.

As you might guess, cats and other small animals are also at risk around an Akita. In general, it is simply safest to keep this breed as an only pet.

Training can be a challenge, for the Akita Inu is assertive, strong-willed, and bores easily. He may use his intelligence in ways that suit his own purposes.

Yet owners who know how to lead will find him eminently trainable. This breed must be treated with respect – absolutely no teasing – but you must insist that he return that respect, or he will walk right over you. Akitas are a terrible choice for a first-time or easygoing dog owner who doesn't know how to enforce "No."

Unlike many other large breeds, the Akita Inu doesn't require hours of running exercise. He does well with long brisk walks and an occasional vigorous run, especially in cold weather. Akitas LOVE snow and cold.

If you want a dog who...

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More traits and characteristics of the Akita Inu

If I was considering an Akita, I would be most concerned about...

1. Their complex temperament. Akitas are one of the most challenging breeds to understand and to raise. They are more "primitive" in their ways of thinking and their behaviors than most other breeds. Their facial expressions and body language are more subtle and thus harder to "read" than most other breeds. They have an independent mind of their own. Many Akitas are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things.

   To teach your Akita Inu to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. Read my free online training programs.

2. Providing enough socialization. Many Akitas have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone.

   If you have small children, I do not recommend an Akita Inu. There are just too many Akitas who don't tolerate any nonsense.

3. Potential animal aggression. Akitas were developed to hunt other animals. Most Akitas will not tolerate another dog of the same sex, and some won't tolerate the opposite sex either. Most Akitas have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures, including deer and livestock. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.
4. Heavy shedding. Akitas shed a goodly amount. You'll find hair and fur on your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting.
5. Legal liabilities. Akitas may be targeted for "banning" in certain areas. Homeowners' insurance policies may be refused or revoked if you are discovered to own an Akita. Your friends and neighbors may be uncomfortable around this breed. In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a history as a guard dog and big game hunter should be seriously considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable.

   Frankly, most Akitas are "too much dog" for the average household. Most people lack the skills necessary to manage this breed.