04 Dec Interesting Facts about the Akita Dog Breed

The Akita dog breed is one of the intelligent and brave breeds committed and loyal to his family. These dogs were found in the native region of Akita, Honshu Island, Japan, and that’s why they were named Akita. Akitas are muscular, double-coated dogs descended from ancient Japanese breeds known for their dignity, courage, and loyalty. In its native land, this breed is revered as a protector of the family and a symbol of health, happiness and long life. To know more about this breed, stay tuned to the end of this article.

Characteristics of the Akita dog breed

Since the Akita breed has the instinct and ability to hunt, he has been used as a hunting, working and guard dog for centuries. They can protect their owner and family members and their property sufficiently. Akitas are generally known as calm pets. They tend to be the centre of attention and hate being ignored. These dogs need an owner who can train them well. Also, the Akita owner should have enough time to take his dog for a walk during the day. They are very loyal to their owner, family members and friends.

If you have no experience keeping a dog, they aren’t a good choice for you since these dogs are big and powerful. This breed is known as a dangerous dog in some countries. They are independent and strong; it should also be added that they aren’t suitable for keeping in apartments due to their size. At the very beginning, the dog’s owner must train him well because they have inherited the alpha trait from the wolves, and sometimes they may challenge their owner for the alpha role. Since dogs are strong and independent, you must show firm behaviour to correct their wrong behaviour. Of course, you shouldn’t use physical behaviour and beating.

Akita dog breed appearance

Big, powerful, alert, with heavy bones. A broad head, which forms a triangle with a deep muzzle, small eyes and erect ears in line with the back of the neck, facing forward, are all characteristics of this breed. Akita’s large and curly tail, which also balances his broad head, is one of his characteristic features.

Akita dog breed nutrition

Akitas should be fed high-quality dog food, either commercially or homemade, under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. Any diet should be appropriate for the dog’s age (puppy, adult or senior dog). Some breed experts recommend that Akitas, seven years of age and older, be fed a “light” or low-calorie diet as a defence against the possible onset of kidney disease. Some dogs are prone to being overweight, so keep an eye on your dog’s calories and weight. Snacks can be essential to training, but excessive use can cause obesity. Clean and fresh water should always be available to him. It’s important to remember that some Akitas can be “food possessive” (they won’t let others near their food), and their food bowls should be kept away from children or other animals.

Grooming

Akitas tend to be clean and have a slight “doggy smell”. They don’t require extensive grooming, but their thick, luxurious double coat should be brushed at least once a week to keep them looking their best. Although Akitas have minimal shedding most of the time, expect their thick skin to shed twice a year heavily, making it visible throughout the house. During this time, frequent brushing of the dog’s coat will help you get rid of loose hair. Akita’s nails should also be trimmed regularly, as excessively long nails can cause pain and problems for your dog. Also, remember to brush your dog’s teeth regularly to ensure dental health.

Practice

The Akita isn’t usually a very active breed, but he does require moderate exercise. A quick walk at least once daily can satisfy most of their needs. Akita also enjoys playing. Although they are large dogs—males often weigh more than 150 pounds—they can do well in a relatively small home with enough daily exercise. These hardy dogs tolerate the harsh conditions of the northern Japanese outdoor environment well, but they’re also bred as house and guard breeds and hunters and adapt very well to life at home.

Training 

Akitas are very intelligent and loyal, but they also have an independent and stubborn nature. It’s essential that this breed, as large and mighty dogs, are constantly trained from a young age. They are natural protectors, and Akitas must receive early and extensive socialisation and training from a young age. They must learn to accept a wide variety of strangers and not view them as threats. Due to their independence and desire to hunt, they should never be released in an unsafe area. Akitas are aggressive towards other dogs, especially of the same sex, and great caution should be exercised when interacting with other dogs.

Akita dog’s favourite games

Akita dogs love to spend time with their owners and family members. Setting aside time during the day to play with your dog is better. You can get toys for your dog, especially chew toys, because Akita dogs are very fond of toys and spend a lot of time with them. Also, chew toys are beneficial for a dog’s teeth healthy. Hide and seek is one of the attractive and excellent games for Akita dogs that you can play at home.

Health and diseases

Like many dogs, Akitas can experience bloat, which can be a sudden, life-threatening condition; without veterinary intervention, the stomach may twist. Bloating is a medical emergency, and Akita owners should learn to recognise its symptoms. Prospective owners should check with a reputable breeder to look for health problems, such as eye and thyroid disorders, hip dysplasia, and hip joint abnormalities that can cause pain and arthritis.

Hypothyroidism

One of the common problems in these lovely animals is hypothyroidism. Of course, this problem is diagnosed by a veterinarian and has an easy treatment. Its symptoms include aggression, itching, hair loss, obesity and lethargy. To treat it, the veterinarian usually prescribes medicine and diet.

Advanced retinal atrophy

This problem is a type of eye disease that causes the gradual destruction of the dog’s retina. Initially, in this disease, the dog suffers from night blindness, but if the disease progresses and the owner of the dog doesn’t take the necessary measures for treatment, it leads to the blindness of the dog.

Sebaceous adenitis

One of the severe problems in the Akita breed is sebaceous adenitis. This disease is genetic, and it’s tough to diagnose. Sebaceous adenitis is usually confused with hypothyroidism or allergies. This disease usually occurs when the Akita is one to five years old. Its symptoms include flaking of the skin, hair loss on the neck, top of the head and back, and skin infections.

Compatibility 

With children

Akita behaves very well with children and protects them against possible danger. Of course, it should be added that they also show good and kind behaviour with the children they know or the children of their family. So if this breed is with children, he won’t harm them. Of course. Akitas only accepts children from their families, protects them, and is kind to them. They can’t tolerate strange children, such as neighbour children, and won’t treat them well. However, it should be added that when your child is alone with Akita or any other breed at home, an adult must supervise them and never leave your child alone with the dog.

With other animals,

This breed has a powerful and imposing personality, and they are aggressive towards other dogs, especially of the same sex. So, your dog should wear a collar in public places, especially parks. Also, if you want your dog to behave socially, you must train him well in childhood.

With strangers,

Akita is friendly with friends and acquaintances, but when he sees strangers, he gets anxious and becomes a little aggressive. So it would be best if you socialised your dog first.

How long does this dog live?

The average lifespan of an Akita dog is between 10 and 12 years, although it has been said that some of them have lived up to 13 to 14 years. If you want the Akita to live with you for many years, it’s better to pay great attention to your dog’s nutrition and physical health.

Akita dog kennel

Due to the size and activity level of the Akita dog, it’s better not to keep them in apartments, tiny ones. The best place to keep this breed is a large house with a yard. Also, since these dogs have high endurance, their maintenance conditions are easy and comfortable.

To wrap up

The Akita dog is big and imposing, has a rave and highly loyal personality, and is the world’s most famous Japanese dog breed. This dog has a unique personality; he’s quiet and doesn’t bark much. He also establishes a special and unique relationship with his owner. To have a healthy and lively dog, you need to pay attention to nutrition, activity, health, grooming, etc. You can prevent the disease and have a healthy dog in this case. In all these steps, you can count on the specialized team of MishkaGrooming. Our experienced and precise groomers have carefully and accurately groomed your dogs so they count the moments before the next session.