Akita’s are big, powerful but calm, quiet dogs. They are natural guarding dogs and will protect the family at all costs. However, they need to socialise with people to control their guarding instincts.
They can be aggressive with other dogs and will chase small animals and the neighbourhood cats! They are very strong-willed, so can be challenging to train. They will not tolerate being teased, so best avoided if you have small children.
Akita’s are quiet dogs and rarely bark unless there is a good reason. However, they are very vocal and will often grumble and mutter to owners and family members. They love to carry and will help with any job that involves fetching your newspaper or carrying the shopping in.
They don’t need excessive exercise, and a brisk walk will do them fine. They love the snow and cold weather, but this is not a dog who can live outside he wants/needs to be with the family to be happy.
The Akita loses its coat twice, sometimes three times a year. When they lose their coat, the fur literally falls out in clumps.
Akita Stats
Hachikō’s Story is a testament to the loyalty of Akita. Every day he would greet his master at the train station. Unfortunately, his master died whilst at work, and he did not return. Hachiko was eventually given away but would just escape and return to his old home. When he realised his owner no longer lived there, he waited at the train station. Commuters would bring treats and food to feed him as they would see him every day waiting for his master. Hachikō continued showing up precisely when the train was due for nine years.
- Weight -36kg – 60kg
- Size – 64cm – 75cm
- They live for 8-10 years