When it comes to owning a dog today, the sheer variety of breeds out there can be quite confusing. One breed that is increasingly common in America today, though, is the Akita. Once rarer than hen’s teeth in the States, today it is more common than it was even a half-decade ago to see an Akita in the street. Thinking about getting one? Then take a look at this simple guide to the Akita aimed at Americans.
From working out the typical American Akita price to understanding their mood and mentality, we can help you understand this precious dog type. Then, you can make a decision on whether or not going for an Akita would be something that would feel right for you personally.
What is an Akita?
The Akita is a dog breed that originates from Japan and is regarded as among the most committed and loyal dog breeds in the world. They spend a lot of time looking out for their owners and will go the extra mile for you time and time again. They are so important to Japanese culture that this breed of working dog has been regarded as a “natural monument” to the nation itself. Talk about making a good impression!
Given their loyal nature, they have been used as everything from guard dogs to hunting canines and even fighting breeds. Today, the Akita is commonly used within law enforcement and within private security. Their intelligence, keen senses, and ability to read the situation well make them wonderful dogs to have around the place in what might be an otherwise tense or challenging situation.
Key Facts about an Akita
The Akita is a dog that typically reaches over 30” in size, usually topping out at over 36”. In terms of weight, you should expect an Akita to be a minimum of 70lbs; larger, more powerful Akita dogs can reach as much as 120lbs, though. They are excellent dogs to have around the place, but a lifespan of around ten to thirteen years might not be the longest amount you could conceivably hope for if you want a family dog.
In terms of their general nature, the Akita is a dog that is naturally loyal and will look out for its owner until death. They are powerful and adaptable dogs with a high level of intelligence. They are typically used as guard dogs in many settings, but most who bring an Akita into their life will soon spend as much time with them as they can. They are intoxicating, enjoyable dogs to be around and can be quite magnetic in their personality.
It is believed that the first Akita to reach America was brought here courtesy of Helen Keller. Keller was gifted an Akita in the 1930s, and brought it with her to the USA after a successful tour of Japan. By the 1970s, it had become a breed that was listed by the American Kennel Club.
What kind of personality does an Akita have?
For one, the Akita is the ultimate companion dog. They are the kind of canine that will work with you and adapt to your own personal situation. They are intelligent, excellent at reading situations, and understanding when they should – or should not – act in a situation. As such, they are tremendous dogs to have around the place as they can quickly use their situational awareness to know when to react.
As guard dogs, this makes them near-perfect. They will not overact a stranger arriving at the door, but they will spring into action if they sense ill intent. This means they make excellent guard dogs as they can keep a close eye without being hypersensitive to movement. Their good natural memories also allow them to know who they can trust and to who they should react in a negative or even aggressive way.
Given they have heavy bones and lots of furs, the Akita is an imposing dog breed. They use that to good effect, as well. They are not averse to throwing their weight around or letting people know they are present. The difference is that an Akita knows how to do this as a means of making sure things remain calm, as opposed to trying to bully or force possession of something.
In Japan, the Akita is a dog that is often associated with spirituality. When a Japanese child is first born, they are typically given a statue of an Akita dog. This is because the Akita is a dog long associated with happiness, contentment, satisfaction, and good health. What better sign, then, to give to a young child who has just entered our world?
Caring for an Akita dog
As noted above, the Akita is a dog breed that is very intelligent. They are not the kind of dogs to make a fool of themselves for attention or to start acting without dignity. They are known as being intelligent, kind protectors who work with dignity and maturity at all times. While they can be happy to clown around and be silly with their owners, they will not do so in public or to gain affection from strangers.
Another thing to note, too, is that this is a dog breed that loves to be around its owner. If you are not around a lot, owning an Akita is not for you. They need that personal touch and that persistent presence or they can become detached and unhappy. That loyalty, though, is one of the main reasons why we rate the Akita as among the best family dogs in the world.
They need to be disciplined and given firm but fair treatment from day one, though, otherwise they can try to dominate. However, if you have very young children, you might wish to avoid getting an Akita. They are big, powerful dogs – and while they are caring and kind to children, they do not appreciate being handled without care. As such, they can snap back at children who might be overly physical when playing together.
If possible, try and only bring an Akita into your life if you have something for it to do. Akita’s are too intelligent to basically just loiter around all day. Without a purpose and a job to do, they can become bored and aggressive.
They also can be quite weird around other animals, especially other dogs that come from the same gender. Akita’s are at their most prominent and happiest when they are the sole animal at home. If you do have other dogs, your Akita needs lots of training and time spent to ensure it can adapt to the presence of others.
How much does the typical American Akita cost?
So, the next thing we want to note is the issue of cost. Sadly, the Akita is not cheap. If someone is trying to sell you an Akita puppy for anything less than $700, they are probably selling you something that is not an Akita. There are some breeds that look Akita-adjacent at a young age but are nothing like them in terms of personality and quality.
If you want a dog that comes from a purebred line, though, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in costs just for the puppy itself. Since you should only buy an Akita puppy from a respected breeder with a history of success, you should treat $700 as the very bargain-basement cost associated with ownership.
You should always make sure you see your Akita in person, too. Many people buy online and are let down by what arrives – it could be an unruly dog, or it could be something totally different from what was advertised.
Does an Akita have any particular health problems?
So long as you feed your Akita a good steady diet of high-quality dog food, health problems can be mostly avoided. We recommend you work with a vet to make sure you get your Akita exactly what it needs. Akita puppies need to be given a diet to help them grow, whilst adults should be given the best quality of food that you can afford. Again, working with your vet can ensure your Akita gets given a diet that keeps them healthier. They need some exercise, but not lots – try and instead look for an exercise that is both mentally and physically stimulating.
The most common health issues include stress during the heat of the summer, cataracts, and itchy skin. Other more serious conditions which are common in Akita dogs can include dysplasia of the hips, hypothyroidism, and Von Willebrand’s disease. The best thing to do is get your Akita regular medical check-ups as some of these conditions can be hard to spot, and stop until the symptoms become significant.
Other conditions to look out for include patellar luxation and vestibular syndrome, a common condition in some dog breeds. There is some stuff to look out for, then, but nothing that your vet is going to miss with regular check-ups and considerations.
As you can see, then, the Akita dog is a very unique breed of canine. They are hugely enjoyable animals to have in your life – will you get one?