Owner's Responsibility
First time dog owners are cautioned about bringing an Akita into their lives. Owners must be committed and prepared to socialize, socialize, and socialize again. That adorable teddy bear puppy can become a lethal weapon.
   Because of the destructive potential of this big, sometimes willful breed, the legal and financial implications of an untrained Akita are not to be dismissed. The majority of Akita bites to humans were by males not neutered.

In the Home
Akitas are excellent family companions, adapting comfortably to city and rural surroundings. Early and regular obedience training is a must if the Akita is to become an acceptable companion in the home. Neutered males make better, more trustworthy companions. Females will be happier, less moody if they are spayed. "Fixing" both males and females makes them less susceptible to cancer and other reproductive diseases.
   Well-trained and socialized Akitas are welcome anywhere, anytime. Many are now involved in hospital therapy work. Others are competing in obedience, tracking and agility as well as the conformation show ring.

A Natural Dog
Man has not changed the Akita very much from its centuries-old natural state. It has few grooming needs but should have some weekly attention (brushing, toenails cut, ears cleaned, teeth brushed and the odd bath) to maintain that traffic-stopping beauty.
   Their thick double-coat does not shed much but about twice a year they blow coat (lose most of their fur). This can be quite profound and the dog may look like a molting buffalo for several weeks. Frequent brushing will help. Pristine housekeepers may not be able to accept this messy period.
   Unfortunately, Akitas do have some health problems and every care should be taken to choose an Akita from a reputable breeder to assure a sound mind as well as body.

History
Akitas originated in a remote northern province of Japan known as Akita Prefecture. In Japan the Akita has been officially declared a national treasure and they are much revered. It is believed that an Akita in the home is a symbol of good health, prosperity and good fortune.
   In the 1930's, the Japanese Minister of Education presented an Akita named Kamikaze to the famous deaf and blind Helen Keller. Miss Keller was taken with the spirit and character of the breed. "Kamikaze" was the first Akita to land in North America. After 1940 American servicemen returned home bringing this beautiful breed permanently to our shores.
   The CKC, which regulates purebred dog registration, closed the stud book (registry of dogs born and registered in Canada) to Japanese imports in the 1970's. This led to a significant variance in the breed type (appearance) between the two countries. These differences are still very evident today and cause for much controversy.
   By 1992 the Japanese Kennel Club and the CKC reached a reciprocal agreement allowing importing of Akitas. Many feel that this has contributed to the restoration of the original type that had been lost in the past two decades. It was hoped that structural weaknesses seen in some Akitas from Japan would be improved. Many are opposed to mixing the two types, fearing that either type will be diluted and that many years of carefully planned breeding programs would be destroyed.

Suitable Owners
Regardless of the type preferred, this is not a breed for everyone. Akitas are strong and demand a close bond with owners of equally strong will. They are extremely loyal and naturally protective of their families. Their intelligence and dominance can challenge even the most seasoned dog owner.

The Akita Guardian
Akitas are often valued because of their quiet dignified nature. They rarely bark unnecessarily so it is a good idea to pay attention when they give warning.
   Akitas do not require guard dog training. When there is a reason to protect family and property, Akitas will act to do so. Guests normally welcome in the home when the owner is present, may find the welcome mat lifted when entering the home when the owner is away.
   A confident Akita will make judgments based on an owner's reactions or commands, but if the owner isn't there, the Akita will make its own decisions.

Akitas And Other Animals
They hunt low to the ground and silently like a cat, which can take novice owners by surprise. Cats, rodents, birds, wildlife and small dogs may be considered prey and hunted by even the best trained Akitas. They can be raised to live with other animals but adult Akitas brought into a home with resident animals need strict supervision at all times and may never adjust.

Akita Aggression
There is no denying that Akitas have been used for the cruel and inhumane blood sport of fighting. This does not mean that they pose a threat to humans but it does mean that they are inherently aggressive towards other animals. They should never be allowed to run free or roam at will. Akitas will usually tolerate living with a dog of the opposite sex, although many are better companions as the only dog in the home.

Akitas and Children
Akitas not raised with children do not always accept small children. No dog, and especially an Akita, should ever be left alone with children under 12.
   Healthy, socialized Akitas adore the children in their own family but may feel protective when neighbor children come to play. The Akita may perceive rowdy play as a threat to their own child and act accordingly. The Akita must be respected and understood as a guarding dog.
   Children too, must be taught to respect the Akita and to treat the dog kindly - no teasing or poking. Because many Akitas are food aggressive, other animals and visiting children should be kept away until all food has disappeared. The Akita must be protected from situations where its natural instincts may erupt into dangerous behavior.

A Dominant Breed
Akitas usually consider sustained eye-contact as a challenge and respond with aggressive behavior. Since children are always at eye-level to an Akita, it is important to discourage this trait in the family dog. Children must be taught not to approach any strange dog without adult permission and supervision.
   Because Akitas are so dominant, they may challenge owners from time to time, especially males. This behavior must be checked immediately every time it happens. It is not acceptable. Firm, consistent correction must be the instant response.
   Puppies should begin training the moment they come to live in the home. It is easier to guide and condition the dog's mind as a puppy than to adjust its attitude after it is full grown. Akitas are very clever at pushing their owners around if allowed.

Discipline
There should be no misunderstanding about the method of discipline. To attempt harsh physical discipline with a dominant 100 pound Akita is dangerous. Nor is force effective especially if all family members don't have the physical strength to follow through.
   Better results come from the use of verbal commands coupled with positive re-enforcement training methods. However, most feel that young puppies respond well to a good scruff-of-the-neck shaking. Often no other physical correction is ever required. The general feeling is that it is more productive to direct a dog rather than force compliance.

Training
Regardless of the precise training methods used for Akitas, all agree that punching, hitting or kicking is a nasty sign of human weakness and serves no training purpose. And it can actually bring out very negative behaviors that you are trying to avoid in the dog.
   Experienced professional Akita trainers (preferably in a classroom setting) offer the best advice for each individual dog and owner team, as socialization is very important to this breed. Classes should be small and trainers must not have a dislike or fear of the Akita.
   Akitas learn quickly and become bored just as quickly. So training sessions are better at short intervals followed by positive experiences. This is the only way to avoid owner and Akita frustrations. Training an Akita is fun if the owner chooses to enjoy the experience. Akitas are very sensitive and take their cue from the owner.
   Puppy training classes, not only seal the owner/dog bond but they teach dominant Akita puppies proper canine etiquette. This early socializing of the puppy with other animals is a must if the dog is to be taken out in public. They may never enjoy other dogs but they can learn to behave in a fashion acceptable to human and dog society.

Care
Akita puppies need the best possible food for the rapid growth of the first year or two. Adult Akitas and the senior Akita should not be allowed to become obese but still need high-quality nutrition throughout their lives. Steer away from soy based foods as they can trigger thyroid reactions. Also avoid commercial foods which use Ethoxyquin, BHA and BHT as preservatives as they have been linked to cancer. Dry food should be soaked until it expands prior to feeding as Akitas can suffer from gastric torsion (bloat), a painful, life-threatening condition. There has also been a link between soy-based dog food and bloat.
   In Japan, Akitas thrive on a staple diet of rice, fish and sea plants. There are many books available on feeding your dog home-cooked food. Table scraps are not recommended. However, human food, properly prepared and balanced is a growing trend in feeding Akitas. Always check with a veterinarian before changing a dog's diet.
   All dogs need fresh air, clean water and regular outdoor exercise. Akitas can tolerate extremely cold temperatures but they are happiest when they live in the house. Akitas should never be tied to a post or tree because their aggressive and territorial tendency will be intensified. Akitas are not lawn ornaments and will revert to destructive or aggressive behavior if denied the closeness of their family.
   Their exercise requirements are moderate but they can adapt to high or low exercise levels. They do not need to run free in the park. They should be walked on leash by their owner daily. Some Akitas can climb even a 6 foot fence so a safe secure fenced yard or dog run is important.
   Regular vaccines and health checks by a vet, common sense nutrition and normal exercise will keep an Akita healthy for its life of 10 to 14 years.

Diseases
Like other large dogs, Akitas have been known to suffer from painful hip displasia as well as PRA, a group of blinding eye diseases.
   It has been estimated that 70%-90% of Akitas have hypothyroid disease which can be treated by twice daily hormone replacement therapy. Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction in Akitas are not typical. They do suffer the commonly seen symptoms of skin and coat problems. But often the Akita may have sudden onset aggression, itching, lethargy, or a musky odor which proves to be an underlying thyroid imbalance.
   Before treating for skin conditions with any drugs, Akitas should be checked for sarcoptic mange, sebaceous adenitis, and hypothyroid disease.
   To read more about diseases in the Akita, please refer to our Akita Health page.

Purchasing an Akita
Akitas are different from other breeds. They are not what could be termed "easy" dogs. Not everyone would enjoy living with an Akita. Be sure of your decision. Meet other Akitas in their own environment or contact Akita Alumni. You may attend some of our Akita specific activities to learn more about the breed and to meet many different ages living in many different circumstances.
  Before purchasing an Akita, read all you can find about the breed to be certain it is the breed for you. Visit several kennels who are not connected through a breeding program to view the variety of colors and types of Akitas. Don't just grab the first sweet little pup you meet. You're going to invest a significant amount of money, time and emotion so research carefully.

Costs
Expect to pay about $750 for a pet Akita and $1000 plus for breeding and show puppies. Older displaced dogs can be adopted for about $250. If a puppy is being sold for less than $500, there may be something wrong.
  Be prepared for approximately $150 per year for inoculations, heartworm/thyroid tests. There will be an additional charge of about $150 to spay or neuter your puppy in the first year.
  Pet insurance is about $250 per year and well worth the investment, and there is now a plan that covers yearly testing and shots as well as spay/neutering. The costs for treating an illness or accident can reach thousands of dollars. Few have that much cash to spare. And don't forget to include food, toys, bowls and leashes in your budget.

Choosing an Akita Breeder
Inspect the premises for cleanliness and general care of the animals. Insist upon seeing the brood bitch (mother). The stud (father) is not always living with the breeder but photos or videos should be available.
  An experienced breeder is usually a better choice but only if they have remained current on health issues and breeding policies. Most breeders belong to an organization such as the Canadian Kennel Club or Akita Alumni, etc.
  An honest breeder will be blunt regarding the aggressive, dominant traits of Akitas. They don't deny the negative aspects of Akita health and temperament. Conscientious breeders love the Akita and are involved in other areas with their dogs. Don't be offended when a breeder screens you and your life style before selling you one of their special puppies. Any ethical breeder will insist that you return the dog to them (regardless of its age) if you are unwilling or unable to keep your Akita.

Get the Paper Work
Do not purchase an Akita unless you have:
1. at least a three generation pedigree on both parents.
2. hip certification (OFA-USA or OVC-Canada) on both parents (grandparents too if available). This test is done only once in a dog's life.
3. eye certification (CERF-Canine Eye Registry Foundation) on both parents (grandparents too if available). This test must be performed yearly or before each breeding, so check the dates.
4. complete thyroid panel results (6 tests) on both parents proving both to be normal to high-normal. Low-normal is not acceptable for breeding Akitas. This test also must be performed yearly or before each breeding, so check the dates. An Akita on thyroid medication is not suitable for breeding.
5. written guarantee on the health of the puppy for a specific period of time (usually 2 years) which does not ask that you euthanize the dog in order to receive a replacement puppy or a refund.
6. registration of your puppy with the Canadian Kennel Club within 6 months of your purchase. It is illegal for a breeder to withhold or charge for this.
7. a written non-breeding agreement which the breeder will register free of charge with the CKC. This can be lifted only by the breeder.
8. results of any other tests performed on either parent. If a breeder cannot or refuses to supply any of these, then you don't want that puppy. Go elsewhere. If a breeder pushes you into a purchase or doesn't seem to be knowledgeable or supportive, then you will want to keep shopping.

Information Resources
For more information about this unique breed, refer to these books:
Akita, Treasure of Japan (by Barbara Bouyet)
MIP Publications (1982) ISBN 0-9617204-3-3.
The World of the Akita (by Barbara J. Andrews)
T.F.H. Publications Inc. (1996) ISBN 0-7938-2080-4.
The Book of the Akita (by Joan McDonald Brearley)
T.F.H. Publications Inc. (1985) ISBN 0-86622-048-8.
The Complete Akita (by Joan M. Linderman and Virginia Funk)
Howell Book House Inc. (1983) ISBN 0-87605-006-2.
The Akita, Book of the Breed (by Gerald and Kath Mitchell)
Ringpress Books Ltd. (1990) ISBN 0-948955-11-2.
Akita Akademics (by Nancy Webb)
Akitas (by Edita Van Der Lyn)
T.F.H. Publications Inc. (1981) ISBN 0-87-666-710-8.

These are available at the Canadian Kennel Club library (416) 675-5511.
The librarian will be happy to advise you on the publications they sell about nutrition and behavior too. They also have a brochure on how to make the best choice of breed and breeder. The Dogs in Canada Annual (official publication of the CKC) lists Canadian Obedience trainers and Canadian Akita breeders who have paid a nominal fee to be in the publication.
  As the only registry for purebred dogs in Canada, the CKC is an arm of Agriculture Canada which uses the RCMP to enforce the Animal Pedigree Act.
   For additional information about Akitas or on choosing a breeder contact Akita Alumni. For a list of Akita Alumni Breeders, please go to our Breeders Page. Akita Alumni is the largest group of Akita fanciers in North America. Membership is optional. Participation in all activities is encouraged.
  Akita Alumni offers free Akita information and support to Akita owners as well as a network for adoption and placement services.

Rescue Akitas
Akitas are becoming dangerously popular. Hundreds are being abandoned, neglected and mistreated. Many more are displaced because of a change in their owner's financial, health or living situation. In July of 1995, 49 Akitas were turned in to one Akita rescue shelter. There was no space and 45 healthy, strong, young Akitas had to be killed. This is not unusual.
   There are scores of older Akitas who have been displaced and need loving homes. If a puppy seems like more than you'd like to take on, consider one of the numerous Akitas available on our Rescue Page or contact a Rescue organization on our Links Page.
   There are Akitas in all sizes, ages and colors to choose from. Please consider an orphan before buying a puppy.

Back to Top of Page