Are you ready to meet the most loyal, loving, and fluffy companion you’ll ever have? Introducing the Akita dog! These majestic animals hail from Japan and have a long history as a noble breed. Not only are they beautiful to look at, with their thick, fluffy coats and regal bearing, but they are also highly intelligent and fiercely protective of their families. Whether you’re looking for a new furry friend to join your family or just want to learn more about this amazing breed, read on to know what this dog looks like and discover all the reasons why the Akita is the ultimate companion!
The Fascinating History And Culture Of The Akita Breed
The Akita breed is a large breed of dog that originated in Japan. They were initially used for hunting bears and boars and were also used as guard dogs. The breed has a long and fascinating history and culture in Japan, where they are considered to be a national treasure.
The Akita breed is named after the Akita region in Japan, where they were developed. The breed is believed to have descended from the Matagi dog, a hunting dog, that was used in the region for centuries. In the early 20th century, the Akita was recognized as a national treasure in Japan and was declared a natural monument.
In the 1930s, the Akita gained popularity in the United States. This was when Helen Keller brought a dog of this breed back from Japan and wrote a book about it. Since then, the Akita has become a popular breed in the United States and around the world.
What Does Akita Dog Look Like
Akita dogs are a large breed of dog with a strong, muscular build and a noble, dignified appearance. They have a broad head with small, triangular ears that are set high on the head. Their eyes are small and dark, and their muzzle is short and strong.
Akita dogs have a thick, double coat that is harsh and straight to the touch. The outer coat is long and coarse, while the undercoat is soft and thick. Akita dogs come in a variety of colors, including white, red, brindle, and sesame.
Other physical characteristics of Akita dogs include:
- A powerful neck and well-developed shoulder muscles
- A deep chest and well-sprung ribcage
- A straight, strong back and broad, muscular hindquarters
- A long, thick tail that is carried over the back
- Large, round paws with thick pads
Akita dogs are prominent for their athleticism and strength, and they have a strong, confident stride. They are agile and able to move quickly and easily, despite their large size.
Akita’s Behavior And Personality
Akita dogs are popular for their loyalty, courage, and dignity. They are intelligent, independent, and strong-willed, and they can be stubborn at times. They are generally reserved with strangers, but they are very affectionate with their families. Akitas are strong, athletic dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They are also protective of their families and territory, so early socialization and training are important to help them learn appropriate behavior. Overall, Akitas are strong-willed, independent, and loyal dogs that make great companions for the right owner.
The Akita’s Loyal And Protective Nature: Understanding And Working With It
The Akita is a breed of dog that is in demand for its loyalty and protective nature. These dogs have a strong devotion to their families and will go to great lengths to protect them from perceived threats. They are also very territorial and can be very possessive of their home and belongings.
🟪 Socialization
To work with an Akita’s protective nature, it is important to socialize them from a young age and expose them to a variety of people and situations. This will help them learn to differentiate between threatening and non-threatening situations and people. It is also important to establish yourself as the pack leader and establish clear rules and boundaries for the dog to follow. This will help the Akita understand what you need from them and reduce the likelihood of them becoming overly protective or aggressive.
🟪 Obedience class
Training and obedience classes can also be helpful in teaching the Akita to control their protective instincts. It is important to remember that Akitas are dogs with eagerness and may require firm, consistent training to learn to follow commands and control their behavior.
Overall, understanding and working with Akita’s protective nature requires patience, consistency, and a commitment to training and socialization. With the right approach, it is possible to help an Akita learn to control their protective instincts and become a well-behaved, loyal companion.
Health Considerations For The Akita Breed
Like all breeds, Akitas are prone to certain health issues. Here are a few health considerations to keep in mind if you are thinking of getting an Akita:
🟪 Hip dysplasia
This is a common issue in large-breed dogs, including Akitas. It is a congenital condition that results in hip joint malformation, causing pain and lameness. Vets can manage it with medication, weight control, and surgery in severe cases.
🟪 Bloat
Bloat, also known as gastric torsion, is a serious and potentially grievous condition that occurs when the gut becomes puffy with gas and coils on itself. It can occur by eating too much, eating too quickly, or exercising immediately after eating. Akitas are prone to bloat, so it is important to feed them small, frequent meals rather than one large meal a day and to wait at least an hour after feeding to exercise them.
🟪 Eye problems
Akitas can be prone to a number of eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy. These conditions can lead to vision loss and may require medication or surgery to treat.
🟪 Allergies
Like all dogs, Akitas can develop allergies to certain substances, such as pollen, dust, and certain foods. Allergic reactions can cause skin irritation, scratching, and other symptoms.
How To Properly Care For An Akita’s Thick Double Coat
Akitas are a breed of dog that is known for their thick, double coat, which requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and looking its best. Here are some tips for properly caring for an Akita’s coat:
🟪 Brush
Brush the coat at least once a week using a slicker brush or a comb specifically designed for long-haired breeds. This will help remove tangles and mats and distribute the natural oils throughout the coat.
🟪 Bathe
Bathe your Akita as needed, using a high-quality dog shampoo. Akitas do not need to be bathed too frequently, as over-bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils.
🟪 Dry
Dry the coat thoroughly after bathing to prevent tangles and mats. Use a low heat setting on the hair dryer and be sure to get the undercoat completely dry.
🟪 Trim
Trim the nails regularly to prevent them from getting too long, which can cause discomfort and other problems. Check also for and remove any burrs or other debris that may become tangled in the coat.
Debunking Myths About Akita Dog
Myth #1: Akita dogs are aggressive.
While Akitas can be protective of their families and may be reserved with strangers, they are not inherently aggressive. Like any breed, proper socialization and training can help prevent aggression in Akitas.
Myth #2: Akitas don’t need exercise.
Akitas are a large and energetic breed, and they do need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They need at least an hour of moderate exercise each day, such as a walk or a run.
Myth #3: Akitas can’t be left alone.
While Akitas are known for their strong bond with their families, they can be left alone for short periods of time. However, it is important to make sure they have plenty of mental and physical stimulation while you are away to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Myth #4: Akitas are high maintenance.
While Akitas do have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming, they are not necessarily high maintenance. With regular brushing and weekly bathing, they can be easy to care for.
Myth #5: Akitas are not good with children.
Akitas can be good with children, as long as they are raised with them and taught to behave appropriately. It is important to supervise any interactions between children and dogs and to teach both to respect each other’s boundaries.
Final Words
Overall, the Akita is a loving and devoted breed that makes a great companion for the right owner. They require regular exercise and grooming, but with the right care and attention, they can make a wonderful addition to any family.
Ready for our next breed? Click here to reveal!
