The Japanese Akita dog is not for the faint hearted owner. Akita dogs are large strong powerful animals with a regal bearing and a sense of their own superiority. The Akita is a loyal dog. Which, when trained to a high standard, makes a wonderful companion, but training is crucial to successful ownership of the Akita.

Akita dogs are large spitz type dogs, full of muscle and latent power, easily recognised by the tail which curls over the back. They have a thick powerful neck and powerful shoulders. The coat is a thick top coat and a soft undercoat. Like most spitz breeds the Akita is a surprisingly quiet dog that is not prone to nuisance barking. Akitas only tend to bark if they sense trouble. When they do bark however, it can be frightening.

The Japanese Akita dog is by nature a loner and does not mix well with other dogs. Especially male dogs. If you are going to own an Akita then extensive socialization is needed to get it used to other dogs, and even then it’s not the kind of dog you can allow to run free on a public park. It requires extensive supervision at all times.

Akita dogs are very territorial and will guard their home space against strangers. This can cause problems when friends or neighbours call to your home, the Akita may not like this. You will need to put him away in a crate or socialize him to frequent visitors. Socialization should begin while the Akita is a pup for best results.

Akita dogs are also very intelligent and can become bored easily. You need to keep it engaged when at home. During training the Akita will soon become bored if the training is repetitive; if it becomes bored it will just walk away. Stubbornness is also one of its characteristics of akita dogs.

Think very carefully before committing yourself to this dog, do plenty of research. Many Akitas end up in Akita rescue centres because their owners found that looking after the dog was too much for them; owning Akita dogs is a challenge. Don’t even consider getting an Akita if you are not a dominant person.

The dog will sense your weakness in no time and seek to take control. It is a natural leader and will only submit to your authority if it senses you are strong, show it weakness and it will take control, if this happens your ownership of the dog will not be pleasant.

If you’re thinking of buying a Japanese Akita dog then do your homework. This is not like any other dog. Be prepared for plenty of challenges and to