Akitas are loyal and devoted pets, but they require diligent training and extensive grooming.
The Akita is a strong powerful dog with a very commanding presence. They have a wolf-like appearance, but don't let that fool you: Akitas are loyal, devoted pets. They are so beloved, in fact, that in Japan, their country of origin, they are the national dog. However, Akitas are not an easy breed to raise or to groom, so potential owners should be sure that they are ready for the responsibility and commitment that comes with owning an Akita. This breed has a flat head, erect and small triangular ears that point forward, and a short tapering muzzle that ends in a black, round nose. Their lips are black, and their tongues are bright pink. They have charming tails that curl once or twice over the top of their backs. Their bodies are large, muscular, and solid. Their coat is very thick and dense - the outercoat is waterproof and the undercoat is soft and insulating. The coloring of the coat can be white, red, sesame, or brindle.
The Akita's thick coat sheds very heavily twice a year. Owners must be very diligent in grooming their Akita because the hair is so stiff and coarse. A firm-bristled brush should be used at least every other day, if not daily. While owners may be tempted to shampoo their Akita's dense coat regularly, shampooing should actually be done very sparingly because it wears away the waterproofing quality of the outercoat.
Akitas need to be trained very aggressively and at an early age in order to be well-adjusted pets. They have a hard time concentrating, so training can be a challenge, but it simply has to be done. If you are considering bringing an Akita into your home and you have never trained a dog before, you should definitely consider seeking the assistance of a professional dog trainer to get things moving in the right direction. Akitas are very loyal and loving towards their owners and family, but children have to be taught not to tease the dog or play too rough. If you have other animals in your home, you should carefully supervise your Akita's interactions with them, especially at first. In most cases, if an Akita is raised from puppy age around other pets, the animals will get along fine. However, Akitas are aggressive towards other dogs and smaller animals and pets, so it is crucial that owners keep their Akita on a leash at all times.
The Akita is an impressively healthy breed of dog, but there are some health problems that are more prevalent. Some of the more common ailments include hip dysplasia, thyroid dysfunctions, immune diseases, and skin conditions. In order to reduce the likelihood that your Akita will be afflicted with joint or hip problems, ensure that he or she is not overweight or under-exercised. Adult males should weigh between seventy-five and one-hundred and twenty pounds based on a height average of twenty-six to twenty-eight inches, and adult females should be between seventy-five and one-hundred and ten pounds based on a height average of twenty-four to twenty-six inches. Daily moderate exercise will keep an Akita in good shape. These dogs are somewhat active indoors, so they aren't the best breed for apartment-dwellers. The life expectancy for an Akita is between ten and twelve years, although it is very possible to exceed that estimate.
