Are Akita A Working Dog?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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While most often seen in the conformation ring, there are also some Akitas in other dog sports, such as obedience and agility.

What is Akita dog known for?

Originally the Akita's job was to

hunt, guard, and herd

. This swift, powerful dog was unsurpassed in his ability to track large game including deer, elk and black bear. The Akita continues to be regarded as a loyal and courageous dog, and the Japanese now use the Akita as a police dog.

Do Akitas need a lot of exercise?


Your Akita will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day

– this can be spent running and walking. On top of this, they'll also enjoy playing in a large, secure garden with plenty of training so they can keep their brain active. Akitas tend to love water so many enjoy a swim every now and again.

Are Akitas hard to train?

Their complex temperament.


Akitas are one of the most challenging breeds to understand and to raise

. They are more “primitive” in their ways of thinking and their behaviors than most other breeds. Their facial expressions and body language are more subtle and thus harder to “read” than most other breeds.

Will an Akita protect its owner?

Akitas are one of the most loyal dog breeds. Bred for guarding royalty and nobility in feudal Japan, this courageous and alert is naturally suspicious of strangers.

Akitas will keep watch over you and your family at all times.

Do Akitas bite their owners?


It's pretty common for Akitas to nip and bite, especially when they are puppies and still teething

. While Bowser might not think much more of biting than as a normal part of play, his sharp teeth can, in fact, be quite painful.

Can an Akita beat a German shepherd?

Are Akitas good with kids?


For families with older children, Akitas can be excellent family dogs

. If your kids are old enough to understand how to treat a dog, an Akita will make a fiercely loyal and protective companion. Akitas are also energetic and enjoy playtime, making them excellent members of families with older children.

Are Akitas cuddly?

Independent and sometimes aloof with strangers,

Akitas are affectionate with their families

and form strong bonds. Highly intelligent, strong-willed, and proud, the Akita responds best to respectful commands and positive-training techniques that rely on motivation rather than force.

How far can Akitas run?

Running Miles: A healthy Akita will run by your side for

a mile or two

, but chances are good she'll be bored by a run that lasts longer. Also, because of her thick coat, she shouldn't run for long in warm or hot temperatures.

Do Akitas eat a lot?

Many Akita owners keep their dog on fast once in a week. How much?

An adult Akita should be fed 5-6 cups of quality dry food divided into two meals

. However, a slight deviation from this amount is possible depending upon the size, age and activity level of the dog.

How often do Akitas need to be grooming?

The Akita does require regular bathing and brushing. This bright and dignified dog can be bathed

as frequently as weekly up to no longer than every 6 weeks

. With this double coated breed, proper bathing and drying techniques lays the groundwork for achieving a beautiful coat.

How do you know if your Akita loves you?


Sometimes, you may notice them start to lean on you

. This could happen when you're standing or sitting but watch for that lean. It may happen in the presence of someone new in your home or just when you're lounging and watching some TV. When your Akita leans on you, they're showing you that they trust and love you.

Are Akitas obedient?

Akitas can also be trained efficiently since

they are naturally very quiet and obedient

. When it comes to herding, they have proven their worth by guarding livestock and animals from predators and trespassers in the Akita Prefecture.

How much does an Akita cost?

The cost of an Akita puppy is quite high with the average cost running anywhere between

$700 to $1,600

. Purebred Akita puppies coming from parents who've won dog competitions can cost as much as $4,000. Akita puppies should always be purchased from reputable breeders and come fully vetted and microchipped.

Is an Akita bigger than a German shepherd?


Akitas are taller and much heavier dogs than German Shepherds

. Male Akitas are approximately 66-71 cm tall and weigh 38-58 kg whilst female Akitas are 60-66 cm tall and weigh 31-49 kg.

What is the best guard dog?

  • Bullmastiff. Known for physical strength, protection instincts, courageousness and extreme family loyalty, the Bullmastiff is one of the best guard dog breeds to have. …
  • Doberman Pinscher. …
  • Rottweiler. …
  • Komondor. …
  • Puli. …
  • Giant Schnauzer. …
  • German Shepherd. …
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Do Akitas have wolf in them?


An Akita wolf is an Akita dog bred with a wolf

. This animal is considered to be a wolf-dog or hybrid. Akitas are chosen primarily for their markings and stature. Precautions must be taken if you are choosing to own one for the first time.

Do Akitas turn you on?

The next question to answer is: are American Akita dogs prone to attack humans?

No, they do not do it

. American Akita dogs are prone to bravely defend the life of their human family, sometimes risking their own life in doing so.

Why does my Akita growl?

When a dog suddenly starts growling (or biting) when touched,

it usually means they're in pain

. So take him to the vet. You're lucky he's growling to warn you, many dogs would go straight for the bite and that's what could easily happen to you if you continue to tell him off for giving a warning.

Are Akitas good at fighting?

Akita. Strangely enough,

the Akita makes the list of fighting dog breeds

, mostly due to their high prey drive and very aggressive nature. This breed never was bred to fight, but in modern times (especially in the UK), they have been used in pits against other dogs of the same strength and ferocity.

What is the most Vishes dog in the world?

  • American Pit Bull Terrier. 1/6. American Pit Bulls are one of the most dangerous dogs and have been banned by many countries in the world. …
  • Rottweiler. 2/6. …
  • German Shepherd. 3/6. …
  • American Bulldog. 4/6. …
  • Bullmastiff. 5/6. …
  • Siberian Husky.

Are Akitas bigger than huskies?

Though both breeds are fluffy,

the Akita is the larger of the two

. The Akita and the Siberian Husky are very different in their appearance. The Akita is the much bigger dog, with males measuring between 26 to 28 inches from paw to shoulder, compared to the Husky who measures much shorter at 21 to 23 1⁄2 inches tall.

Which is better Akita or Shiba?


The Akita dog protects its family

. Because of its fighting dog background, it can be aggressive toward other dogs. The Shiba Inu, on the other hand, is often more tolerant of other dogs. And if you live in a smaller space or a shared environment — like in an apartment building — the Shiba Inu is better suited to adapt.

What is a Huskita?

The Huskita is

a mixed breed dog — a cross between the Akita and Siberian Husky dog breeds

. Large, energetic, and loyal, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.

Are Akitas gentle?

Though an Akita can weigh around 100 pounds, and may sometimes seem as though they don't know their own strength,

they're really gentle with children

, and sometimes even cats and other small animals, especially if they have been properly introduced and know the smaller creature as a part of their own family.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.