Akita Puppies for Sale

Country of Origin:

Japan

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Breed Characteristics

Average Size: Small

Average Lifespan: 10-14 years

Kid/Pet Friendly: Sometimes

Registry: aca,akc

Activity Level: moderate

Shedding Level: high

Grooming Level: high

Trainability: moderate

Good For Novice Owners: moderate

Adaptability: moderate

Prey Drive: high

Watchdog: very alert

Breed Information

Overview

The Akita is an ACA-recognized dog breed that will be extremely loyal and affectionate to his owner and family. Although the breed will be well-behaved in appropriate social encounters when introduced, these dogs can be very protective guardians of children and puppies. It is important to watch them around strangers, especially young children. They are generally quiet dogs and use barking to alert you. They are good watchdogs because of this and their protective nature. This intelligent breed should be socialized early with people, especially little children, other dogs, and pets. If you decide to adopt an Akita into your family, you will need to start socialization as early as possible and continue to socialize your puppy into adulthood. This will help him have a more favorable temperament when encountering unusual situations. Repetition is key in training him not to be aggressive. Keep in mind that if dogs, in general, are not properly socialized, they will often become anxious, depressed, or aggressive. When they are puppies, socialize them with other canines, other pets (especially smaller ones), new environments, and new people. Then, they will know they are safe around others, even when you are not there.

The Akita is a striking working breed that originated in the Akita province of Japan during the 1600s. These dogs were bred to protect their territory and families from the Yezo bear that overran the small island. In addition to watchful guardians and protectors, Akitas also worked as hunting dogs.

Later given to the Emperor, the breed became a symbol of good luck, specifically happiness, good health, and a long life, throughout Japanese culture. Not only did this strong and dedicated breed protect Japanese royalty, but they were also used to hunt large game, such as deer, wild boar, and bear.

Helen Keller was gifted an Akita while visiting Japan in 1937 and is credited with bringing the first Akita to the United States. After World War II, the breed’s popularity surged as U.S. soldiers returned home from the Pacific and brought Akitas with them. One of these was Taro, a male that was the first Akita to be registered in the U.S. The AKC recognized the Akita in 1972 and they are a member of the Working Group.

One of the facts about Akitas is that it is still considered a symbol of good luck in Japan to own an Akita. These dogs make popular companion dogs and are known for being alert, loyal, and fearless, which makes them excellent watchdogs.

Temperament

The Akita is an extremely loyal dog that is affectionate with their families and protective of them. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with children and can get along well with other animals that are part of the family. Akitas are one of the dog breeds that are good guard dogs. They are generally quiet dogs and use barking to alert you. They are good watchdogs because of this and their protective nature. Due to their protective nature, they are naturally suspicious of strange people and animals. They don’t tend to naturally tolerate other animals outside of the family. Their high prey drive can be a challenge with smaller prey-type animals. An Akita may do well with smaller animals they were raised with, socialized with, and that they recognize as part of their family Even well-socialized, an Akita may remain wary of strangers and may be aloof with them even after being introduced. It can take a while for an Akita to warm up to someone new, but once they recognize you as someone familiar and safe, they will open up and let you see their playful, affectionate side. Poor socialization is one of the common causes of aggression in dogs. This intelligent breed should be socialized early and often with people, especially children, other dogs, and pets. If you decide to bring an Akita into your family, you will need to start socialization as early as possible and continue to socialize your puppy into adulthood. This will help them have a more favorable temperament when encountering unusual situations.

Did You Know?

In Japan, a statue of an Akita is associated with health, happiness, and a long life. It is common to give a small statue of the dog breed to a family who has just had a child. When it comes to famous dogs, Hachiko, or Hachi, is the most famous Akita. He waited for his owner to come from work at the train station every day. One day, his owner passed away unexpectedly and never came off the train. Hachiko spent 9 years at the train station waiting for his owner to come home. His story has been told in many books, documentaries, movies, and more. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale is one of the most well-known movies about this real-life loyal companion and tends to show up in lists of classic dog movies.