When you have an Akita, your life could be going to crap, and you’ll still be doing pretty well. This fuzzy companion is incredibly loyal, deeply loving, and the best friend you’ll ever have. Here’s ten reasons why an Akita is all you’ll ever really need.
1. Akitas are weirdos.
The Akita is truly unlike any other dog breed, with a stoic personality, webbed toes and tail curled over her back. If having an Akita is your first experience with a dog, you might not realize just how different they are than other breeds.
2. They’re basically giant teddy bears.
An Akita won’t cuddle with just anyone. If you are lucky enough to nap with one, you’ll never know how ever slept before. Of course, you won’t be able to move because they’re big enough to take up most of the bed, and your leg will fall asleep… but it’s totally worth it.
3. They bring good luck.
In the Akita’s homeland of Japan, people gift each other with tiny Akita figurines because the dogs represent good health and good fortune. Being a friend of an Akita is good fortune in itself, and the fact that the dogs sprinkle little furs of happiness everywhere they go is an added bonus.
4. Akitas are big snow bunnies.
When you live in an area with four seasons, the Akita’s favorite time of year is winter, when their double coat allows them to enjoy even the coldest days. Every time there’s a blizzard, these dogs get excited to roll around in the snow, take naps in snow-banks, and spend hours outside enjoying the weather that remind them of their namesake, the mountainous city of Akita in Japan.
5. They’re forever loyal to their family.
An Akita is nothing like a Retriever breed, those that befriend everyone they meet. They’re typically aloof towards strangers, and can take weeks to warm up to new friends. But once they do bond with you, they’re incredibly loyal. When people think of Akitas, they think of the story of Hachiko, the Japanese dog who went to the train station each day to greet his owner as he came home from work… and continued the daily routine for nine years after his owner died, never to love another human the same way again.
6. An Akita always has plenty to say.
Some Akitas are more talkative than others, but when they do make noise, it’s very purposeful and communicative. Through a serious of whines, sighs, rumbles, barks and howls, an Akita manages to teach you their secret language. When you take the time to listen, you’ll find it easy to determine when they’re hungry, when they want attention, when they are on alert, and when they are frustrated.
7. They’re surprisingly 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.
8. They woof to the beat of their own drum.
When you call your Akita to come back inside after playing out in the yard, you’ll typically see an ear twitch, then a look on their face as though they’re deciding whether or not to obey. Sometimes, there are still smells to be smelled. Some people say they are stubborn, but the truth is, they’re independent thinkers that make their own decisions. Training an Akita means using plenty of highly motivating reinforcers, and sometimes even convincing the dog that the task was their idea all along.
9. They are incredibly intelligent.
One of the biggest reasons that not just everyone can own an Akita: they’re smarter than many people. They pick up on new tricks and cues very quickly, and have a strong intuition for understanding what you’re trying to show them, even when you’re not being perfectly clear. They also pick up on unexpected things, like learning to open doors and turn on faucets just by watching you. You’ll be surprised at how many words they learn just by listening and observing.
10. Akitas are “heart dog” material.
While every dog is special, a heart dog is exceptional. It is one with which you have a very special connection. An intelligent, loyal dog like an Akita is one of those that you’ll never forget, no matter how many dogs you have in your lifetime.
Comments
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rokonrae
I grew up with dogs, we usually had German Shepherds, but I also had a black lab and a scottie when I was young. Four years ago I purchased a NAID and he is amazing. I love him so much. He was an only dog until 8 months ago, when I purchased my very first American Akita. She is like no dog I have ever had. She knows things and you can see the wheels turning in her head while she contemplates things. She loves unconditionally and wants to cuddle with me all the time (I’m the lucky one in the house that she bonded with so immensely). I swear I have separation anxiety when I am away from her. If all Akita’s are like my baby girl, I am sold for life on this breed.
COLEEN Donovan
They are the most loving and loyal dogs you will ever own. I have had the pleasure of having two and wouldnt trade them for anything.☺
Yoga
I have the pleasure of having my son’s Baby Bear.They are the most loving, loyal and very clever. I love him so much. He is the most wonderful.dog.
michelle
I have a 5 month old girl called Holly.
She is so sweet and kind she plays with my two cats with her paw like a swipe like cat play. Sbe never connects just watches how they play and copies. The cats sit and play back. She as been very easy to train but she does think for her self she is going through adolescence and tends to look and decide if she wants to sit one ore time. They are very food oriented and a treat normally convinces her. We all are so lucky to have such a wonderful dog in our family. Its such fun never a dull day with her she is growing up to be a sweet clever but independent thinking dog .
avitechtone
We got our first Akita, Takai in 1987 and have lived / loved with a few others since. One female we named Yoshi was really extra special and will always be remembered as she was very intuned to us and very sweet with everyone. We have not and probably will never ever get over missing her. We adopted/rescued an Akita Husky we named Kobe that was her partner, he was also a wonderful dog. We currently have a male and female Akita that are awesome and we love them so much. They bring so much joy to my life that I wish I could rescue them all. The main issue with this breed I believe is they require a lot of socialization, love and general exposure in the very early months to calm the high prey instinct and the untrust that is natural to them. They need to be a part of the family, in your home and is not a dog that can be kept outside. The hardest part of owning this breed is they only live 10 to 14 years and that is too short.
William Schmautz
The Akita will teach you more than you will teach him. A fiercely loyal dog that is aggressive early training and socialization a must. Smarter than a whip and faster than you he will keep you on your toes. This is a one human dog meaning that he will faithfully bond to one person he will be loyal to all members but truly unconditionally love just one. I will always have akitas in my life.
Bruce
It’s like I’ve always said; once you’ve had an Akita, you won’t go back. They will quickly become the only dog you’ll ever want to have.
Terry Naber
After training and showing dogs for many years, I discovered the American Akita when I adopted a rescue Akita that was down to his last few days before being put to sleep. He was a handful due to being raised improperly – was totally stubborn and would bite any hand that touched him below his shoulders. It took some intensive obedience training, but once he learned that he was NOT the Alpha leader of our family, he became the most intelligent, and loving dog I’ve every owned. Over the next 9 years with him, several times he didn’t like certain people and would avoid these, but loved children and would gently take them by the wrist and lead them to where we had set up a play area for our children. He would gently “herd” them so they stayed at the “Children’s playing place” until I came out and told him to let them go.
He once observed my horse raring up to stomp on me (horse was frustrated at me clipping his hooves) and came to my rescue by running full speed and jumping onto the side of the horse. The horse was shocked and instantly stopped having a fit. He was super loyal all of his life to our children and us. We were up in the Colorado mountains when a bear started growling at us and our Akita was instantly ready to risk his life to protect us.
Yes, after owning and training many breeds, I can attest that the Akita is indeed a different personality and way too intelligent compared to most dogs. It does cause problems at times. For instance we had to remove our outside faucet handles because our Akitas would turn on the water, especially in the Summer and roll in the water/mud wherever the water out of the hose collected. The problem was that they never saw the need to shut the water back off – so it would run until it had made a big puddle somewhere. They just didn’t understand why I wanted to shut it off, and would go behind me and turn it back on. So I had to take the handles off and put them next to the faucets – but even then one day I saw our male Akita trying to reinstall the faucet handle – thankfully unsuccessfully.
Our Akitas had to be taught to stop just opening the doors and walking in. They still know how, but will ask first with a short bark or noise. If we say OK, then they come on in, but otherwise they will stay ourside and normally just sleep on the doorstep until we come back out. Great dogs – but you get so completely attached to them!
Samuel
Iv’e had several Akita’s one died of old age the other bloat and a female akita that was abandoned when they had the housing crisis. She lived in the woods and she would follow us. But unfortunately she was in the fourth stage of heart worm disease and I had to put her down. I liked her more than the two dogs I’d raised she was thankful for everything I did for her. I named her lumpy because she walked with a limp. I suspect she had been hit by a car. The other Male akita’s were Kaya and Yutaka they brought joy to ones life.
Darlene
Weve got a 7 year old rescued Akita. I’m definitely his “person” but he loves going to visit my elderly patients. Truly an extraordinary breed.
Dane
My first akita Roscoe got me through my twenties. He was my shadow for eleven years. I lost him to bloat. The smartest and most loyal dog I’ve ever owned. We use to run long distance and swim long distance together on various trails and lakes. He was my training partner. You get all there love as and affection but warning, your dog will not listen to other people. Everything this breed does for you is out of love and respect. For the most part these dogs are all business and typically wont play fetch or other games they find pointless. Very primal and prey driven. I’m on my second akita soju. It took two years to have the heart to get another one but me and my girlfriend needed some light in our life. Currently looking for a friend for him and reaching out to rescues. He loves dogs!
Mirjana Lagator
Once you have an Akita, no other breed will do. Simple as that. The only problem is that – because you get so attached to them – it hurts like hell, when you lose them. 🙁
Stephen McDonald
My first Akita was Bogey, just a great dog. Got him because we moved away and my stepdaughter was away from everything she knew. He slept beside her in an open kennel. I traveled and we had my son so my wife liked the big dog with two kids. He was over the top socialized, great with everyone. Second was Crosby, unfortunately, he was forced to be given away because we went thru a divorce and my ex would leave him tied out all day. Sad because he also was tight with me and the kids, didn’t like the ex though.
Michelle L
These are on the money traits for sure I’m on my 3rd and Best breed ever I might be partial tho lol but they are so intelligent and intuitive my 2nd one that passed (@16) knew i was sick before i did and stsyed by myside through all my treatments and the terrible days following he was my hero and my latest she is my best friend here on earth she knows all my secrets lol and never tells lol she is a big fur baby …..love this breed only draw back of an akita is they shed , alot so i just keep a sticky roller at random spots to always have .
Kathryn Stangler
Looking for a reputable breeder of Akita’s. I live in the Phx area.
lorraine marling
I have rescued a American Akita how can I stop him chasing my cats I also have a shztu he gets on ok with her any tips plz
Don. Wingfield
I have an Akita named Cody 3 years old he saved me from a carjacker grabbed him by the neck and would not let him go to police got there I love my Cody dog he is so cool
Bonnie Bourque
Please rescue so many young beautiful Akita’s in Rescue
Martin John Shaw
Lost my puppy over 8 years ago she was nearly 11 and still a baby, do you have any for adoption?
Snezana Zubic
We just lost our beloved Akita Meda! He was almost 10. We got him after we lost our only child and he brought back some joy and happiness. He was a king in our house and our neighborhood and show stopper. We were so proud of him. Intelligent beyond dog species loyal and aloof. I do not know if We will ever have another dog after him.
Liam
2020 Akita Love!! Got my son Yoshi last year on Father’s day. He is a year and a half old now, and becoming a fine young lad. Truly he is family and we are just beginning our journey in his life. I love him dearly, he’s muh man-doodle. Or dood for short.
Antonyo Mihai
Are alitad good emotional suport dogs and loving???
Antonyo Mihai
Are american akitas good emotional support dog??? And are they loving?????i mean..very???
Tory
I love my Akitas!! I’ve rescued and worked with Akita rescue for years. They are amazing dogs: intelligent, loyal, independent, loving, silly, serious and just fun. I’ve never had another breed like them. They bond so closely I swear they read my soul and share theirs. What amazing beings.
Carolyn kuneff
I’ve raised ( No. They’ve raised me ) Akitas since 1982. I’ve had them stop bank robberies, save us from burning buildings, protect us from home Invaders, raise our children, defend our properties, and taught us about the truth of life and unconditional love. I’ve had them run away, and have had them die in my arms. No one knows love. Like an Akita. Except maybe Hellen Keller.
teresa
my brother has two akita (one at 8 just passed) his immune system was rejecting his red blood cells. the other is 6 and a funny dog with his own language. the 8 year old was almost human – I’m serious – the eyes were amazing when he looked at you. Keymo (named for Chemo which my brother had) got brother thru chemo and his passing has been hard to deal with. The dog was so great he was the alpha and quiet. Kaz the 6 year old missed his buddy. it has only been since 9/11/21! He looks and waits every day when out in yard – never went in till Keymo went first. I am trying to help Kaz heal and i’m not sure I’m doing the right thing. My brother has had other dogs and I loved them all but akitas are so different.
lizz
i think that those dogs will be a good pet because i will be getting one in a cuple of days i want to get a puppy and i will get one!!!
Danielle
I love my Akita unconditionally but he is broken! My husband was working nights and I wanted a guard dog. After quite a bit of research, decided on an American Akita. He is huge and very intimidating looking. Unfortunately, the only danger a stranger is in, is the possibility of being knocked over from his whole body wiggling in excitement over a new person. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone coming to our house or if I take him somewhere like Home Depot, he LOVES everyone! Amazing dog and I wouldn’t trade him for the world!
Gem
Hi I have an almost 3 year old Japanese Akita. He is the most gentle and kindest dog. Although the first few months as a puppy was very hard. I looked like I was self inflicting myself. However with a lot of research, training and socialization (i bring him to an off leash daycare once a week) he is the best boy ever. He just naps all day but when its time for his walks he gets super excited. He knows when its time to sleep and he would go at the foot of the bed to wat h Tv with me. He doesnt like it when other dogs growl or bark at him but he is trained now to ignore and i cover his eyes when he is focused on another dog when i walk him and i know if he is friends w that dog walking or not. Akitas just need a lot of patience and trust
CJ
I got my first taste of Akita when my daughter got here husband one for his birthday(he was only half) but fought their other dogs over food so I took him.with him only being half in could tell he was different from any other dogs in raised.losing him still brings tears to my eyes.i now have a rescue Akita she’s 15months and I am so glad I got here.Jazzmine is the joy of my life.everyone said you can’t get a dog that big (im64) and so far I weigh more than her so thankfully I am the Alpha (although her excitement in me coming home put me on crutches) to watch her so gentle with my neighbors 4 yr and my sisters cats ,she just amazes me and I am the one with separation anxiety .i knew after Zuki passed,there will never be anything but an Akita in my life.
Brenda
I have rescued an Akita snd my dogs and it are not getting along at all! Please help! I need someone to take him! He is so precious but I can’t keep him.
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