If you own an Akita, pet insurance is a must! Here is what we use:
https://bit.ly/3x1R6XO
We’ve all seen them, those fluffy little faces of Akita puppies on Instagram, or maybe you watched a YouTube video about how the loyalty, bravery and regality of the Akita is like no other. You see these amazing dogs and you think “that’s the dog for me, that’s what I want.” It’s true that Akitas are an amazing breed, and most people once they have an Akita rarely get another type of dog for the rest of their life, but just like any other breed, Akitas have their peculiarities, and they aren’t for everyone, which is why, unfortunately there is a necessity for Akita Rescues.
In this article we are going to help you answer the question: Should I get an Akita? Let’s dig in.
Dog Experience
Many trainers, breeders and vets alike do not recommend an Akita as your first dog. Would be first time dog owners love to seek out those who had an Akita as their first dog as evidence that it can be done. Of course there are exceptions to every rule. While it’s not impossible to have an Akita as your first dog, the recommendation is for both your benefit, and the benefit of your dog.
So why do experts recommend you not get an Akita as your first dog? There are several reasons:
Akitas can be extremely stubborn. Training your dog can be frustrating and time consuming, even with an “easy to train” breed like a Golden Retriever or Labrador. When training any dog, getting fed up or impatient is the last thing you want to do, and that can easily happen with a stubborn breed like an Akita. What happens when you get frustrated in training your dog? You avoid doing it, and an untrained Akita (or any dog for that matter) is a danger to themselves and to others.
Akitas have a high prey drive, this means they are easily enticed by animals like squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, cats, deer, and other dogs. This high prey drive requires additional training to overcome so you can take your Akita on walks or hikes without having to worry about your dog attacking another dog or bolting off into the woods. Again having some experience with dogs will be a big benefit here.
Akitas are big! With male Akitas weighing upwards of 130lbs in some instances, Akitas are big and cumbersome dogs. Our American Akita, Haga, is currently only 85lbs and is still a handful, even when he’s not trying to be. Understanding how to loose-leash walk a dog, the importance of body language, tone, etc…all goes a long way in being able have a successful relationship with your Akita.
As we previously mentioned, you can absolutely find people who had an Akita as their first dog, but there are typically special circumstances that allowed for that to happen. For example, my first dog was technically an Akita, but an Akita mix. Furthermore we had a family dog when I was growing up, and my uncle is a veterinarian who owned an animal hospital where I would spend a lot of time helping out in the summers, and my sister is a vet-tech. In other words, not only did I have a good amount of experience around dogs, I also had a lot of support.
Shelter and Space
Akitas are known to be quite “cat-like,” not just in terms of their grooming, but also in terms of their behavior and personality. While it’s true that Akitas don’t need an extremely large house to live in, they are still big dogs, and having a space that can accommodate an Akita is a must.
Do you have space in your home for an extra large dog crate? Can you fit an extra large dog crate in your vehicle? Does your home have enough space for your Akita to be away from you if they’re feeling aloof? Do you have a safe or enclosed area where your Akita can play, especially outside?
Do you have air conditioning in your home if you live in a hot or humid climate? Here in New Hampshire, one of the most northern states in the US, our summers often have 100% humidity and temps over 100 degrees. Our American Akita, Haga, would not survive a summer here without air conditioning in our home. Akitas hail from the snowy mountains of Japan, and relish the cold. The heat and humidity is like torture for them. Having air conditioning is a literal life saver for them, but only hammers home the necessity for a good amount of space for your Akita to exist in: In the summer our walks with Haga have to become shorter because he simply cannot tolerate the heat, so he’s often more playful in the summer time because he isn’t exercised outside as much.
The last thing to consider is if your property owner or your home owners insurance will even allow you to have an Akita. While many renters can’t have any pets, even some facilities that allow pets have a limit on size, and restrict certain breeds.
To read the full article go to our website www.theakitalife.com/should-you-get-an-akita
#akita #americanakita #akitadog
31 Comments
It’s nice to hear the opinion of Akita owner, unlike some other channels who just like to comment on Akitas .
We were blessed to have Buster in our lives for many years very smart, loyal and protective without being aggressive no problem with our three other dogs one thing I didn't see mentioned is the molting, the incredible amount of hair they shed in the spring reminds me of a buffalo it last a few weeks then he'd be nice and slim. He's been gone about 10 years and we still talk about him.
Akitas are definitely not for people with no dog experience. It annoys me when my family members instruct me on training my boy & my response is constantly “you don’t know about Akitas!” Even my vet has had difficulty handling him. I knew all this because I researched Akitas for years before getting him. Yelling or negative reinforcement do not work. My Akita Samurai is 145 lbs & he will buck you if you’re not nice to him. Haga is beautiful! Akitas are my favorite dogs!
One other big thing: they aren’t good at dog parks! I don’t recommend it. They can be socialized but I would tell you to keep the Akita on its leash 🐕
My Akita’s name is Loki 😂
I know this comment is well after your posting of this video but I have to ask because I’m serious about having an Akita. I have had German shepherds for 20 years but am very into an American Akita. My big question is, now that it would be a lone dog in the home and have my full attention. Should I give these beauties a try?
If an akita doesn’t like you, you’ll know it because he/she didn’t choose you . But if they choose you you don’t have to be a first time owner
Akitas are brutal.. Be very very prepared…. LOL I'm on my 4th…. Best dogs in the world thou….I only ever trusted 1 of my Akitas with my daughters friends..
Totally get what your saying but personally I love and will always get Akita’s 😂 my dad got me one when I was a toddler and he lived to a ripe old 14 years and 11 months and was easily the most loyal and likeable dog I have ever met ❤️
Hi I need to know what kind of harness do you recommend for my Akita every harness I put them in its like he's Houdini he gets out of it and of course he runs away. He comes back home at 2 in the morning wanting to come inside.
I have Akita-BorderCollie and I have been lucky because my dog is super cool in car without crate.Its super dog but not for people who never got a dog before.
They are fine. It's all in how they are raised. I ve had many of them. Get them socialized and give them lots of love.
I absolutely love my Akita. He’s the best dog ever. Very loveable, talks too much & smart as hell. I swear I want to clone him. He’s absolutely beautiful & kills everything that comes in the backyard. He is definitely not a friendly dog or a dog that likes other dogs & that’s fine with me. He is my protector & if anyone messes with me, my husband or son he will definitely attack. I’ll never buy any other breed. Just gotta let them know who’s in charge.
My Akita is crazyyy😂😂💯🐶
I had a rescued Akita over 25 years ago and he was so smart and obedient. Even after having multiple dogs since him, I still compare every dog to him. I have definitely seen a few tough ones though. I’m at the time of my life where I’m done raising dogs but he will always be my favorite ever. Love your dedication to the breed.
I have an Akita mix that I got as my first dog based on how cute he was (and still is), and I learned very quickly to research breeds before I get one. I absolutely love him, he's an AMAZING dog. And I will never get another Akita
Don't get an Akita? Uh I want a more aggressive dog. My dog likes people…. Not cool… I've had dogs all my life. I had an Akita mix when I was a kid. Akitas are not all the same. Every dog has its own personality like people and cats do. So, you never know a dog is going to behave. My dog is a very stubborn dog and I still love her. She's a large dog . Rottweiler and Sharpei…. A dog is a dog. It's behavior is going to be a reflection of you. You're responsible for your dog. Train it correctly and feed it well and give it love and more love.
I had a neighbor long time ago whose daughter had two of these dogs. Believe me I was totally intimated by them. They would just look at me like they were thinking about what they were planning on doing. To me they look like bears. I love dogs. I've had four miniature schnauzers. That said, I would never allow my dog to come in contact with an Akita and also other breeds including Pits. You did a great job explaining why someone shouldn't get an akita and you did it out of love and in the best interest of the breed. Thank you.
Please don't encourage us to shop for puppies
I have a very well behaved male malamute puppy he's about 14 months. My wife and I are considering another dog as we have no kids and plenty of free time. Would a female akita be a good household addition? We have plenty of space and have experience with large breeds.
I have 2 grown akitas and 7 baby akitas
Hi here from Germany – We are thinking to have an Akita maybe in 4-5 years kids will be 8 or 9 years respectively. First of all we thought more about the Akita Inu because of the look but maybe an American Akita is also an option. Are there major difference regarding the character traits? Is it generally so that Akitas (also American Akitas) do not obey on kids or wife but only at the alpha I read so many times the Akita is only for singles because he/she does only respect one alpha person. I don't have any issues that he might be agressive against other dogs or other people who they don't know but I want a dog who is 100 % loyal to the own family which includes kids or grandparents who know them from puppy time etc. And Yes I have experience with dogs and I will only get one if all circumstances are well and I can put a lot of effort and time in it. Please advise thanks!
F*** you! The best animal I ever had was an Akita. Had her 15 years. You're just an idiot.
Raise your goddamn kids right, and Akita is loyal. Do more research, you bald headed motherf*****!
Got 2 akitas – boy and girl – they are so aggressive with cats – These dogs killed three cats before they were two years old and 2 birds -girl so smart male not much – lovely dogs but hard to train 1 already changed 5 trainer –
Weak sauce reasons…
My friend got a pup last year. It's a mix between a husky and American Akita. It is his first dog and I think he is not putting in the acquired amount of work into training his dog. The dog doesn't really listen to him, especially while on a walk and indeed is very stubborn, which does frustrates my friend. At what age will problems start to form? I mean, to a point where it can become dangerous? I understand problems might already been/being formed. For now the dog is very friendly, but he is still young. I tried to talk him out of getting an Akita as a first dog, but he didn't want to hear it. I am seriously worried that either something bad happens and/or the dog needs to be put down, just because of lack of skills of its owner
Great video. I have had 2 Akitas and love this breed and I totally agree with your comments, well done! As the owner, you need to be the boss. We got our first before we had kids and when they were born we slowly introduced him to them. He immediately cared for the kids and protected them. These are beautiful dogs but they do take a lot of patience and effort. Easily trainable.
I have a Shepkita and everything you said about the Akita is so true. You should definitely have dog experience if you plan on having an Akita or something along those lines. My dog is brilliant, but he is SUPER stubborn! I absolutely love this video because it's TRUE and you don't try and sugar coat it. Thanks for taking the time to create a really informative list that does make people really think about the reasons why or why not getting an Akita could be a good/bad reason. I think more people should be doing their research when they decide that they're going to bring a life into their home. Thanks again for the great video. -Nikki from Edmonton, Canada with a beautiful brindle Shepkita named Levi who is 8 months old. Love my dog.
Good video!
What kind of dog do you recommend for a first time dog owner.