Akitas
Ratings by owners.
Hoflin Home Page | Breed
Reviews By Breed | Review a Breed
Akita Home Page
Average rating.
Breed Notes
The Akita or Akita Inu was developed to hunt wild boar, deer and black
bear during the 1600s in the Akita province of Honshu Island, Japan. Besides
hunting, he is an excellent guard dog. In 1931, the breed was declared a
national monument by the government of Japan.
He is a large, powerful, graceful and noble in bearing. He is renowned for
his strength, courage and loyalty. A very dignified dog, he is often aloof
around strangers. While being a gentle animal, he has a dominant personality
so needs proper training. He does not react well to harsh treatment. He
is considered by the Japanese to be "tender in heart and strong in
strength." Because he is an active dog, he needs plenty of exercise.
Typical of other northern, Spitz-type breeds, the Akita has erect ears,
a strong muzzle with a scissors-bite and a plume-like tail that is carried
over the back. The male Akita stands between 26 and 28 inches and weighs
about 110 pounds. The female Akita stands between 24 and 26 inches and weighs
about 80 pounds. The head has a massive, broad skull with a dignified facial
expression. The eyes should be medium in size, dark and triangular-shaped.
The neck is thick and muscular and the chest is deep and broad. The legs
should be straight with strong, heavy bone. This breed has a double coat
which includes a thick, furry undercoat and a medium length outer coat.
It needs to be combed several times per week to maintain a healthy coat.
The coat color can be any color. Some Akitas are solid colored but most
have various markings.
RCande007@aol.com of Murrieta, CA writes:
The breeder you chose is still the key.
I wrote a review when my Akita puppy was five months young. In my excitement,
I gave the breed five stars. Now, after I have had her for over one year
(and 75 pounds later), I thought some people might be interested in an update.
Unlike some Akitas, she still fetches like a Lab. I was told this would
never happen with an Akita. In fact, I almost didn't try throwing her a
ball because I assumed she wouldn't retrieve it. Well, mine does. I also
read never take an Akita to a dog park, or be around other dog breeds. Well,
one day I took a deep breath, and took her to a dog park. She LOVES to play
with other dogs. Yes, she does play a bit rough, and she likes to "pick
on" the smaller breeds. But she has never been in a dog fight, and
she has a great time running and playing with other dogs. And they seem
to like her. This goes to show that the breeder you chose is SO IMPORTANT!
She IS stubborn at times. After spending $$ on private dog obedience, she
still doesn't always come when I call her. Needless to say, this is frustrating.
Especially when she is in the backyard and I am in a hurry to go to work,
and I am dressed up and have to chase her, or take more time to convince
her to come. She doesn't eat much. If you give her a high quality kibble
her stool is small. She only digs in the yard when I leave her alone and
she gets bored. Most of the time she is in the house, along with two cats.
She doesn't harm my nice furniture. The cats either avoid her or attack
her, so she leaves them alone. She still gets mega attention from strangers.
She is a real beauty and people notice. She loves people. She rarely barks,
unless she is concerned. She follows me everywhere. If I go to the bathroom
at 2am she will be outside the bathroom door. If I go downstairs, she will
follow me. Now I know how the President must feel with the Secret Service
"always there." Sometimes I take her to work. I always take her
with me to the store, for walks, etc. I am single, and I have no kids, so
we do spend lots of time together. I believe this helps the bonding. I would
give this breed four stars. The reason I went down from five stars is because
of the lack of obedience. I realize she is never going to be a German Shepherd,
or a French Poodle, always willing to please their master. The breed seems
to be more independent, and stubborn. Still, she does get the most attention
I've ever received from a dog and people (especially women) go crazy over
her. For a single guy like me, that's not bad.
nobleman36@yahoo.com of Salem, OR writes:
Amazing.
It has been my distinct pleasure to have had four Akitas in my life
over the course of eight years. All of them have held a unique place in
my heart. At this time I live with my girl. She has been "daddy's"
girl since I brought her home riding on my chest at seven weeks, this year
she will be eight. As I've read in the other reviews on this page, the time
spent training and socializing her was the best investment I could have
made for her future. The return on that time shows in the wonderfully loving
and social Akita I share my life with today. I remember well how stubborn
she was as a "teen" and that I thought I would never get her attention.
It all came together with time and I have a truly unique girl. She is great
with everyone's kids and animals. I don't fear to let her off lead in the
appropriate places. I love this dog and this breed and can't imagine not
having at least one in my life for as long as I'm here. What a blessing
they are! If you have the resolve to make this choice and heart to follow
through these dogs make a wonderful member of your family. The key is staying
with that commitment, there is no room for doing things halfway with this
breed. If you do you will create a time bomb, doing the dog and yourself
a grave disservice.
Name withheld by request of Ontario, Canada writes:
The best.
My Akita is truly a born observer. He never misses anything. He is strong
and loving. This is a big dog with a gentle heart, great with kids and kitties.
Needs a firm hand in training because he does have a mind of his own. They
need to be part of a family; not a dog to be left outside and ignored. They
are compassionate, hilarious and above all serious. If you have the time
to share your life with them you will be well-rewarded and loved.
Name withheld by request of Washington writes:
Three stars for homes with kids; four stars for single (childless) people.
I researched the Akita breed for a year and then adopted a retired show
champion who was with me for two years before she died of bloat, taking
my heart with her. I loved her dearly, she was beautiful, when we walked
the neighborhood each day, people literally came out of their homes to ask
what type of dog she was. Being a very well-socialized, intelligent, and
well-bred Akita she was wonderful with people. She knew when to be standoffish
and protective, and when she could relax. However, I have known other Akitas
who didn't fit that description. I do believe that the way this breed turns
out has first and foremost to do with how they are raised; coming second
in line to that is the breeding for health and temperament. If this breed
is raised with a firm and also fair and loving hand, and if they are exposed
under good conditioins to many, many people and situations, I do think they
have the potential to be great with people. I am concerned as I read some
of the reviews, telling of "only two bitten," and so on. To me,
if these dogs are well-socialized and raised right, they should never bite
a human if they are to be considered an Akita with a good temperament. Unfortunately,
sometimes, they do bite, from what I have read on this site. I would therefore
not recommend them for young children. You never know what kids will do
in playtime rambunctiousness. If you are willing to always, always separate
the dog from the kids who have friends come over to play and roughhouse,
then you will be fine. But to leave the dog within the area, chancing a
protection bite, I would not ever do. What I am saying is, this is a wonderful,
very powerful/strong/mostly fearless, loving, intelligent companion, very
independent and not always obedient even with obedience classes.
If you are someone who is willing to have a sense of humor when needed,
and to be firm when needed, and you are willing to go out of your way in
doggie ownership, then this may be the breed for you to continue researching.
An Akita is rarely a dog to leave off-lead out in public. They are small
animal killers by nature, they are very dog aggressive (usually) by nature,
and they like to run away, even sometimes when you call them back. If you
don't mind having to keep them on-lead when out in public, and always be
conscious and aware of the power and possible aggression you have within
your midst, then maybe this is the dog for you. They shed twice a year,
but keep in mind that sometimes that means they begin to shed twice a year,
when they finish is another story! My female used to begin to shed in the
spring, but she'd not finish the shedding for three months! Then, she'd
spend three months growing it back (no shedding) and finally, she would
begin to shed again in the fall, and not finish for quite some time; basically
half the year, they shed. And folks, this is a lot of hair, and it takes
regular grooming. If you don't have the time to spend on at least light
exercise, and a fair amount of grooming and vacuuming, this is not the dog
for you.
If you want your neighbor kids to be able to walk by themselves into your
yard where your dog lives, when you are not at home, this is not the dog
for you. If you want a dog to lie still and watch from a few feet away as
your kids are jumped on and screeching and laughing with a neighbor child,
this is not the dog for you. If you want to go to the park, and let your
dog off-lead to go and romp and play with all the dogs in the park, this
is not the dog for you. If you do not want to have a secure fenced yard,
this is not the dog for you. It is true, most homeowner insurance companies
DO discriminate against the Akita. Some landlords do, as well. And yes,
they will dig a hole going back to Japan just for the fun of it, just as
they may live with your favorite cat in the house for two years, and then
one day, decide to lay chase and kill. A cat is a small animal, and they
will by nature kill them for fun. That goes for small dogs as well, and
occasionally, other large dogs. They do like to fight, and even though most
people-friendly dogs may love to fight other dogs, even submissive ones,
it just depends on the individual Akita. If you don't mind making plans
and providing for the right circumstances given the nature of this breed,
then perhaps it will be the right dog for you. You can teach them tricks,
for sure, but usually they perform for an audience of one! As soon as you
have the trick down pat, done it a hundred times, and you go to perform
for your friends, your Akita is very likely to look at you and wag its tail,
and just smile, as if to say, "Hmm, what are we doing? I've never heard
of this trick!" You need a good sense of humor to live with an Akita.
And, you need to know beforehand that you are in love with the breed. If
you aren't sure, then don't get one. They are wonderful dogs, for the right
individuals, and under the right circumstances. If you do decide to get
an Akita, beware of backyard breeders who do not do health tests. It is
a lot safer to get a pup from someone who has done health certifications
on the sire/dam.
Rcande007@aol.com of Murrieta, CA writes:
The breeder you choose is the key.
I own a five-month-old female Akita. I spent a year researching Akita
breeders. I went to dog shows, read books on the breed, checked out internet
breeder sites, etc. I found a breeder who specializes in MILD TEMPERAMENT.
To me, that's the key. The last thing I want/need is a dog with a BAD attitude/temperament.
I don't need a lawsuit. I don't want my dog attacking the neighbor's kids,
or other neighborhood pets. I chose a top breeder who has consistently produced
Akitas with GOOD temperaments. I now have a beautiful, top quality Akita,with
the milder temperament I was seeking. She is a delight. She loves people.
She loves other dogs. I have two indoor cats and I was concerned about them
all getting along. The Bengal cat used to play with her. Now, the puppy
is too big and she plays too rough. My cats now run from her p; which
makes her chase them. This is not good. They can all be in the same room
as long as the puppy is asleep or not interested in chasing them. She does
not eat a ton. She likes to go for walks. Unlike some Akitas, mine loves
to fetch, just like a Lab! I've had problems with her jumping on me (excited)
and play biting. Not good. I am going to take her to obedience training
to eliminate this. She does not always come when I call her. I hope the
obedience will help. Overall, she is wonderful. I have had German Shepherds,
Boxers, Miniature Poodles, and two Labs. The Shepherd was the best at obeying
commands. The Boxer was a good family dog. The Poodle was the most intelligent.
The Labs were the friendliest (and the most work). But the Akita gets the
most attention ("Wow, what kind of dog is that? Looks like a teddy
bear!") and has the ability of a guard dog without the association
of one (unlike a Shepherd, Pitbull, Rottie, etc.). One last thing: Everyone's
lifestyle is different. I do not live on a farm with lots of acreage. If
I did, the dog I chose might not be as important. I do not kennel my dog
in the winter. In fact, I never kennel my dog. She stays in the house. She
is my trusted companion. She is the child I never had. I have no other children.
I live in an upscale family neighborhood. My dog is a reflection of me.
I try my best to make it a good one. Good luck!
aml326@hotmail.com of New Mexico writes:
Fascinating.
My Akita has just turned eighteen months. We got her knowing full well
of the large size, shedding, and aggressive history. Starting from the beginning
we were diligent about her training. She showed some tendency to mouth rather
roughly early on, but we were able to break her. Potty training went well
with the aid of a crate. She is now 80 pounds, with probably a little more
filling out to do. She has the sweetest temperament of any dog I have owned.
She is protective of her house and will bark if anyone approaches the yard.
Other than that she rarely makes a sound. She is not aggressive toward strangers,
and is gentle and obedient with kids. She has never chewed any item in the
house. The shedding two times a year can be a nuisance, but it helps to
keep up with the grooming. Overall with diligent training right off the
bat, and socialization with people, the Akita is the best of all breeds!
Name withheld by request:
Akitas p; do you own them or do they own you?
Why such a question, you ask? Well, it's simple. First you fall for
your cute little bear cub type pup the minute you see and hold your first
one. Forget all the warnings you were told by the breeder or read in the
breed books, it doesn't matter any more! This pup took over the second you
looked him/her in the eyes that first day. First it's your bed, then your
couch, hey if you're lucky they won't mind what channel you're watching
on TV. And did I mention they pick and choose your other furry friends for
you? Yes, they do! Whether it's walking through the woods, a day at the
beach, ring time at the shows or just home playing with the kids in the
backyard your Akita can be a very well-rounded family companion for everyone
around him/her to enjoy.
Just like with any breed of size; check into where your pup is coming from,
get to know your breeder and most important his/her dogs he/she is breeding;
their bloodlines history, health clearances, references from past buyers
of their pups and other breeders of the same breed, check into how the pups
are raised, fed and cared for. This may seem like a lot of work and time-consuming,
but just as many things in life teach us "what you put into it, is
what you get out of it." I'm very fond of this breed and wanted to
share with others how wonderful they can be.
thewall51@aol.com of Laurel, MD writes:
Wonderful pets in the right home and with the right owner.
I have had four Akitas, three males and one female. They are fascinating
to observe and quite unique in their approach to things. They are powerful
and assertive by nature, so not just anyone can own one. Their personalities
vary, but some instincts remain intact in varying degrees throughout the
breed. Independent thinkers, they are not quick to take commands they deem
given simply to see if they will obey. Which, for some people is not acceptable.
But their independent thinking can also lead to some very amusing behavior
traits that don't seem capable in a dog. They love to hide and play tricks
that can be rather complex for a dog. They do think and deduce facts in
making decisions. They can be great dogs for family, but will not tolerate
much violent behavior, loud and boistrous talking or shouting and can be
a challenge to get to accept a less dominant position in the household than
some family members they deem weaker than themselves. Very pack pecking
order conditioned and have to be reminded of their place in the hierarchy
frequently.
Despite all the little things that make havng them as pets work, I would
not want any other dog because these guys are just so unique and individualistic.
I enjoy spending time with my big furball and watching him interact with
my two-year-old, who bosses him around like he's some little lap dog. I
do not leave them alone because I would never leave any toddler or small
child alone with a large animal of any kind, simply because small children
are not capable of demanding the kind of respect from large animals that
adults can. My dog is aggressive to any other dog he feels challenges his
alpha position, but he is quite accepting of smaller dogs who act aggressively,
except Pitbulls. He is aggressive toward strangers, but can run loose in
the homes of my family members and inlaws or others he has known since puppyhood.
He has bitten two people, but did not even break the skin, leaving only
small red marks that disappeared shortly after the incident. They have their
own language about what is threatening to them and you have to learn what
that is, as their owner. People cannot stand directly in front of the dog
I now have, look him in the eyes and bend forward to pet him until they
have shaken my hand and been introduced to him by me. Even then, some people
he just does not like for reasons only he knows. They tend to not like people
who are large or who talk loud and move around a lot in quick, jerky motions.
And, my dog prefers women to men. He is now three years old and looking
better with each year. No major health problems and he has adapted to numerous
living environments with people he did not know before. They are not Labradors
or Golden Retrievers just waiting to respond to your every command. But,
they are very intelligent and often anticipate what you want them to do.
It can be eerily unnerving sometimes, like they are reading your mind or
something. I've had to put steel hocks in the rear legs of one who lived
ten years and I had to put my first pup down at two years old because of
Cholangio Hepatitis. So, beware that there are medical problems you can
run into purchasing Akitas or any other "giant" breed. All in
all, I think they are great animals to share life with. Nothing is more
beautiful than a well-bred, well-groomed Akita in his prime, feeling his
oats. Impressive!
akitaoz@flash.net of San Antonio, TX writes:
Devoted guardian extraordinaire! Make you forget the rest.
As a devoted fancier, breeder and exhibitor of this phenomenal breed
I can't sing its praises enough without also stating that it is NOT for
everyone. This breed is STRONG of will and body. Akitas are tremendously
loyal to their masters and family and protective of their territory. They
MUST be raised as family members and cannot be simply kept in a yard without
interaction and affection p; this makes them resentful and potentially
dangerous. They are gentle giants inside. You can experience their tenderness
with every loving lick and kiss as they "groom" you or guide you
gently by the hand to the kitchen for a treat.
The main issue with Akitas is their incredible intelligence. This is what
is behind many misunderstandings with Akitas that have lead to injuries
or worse. Akitas are brilliant p; they literally think through situations
and try to resolve them for themselves. This is why I ALWAYS insist on my
new Akita parents taking their puppy through puppy kindergarten or beginner's
obedience at least. What this does for the Akita is teach them their parameters,
and builds their confidence. What is really a friendly greeting from a stranger,
what is not, what is the right way to react to loud noises and laughter
or screams of children at play versus someone in need or threatening. The
confidence to trust what the puppy has learned and apply it later. Believe
me, they want to know the difference and you need them to. AN AKITA WILL
ACT ON ITS OWN EVALUATION OF A SITUATION. SO GIVE THEM THE TOOLS THEY NEED
TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES and you will have a well-mannered member of the
family that will also be a trusted guardian and companion extraordinaire.
The evaluation of the standard on this site is right on. More information
can be had by visiting the national parent breed club's site as well (www.akitaclub.org).
Contrary to what some visitors have written here p; Akitas do not have
any disqualifying colors or even coat length. This breed does have faults
for length of coat (which is why the long coats are not normally in the
conformation ring) or feathering or ruffs. There is no disqualification
or even classification for mismarks in this breed p; I for one have
a champion female some have tried to label as such p; this simply is
incorrect as evidenced by her championship certificate. A show quality Akita
is classified by its bone structure, inclusive of its bite, its earset,
eye shape and shade of color, feet straight on (tight and knuckled up like
a cat's) and coat that stands off the body (guard coat) with dense undercoat
p; both with vivid color or richness in color; by its movement and its
potential to meet the height requirements for competition p; all of
which are evaluated against the breed standard. Disqualifications for conformation
are incorrect bites, tails that don't touch the back when moving, nose pigment
that is not complete (butterfly), under height.
If you are a strong-willed person; physically capable of managing a large
powerful dog companion; willing to share your home space with a large dog;
willing to respond to advice or guidance from a knowledgeable breeder or
trainer; willing to take your puppy through training despite your experience
level in obedience; respectful of the power your companion will eventually
possess p; then you are on your way to a fabulous and unforgettable
Akita experience.
Name withheld by request of Stanwood, WA writes on 1/4/01:
Majestic,but protective to a fault!
A properly bred Akita can be a breathtaking example of the power of well
thought breeding programs. I was active in conformation, obediance and breeding
Akitas for over 10years. The breed can be wonderful. They tend to be protective
of their families, to a fault. Although many think it is wonderful to have
such a magnificent animal watching over their children they neglect to think
about what will happen when their children's friend come over. Akitas are
naturally aloof towards strangers and aren't a dog a would EVER leave alone
with ANY CHILD! Especially a child which isn't extrememly familiar to the
dog. I never allowed males to be placed in homes with young children, as
they tend to be more aggresive. I ALWAYS advised puppy kindergarten for
socialization and obediance as early as possible. NEVER, NEVER tolerate
any aggressive behavior in Akita pups such as growling around food or toys.
Other than all that, they are faithful, protective, clean (licks like a
cat), practically barkless, and of course beautiful. Be certain of the temperment
of BOTH Parents - if the dam of a litter will not allow you to be with pups
older than 3 1/2 weeks she is to aggressive- PERIOD! Do NOT take a pup from
this bitch. They tend to run if they can escape your yard. They are extremely
dog agressive, if they do get out plan on paying vet bills when they demolish
the neighbors pets. Most homeowners insurance companies EXCLUDE AKITAS -
so if the dog bites and you haven't informed them [and paid for a special
policy for high risk biters]they will not pay for medical lawsuits incurred.
After loving and finishing Championships on many Akitas, I changed breeds
for the sake of my kids - we are now Lab people. By the way your Akita won't
like playing fetch with the kids and usually stay away from water. Kids
were dissappointed with this!! Final Note: read the standard on coat color,
many high dollar breeders are breeding mismarks and selling them for show
dogs. Any novice can read the stadard and realize that some coat colors
actually disqualify dogs from the Breed Ring!
kobe1@bigpond.com.au of Queensland, Australia wrotes on 12/9/00:
The king of the dog world - but not for the faint hearted.
Having grown up with German Shepards and a Doberman I was used to big dogs
and the obedience they all require. My 10 year old male Akita has however
been head and shoulders above the other fine breeds. He is a long-coat (fluffy)
and is typically larger than average at 64kg (no fat!). He is pedigreed
but was sold de-sexed as a pet. For around the first two years of his life
we went to great lengths to socialise this dog with literally thousands
of dogs at shows, obedience, the park, etc as well as leading him through
crowded markets, etc for human socialisation. This investment in time and
effort has been rewarded back to us a thousand times over by this most noble
of animals. A quiet dog, when he does bark you know you need to see why.
Capable of stopping the most confident of people with a stare that only
an Akita can give. To succeed with the Akita you must be the leader of the
pack, by earning his respect, through patience and perserverence. He will
cherish and protect like no other but has no tolerance for the weak willed
or timid. He will rule his domain with no mercy for trespassers that are
uninvited. We have three children under five, a second dog (bitch) and two
cats that he protects as his own. Unfortunately he will tear apart any other
animal that ventures onto his territory (1 acre yard) without our consent.
We would not allow him to roam free as he would immediately meet any other
dogs challenge with maximum aggression. I should note that the obedience
training allows us to have full and complete control over the dog in all
circumstances however I shudder to think of the consequences without this
training. If you are fully prepared and committed to giving this breed the
time and training it must have you will be richly rewarded. If however you
seek a mild mannered dog with little input search elsewhere.
clw@prodigy.net of Wisconsin writes on 12/9/00:
Excellent disposition, friendly, protective without being threatening
to visitors, but you must treat them as a member of the family.
Our Akita passed away after 12 years. They are loving, loyal, trustworthy
companions, but they need to be part of the family. I would recommend this
breed to anyone, as long as you make the dog a part of your family. We got
our Akita as a four month old puppy and we purchaed a kitten a few years
later and a bird a few years after that. He never became aggressive toward
the kitten or the bird. On the contrary, the kitten would run after him
and jump on his legs, and he never growled or became aggressive. He barked
when strangers came to the door, but also instinctively knew if they were
threatening or friendly visitors. Once he knew they were friendly, he was
eager to welcome them to our home. I never felt that he was a threat to
any small children or other guests and I highly recommend the breed.
kampers@peoplepc.co of Missouri writes on 12/4/00:
A wonderful, quietly affectionate, loyal pet.
We have had two Akitas - a male and a female, nuetered and spayed at an
early age. I believe our success with our Akita's came from having them
as part of our family, strictly house dogs, not chained up or in a kennel
outside. Both of our Akitas were raised around other animals and our children.
They were very sweet dogs and after petting them they would push their nuzzle
against your hand to get you to pet them again.
If you don't like a shedding dog the Akita is not for you. We found they
would "blow" their coat twice a year and shed lightly the rest
of the year. Other than the hair the Akita is a very easy dog to have. Ours
were both very calm dogs and easy to have in the house. They didn't tear
anything up or chew furniture, even as puppies. And they were easy to potty
train.
The only aggressive action towards a person by our male was when a stranger
(to our dog) came into the house and picked up our two year old and she
started to cry. He would have attacked the person had we not restrained
him - and told the person to put our daughter down. He never growled at
anyone, he would move so that he was standing between us and the other person
and he would always let the person pet him. Our female was from a kennel
and we got her when she was about six months old. She was always shy, never
aggressive towards any one or any animal, but she did rule over the older
male. I have no doubt, though, had anyone tried to harm us or our children
the dogs would have attacked. This is an instinct of the Akita and should
be considered a natural trait. I think the most important issue is not to
train the Akita to be a "protection dog", they will protect you
on their own and additional training in this area could cause a very aggressive
dog. If you want to train your dog take them to an obedence class.
Our Akita's visited "Grandma's" and always played and got along
with her two Akita's. Our dogs got along with our cats, even letting them
sleep next to them. Other animals were an issue for our male. If the other
dog was submissive he was ok with it, but if the other dog was aggressive
he would fight. The best thing is to keep your dog on a leash and obedience
train them - no matter what breed you have. The biggest problem we had was
when other people didn't leash their dog and it would run up to our dog.
I would certainly recommend the Akita, but as others have mentioned, research
the breed, research your breeders, and chose your puppy carefully. Unfortunately
both of our Akita's are now gone, the female to disease (remember she was
a kennel dog, i.e. puppy mill) and our male to old age. We are now dogless,
but I'm sure it won't be for long.
blanc@dandy.net of New Jersey writes on 12/2/00:
The smartest, most well mannered animal I have seen.
I bought an Akita shortly after the birth of my son. She is now as much
a part of the family as he is. As I am in the service she has not a lot
of oppportunity to exercise as she should but never complains. She will
try to bury the house when she is unhappy though. Her temperment with my
children has been incredible. My 2 year old will carry her bowl around the
house at feeding time as my Akita follows. My son can literally sit on her
while she is eating and she acts as though nothing is happening. As far
as her behavior, loyalty, intelligence and manners: perfect.
Name withheld by request of Washington writes on 11/2/00:
Wouldn't recommend for homes with small children.
I spent many hours reading up on Akitas and talking with a breeder before
I purchased my Akita. I also have a 2 year old boy. My Akita loves our son
and is very protective of him, but at the same time when we are playing
outside she would run over him and grab his clothes in her mouth. Because
of this, she is no longer allowed to play with him without a leash on. I
think Akitas are beautiful dogs that need lots of training, and really think
twice before buying one if you have small children, these dogs are so big
and powerful they could do damage without intending to. Other aspects to
consider, they like to dig trenches if bored. Not holes...TRENCHES! Usually
very quiet, affectionate and sheds 2xyear. Very clean Usually only p**ps
in one area of the yard. Does not normally like small animals except to
eat.
Name withheld by request writes on 4/15/00:
Good, bad, and ugly.
A warning is in order for those considering to purchase an Akita for the
first time. I laid my female Akita to rest last August. During our eleven
years, she was a beautiful creature to live with 99.9% of the time. The
other .1% was not so great.
While always the sweetheart to our family, she was extremely aggressive
to strange dogs. While we had no problems in public places, such as dog
shows, she was very aggressive to any four-legged creature that dared to
enter her home territory. She eagerly killed cats, raccoons, snakes and
possums and would just as soon fight another dog as look at it. We also
had two bite incidents with humans. I didn't consider her to be vicious;
she was just following her genetic heritage. She just enjoyed a good scrap.
The Akita was bred for dog fighting by the Japanese a long time ago. This
aggressiveness is still alive in many of the dogs today. While other Akita
owners talk of how sweet their dogs their dogs are, and that they get along
with everyone and every dog, my dog could never be allowed off leash for
fear of attacking another dog, or getting into other trouble.
Akitas are big, strong, intelligent and can be extremely strong willed,
it takes a strong willed, patient person to deal with one. An Akita owner
must always be on the alert for signs of trouble. Please read everything
you can about them, talk with other owners and breeders before owning one.
Be sure to ask about their "dark side". If a breeder tells you
their line does not posses any natural Akita aggressiveness, ask them to
assume all legal responsibility for any damages your sweet puppy might generate
as an adult, and see if they change their story.
Don't get me wrong, they can be the sweetest most wonderful creatures god
ever made, but they can also change their demeanor and bite without warning.
They are extremely fast when they decide to attack; my dog was on a leash
when she bit a neighbor and pulled her to the ground. She didn't growl or
give any warning, something just set her off when the woman bent down and
stuck her arm out to pet my sweet girl. It happened so fast, I never saw
it coming.
Be sure you are willing to deal with a dog that is capable of doing serious
damage to another dog, human, or possibly even a family member before purchasing
this wonderful breed.
MissBooBoo69@webtv.net of Michigan writes on 2/15/00:
The only breed for me,
I've been priviledged to own Akitas for the last eleven years and there
is no other breed for me. I have cats, they have gotten along fine with
proper introductions. They are a wonderfully loyal breed, quiet: when they
bark there's a reason. They will injure/kill vermin like raccoons and opossums
if they come into contact with them. They are truly companion dogs.
RoRo8129@aol.com of San Jose, CA writes on 11/16/99:
Soft of heart ...
I have a 5 yr old 100 lb. female Akita that I call the "Gentle Giant".
This is the sweetest and most polite dog I have ever had the pleasure off
knowing. No chewing, soiling, destructive behavior and is quiet (never barks).
She has a soft mouth - when giving her a treat, she uses her lips and she
would rather it fall on the floor than have the fear that she will bite
your hand. Before I had my child, I lived with my 90 yr old grandmother.
She never damaged any of the furniture and was especially gentle around
her. My 2 1/2 daughter is allowed to crawl all over and even feeds her.
When she was younger, she used to sit next to her bowl to watch her eat
and Mia never raised a whisker.
I found a great breeder who believed in temperment first. When I went to
see the puppy, the mother was in the next kennel and was very friendly -
no problem with a stranger petting her babies. This is important! Training
is also important - gentle, but thorough. Work a little every day. If they
seem like they don't get it, they do, they are just bored. These are smart
dogs!
When you least expect it they will do something extraordinary ... we recently
had a very loud thunderstorm. I went outside to see the lightening, and
when I returned, I couldn't find Mia. She had opened the handle (lever-type)
on my daughters' closed door and was laying in front of the window next
to her bed as she was sleeping. I have never seen her even attempt to open
a door before, but she figured it out in order to protect my child. When
this one passes on, I will definitely be getting another!
amschlerd@mailcity.com of California writes on 10/22/99:
Great companion if bread and trained properly.
I currently own my second Akita and both have been great dogs, good with
both adults and children. However, despite my having taken the time and
care to raise them to feel part of our family and to play gently with both
dogs and humans, both Akitas would automatically get very protective if
they felt their "pack" was threatened. I do not worry about letting
my 20 month grandson play with Major, but I do ensure that they are watched
closely. Major plays very patiently with kids (as did my older dog), but
I know he is large enough to hurt if he wasn't careful and I would never
leave a child alone with any dog just because of the bite potential.
My dogs have both been caring and faithful, but we took the time and care
to find good breeders and to carefully raise and train the dogs. I cannot
enforce enough the importance to do these things if you choose an akita.
Akitas are strong dogs with a tendancy to be dominate. Poorly bred dogs
will have poor temperments and so will poorly trained dogs. It is unfair
to both your family and the akita for you to chose one of these majestic
dogs and not provide them with the time and devotion to lovingly keep them
in their place, or worse yet to have to abandon or destroy an akita simply
because you have allowed him to become rough or aggressive.
camms@wwonline.com of Brampton, ON writes on 10/10/99:
A large powerful dog with the potential for a lot of damage in the wrong
hands
While the Akita is touted in all literature as having been used as a babysitter
in Japan, the North American breeding has led to many dogs with the temperment
equivalent of having a loaded shotgun in the house, although there still
are some "soft" Akitas to be found. Protective and loyal this
is a good breed in the right home, but my recommendation from personal experience
is NOT to place them in a home with children, although many would argue
otherwise. Coat sheds twice a year in large moulting clumps, otherwise their
maintenance is fairly easy.
kamuch@bmi.net of Washington writes on 9/5/01:
Companion and faithful friend, but not for everyone.
The reason there are 150 plus breeds all molded by the human hand is that
they were developed for specific reasons and purposes. Some of those reasons
and purposes are part of history, not the modern, litiginous world in which
we live. I have read the reviews, and say with pride, that I have owned,
bred, trained, showed (with success), and worked with this magnificent breed
for over sixteen years. Early this morning, we lost another of our "geriatrics,"
so if I say this with some fierce loyalty, perhaps the reader will forgive
me. I would own the Akita (reputably bred and trained) over ANY sporting
dog. Even with the negatives, I trusted my dogs implicitly with both my
children and my children's children, and they have never disappointed me.
Okay, so who should NOT own an Akita?
1..Anyone who is not a heart and soul dog person, ie, anyone who is slightly
afraid of dogs should not apply. You need confidence, kindness, and experience.
You need to enjoy grooming, and teaching a large, strong, and intelligent
dog that you really do have the right to be the boss. (And doing it so that
the dog RESPECTS you NOT fears you.)
2. Anyone who thinks children and people should be able to do whatever they
want to an animal, said animal reacting as if it were an automaton and 'taking
it'.
3. People of diminished egos, who think owning a big, powerful dog somehow
enhances themselves or their own pathetic existence.
Would I sell an Akita to a family? Sure I would. To the right family and
selling the right Akita for said family. For every "misinterpretation"
by the dog around unsupervised children, which I read in this segment, I
keep thinking about a child like poor little Polly Klaus of California,
taken from her bed. Just think how that could have been different, if they
had met a child's guardian who MEANT it. Granted, this is not an everyday
occurance-thank God, but if you have children and an Akita, it IS a golden
opportunity to direct and supervise contact between the dog and kids, thereby
fostering RESPONSIBLE behavior in children.
Hoflin Home Page | Breed
Reviews By Breed | Review a Breed
Akita Home Page
Dogs Online
4401 Zephyr St. - Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033