Is an Akita Right For Me? - Adopting - Midwest Akita Rescue Society (2024)

FAQs

Is an Akita dog right for me? ›

While Akitas adapt well to family life, they are also very large and therefore would do best with experienced owners. They need an active household willing to take them everywhere on adventures because they get so attached to their families!

The Akita lifespan is surprisingly long for such a large breed. It's very likely that yours will live for longer than a decade. The average lifespan for the breed is between 10 and 14 years. This means that you should prepare for a long life with your pet — especially if you get them as a puppy.

A purebred Akita from a reputable breeder can cost between $1,000 to $3,000, with Japanese Akitas tending to be on the pricier end.

The Akita has some health problems that can be a concern, especially if you aren't careful whom you buy from. They include hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and autoimmune hypothyroidism.

One person dog

It's important that you don't leave this breed alone for long periods of time. Encourage your Akita to get along well with the whole family and anyone else who may frequently be visiting. This is because Akita usually bond with only one person and can become anxious and stressed when that person is away.

Akita personality

The Akita is happy to be an only dog, and can be aggressive toward other dogs not in his family group. Properly socialized, an Akita can learn to tolerate other animals, but will most likely try to keep his status as top dog at any cost.

Akitas are quiet, fastidious dogs. Wary of strangers and often intolerant of other animals, Akitas will gladly share their silly, affectionate side with family and friends. They thrive on human companionship. The large, independent-thinking Akita is hardwired for protecting those they love.

The Akita must be socialised and trained from birth to interact with humans and other animals, especially household pets. They are known to be cautious around new people and to dislike other animals and pets and are not recommended with small families.

Akitas Are Independent and Intelligent. Independent and sometimes aloof with strangers, Akitas are close with their owners 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.

The price of an Akita puppy can vary depending on several factors. Reputable breeders who prioritize the health and temperament of their puppies typically charge higher prices. The puppy's bloodline, pedigree, and lineage also play a significant role in determining its price.

Are Akitas hard to train? ›

Many people find that Akitas are one of the more difficult dogs to train. However, if you start obedience classes early and remain strict and supportive, while keeping the dog's interest, Akitas can be as well trained as most other breeds.

So if you' have or are planning to have children, you may want to hold off on getting an Akita. If you already have other dogs in the house, getting an Akita also may not be a great choice, as Akitas can be very aggressive towards other dogs, especially if they are same-sex.

Akitas express affection in subtle ways, such as leaning against you or offering gentle nudges. Understanding their body language and respecting their independent nature is crucial.

They are known for being very loyal and protective of their owners, but they can also be aggressive toward strangers. Akitas are also very strong dogs, so if they attack someone, the results can be devastating.

Akitas are quiet, fastidious dogs. Wary of strangers and often intolerant of other animals, Akitas will gladly share their silly, affectionate side with family and friends. They thrive on human companionship. The large, independent-thinking Akita is hardwired for protecting those they love.

In addition to their extreme loyalty, the Akita likes to keep very clean, and is easily housebroken. These two characteristics make them desirable to have in the home. Some have described the Akita as being almost cat-like, as they are so clean and odorless.

Are Akitas cuddly? Akitas may be willing to cuddle with their person, the owner who's formed a strong bond with them over the years. But don't expect to cuddle with an aloof Akita during your first meeting.