Courtesy Linda Igemi. An Akita will groom himself like a cat, is clean, and housebreaking is usually not a problem. Courtesy Judith Kelly. Several hundred have been registered as therapy dogs and some have obtained the AKC Therapy Dog title and can be seen visiting nursing homes and hospitals, and doing reading programs with children at schools and libraries.
While most often seen in the conformation ring, there are also some Akitas in other dog sports, such as obedience and agility. Courtesy Julie Burk. Independent and sometimes aloof with strangers, Akitas are affectionate with their families 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 rather than force.
Not everyone has what it takes to live with one of these majestic dogs. But for those who do, it is an experience like none other, a chance to share your life with a national treasure.
Chances are that you chose her because you like Silent Hunters and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle:. Is it all worth it? Of course! Akitas are large and powerful dogs that require a firm and consistent leader to give them the early training and socialization that they require. They are natural guard dogs that do not bark without reason. Due to their thick double coat, this breed does not thrive in the heat.
Akitas prefer to be with their family. They do not do well when left outside alone. Akitas are generally healthy but can be prone to some diseases, like hypothyroidism, and hip dysplasia. Early detection is the key to a long and happy life, so be sure to schedule routine checkups. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her.
That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Akita. By knowing about health concerns specific to Akitas, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks.
That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Akitas to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Akitas.
At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Silent Hunter looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Akita is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Akitas are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors.
Obesity can be a significant health problem in Akitas. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. One of the best things you can do for your Akita is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles.
Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop.
For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This means your Akita is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen.
Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes out , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up.
Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! In , the government of Japan declared the Akita breed to be a national monument and one of Japan's national treasures. Helen Keller was the first person to bring the Akita to the United States. In , on a visit to the Perfecture of Akita , she commented on how much she admired the breed and would like to have one of her own.
Her courage had inspired the people of Japan, and as a gesture of respect she was given a puppy named Kamikaze-Go. Although this puppy died at a young age, she was fortunate to receive a second Akita and enjoyed his companionship for many years.
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New Zealand. Norway - Norge. Is large, rugged, and powerful, with a wolf-like appearance Has a thick coat that comes in many colors and patterns Carries himself with a dignified, impressive presence Looks imposing, so makes an effective deterrent Despite his size, doesn't need a great deal of exercise Doesn't bark much — the "strong and silent" type Isn't clingy or overly-dependent An Akita Inu may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with Potential aggression toward people when not socialized properly Aggression toward other animals Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge Possessiveness of food — children and other animals should not be allowed near an Akita who is eating Heavy shedding Legal liabilities public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits An Akita Inu may not be right for you.
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