Akita Inu

This dog can be distant, but nevertheless affectionate towards members of its social group. Contrary to most primitive dogs, the Akita is relatively affectionate. 

With people outside of its social group, however, the Akita is usually quite cold and indifferent.

Playtime is not a source of motivation for this dog. Akitas adopt an almost humorous superior air when their master tries to play with them.

That said, the Akita Inu puppy is very expressive and loves to play, just like any normal puppy. However, once it reaches adulthood, the Akita will no longer need people to keep itself occupied.

This Japanese dog is definitely one of the most calm from its category. Its placid nature is quite typical of this breed. 

Its easy-going, balanced temperament is what characterises this dog the best. The Akita is gentle, calm and charming. 

The Akita’s calmness and serenity is such that it’s sometimes even easy to forget that there’s a dog in the house.

The Akita Inu is an intelligent dog. It understands quickly and can even surprise its masters. However, its intelligence is often disguised by its stubborn temperament - the Akita is very hard-headed and it can be difficult to maintain its attention.

Nevertheless, its intelligence is marvellously reflected by its ability to adapt to a wide range of lifestyles.

This breed was initially bred to be a hunter. However, the Akita quickly changed uses, since it was more frequently employed as a guard and fighting dog. Today, the breed retains some instincts from its predatory past, but this is far from being the main feature of this dog. 

Nowadays, it is most frequently adopted as a pet or show dog.

You don’t have to worry about this dog jumping up at strangers. In the presence of people it considers strangers, or even threats, the Akita will maintain a lot of distance and take its time to observe and analyse the situation before anything else.

After analysis, in most cases, this Japanese dog will decide to turn its back on the stranger and resume business as usual. It takes a long time for the Akita to trust people.

This breed will generally react badly to strokes or other physical approaches from unknown people, even if they are well-intentioned.

Like many Spitzes, the Akita Inu is very independent. Akitas are very confident and naturally authoritative. However, thanks to selective breeding, these pets remain very attached to their social group.

Being alone isn’t this dog’s preference, but it equally doesn’t shy away from it. Akitas know how to occupy themselves in the absence of their masters. 

However, be aware that an Akita will only demonstrate its natural calmness if it is properly exercised before and after these periods of solitude.

Don’t trust blindly in its appearance; the Akita’s placid personality can sometimes hide its fiery and stubborn side. Akitas quickly understand and assimilate what is being asked of them, but can come up with strategies to avoid obedience if they perceive the commands as incoherent or unfair. 
Neither playful or particularly greedy, a good relationship is most likely what will encourage this dog to cooperate with its master. If there’s a lack of trust, then the training will suffer. 

Training should be soft and gentle so as to not perturb this sensitive dog, but should equally be firm to keep the animal in check. The Akita puppy should start training from a very young age to avoid picking up bad habits.

You will need to keep engaging the Akita puppy with its training during the first few months of its life, despite the many distractions that will undoubtedly be much more interesting to a puppy than training sessions.

This Spitz rarely barks, which is aligned with its calm and discrete temperament that is very well-adapted to living in a flat.

Very attached and loyal to its social group, this dog doesn’t like going off on its own. Akitas do not master recall, but will never venture too far away from their owners during a walk.