American Akita

The American Akita is a family dog, who pays attention to more than one member of a group. They are the type of dog who greatly distinguish their family from the rest of the world.
 
They know how to be tender and are sometimes clingy but they are still independent and certain individuals can be quite distant with their owners.
 
For example, in public, do not expect them to show affection as they tend to save this for their family in private when they are out of sight.

The American Akita can be a very good playmate, especially for older children, but only when they want to play. You cannot force this dog to cooperate, even in fun activities. Their behaviour changes greatly depending on their mood.

The American Akita is very calm and likes to nap for hours. However, they can be easily riled, particularly if they feel danger approaching. They are very alert and vigilant dogs, despite their calm appearance.

Even though the American Akita is not a working dog, they are still very intelligent. They can be quite cunning because they ignore their owners’ commands and make them think that they haven’t understood!

Despite never being used as hunting dogs; these dogs have a strong predatory instinct. For example, it can be difficult to let them loose in a forest or to play chasing game, even if you call them back, their predatory instinct will take the lead.

You should be aware that the Akita never completely acknowledges anything. You cannot train an instinct out of them, but you can educate them to fight against it. Most importantly, you must respect the nature of these dogs.

When they are puppies, they love everyone and enjoy interacting. However, when they hit puberty and adulthood, they become more reserved.
 
They do not appreciate being stroked by strangers and will make this clear by dodging them or moving away.
 
The American Akita is not usually aggressive towards humans; however, they can show annoyance if people insist on physical contact.

The American Akita, named by the Anglo Saxons, is a proud and independent dog who likes peace and quiet, and can sometimes seem very distant. However, this does not prevent them from being very close to their own social group.

The American Akita is independent, proud and above all, appreciates peace and quiet. They keep an eye on their family and are calm in their presence. In fact, long periods alone do not bother them at all.
 
They should be taught independence from when they are first brought home as a puppy by being left alone, but not for prolonged periods of time.

The American Akita is not a ‘working’ dog, so it doesn’t have the same ability to learn as a Sheepdog for example. They are sometimes stubborn, or rather very opportunistic, and do not appreciate constraints or obligations. Therefore it is important to take their personality into account when choosing training methods.
 
As a trainer, perseverance, self-confidence, patience and consistency are needed to achieve the desired results. Training sessions should be kept short, playful and regular as they quickly tire of repetition.
 
Mutual trust between the dog and their master is essential in order to achieve cooperation. If there is a lack of trust, then it will be very difficult to get the desired results.
 
Brutal methods of training are to be avoided because they will hinder the relationship between the dog and their master. A positive approach to training must be taken, whilst remaining firm and consistent.
 
However, do not expect the American Akita to be obedient. If they sense a lack of consistency, they will not obey commands. When they do decide to obey a command, it will be as and when they want and in their own time.

The American Akita is famous for not barking. There are of course exceptions, but in general, they are not very talkative and know how to be discreet.
 
The dogs who bark tend to be those who are left locked in the garden without ever leaving it.

As long as there is nothing that catches the Akita’s eye or nose outside their home, they have no reason to run away.
 
Often confused with Huskies (who do like to run away due to their need to run) Akitas prefer to take a nap at home.
 
However, if they live in the garden, it is advised to secure it with a high, solid fence because nothing can prevent this keen predator’s attention to prey.

American Akitas are calm and poised; however, they can be destructive if they need something! Their laziness can sometimes mislead owners into thinking they do not require anything, causing them to become aggravated and destructive.
 
It is important to encourage them to go for walks, because whilst they may rarely show their desire for exercise, it does not mean that they do not need it!

The American Akita is generally a fussy, not greedy eater. Some say that it can be difficult to find food that they like, but once they do like a food, it is a great source of motivation for them.

Vigilant and very courageous, the American Akita is a good watchdog and its mere presence dissuades anyone from approaching.
 
You must not rely on their appearance, as although they come across as calm dogs (which they often are) they can change their attitude in a few seconds if they feel that their owner is in danger.

American Akitas have strong characters and strong primal instincts due to their primitive side, so they are not the dog for every master.
 
It is very important to let the American Akita be themselves and not to force them to change their nature.
 
Before getting an Akita, it is very important to be aware of their characteristics, qualities and ‘defects’.

Living in an apartment will suit the American Akita but only if they get several long daily walks.
 
They also easily adapt to city life as long as they’re in a house with a garden.
 
In any case, whether they’re living in an apartment or a house with a garden, the American Akita needs daily outdoor walks to mentally and physically exercise.

Often considered a sled dog, especially due to their Husky resemblance, these dogs are not particularly sporty. Their physical build does not allow them to tow or do intense physical exercise.
 
It is advised to wait at least a year before encouraging strenuous physical activity to avoid harming their growth.
 
The American Akita particularly likes quiet walks and hikes where they can take time to enjoy the smells around them. They also enjoy wading or swimming, and so being near a lake is an advantage.
 
Finally, although some Akitas that are livelier than others, in general, they are quiet dogs who prefer sleep to going for walks. However, you do still need  to walk them sufficiently every day, at least twice and more frequently if they live an apartment.

It is easy to understand why American Akitas are not the easiest dogs to transport. Their weight makes transportation rather awkward.

Relationships between American Akitas and cats are possible but they require the two animals to grow up together. A dog (who has a strong predatory instinct) who has never been with a cat will tend to consider it to be a prey if he is confronted to the cat for the first time as an adult.

The American Akita can often act confrontationally towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex. Two dogs of the same sex living together is usually quite risky.
 
If two dogs are socialised in the first three months of their lives, and this socialisation continues regularly in a controlled and positive way, then the dogs will establish a code which will facilitate encounters with other dogs.

The American Akita is independent and likes its peace. In fact, the presence of young children may not be suitable for this big dog, despite their teddy-like appearance.
 
They can be patient but will quickly reach their limits, especially if rules are not obeyed, such as not disturbing them whilst they are in their basket.
 
On the other hand, it will be a good playmate for older children who know how to communicate respectfully and read their calming signals (licking their nose, bristled hair, grunting, ‘smiles’, yawns etc.)

This dog is not intended for dynamic and sporty people, in fact, elderly people can definitely own an American Akita but they must be able to invest sufficient time and energy, especially into training and socialising their dog.
 
Be careful though, walking should not be neglected and therefore sedentary people are not compatible with this breed.