Japanese Akita

The Japanese Akitainu, also sometimes known as the Akita, is a confident and smart dog. Their perky ears give away their inherent alertness, always observing. Independent thinkers and oftentimes stubborn, they are affectionate towards their families, although they will show it by being near you, not necessarily on top of you like other breeds.

Japanese Akita Breed Overview

Sure-footed and loyal, Japanese Akita were originally bred in Japan’s mountainous Akita region. They date back as far as the 1600s, where they were used as hunting dogs. They are highly intelligent dogs and are more likely to be in stealth mode, observing and absorbing everything, than making their presence known. Standoffish to strangers, they are devoted to their families.  

Japanese Akita Facts

• They can be called the Japanese Akitainu or Akita
• Originally bred in Japan in the 1600s
• Quiet, observant dogs
• High-shedding breed
• They do best with calm, quiet households
• Can be stubborn and need consistent training

How to Care for Your Japanese Akita

Here’s what you need to know about nutrition and feeding, health and wellness, grooming and hygiene, and general care for a Japanese Akitainu.  

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Japanese Akita

Japanese Akitainus need a diet filled with high-quality proteins, fats, and carbs. This breed might have sensitivities to wheat, corn, and chicken, so consider alternative foods like Purina Pro Plan’s Sensitive Skin & Stomach food, which has turkey and oats as a base.

How Much to Feed a Japanese Akita

The Japanese Akita can weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. Because it’s such a wide range, check with your vet or the back of your dog’s food bag to get an accurate amount of food needed. Their food intake should ideally be spread out over two scheduled feedings. There is a wide range of weights within the breed, so to get the best estimate of how much food your dog needs, head to the Purina Feeding Calculator, where you can enter specific information such as their weight, activity level, age, and more.

Treats & Supplements

Japanese Akitas are relatively healthy dogs, but might benefit from a few supplements, like omega-3s for a healthy skin and coat, glucosamine for joint health, and probiotics for digestive health. This can be discussed in more detail with your vet. Treats can be used in association with positive reinforcement training.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

Regular vet checkups are part of being a good pet owner, where you can discuss at length things like vaccine schedules, parasite prevention, and dental care. You can also talk to your vet about spaying or neutering your Japanese Akita.

Japanese Akita Enrichment & Exercise Needs

The Akita has a moderate energy level and enjoys physical activity outside. They do well with shorter sessions, such as leash walks and romps outside, to keep their bodies engaged and their minds stimulated. They enjoy playtime, such as chasing or fetch, and other enrichment activities, such as games and puzzles. Training can be an essential part of tiring out your Japanese Akita; a tired dog is a happy and well-behaved one.

Understanding Your Japanese Akita Behavior

Akitas love playtime, but they can also be very quiet, which makes them an ideal dog for a household that can match that energy. They love their families, but can be very aloof with strangers. Socialization is important to decrease the likelihood of developing separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior. Loyalty might be shown via sitting near you instead of on top of you like other dogs; they’re happy to just be in the room with you. Because they are so independent, they need owners who are willing to put in time and energy to combat their sometimes stubborn attitudes. Consistent training is key to creating a lasting bond.

What to Expect as Your Japanese Akita Ages

Japanese Akitas can suffer from conditions as they age, such as hip dysplasia, a joint issue. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to try and slow the effects of it, and joint supplements can be discussed with your vet. This breed is prone to hypothyroidism, something that can be monitored by your vet. Consult your vet on when to switch them over to a senior dog food to help with things like mental clarity, joint health, and sensitive stomachs.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

Japanese Akitainu owners will need to be OK with dog hair – and lots of it. This breed has a double coat that sheds year-round and requires regular brushing to remove loose and dead hairs and prevent matting. They could also have a skin gland condition called sebaceous adenitis, which might require medicated shampoos. Talk to your vet if your Akita shows signs of hair loss, has dandruff, or has scaly skin.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Regularly clean your dog’s ears with vet-approved wipes to prevent infection, and keep your dog’s eyes free of discharge. The breed can have a congenital eye issue called microphthalmia that can lead to issues like cataracts or retinal dysplasia, something to be vigilant about with your vet. Inspect their paw pads for scrapes, cuts, and signs of infection regularly, and get them on a dental care routine to prevent tartar build-up and gum disease.

Anal Gland Care

Larger breeds like Akitainus have less trouble expressing their anal glands than smaller breeds, but they might still get blockages known as abscesses. If your dog is licking excessively, scooting, straining to go to the bathroom, or emitting a foul-smelling odor, call your vet.

Living With a Japanese Akita

Living Space

Japanese Akitainus are large dogs that require enough space to move around inside comfortably. They are more independent and like privacy, so urban living is not the most ideal for them. A fenced-in yard where they have lots of room to roam and explore is ideal, although you’ll want to make sure it’s well-secured, as this breed can be suspicious of strangers. They’ll take as much peace as they can get.

Socialization

Because they can be standoffish, Japanese Akitas will require a lot of socialization to get them comfortable around unfamiliar people and places. Introduce your dog to social opportunities early and often to help build up confidence.

Climate Considerations

The Japanese mountains where these dogs were originally bred are cold, so these dogs inherently do better in colder climates where they can put their coat to use. They are sensitive to heat. If you live in a more temperate to warmer climate, try to exercise your dog during the coolest parts of the day, make sure they have plenty of shade and water, and limit time outside.

Potential Challenges

Japanese Akitas are loving and loyal dogs for the right family. They like calm, quieter households, preferably with no children or older children who are okay with the dog’s need for alone time. Because of their independent nature, they can be standoffish – something that can be worked on with training and socialization.  

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