A national treasure in Japan, Akitas have been a favourite of dog lovers worldwide because of their watchfulness, unconditional loyalty, and great strength. At Dog Chef, we talk about adopting and living with an Akita.

The Akita — a huge, dignified dog breed with Japanese roots — symbolises good health and spirituality. The courageous Japanese Akitas were trained to hunt bears and wild boars in the mountains.

Akitas aren’t widespread in the US or elsewhere in the world, but the well-trained ones make faithful family pets. Akitas are playful and loving with their owners, while being aloof to strangers.

Akita puppies are loved for their fluffy coats, round bodies, and huge paws. They become strong adults with time. An Akita’s fluffy coat and fox-like face are irresistible. Especially when they tilt their head!

American Akitas weigh 32–59 kilograms and stand 61–71 centimetres at the shoulder. Its enormous head has a broad nose, pointed ears, and small, deep-set brown eyes. Its thick double coat, which sheds little and needs frequent cleaning, might be white, brindle, or pinto with well-defined markings across a robust frame. Akitas’ fluffy tails wrap over their backs.

Akita Inu, the Japanese Akita, looks like the American Akita but is smaller. American Akitas can be any colour, while Japanese ones are red, brindle, or white. The Japanese Akita and Shiba Inu look similar; however, the Akita is huge, and the Shiba Inu is small.

Akitas are large and always in charge. They belong to a working breed, but in Japan, they were raised to hunt and protect houses.

Akitas make great family dogs if trained early and often. The Akita prefers to be with humans and gets along with familiar youngsters. He’s reserved with strangers. Akitas relate so closely to their families that they may be happiest as the house’s only fur kid (they can feel jealous if you love another dog too much!). Akitas may live alongside pet cats and dogs if introduced as puppies.

The Akita is known for being odourless, but if it spends a lot of time outside, its coat will get dirty and need frequent brushing.

The Akita’s thick coat loses little until warm weather arrives, then watch out! The annual coat blowing will cover the house. Akitas need nail clipping and teeth brushing too.

Healthy and happy dogs require moderate activity and high-quality dog meals. If your Akita doesn’t get enough from yard play, a daily jog or a long stroll will do. Sedentary Akitas can gain weight quickly. They’ll gain weight if they stay home, consume treats, and just lounge. Since these fluffy puppies grow into enormous, strong, independent adults, tranquillity, consistency, and positive reinforcement should start early and happen often. This breed needs constant puppy training, and they are quite easy to potty-train!

The average Akita lives between 10 and 13 years, which is quite a long time for a dog of its size. Hip dysplasia, arthritis, hypothyroidism, and eye difficulties are just a few of the health issues that can affect the breed.

The Akita Club of America reports that the breed is predisposed to a life-threatening condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), better known as bloat.

If you own an Akita and are concerned about any potential health issues, consult your vet.

We at DogChef have personalised meal plans, supplements, and snacks that can help your Akita thrive, right from their puppyhood to senior days. Design a healthy and nutritious diet for your Akita right and get it delivered at your doorstep now!