Akitas stop growing between nine months and one year of age. However, they may continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until they are around two to three years old.

Akitas are from northern Japan. The Akita as we know it was developed in the early 17th century, though the working dog breed’s ancestors are the native dogs of Japan.

Akitas were originally bred for hunting and fighting and are now often used for police and guard work. In the past, they were used for hunting large game such as bear, deer, and boar in cold, mountainous regions.

Akitas live to be between 10 and 14 years old, depending on genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health.

No, Akitas are not rare, but they’re not as common in the United States as they are in Japan. There are two types of Akitas: Japanese and American. The Japanese Akita is smaller and lighter than the American versions of the breed. They are the national dog breed of Japan. Like many other purebred dogs, Akitas can be found in shelters and breed-specific rescues across the country.

Yes, Akitas can be good with kids if they are properly trained, socialized, and raised in a household where children are taught to respect a dog’s boundaries. Akitas have protective natures, so they may be wary of strangers or unfamiliar children.

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

No, Akitas are not easy to train, especially for inexperienced pet parents. Their dominant and independent nature means they may try to assert themselves as leaders if not properly trained and managed.

However, training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement-based training methods are essential when training Akitas. They respond best to firm but gentle guidance and praise for good behavior. Harsh training methods are not recommended as they can lead to distrust and resistance from your dog.

No, Akitas are not recommended for first-time pet parents due to their strong-willed nature, large size, and specific care requirements. While Akitas can make loyal and affectionate companions, they may pose challenges for those who are new to dog parenthood.

It's essential for first-time pet parents to carefully consider their lifestyle, experience, and ability to meet the needs of this breed before bringing one into their home. Talk to experienced trainers and research the breed thoroughly before making a decision.

No, Akitas are not excessive barkers. Like all dogs, Akitas may bark to alert their pet parents to potential intruders or to express excitement, boredom, or anxiety. Early socialization and training can help minimize excessive barking, and providing them with enough mental and physical exercise can also prevent boredom-related barking.

Yes, Akitas are good dogs for the right pet parent. They are loyal, courageous, and intelligent. Akitas are often protective of their families and can be quite affectionate, but they are also independent and strong-willed, which means they need consistent training from an early age.

Yes, Akitas can be good with cats but have a strong prey drive, so they may not always be the best match for houses with cats. While some Akitas can coexist peacefully with cats, others may view them as prey.

If you plan to introduce an Akita to a household with cats, early socialization is essential. Supervise their interactions closely and provide positive reinforcement for calm behavior around cats. You should also make sure cats have a safe space to retreat away from the dog to prevent any potential conflicts. Remember, every dog is an individual, and their behavior toward cats can vary.

No, Akitas are not usually good with other dogs outside of their families. While some Akitas can learn to tolerate other dogs, particularly if they are raised together or properly socialized from a young age, others may be more prone to aggression or dominance issues. Proper introductions and positive experiences with other dogs can help avoid conflicts.

Yes, Akitas are smart dogs. Like many intelligent breeds, Akitas can be independent thinkers, which means they may be stubborn and may require patience and consistent training to reinforce desired behaviors.

Akitas excel at problem-solving, adapting to new situations, and participating in activities such as obedience training, agility, and even canine sports, including tracking and scent work. Providing mental enrichment, such as puzzle toys and interactive games, can help keep their minds sharp and prevent boredom.

Yes, Akitas can be friendly and affectionate with their families. They are typically loyal and protective of their families and can form strong bonds with their pet parents.

However, Akitas may be wary of strangers and need time to warm up to new people. Proper socialization can help Akitas develop confidence with new people. Their strong protective instinct may lead to guarding behaviors, too. Make sure you train your Akita to channel this instinct appropriately.

Yes, Akitas can be cuddly and enjoy spending time with their families, but they are not as affectionate as other breeds. While some Akitas may enjoy snuggling and physical affection, others may prefer to show their affection by being close by or leaning against their pet parents.

No, Akitas are not good apartment dogs due to their size and exercise needs. While keeping an Akita in an apartment is not impossible, it requires careful dedication to meeting their needs. Akitas thrive in environments with plenty of space to move around and explore. Apartment living may not provide enough space for them to exercise, which can lead to boredom and behavioral issues. Also, Akitas can be territorial and may not always get along with other neighboring apartment dogs. 

If you're considering keeping an Akita in an apartment, be sure that you can provide them with regular exercise and enrichment activities. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys can help keep them physically and mentally engaged. It's also crucial to provide them with a comfortable and safe living environment.

No, Akitas are not inherently dangerous, but they can be if not properly trained, socialized, and managed. However, it’s essential to understand that a dog’s behavior is influenced by many factors, including genetics, upbringing, training, socialization, and the pet parent’s handling and care. 

Akitas are known for their loyalty, courage, and protective instincts, which can sometimes translate as aggression if not properly channeled. Proper training, socialization, and supervision can help ensure that Akitas are well-behaved companions for responsible pet pet parents. It’s important to remember that any dog, regardless of breed, can display aggression if they are mistreated, neglected, or poorly trained.

Akitas are generally healthy but may be prone to health problems, including: 

• Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing an Akita, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia, so you know what they will be able to handle regarding activities and exercise.

• Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

• Cranial cruciate disease: The cranial cruciate ligament is an important stabilizer in the knee joint. Cranial cruciate ruptures cause joint instability and are the most common cause of hind leg lameness in dogs. Surgery is recommended to prevent the tear from progressing to more severe joint disease.

• Eye problems: Glaucoma, a disease that causes excessive pressure on the eye, damages the optic nerve and eventually leads to vision loss and blindness; entropion, a genetic defect where one or both eyelids are inverted or roll inward and rub on the surface of the eye; cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision; and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness, are concerns in this breed.

• Autoimmune Disorders: Akitas experience many autoimmune disorders such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, when a dog’s immune system attacks and destroys their own red blood cells; pemphigus, a skin disorder where antibodies attack the skin and cause painful blisters, ulcers, and erosions; sebaceous adenitis, a genetic skin disease that causes very scaly dry skin and hair loss; and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada, an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the skin cells that produce pigment (melanin) in the eyes, skin, and hair.

• Gastric dilation volvulus: a sudden, painful, and life-threatening swelling and twisting of the abdomen that is potentially fatal and may require immediate veterinary intervention. Akitas are thought to be the second-most likely breed to experience gastric dilatation-volvulus.

• Others: This breed is also susceptible to renal cortical hypoplasia, an inherited condition that causes abnormal development of the kidney and eventually leads to renal failure, and hypothyroidism, a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat. Various cancers have also been observed.

No, Akitas are not hypoallergenic dogs. They have a double coat that sheds seasonally, which means they can produce dander and shed hair that may trigger allergies.

Akitas can be prone to cancer, as are many other dog breeds. Akitas are at a higher risk for developing certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma, osteosarcoma, which is a bone cancer, and hemangiosarcoma, a type of cancer that affects the blood vessels. Genetics, environmental factors, diet, and overall health can all play a role in a dog’s susceptibility to cancer. If you notice any new bumps on your dog, tell your vet.