Taking Care of an Akita

Anyone who has ever seen the movie Hachiko would know the loyalty and love an Akita can give to their owners. Akitas are wonderful, alert, and powerful large dogs that have a heavy structure, similar to a bear. The elite society members of northern Japan once bred these beautiful dogs. Today, they can be found all over the world. Akitas are very flexible dogs and can live in an apartment in the city or in a big farm. Taking care of an Akita is not really as difficult as it sounds, nor is it different from the care given to any other breed for that matter.

Always be cautious if others are around them

Akitas are loyal and wonderful guard dogs. They can watch over your home and scare danger off with their loud barks. However, dog owners can never be too careful. Children, especially toddlers, should never be left alone with the dog. Older children need to know what they can and cannot do with a large dog such as an Akita. When there are visitors at home, the dog can be placed inside a room or they can be leashed.  One thing people find less attractive amongst Akitas is their temperament. These dogs are known to be a bit aggressive and do not take to strangers very well. Akitas that are used to seeing other people and animals are actually better in socializing compared to the ones who are always kept at home.

Keep them clean

Akitas have very thick fur. Japanese Akitas come in four classic colors, Red Fawn, Sesame, Brindle and White. American Akitas are bigger and have more fur colors. Either way, these dogs need a lot of tending to when it comes to grooming. Regular baths are needed and brushing should be done daily.

Health issues

Akitas are prone to hypothyroid disease, which causes weight gain. Their diet needs to be monitored to avoid them from getting too big. These dogs, especially pure bred Akitas, are also known to have hip problems, blood and bone disorders and degenerative myelopathy. DM in dogs will mean that they need special attention when it comes to exercise and diet. Checking an Akita’s bloodline is one way of knowing if it will develop DM in dogs in the future, so always check their records.

Lifespan

Akitas can live up to about 10 to 12 years, but some Akitas have lived up to 15 years and more. These dogs are known to survive in most type of climates. However, they are used to more cooler weather. If you live in the tropics, air-conditioning may be necessary during the summer to prevent heat exhaustion and stroke.