Disclosure: Our content is reader-supported, which means we earn commissions from some links on Pet Chao. Commissions do not affect our editorial evaluations or opinions.

Akita Temperament: 10 Surprise Facts You Should Know

Last updated on March 10th, 2024 at 04:18 pm

Thinking about getting an Akita? You must know the Akita temperament thoroughly! In this article, you’re going to discover all traits to help you decide if an Akita is right for you. Let’s dive in!

Akita temperament

If you want to adopt an Akita puppy into your house, understanding their temperament is necessary. Akitas were used for guarding royalty and nobility in ancient Japan, which remains evident in Akita temperament and appearance nowadays.

The typical Akita temperament is alert, intelligent, fearless, and surprisingly faithful. They are naturally wary of strangers but extremely loyal to their family, making them excellent guard dogs. 

With family, they are affectionate and playful. They enjoy being in the company of the house and cherish any moments and activities with you. They also enjoy cuddling, so if you’re a fan of snuggling up with pups, the Akita puppy is probably suited to you.

akita temperament

They like carrying toys and household items around. Also, Akitas love playing in the snow and ice, they’ll joyously spend all day with you!

If you live in a tight space, you should think twice about getting an Akita because they have a loud bark and howl, especially when strangers are present as a threat. Neighbors who are sensitive to noise may have an issue with their voices. 

Their tendency to be aggressive toward other animals is one of their most serious temperament issues. Akitas are often jealous and possessive dogs. They can only live with other pets when they are trained and socialized. On the other hand, they should not be kept around smaller animals since their natural instincts will cause them to see them as prey. 

Any incident can activate their aggressive tendencies and lead to an accident, no matter how well trained they are.

Japanese Akita Temperament

Another outstanding personality trait of Akitas is their suspicion of strangers. This trait may be related to their guarding and hunting duties in the past.

Akitas have food aggression, especially towards other animals. And they do not show any signs before an attack. This is why kids should never near this dog while they are chewing or eating a bone.

Akitas prefer to live or work alone or in pairs rather than in groups. Today’s Akita reflects that breeding. Anyway, they are happy to be the only dog in the house and will be your excellent guard dog.

Female Akita temperament

akita temperament

Female Akita temperament is more serious, independent, and less playful than male. In addition, they are not as aggressive and stubborn as the males, so training them will be easier.

Females also won’t tolerate strangers and other pets, especially same-sex dogs. Proper socialization and training are essential to help them behave politely in your house and in public.

Is an Akita a good family dog?

Unlike well-known child-friendly breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Akitas have little patience and can strike out at kids who play rough or invade their personal space. Therefore, an Akita can be a great family dog for the family with older children who can understand how to treat a dog respectfully. 

The Akita is one of the best guard dog breeds and will protect the family and their home at any cost. However, they’re not suitable for inexperienced owners due to their size and strong personality.

Will an Akita protect its owner?

long haired akita inu

Akita will protect its owner from danger. So if you are an Akita owner, you don’t have to worry about this. Even if they see someone they don’t know approaching you, their protective instincts will instantly kick in. 

They will also bark and growl at intruders if they make a mistake when entering your home. Their commitment to guard duty can even lead them to attack intruders if needed. Akitas will protect both you and your family.

Are Akitas people aggressive?

Akitas have an aggressive gene, which can be hard to change. They can become aggressive quickly and will usually not back down when provoked. However, proper training and socializing will reduce their aggression!

Akita temperament with other dogs

As mentioned above, the Akita loves to be the only dog in your house. They can attack other dogs, especially same-sex dogs if they are not trained and socialized from an early age.

Akita temperament with cats

japanese-akita-colors

Some Akitas can get along with cats, and some don’t. They have a strong hunting instinct and can be unpredictable. So to be safe, you’d better never trust a dog to be alone with a cat, even if they seem like lovable dogs.

Are Akita puppies energetic?

Yes, this breed has a relatively high energy level and needs daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Why does my Akita growl at me?

Growling, like barking, is one of the many ways dogs communicate with their owners and other people. Here are some possible reasons why your Akita growls at you:

    • Your Akita might be trying to warn you of something.
    • They might be scared.
    • They might be marking his territory.
    • They might be playing.
    • In the worst case, your Akita might be hurt.

How do you know if an Akita likes you?

do akitas like water

When you see your Akita jumping around you joyfully with a big smile and wagging their tail, lean on you, kiss and lick your faces, and follow you wherever you go.

So, if your Akita dog has all of these adorable behaviors, they undoubtedly love you so much!

Why does my Akita follow me everywhere?

Akitas will follow you everywhere if they want attention and affection. However, they also follow you for some reasons, including separation anxiety, boredom, pain, or fear.

Do Akitas like exercise?

As Akita is a large and active breed, sufficient exercise is crucial to manage all energy and balance their character. Let them exercise for 1-2 hours every day in a large and secure garden. The activities can include walking, jogging (for an adult dog over two years old), swimming, or playing games.

You also need to ensure they are in a safe environment. In addition, don’t let puppies play on hard surfaces until their joints are fully formed.

Is an Akita easy to train?

akita temperament

No, Akitas are not easy to train due to their intelligent and stubborn character. But if Akita dogs are not trained, they can attack others and become a nightmare to walk. Akitas need training as early as 16 weeks and require a willing and committed owner to give them a strict routine to follow.

The most effective method for them is positive reinforcement trainingAkitas do not respond to the harsh training method like others. Using high value and rewards to keep them motivated, convince your dog that it is always better to listen to you. You should teach them to consistently and accurately follow your commands until it becomes their habit.

In addition, socializing with Akitas is also essential to help soften the edge of their wariness and make them more friendly around people and other animals. 

Many readers have loved learning how to train their dogs based on scientific methods from a free workshop conducted by Dr. Alexa Diaz (one of the top service dog trainers in the U.S.) and Eric Presnall (host of the hit Animal Planet TV show “Who Let the Dogs Out”) at the K9 Training Institute. In the free workshop, you’ll discover:

    1. How to train your dog using body language rather than verbal cues
    2. The 3 key techniques that service dog trainers use to train dogs and how you can use them too
    3. The most important step that “normal” dog owners have been missing (this is very important to get your dog’s attention, and it works 100% of the time)
    4. How to stop bad behaviors like excessive barking, pulling on the leash, jumping, etc.
    5. Why a lot of dog owners are unable to establish the amazing bond that service dog trainers have with their dogs

Etc.

Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, this pre-recorded workshop will help you train them successfully. You may not want to miss the chance to learn these groundbreaking techniques. Here’s the free workshop.

Akita dog lifespan

akita temperament

The Akita has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. In fact, large dog breeds like them live shorter than smaller breeds a little bit. However, their lifespan depends on multiple factors like diet, exercise, Akita temperament, etc. Interestingly, the oldest Akita can live up to 26 years, equivalent to more than 125 years of human age.

Akita weight

The Akita is a large-sized dog breed. Male dogs stand 26 to 28 inches and weigh 85 to 130 pounds. Female dogs stand 24 to 26 inches and weigh 70 to 110 pounds.

Akita dog price

When asking a reputable breeder, you can expect prices for an Akita puppy to be anywhere from $700 to $1600. However, if you are looking for a puppy that showed quality or took part in exhibitions and competitions, the price will likely be higher.

Conclusion

red akita

The typical Akita temperament is alert, intelligent, fearless, and surprisingly faithful. They are naturally wary of strangers but extremely loyal to their family. So if you’re looking for a beautiful and excellent guard dog, the Akita is the best choice.

Becoming a dog parent is one of the most memorable moments of life. But before bringing your new best friend home, it’s vital to have all the right things to make sure the adoption is really smooth and makes them feel right. You may feel overwhelmed by tons of puppy products on sale and not sure what items your puppy actually needs. That’s why I’ve compiled this minimalist puppy checklist to help you get started.

About us: Pet Chao is a community for Asian dog breed enthusiasts. Our goal is to keep you and your four-legged friend healthy and happy by providing valuable resources and fostering a like-minded community.