If you’re familiar with the story of Hachiko, you know that Akitas are more loyal than half the couples in America, right? After all, Hachiko waited for his deceased owner every day for 9 years! But don’t worry, folks, you won’t have to wait that long to see the goodness of Akitas.
We’ve got all the deets on the pros and cons of owning this breed right here. So listen close cause by the end, you might just want the next Hachiko by your side.
Let’s start with the pros:
1. Cleanliness
You know what’s better than a clean house? A clean house with a furry little neat freak in it! And that’s exactly what you’ll get with an Akita. These pups are so fastidious, you’d think they are part cat. They’re constantly grooming themselves, and you’ll hardly ever catch them smelling bad or leaving hair all over your furniture.
Akitas are live-in housekeepers, but way cuter. You can simply say goodbye to the endless vacuuming and cleaning that comes with owning other dog breeds.
2. Adaptability
Do you live in a colder climate? Because if you do, then you might just have found your new furry BFF. After all, Akitas were bred in the mountains of Japan, and they’re well-equipped to handle chilly weather like champs. Now you might ask, what if you’re living in a warmer area? Well fear not, for Akitas are like chameleons – they can adapt to just about any living situation.
From a cramped apartment in the city to a sprawling mansion in the suburbs, these pups will fit right in! And the best part? They’re great with all kinds of families, big or small. Whether you’re a party of one or a party of ten, an Akita will quickly become a part of the pack.
3. Independent Nature
Let’s face it, we all have days where we just want some alone time to relax and recharge. Well, your Akita feels the same way! They won’t constantly pester you for attention, leaving you free to do your thing without feeling guilty. They are perfectly happy to spend some quality time by themselves.
This trait is particularly beneficial for those who lead busy lives and can’t always be around to entertain their pets. So you can rest assured that your Akita won’t feel neglected or bored while you’re at work or running errands.
Also check out: Labrador Retriever – Pros and Cons.
4. Quiet Dogs
Are you tired of dogs who bark up a storm at everything that moves? Well then, the Akita will be a breath of fresh air for you! These pups are the silent ninjas from Japan. They prefer to assess the situation rather than making a bunch of noise, so you won’t have to worry about them barking every time the mailman drops off a package.
But don’t get it twisted. They may be quiet, but they’re not silent. Akitas will definitely let you know if they sense any danger, so you can sleep soundly knowing they’re keeping a watchful eye on your castle.
5. Loyalty
If there’s a dog that’s loyal to a fault, then the Akita is the breed. These pups are more loyal than a best friend who never flakes on plans. They form deep bonds with their families and will do anything to protect them, even if it means taking on a pack of terrible squirrels in the backyard!
They’re basically like bouncers. They take their job of protecting you seriously and will respond courageously to anything that poses a threat.
But before you fall in love with those fluffy dogs, let’s take a closer look at their potential downsides.
1. Potential for Aggression
You see, an Akita’s aggression potential is like a rollercoaster ride. One moment they’re calm and composed, looking as innocent as a cupcake. But then, out of the blue, they might go into full-on Godzilla mode.
Picture this majestic creature turning into a roaring, snarling beast, ready to defend their territory like it’s the last piece of bacon on Earth. Well, to cut to the chase: While it’s true that Akitas can sometimes be a little bit wary of strangers and other dogs, this aggression can usually be nipped in the bud with some good old-fashioned training and socialization.
Just think of your Akita as a little ball of clay that you can mold into the perfect companion with the right guidance.
2. Stubbornness
Akitas are some of the most independent dogs. They have their own way of doing things and aren’t afraid to show it. If you decide to take your Akita for a walk, you might want to invest in a solid pair of arm muscles. They can be quite determined when it comes to asserting dominance, and you might find yourself involuntarily participating in an intense tug-of-war match.
It’s like playing a game of “Who’s the boss?” with a furry overlord who’s not afraid to challenge your authority. This can make training them a bit of a challenge cause they may not always listen to your commands. In fact, they might even give you the cold shoulder if they don’t see the point in what you’re telling them to do.
But don’t give up hope! These dogs are super smart, and they just need a patient and persistent trainer.
3. Need Regular Exercise
Akitas are big, burly beasts that were bred to hunt and work hard, which means they’ve got plenty of pep in their step. If you want to keep your Akita happy and healthy, you’ve got to give them plenty of opportunities to run, play, and explore. Think of them as canine marathon runners – they need a solid 2 hours of exercise daily to keep them in tip-top shape.
And it’s not like you get a say in it either. Slack off and you’ll just come home to couch looking like it’s been through a tornado! Better get those running shoes ready and start building up your endurance, because these dogs will have you on your toes.
4. Food Possessiveness
When it comes to mealtime, Akitas can get a little territorial. They may even resort to growling or snapping if anyone tries to approach their bowl of kibble. To avoid any “hangry” outbursts, it’s important to establish some ground rules early on.
You may want to set up a separate eating space for your Akita, away from any potential food thieves. And if you have kids or other pets, make sure they know how to give your furry friend some space while they chow down. With some firm yet loving training, your Akita can even learn to share their grub and avoid any unwanted dinner drama.
5. Not Suited for First-Time Owners
While Akitas are definitely awwwww-some pups, they might not be a good fit for rookies. These four-legged friends are known for their stubbornness, independence, and strong personalities. Plus, they can be pretty darn protective of their food and even a little aggressive at times!
Not to mention, these guys need a lot of training, socialization, and exercise to keep them well-behaved and healthy. The bottom line is that all of that can be pretty difficult for new owners but don’t worry. There are plenty of other breeds out there that might be a better match for you.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading the article!
So, time to assess whether you’ve got what it takes to be an Akita’s human. Do you have the patience, dedication, and a firm hand required to handle these majestic beasts? Let us know in the comments.
Here are other articles on the Akita if you’re interested to know more about the breed.