When choosing a dog to meet the needs of your lifestyle, it is important to consider the positive as well as the negative traits the animal may have. It is true that the Akita breed makes a great companion and wonderful family dog. Still, there are certain characteristics that are less attractive about the breed and should be addressed. It is important for the safety and wellbeing of your family and the Akita that you know what to expect before you bring one home.
The Akita is bred for its instinctual hunting capabilities. They have a sharp eye and are able to track prey quietly and undetected. These are the characteristics of a successful hunting dog and have ensured the Akita’s survival through generations. Whether they are used for this purpose or not, hunting is in their blood and they will seek out opportunities to exercise their abilities. This means that any small animals in your household, including cats, hamsters, rabbits and birds can easily become your Akita’s next prey. If you own an Akita, it is important not to allow these animals alone near the dog.
A popular characteristic of the Akita is its remarkable memory of people they have bonded with. They can recall people they may not have seen in months or even years. However, this keen memory the Akita possesses makes them capable of remembering people they dislike as well. An Akita will remember an individual that offended him years before, and will likely not treat this person as warmly as others, often becoming aggressive toward the person.
Akitas are not forgiving creatures and do not allow those people that have crossed them a second chance to make it right. Additionally, Akitas are extremely wary of strange children. The Akita loves and bonds with children in its own family, and will tolerate adult strangers. However, unfamiliar children may be at risk if left alone near the dog. Many believe this is due to their hunting nature, and small children are often the right size to become prey.
To own an Akita is to add a member to your family. They do well when allowed to remain primarily indoors, as part of the pack (i.e. the family). Akitas do not thrive as outside dogs. They will become destructive as a result of boredom and lack of attention.
They also build aggression when left outdoors, especially when another dog is on the other side of a chain link fence. The Akita will begin “fence-fighting” as an attempt to get to the other dog, which only frustrates them and leads to further hostility. In the event that your Akita is allowed around other animals after being kept in the back yard for extended periods of time, it will almost definitely attack.
Contradictory to its size and appearance, the Akita is an emotionally delicate and complex breed of dog. In the hands of a responsible owner it will make an excellent addition to the family. When introduced to an environment that does not meet the very specific needs that the breed requires, the Akita can be a ticking time bomb.
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