Should I Get Akita Inu As A Pet?

Do you mind having a dog that may be unpredictable toward strangers?

Do you have any other pet?

Can you tolerate large amounts of shaded hair?

Do you mind having a dog that is very difficult to raise and understand?

Many Akita Inus have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of people. Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone. If you have small children, Akita Inu is not a recommended breed.

Akita Inus were developed to hunt other animals. Most Akitas will not tolerate another dog of the same sex, and some won't tolerate the opposite sex either. Most Akitas have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures, including deer and livestock. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.

Akita Inus shed a lot. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, on your countertops – even in your food.

Akita Inus are one of the most challenging breeds to understand and raise. They are more "primitive" in their ways of thinking and their behaviors than most other breeds. Their facial expressions and body language are more subtle and thus harder to read than most other breeds. They have an independent mind of their own. Many Akitas are willful, obstinate, and dominant and will make you prove that you can make them do things.

If you want a large, rugged dog that despite its size, doesn't need a great deal of exercise, doesn't bark much, and isn't clingy or overly dependent, Akita Inu might be the right choice for you.