
Akita Insurance, Care and Health Advice
The Akita breed originated in northern Japan where they were used as working dogs. Once used as fighting dogs and for large game hunting such as bears, wild boar and deer, this dog breed is now typically used as police and guard dogs in Japan. They’re large dogs, with a muscular build, and can be difficult to handle and require dedicated training.
In Japan, they’re symbols of protection, good health, happiness, and longevity. During World War II, some Japanese Akitas were brought to the United States by members of the US army who appreciated their strength, courage and loyalty. These dogs were mixed with other breeds to form the American version of the Akita.
From 2006, The Kennel Club recognised the two separate varieties of Akita dogs – the purebred Japanese Akita (or Akita Inu) and the American Akita (or Akita). The Japanese breed is slightly smaller and lighter than the American version. This breed guide will give you all the information you need on how to care for your Akita.
Is an Akita Right for Me?
The Akita is a powerful, large sized dog, that can be difficult to control. While they make good companions, they’re best suited to the more experienced owner rather than first-time dog owner.
They have a reputation for having territorial and protective instincts, as well as being aggressive to other dogs. Because of this, they’re better off being in single-dog households and may not be a good option for families with small children. They’re also not the best breed choice if you’re away from home all day.

What Are Akita Puppies Like?
Akita puppies look adorable but need early and extensive socialisation. From an early age they need to learn to accept strangers and not behave aggressively when they meet new people and other dogs.

Life with an Akita
Akitas are affectionate but can be protective of their owners. They need a confident, consistent handler who can put in the time and effort to properly train this powerful breed. It’s probably not a good idea to exercise them off the lead in an unsecure area as they can be aggressive to other dogs, animals, and people. Despite their spirited character, Akitas are quiet dogs and will generally only bark when needed.
Caring for Your Akita
The Akita is prone to bloating and stomach problems so smaller, more frequent meals can help to reduce this risk. Split their food into two meals a day and try to keep to a routine by feeding at the same time every day. If you're unsure how much to feed your dog, you can find guidelines on the food packaging. If you want more advice your vet will be happy to help.
It’s worth remembering that some Akitas can be food-possessive so make sure their food bowl is kept away from other pets and children.
Akitas are double coated. They have a soft and dense undercoat and a coarse outer coat that’s longer on the withers and rump. Their thick coats mean that they’re well suited to enduring cold weather. Akitas are good at keeping their coats clean, grooming themselves like a cat, but will need their thick, luxurious coats brushed at least once a week.
During spring and autumn, when they shed more, they may need brushing every day. Bathing may be needed every few months, along with regular nail trimming and ear cleaning.
Japanese Akitas have coats that come in red fawn, sesame (red fawn hairs with black tips), brindle and white. They’ve a fox-like head and ears that tip slightly forward and a full, curled tail. American Akitas on the other hand, have a bear-like head, more erect ears and are seen in any colour.
Akitas are intelligent and loyal but can get bored easily. They’ve an independent streak and a high prey drive. Letting them off the lead, can be a mistake! They need consistent training from a young age so they can be kept safely under control and are safe to be around other pets, dogs, and people.
Training in Akita's takes a bit longer to perfect than other breeds. Akitas require moderate exercise with a brisk walk or jog once or twice a day. Two hours (or more) is recommended.
Akita Insurance
At Everypaw, our Dog Insurance offers a range of coverage options, recognizing that selecting the right one can be daunting. That's why we simplify the process by presenting a clear comparison table to aid in decision-making.
Our Dog Insurance extends beyond veterinary fees. Our main aim is to ensure the well-being of both you and your dog, and all our policies include a variety of additional benefits, from complementary treatment to 24/7 access to a UK vet team. We are dedicated to insuring your dog with their and your best interests in mind.
Common Akita Health Problems by Vetstream
Akitas are generally healthy and hardy but can be susceptible to a few health conditions. We've got together with veterinary experts Vetstream to give you an idea of what to keep an eye out for in your Akita.
GDV (commonly known as bloat) is a very serious condition that usually affects large breed dogs with a deep chest, like the Akita. Gas accumulates in the stomach and can’t be released - dogs usually burp to relieve the pressure, but in some dogs this doesn’t happen. The stomach can then inflate like a balloon and twist on itself. When this happens, the condition quickly becomes life-threatening.
Signs of bloat include restlessness, unable to settle, drooling, vomiting, and frothing at the mouth. Bloat can kill a dog in less than an hour, so it’s very important your dog is treated as soon as possible. If you think your Akita has bloat, call your vet immediately.
To avoid bloat, feed your dog little and often to slow down the time it takes your dog to eat its food. Using a slow feeder bowl can help this too. It’s also a good idea to avoid exercise for an hour before and after eating.
Dogs suffering with hip dysplasia will experience lameness, leg weakness, pain and eventually arthritis. The condition occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together properly and rub causing damage to the surface of the joint. The BVA/KC hip scoring scheme identifies affected dogs and those with a high score shouldn’t be used for breeding.
Careful management at an early stage will mean less issues as your dog gets older. Being overweight puts lots of strain on the joints so weight control and a restricted exercise plan is important. Treatment includes pain relief and anti-inflammatories. However, surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
Akitas are prone to sebaceous adenitis, a hereditary skin disease that affects the sebaceous glands. These glands produce an oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair. The condition causes inflammation of these glands leading to their destruction. Dry skin, scaling and hair loss is seen in affected dogs.
SA can be treated with shampoos, sprays, immunomodulatory therapy and antibacterial medication but the response to therapy varies.
Akitas can be affected by auto-immune conditions. Uveodermatological syndrome (also known as Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada or VKH-like syndrome) is an auto-immune disease that causes the body to form antibodies against pigmented cells of the body, particularly the eyes and skin. This results in inflammation of the eyes, blindness, and depigmentation of the skin (vitiligo). Life-long treatment with immuno-suppressive medication will be needed.

Quick Akita Q&A
Akitas were bred to guard and protect and can be aggressive if they’re not well-trained. As they’re large and powerful dogs, they can potentially be dangerous if they feel threatened, so early socialisation and ongoing training is needed.
Akitas can fit in families with children, but they should always be supervised when around them. Akitas are not recommended in families with younger children who may not understand their possessive and protective tendencies.
Akitas generally live between 10 and 12 years if well-cared for.
No, Akitas are not banned in the UK, but they do need an experienced owner to handle them. They can be aggressive towards other dogs and strangers so need to be well socialised from an early age. Children of all ages should always be supervised when around this breed.
That’s All You Need to Know About Akitas
Akitas are large powerful dogs that are best suited to experienced dog owners. They’re naturally protective and territorial. Even with early socialisation, they prefer to be solitary pets and aren’t a good choice as a child’s companion. Although they’re intelligent and learn easily, they’re also independent which can make training difficult. Akitas are hardy and healthy but can still be prone to some health problems. Make sure you’re aware of the symptoms.
Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis
Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.
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