How Fast Can An Akita Run? Top Answer Update

In the pet world, people seem to brag about two things when it comes to their dog’s intelligence: how smart their dog is or how endearingly stupid their dog is. While there are certainly some endearing traits for a dork in a dog, I think we’d all rather have a smart one. Intelligent dogs are easier to communicate with and therefore usually easier to train. Smart dogs are also less likely to get into trouble, like getting caught in traffic, if they break loose.

This begs the question, are Akitas smart? Akitas are considered a highly intelligent breed, but just like humans, this will vary from one Akita to the next. One of the biggest indicators of how intelligent your dog is is how easy it is to train them. I can tell you from personal experience that our Akita, Haga, learned to come and sit at just 7 weeks old and was housebroken shortly thereafter.

How can you tell if your Akita is intelligent?

There are different types of intelligence for dogs, just like humans. Your Akita may have good problem solving skills, emotional intelligence, etc.

I find that our American Akita, Haga, is not easy to trick. For example, if you pretend to have a treat in hand, some dogs will run at the first promise of food, but your Akita will likely be skeptical of you if he hasn’t seen you take the treat out of your pocket. If you’re curious whether your Akita is smart or not, suddenly try pretending you have a treat in your hand and see if he responds!

If you’re wondering if your Akita has emotional intelligence, try noticing their behavior when you’re sad or upset. I remember a recent situation where I was having a rough few days and during that time my Akita, Haga, never left my side and was extra cuddly.

American Akitas are also usually very good at spotting potential threats. While some people believe that Akitas generally don’t like strangers, my experience has been that Akitas don’t like people who are untrustworthy. A great example of this is how our American Akita Haga reacts to the neighbors in the neighborhood while we are out for a walk. There is a wonderful family down the road from us and Haga is always happy to see and play with her children, but someone lives across town who isn’t exactly the tastiest of characters and our Akita is always barking and bares his teeth when that person walks by. Because of this, I always trust my dog’s instincts around strangers.

It’s important to keep Akitas’ proud history in mind as well, as they were originally bred as working dogs for bear hunting in the snow-capped mountains of Japan. According to the incredible book Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain by Martha Sherrill (click here to get it on Amazon). The technique used by the hunters was to have their Akita circle the bear and cage it so the hunter could kill the bear. It’s clear that Akitas must be pretty smart to attend such an event considering their lives and the lives of their owners were at stake during the bear hunt.

The intelligence test

If you are looking for a more specific answer about your American Akita’s intelligence, you can try this intelligence test I found online.

Test 1: Put a blanket or towel on your Akita’s head and measure how long it takes him to “come out”.

3 points if they figure it out in less than 15 seconds

2 points if they figure it out in 15-30 seconds

1 point if they figure it out in over 30 seconds

Test Two: Hold a treat in an open palm, then place both hands behind your back. From there, switch the hand holding the treat. Bring your hands back in front of you and present your Akita with two closed fists. See how quickly they can figure out which hand it’s in.

3 points if they guess the right hand the first time

2 points if they guess the wrong hand first

1 point if they have no idea what they are doing

Test 3: Line up 3 empty cups upside down. While your Akita is looking, place a treat under one of the cups and distract them for a few seconds before letting them search for the treat.

3 points if they go straight to the correct cup

2 points if they inspect an empty bowl before discovering the correct cup

1 point if they look at both empty cups before finding the correct cup

Test Four: Grab your Akita’s leash and hold it up. This will test if they associate their leash/leash with walks. It’s best to do this test at a time when they don’t typically go for a walk.

3 points if they immediately understand what is happening

2 points if you have to head towards the door so they understand what’s happening

1 point if they don’t seem to understand what is happening

Test 5: Place a treat within easy reach under a piece of furniture low enough for only your dog’s paws to fit. This will examine your Akita’s thinking and problem-solving abilities.

3 points if it takes less than 1 minute to get to the snack with just your paw

2 points if it tries to put its head first or uses both nose and paws

1 point if you give up completely

Rating:

12 or more points: Congratulations! Your Akita is a genius.

10-12 points: Your Akita is pretty smart

8-10 points: Your Akita is of average dog intelligence

5-8 points: Your Akita is not the smartest but still the cutest

Under 5 points: Well, at least they are fluffy!

Akita Intelligence vs. other breeds

When you think of intelligent dog breeds, two probably spring to mind: the border collie and the poodle. It is true that these dogs have impressive intelligence and it is estimated that you can teach these breeds up to 250 different words/commands including verbal and hand signals.

In 1995, Stanley Coren set out to find out which dogs were the smartest, and through his research he compiled a list of the smartest dogs. Of the 130 dog breeds considered, Coren actually ranked the Border Collie number one. Where did the Akita end up? The Akita ranked a respectable 54th in intelligence, just ahead of the Skye Terrier and level on points with the Boston Terrier.

However, in Coren’s top 5, you’ll see two breeds that seem out of place: Golden Retrievers and Labradors. Anyone with first-hand experience of these classic American family dogs will know that they aren’t always the smartest, and the reasons for this ranking are pretty clear: Coren ranked dog breed intelligence primarily on the basis of obedience.

While obedience is a crucial factor in a dog’s intelligence, the strict obedience classification favors breeds that are overly concerned with pleasing their owners, something Akitas are not known for. In fact, Akitas are known for being stubborn and independent. With that in mind, I think the American Akita would likely be much higher on the list if other attributes were considered.

If you’re interested in reading Coren’s book, literally titled The Intelligence Dog, click here to get it on Amazon.

Does Akita’s intelligence matter?

In the end, the most important thing for you and your American Akita or Japanese Akita is your communication and relationship with each other. Good training is the foundation of any good relationship with your Akita, and good training is based on consistency and patience. It doesn’t matter how smart your dog is, if you’re not consistent with their training, you’ll have a hard time building trust and communicating with them.

When it comes to consistency in training, we don’t just discuss how often you train your dog, we make sure you always use the same commands for the same situations. Akita owners sometimes switch between commands like “Come” and “Here”. While these two words may mean the same thing to you, they won’t mean the same thing to your Akita unless you’ve taught him to understand those words.

If you want to learn how to find the best breeder for your Akita, check out our article on Akita breeders HERE!

If you want to see more fun and informative videos about Akitas, subscribe to our YouTube channel!

If you are looking for the right dog to protect you, your family, or your property, some dogs are born with an instinct to act as guard dogs. The best protection dog breeds usually have a strong sense of loyalty to you and your family, are highly alert, alert, and act obediently. An ideal guard dog is usually large, fearless, and responsive to training.

Here are 10 dog breeds that will generally serve well as protectors and companions if you’re considering getting a guard dog.

Dog Bite Statistics – Children are the most likely victims of being bitten by an Akita dog

According to the Centers for Disease Study, there are approximately 4.7 million dog bites each year. About 1 in 5 victims of dog bites require emergency medical treatment. Children between the ages of 5 and 9 suffer more dog bites than any other age.

Dog bites disproportionately affect children. Young children are filled with wonder and curiosity and are often prone to explore and experiment. Most don’t understand that there should be physical boundaries between people and animals, especially between dogs and children, who often have natural attractions. A child’s innocence and naivety coupled with an overprotective dog can lead to trouble. Children will almost instinctively kiss or hug a dog around the neck. A dog showing any form of the aggression listed below is likely to snap when presented with an innocent hug.

Dog bite injuries in children tend to be more serious than in adult victims. Children are smaller and weaker and therefore less able to fend off dog attacks. Children are also smaller and their head, neck and face are closer to a dog’s mouth.

Akita attacks

Their size, along with their protective instincts, difficulty interacting with other dogs, strong will, and independent and stubborn nature make Akitas a dangerous dog breed. Insurance companies have grouped Akitas with other dangerous dogs, and they have been the subject of breed-specific laws in other states.

They are popular dogs in the United States, although they are the third most common breed of dog to bite someone unprovoked.

Merritt Clifton is Editor of Animals 24-7. He conducted an extensive desk review and found that Akitas was responsible for the following number of disfiguring injuries and deaths over a 32-year period from 1982 to 2013.

Breed Physical Injury Child Victims Adult Victims Deaths Mutilations % of Total Dog Population Akita 70 44 22 8 52 .07%

Dog aggression and why dogs bite

A major goal of dog breeders over the centuries has been to breed increasingly aggressive dogs. They did this to breed dogs for better protection or for entertainment in the form of attack dog breeds like the pit bull.

Dog bites can have many causes. Dogs exhibit several types of aggression that lead to biting, including:

Dominance Aggression: Usually directed towards family members interacting with the dog. This form of aggression is triggered when something is taken from the dog or when the family member pets, holds, picks up, or disturbs the dog while it is sleeping.

Usually addressed to family members interacting with the dog. This form of aggression is triggered when something is taken from the dog or when the family member pets, holds, picks up, or disturbs the dog while it is sleeping. Defensive Aggression: Can be directed at family and non-family members and occurs when the dog is frightened and approaches too quickly.

: Can target family and non-family members and occurs when the dog is frightened and approaches too quickly. Territorial Aggression: Targets strangers who approach the home or yard.

: Aimed at strangers approaching the house or yard. Predatory Aggression: Targets small and fast-moving animals and children.

: Aimed at small and fast-moving animals and children. Pain Triggered Aggression: Targets anyone who approaches the bog while in pain or injured.

: Targeted at anyone who approaches the bog while in pain or injured. Punishment Elicited Aggression: Targeted at anyone who yells at or hits the dog.

: Targeted at anyone who yells or hits the dog. Redirected Aggression: Targets any person who approaches the dog when it is in an aggressive state.

Dog bite children law in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law provides protection for victims of dog bites and attacks; especially when small children are the victims. Under Massachusetts law, a dog owner or handler is strictly liable for dog bites unless the victim trespassed, teased, tortured, or abused the dog, or committed some other tort (misconduct). However, a child under the age of 7 is automatically presumed to have done nothing to cause the attack, and cases are almost always in favor of children aged 6 and under:

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140: Section 155. Liability for Damage Caused by Dogs; minors; presumption and burden of proof. Section 155. If a dog causes damage to a person’s body or property, the owner or handler is liable, or if the owner or handler is a minor, the parent or guardian of that minor is liable for that damage, unless such damage was caused caused to the body or property of any person who, at the time such damage was suffered, was trespassing or other tortious act or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog. If a minor on whose behalf a claim is brought under this section is less than seven years old at the time the damage is caused, such minor shall be presumed not to have committed trespassing or other tort or teasing, tormenting or abusing any such dog, and the burden of proving such a claim rests with the accused

Who is Responsible for Dog Bites (Who Can You Sue for a Dog Bite)

Household contents insurance: Dog owners are generally liable for all injuries and damage caused by their dogs. The dog owner’s household contents insurance usually covers dog bite injuries. Sometimes, however, there may be an exclusion on your home insurance policy for dog bites. Each case is different. However, homeowners are permitted to purchase supplemental/supplemental insurance in the form of an umbrella policy. Some homeowner’s insurance policies also include a special provision that provides limited coverage for dog bites.

Dog owners are generally liable for all injuries and damage caused by their dogs. The dog owner’s household contents insurance usually covers dog bite injuries. Sometimes, however, there may be an exclusion on your home insurance policy for dog bites. Each case is different. However, homeowners are permitted to purchase supplemental/supplemental insurance in the form of an umbrella policy. Some homeowner’s insurance policies also include a special provision that provides limited coverage for dog bites. Landlords: In addition to suing the dog owner, you can bring claims against a landlord if the landlord knew or had reason to know that a dangerous dog lived on the property. If someone reported the dog to the landlord, or if the landlord knew the dog’s breed and it’s a breed that is generally known to be aggressive, the landlord is responsible. In most cases, a renter does not have insurance that covers the dog bite attack, and therefore prosecuting the landlord is important.

In addition to suing the dog owner, you can file claims against a landlord if the landlord knew or had reason to know that a dangerous dog lived on the property. If someone reported the dog to the landlord, or if the landlord knew the dog’s breed and it’s a breed that is generally known to be aggressive, the landlord is responsible. In most cases, a renter does not have insurance that covers the dog bite attack, and therefore prosecuting the landlord is important. When a child is the dog owner: When a child’s dog bites someone, the child’s parents are responsible for the attack and injuries.

When a child’s dog bites someone, the child’s parents are responsible for the attack and injuries. Dog Watcher or Dog Sitter: If a dog attacks someone while being watched by a neighbor or friend, the dog owner is responsible for the injuries. So if the dog owner’s dog bites another person while in the neighbor’s care, the neighbor would be covered by the dog owner’s insurance policy.

Have you been bitten or attacked by a Japanese or American Akita dog in Massachusetts?

Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in the Boston Area – Initial consultations are always free – no fee unless we recover for you

If you or a loved one has been bitten, attacked, or fatally abused by an Akita, mixed breed, or other type of dog, you need an experienced attorney to file a claim against the dog’s owner or other responsible parties. Our attorneys have a proven track record of over 35 years of legal experience in helping dog bite and accident victims pursue civil claims, and we’re ready to take on your case today.

No matter where you are, we’re just a phone call away. Call our law firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 or click on the link below to use our free case evaluation form.

Our dog bite victim attorneys assist accident victims throughout Southeast Massachusetts, including but not limited to Plymouth County, including Brockton, Plymouth, Bridgewater, Marshfield, Hingham, Duxbury, Wareham, Abington, Rockland, Whitman, Hanson, Holbrook, Middleborough; Norfolk County including Quincy, Stoughton, Dedham, Weymouth, Braintree, Avon, Holbrook, Randolph, Canton, Sharon, Brookline, Franklin; Bristol County including New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Mansfield, Easton, Raynham, Lakeville, Norton; Cape Cod, Hyannis, Falmouth, Barnstable and Greater Boston including Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, Everett, Lawrence, Lynn, Revere, Dorchester, Roxbury.

The Akita Inu is handsome, calm, dignified, clean (easily housetrained), and quiet (rarely barks). So it’s understandable that he’s considered a desirable pet!

However….the Akita Inu has a complex personality that makes them very difficult to raise.

The Akita Inu is physically strong, reserved and protective of strangers. He needs to be acclimated to people from a young age in order for his guarding instincts to remain controlled and not indiscriminate.

Akitas can be so aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex that two males or two females should never be left alone together. The problem is that this breed can be difficult to “read” – often he won’t “put himself up” (showing obvious signs of aggression) – instead, an Akita may coexist peacefully with another dog, until suddenly, seemingly out of the blue, it A small disagreement ensues, or perhaps the other dog pushes the Akita too far or approaches the Akita’s food bowl or favorite toy, and then the Akita may attack with ferocity. Akitas can be very possessive of their food – keep children and other pets away from them during mealtimes.

As you can imagine, cats and other small animals around an Akita are also at risk. In general, it’s simply safest to keep this breed as your only pet.

Training can be challenging because the Akita Inu is assertive, strong-willed, and gets bored easily. He can use his intelligence in ways that suit his own purposes.

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However, owners who know how to lead will be excellent at training him through praise and reward methods. This breed needs to be treated with respect – absolutely no teasing – but you must insist that he reciprocates that respect or he will walk right over you. Akitas are not a good choice for a first-time dog owner.

Unlike many other large breeds, the Akita Inu does not require hours of running training. He does well on long, brisk walks and the occasional vigorous run, especially in cold weather. Akitas LOVE snow and cold.

If you want a dog that…

Is large, sturdy and powerful, with a wolf-like appearance

Has a thick coat that comes in many colors and patterns

Carries with a dignified, impressive presence

Looks imposing so is an effective deterrent

Doesn’t need much exercise despite its size

Barks little – the “strong and quiet” type

Is not clingy or overly dependent. An Akita Inu might be right for you.

If you don’t want to deal with it… Possible aggression toward people if not properly socialized

Aggression towards other animals

Strong willed mind of its own that needs a confident owner who can take charge

Food Possession – Children and other animals should not be brought near a feeding Akita

Heavy shedding

Legal liability (public perception, future breed bans, insurance issues, increased likelihood of lawsuits) An Akita Inu may not be right for you.

Keep in mind that temperament inheritance is less predictable than inheritance of physical traits such as height or hair loss. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by rearing and training.

Other features and characteristics of the Akita Inu

If I were considering an Akita, what I would be most concerned about is…

Akitas are native to Japan and are known to be incredibly loyal family pets. They are big dogs and very strong. Although originally bred as guard dogs due to their fearless and loyal personality, Akitas have historically been used extensively for hunting and therefore have a high prey drive.

There are actually two Akita breeds. The original Akita Inu was bred in Japan and then the Akita was thought to have evolved into a larger stature. This article focuses on Akitas.

While Akitas adapt well to family life, they are also very large and would therefore do best with experienced owners. They need an active household willing to take them on adventures anywhere because they are so attached to their families!

Common health problems in Akitas

Akitas are large dogs that thrive in the right household but unfortunately like many purebred dogs are prone to certain health issues. Tests and screenings are currently being conducted for some of the problems that Akitas can have.

If you are thinking of buying an Akita puppy, we recommend getting one from a Kennel Club Assured Breeder as they will have additional requirements including health screenings. Parents who do the appropriate screening will reduce the chances of your pup being affected by these bothersome conditions. We also recommend discussing the medical history of your potential pup’s parents and grandparents and thinking very carefully before adopting a dog with any of the health conditions listed in the family line.

Potential health issues that Akitas are prone to include:

Hip dysplasia – where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly which will eventually lead to arthritis. Before breeding, dogs should be x-rayed under the BVA/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia Scheme.

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) – Often known as “bloating,” this is a condition where the stomach twists. This is an emergency and requires urgent veterinary attention.

skin problems.

Various eye problems, including hereditary problems like cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. BVA/KC search tests are currently available for this purpose.

Progressive retinal atrophy – gradual loss of vision over several months or years.

Glaucoma – a disease that damages the eye nerve and gets worse over time. It is believed to be related to the build up of pressure in the eye.

Entropion – inward rolling of the eyelids, causing constant irritation and pain in the eye.

Ectropion – outward rolling of the eyelids, making the eyelid appear droopy and the eye dry.

VKH Syndrome (Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada) – It can cause eye and skin problems and is often seen as a loss of color around the dog’s eyes and nose and occasionally elsewhere.

Autoimmune diseases including: Sebaceous gland inflammation – This is a skin condition in which the skin’s own skin glands become inflamed and sore. Hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid that causes problems with weight, skin, and energy.

If you want to minimize the risk of your dog getting into trouble because of exaggerated traits, you can read our advice on choosing a pedigree dog.

Caring for your Akita

Akitas can make great pets for the right household, but their size and strength make them unsuitable for inexperienced owners. They need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy and love nothing more than going on adventures with their owners.

Because Akitas can be suspicious of strangers, your dog will need to be well socialized from an early age to ensure he grows up to be a well-rounded canine. They are a very intelligent breed so you need to make sure you can keep them busy or you might find them taking their boredom out on your house and furniture!

Akitas and Barks

As with any dog, Akitas are likely to make noise and how much they bark or vocalize depends on the individual dog. Akitas have a reputation for only barking when they feel it is necessary (which may differ from their owner’s idea of ​​what is necessary!). You may find them barking to alert you to strangers when they are unhappy with something or even bored. If you have problems with excessive noise or barking, we recommend that you seek advice from a recognized behaviorist.

training and socialization

Akitas are very intelligent and pick up new things quickly, but be aware that this involves both bad habits and good ones! You must provide ongoing positive, reward-based training with your Akita, and this must be consistent within your household. If you are not an experienced trainer or are new to owning a dog, you should seek the help of an accredited trainer.

Akitas are independent and because of their intelligence, this is often confused with stubbornness. You need to take a firm but fair approach to training and make sure your dog has clear boundaries. They get bored easily, so you might want to be given brain puzzles and keep spinning their toys so they don’t lose interest in them.

Because Akitas are so attached to their families, we would not recommend leaving them alone as many do not do well with them. If you must leave your Akita alone it should never be longer than four hours and you must ensure you provide something to keep him occupied.

Remember to socialize your Akita with lots of other dogs, different people, and different experiences from an early age. This is especially important for Akitas due to their wariness around strangers and other dogs.

exercise

Do you know this dog breed? The American Akita breed of Japanese descent has some admirable traits, with their loyalty being above all others. All the more surprising is the regular inclusion of this breed in so-called potentially dangerous dog lists.

But are Akita dogs dangerous? Next we will try to learn more about this topic and the character of the American Akita.

Why are American Akita dogs considered dangerous?

Like pit bull dogs, the American Akita has a scissor-shaped jaw. This means that its bite is very strong and its jaw cannot be opened until the dog decides to let it go.

Another reason the American Akita makes the list of potentially dangerous dogs is because of their build. A male American Akita can weigh up to 65 kg and grow up to 67 cm. The Akita is a natural hunter, which can lead to dangerous situations if not properly socialized with other animals.

Is the American Akita an Aggressive Dog?

With the little information given so far, there is no doubt that any attack by an American Akita is dangerous, mainly because of this dog’s size. The next question to answer is, are American Akita dogs prone to attacking humans?

No, they don’t. American Akita Dogs tend to bravely defend the lives of their human family, sometimes risking their own lives in the process. Far from being dangerous, this dog is exceptionally loyal and courageous.

Regarding his hunting instincts and territorial personality, these factors can be adequately controlled with proper dog training and good socialization. Nevertheless, castration is recommended for male dogs.

In terms of body weight, it’s utterly absurd to think that the larger the dog, the greater the breed’s inherent risk; this is not the case at all. There are really heavy Labradors and Retrievers and nobody considers them dangerous.

Obviously they have a personality very different from that of the American Akita, but that doesn’t mean the Akita has a dangerous or inappropriate character. In fact, as discussed below, any dog ​​lover is sure to fall in love with this breed’s personality.

What is the temperament of the American Akita?

So what is the character and temperament of this majestic Japanese dog? Akitas are considered exceptional watchdogs in their region of origin. This breed is also considered a symbol of prestige, strength and loyalty, as well as a symbol of good luck.

In ancient times it was said that if a samurai warrior died without honor, he would reincarnate into an Akita dog in his next life. In doing so, he was able to redeem himself by dying in honor and loyalty to his owner.

The American Akita is a very confident dog that is instinctively protective of its territory, food, and human family. Additionally, this dog is very friendly with people as long as they don’t feel threatened, and is playful, affectionate, and loyal to their owners.

It’s a calm, peaceful, and patient breed, meaning it remains indifferent to various external stimuli unless they pose real danger. When given a home, the American Akita is a very happy dog ​​that enjoys being involved in the everyday life of its human family.

Don’t turn your American Akita into a dangerous dog

Let’s recap: Is the Akita Inu a dangerous dog? no

Can the American Akita be a dangerous dog? Yes, it can be very dangerous, but that doesn’t depend on the dog. It’s up to you, the socialization tools you teach him, and his training.

The American Akita is a breed very loved by all dog lovers as they tend to be very protective of their owners. Regardless of how you feel about this spectacular canine, that doesn’t mean you should shirk the responsibility of caring for them. Before you get yourself an American Akita, honestly ask yourself these questions:

Can I physically control a dog that can weigh more than 60 kg?

Can I give my dog ​​daily exercise?

Am I willing to undertake proper training and socialization and do I have time to oversee this process?

Am I strong enough to be considered the pack leader and discipline my dog?

Do I have enough time to give my dog ​​all the love and affection he needs to keep his balance right?

If in doubt, this is not the right dog for you and adoption is not in the best interests of either party.

An Akita wolf is an Akita dog that was bred with a wolf. This animal is considered a wolfhound or hybrid. Akitas are primarily chosen for their markings and build. Precautions must be taken if you decide to own one for the first time.

story

The Akita wolf is a natural born security guard. The Akita wolf is a large breed, with males averaging between 85 and 130 pounds and females between 65 and 110 pounds. Strong and loyal, they are a great working class breed.

misunderstandings

There are many opinions about Akita wolves. Many believe that Akita wolves make great companion animals and provide an educational example of wolf hybrids to the public. Others believe Akita wolves make poor pets, are dangerous and unpredictable.

function

The Akita wolf has a dominant and predatory nature. The Akita wolf is also very intelligent and gets bored easily. This sometimes makes it difficult to train the Akita wolf. The trainer makes more mistakes than the Akita wolf. If the Akita-wolf hybrid is unsuccessful at obedience training, the hybrid can be expected to challenge the owner for dominance.

considerations

The Akita wolf does not get along well with young children. If the child teases or upsets an Akita wolf, the child is more likely to be attacked. The Akita wolf also considers small animals as prey and smaller pets may be attacked. Akita wolves are very possessive eaters. This could lead to conflicts with other animals in the household.

Prevention/Solution

If you decide to own an Akita wolf, it’s important to research your state’s laws and regulations regarding owning a wolf hybrid. Many states consider wolf hybrids illegal because there is no scientific evidence that there is a rabies vaccine for the Akita wolf. Please do not put the animal in danger by placing it in an environment that could potentially harm it. If you live in a state that bans wolf hybrid ownership and authorities determine that you own one, your family pet may be removed from your residence and euthanized.

meaning

It is important to look for a responsible and reputable breeder if you decide to purchase an Akita wolf. You want to make sure you’re not only getting a healthy pet, but one that has the potential to be a good companion. The choice of breeders is large. Owning an Akita wolf is a life changing experience and is not to be taken lightly. It’s important to ask yourself, “What is my goal for this animal?”

advantages

While all dogs have the potential to pinch and bite, some breeds have stronger bites than others due to their powerful jaws, large teeth, and fearless nature.

When researching dog breeds, it’s important to remember the factors that contribute to biting incidents, such as: B. Antisocial behavior from irresponsible owners who teach their dogs to be aggressive. Many dogs were bred specifically for their intelligence and strength, while others are simply the result of poor husbandry.

To help us understand more about dogs that bite, Norfolk-based animal behaviorist and trainer Sarah-Jane White measured the strength of dogs by looking at the pounds per square inch (PSI) for each breed.

Check out the full list of dog breeds below…

1. German Shepherd

Stuart Vine Getty Images

“The German Shepherd is a breed known for its strength and intelligence,” says Sarah-Jane White. “With a bite force of 238-291 PSI, this breed is often used for law enforcement, military, and protection. German shepherds are also popular as family pets because of their loyalty and obedience. They are the 8th most popular dog in the UK. ”

2. American Bulldog

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“The bulldog is a strong breed of dog that has a very powerful bite,” explains Sarah-Jane. “With a bite force of 305 PSI, this dog is no joke! Often used as a guard dog or for protection, the American Bulldog is a breed to have on your side. They are energetic and require lots of exercise but make great family pets.”

3. Rottweilers

Julian Popov / EyeEm Getty Images

“The Rottweiler is a powerful breed of dog known for its strength and intelligence. With a bite force of 328 PSI, this breed definitely holds its own against other animals. Often used as a guard dog, the Rottweiler is a breed you don’t want to mess with! With the right training, they really are lovable companions.”

4. American Pit Bull Terrier

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“The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed known for its strength and determination. With a bite force of 240-330 PSI, this breed can definitely take down larger prey,” explains Sarah-Jane.

“Pit bull terriers are legal in the United States. But in Canada, pit bulls are banned in many cities and towns. Puerto Rico had a two-decade ban until 2018, when it became legal again to own, sell, and import the breed. They’re banned in Britain.”

5. Great Dane

Benjamin Bergstedt / 500px Getty Images

“The Mastiff is another large breed of dog known for its strength and power. With a bite force of 556 PSI, this breed can easily overpower other animals. That’s more than three times the bite force of an average dog.”

6th floor Corso

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Sarah-Jane continues, “The Cane Corso is a breed known for its power and strength. With a bite force of 650 PSI, this breed can take down prey much larger than itself.”

7. Turkish Kangal

Mehmet Mustafaoglu / EyeEm Getty Images

“The Kangal Shepherd is a Turkish breed of dog known for its size and impressive strength. With a bite force of 743 PSI, this breed is the undisputed king of the canine world when it comes to brute force. Typically used for protection against wolves, bears and Jackals in his native Turkey due to his intimidating size and abilities as an effective guardian.

“While all of these breeds are incredibly strong, the Kangal holds the top spot as the dog with the strongest bite in the world. With a strength more than three times that of the average dog, this breed can take down much larger prey than itself. So if you are looking for a dog that is not only powerful but also fearless, the Kangal is the one breed for you!”

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If you have an Akita, your life could suck, and you’ll still do pretty well. This fuzzy companion is incredibly loyal, deeply affectionate and the best friend you will ever have. Here are ten reasons why an Akita is all you’ll ever really need.

1. Akitas are crazy people.

The Akita is truly unlike any other dog breed, with a stoic personality, webbed toes and a tail curled over the back. If owning an Akita is your first experience with a dog, you may not realize how different they are from other breeds.

2. They’re basically giant teddy bears.

An Akita doesn’t cuddle with everyone. If you’re lucky enough to sleep with one, you’ll never know how you’ve ever slept before. Of course, because they’re big enough to take up most of the bed, you can’t move, and your leg will fall asleep…but it’s totally worth it.

3. They bring good luck.

In Japan, home of the Akita, people give each other tiny Akita figurines as gifts because the dogs represent health and happiness. Being a friend to an Akita is happiness in itself, and the fact that the dogs scatter little lucky furs everywhere is an added bonus.

4. Akitas are large snow hares.

If you live in an area with four seasons, the Akita’s favorite season is winter when his double coat allows him to enjoy even the coldest of days. Anytime there’s a snowstorm, these dogs look forward to rolling around in the snow, napping in snow banks, and spending hours outside enjoying the weather that reminds them of their namesake, the mountain town of Akita in Japan.

5. They are forever loyal to their family.

An Akita is nothing like a retriever breed, making friends with everyone they meet. They are usually aloof with strangers and can take weeks to adjust to new friends. But once they bond with you, they are incredibly loyal. When people think of Akitas, they think of the story of Hachiko, the Japanese dog who went to the train station every day to greet his owner when he came home from work…and continued the daily routine for nine years, after its owner died, never to love another human being in the same way again.

6. An Akita always has a lot to say.

Some Akitas are more talkative than others, but making noise is very purposeful and communicative. By whining, sighing, growling, barking and howling, an Akita manages to teach you its secret language. If you take the time to listen, you’ll be able to easily tell when they’re hungry, when they want attention, when they’re on alert, and when they’re frustrated.

7. They are surprisingly gentle.

Although an Akita can weigh around 100 pounds and at times may seem ignorant of their own strength, they are genuinely gentle with children and sometimes even cats and other small animals, especially when properly introduced and know the smaller creature as part of her own family.

8. They blow to the beat of their own drum.

When you call your Akita to come back in after playing in the yard you will usually see a twitch of the ears and then a look on his face as if deciding whether or not to obey. Sometimes smells can still be smelled. Some people say they are stubborn, but the truth is they are independent thinkers making their own decisions. Training an Akita means using many highly motivating reinforcers and sometimes even convincing the dog that the task was his idea in the first place.

9. You are incredibly intelligent.

One of the main reasons why not everyone can own an Akita: They are smarter than many people. They pick up new tricks and cues very quickly and have a strong intuition to understand what you’re trying to show them, even if you’re not expressing yourself very clearly. They also pick up unexpected things like opening doors and turning on faucets just by watching you. You’ll be surprised how many words you’ll learn just by listening and watching.

10. Akitas are “heart dog” stuff.

While every dog ​​is special, a heart dog is exceptional. It is one with which you have a very special connection. A smart, loyal dog like an Akita is one of those people you will never forget, no matter how many dogs you have in your life.

The Border Collie is widely considered the smartest dog breed in the world (with the Poodle in second place). If some dog breeds are the smartest, it only makes sense that some dog breeds are the dumbest, right? An internet search for the dumbest dog breeds will turn up numerous lists of breeds that people believe are in some ways less intelligent.

First, what determines the smartest and dumbest dog breeds?

So, what makes a dog smart — or gets them ranked among the dumbest dog breeds? Is it just how trainable he is? His ability to remember things? sense of direction? energy level? Something else?

In 1994, a psychologist named Stanley Coren, PhD., DSc., FRSC, wrote a book called The Intelligence of Dogs (Atria Books). dr Coren ranked more than 100 dog breeds based on three specific types of intelligence:

Instinctive intelligence (ability to perform tasks they were bred to do, such as herding or hunting) Adaptive intelligence (ability to problem solve independently and learn from previous experiences) Working and obedience intelligence (ability to learn when tutored by humans )

In The Intelligence of Dogs, Dr. Coren’s top 10 smartest races in order of intelligence:

The 10 lowest ranking breeds (or dumbest dog breeds) according to the book were (in descending order):

So does that mean these are the 10 dumbest dog breeds? Well, not necessarily.

When discussing the dumbest dog breeds, remember: all dogs are bred for different abilities

“How smart you appear to be depends on the test,” says Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, ACVB, professor emeritus and former department head and program director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. “Until recently I had two dogs. One of them was hyperactive and the other dog was kinda lying around like a lump. You’d say Jasper wasn’t as smart as Rusty. But as soon as you were out on a trail, Jasper lit up. He did the work that nature intended for him because he was a coonhound, and he used his super-intelligent nose. He was brilliant at his job but not so good at some other things.”

It’s no secret that purebred dogs have wildly different abilities depending on what they were bred to do. For example, herding breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Corgis are generally considered to be extremely intelligent. Because of the nature of their work, they are excellent at both making independent decisions and taking direction from humans.

Why are hunting dogs considered one of the dumbest dog breeds?

Why do so many gun dog breeds make the dumbest dog breeds list? “Pretty much all scent hounds are ruled by their nose,” says Dr. dodman “They’re hard to train because they’re not really looking up, they’re looking down. They’re not really interested in listening or pleasing anyone, they’re only interested in following with their nose. The greyhounds want to hunt anything that moves. There is a purpose for every dog ​​breed and the mixed breeds are just a combination of the purebred breeds. I understand how easy it can be to be superficially judging a dog who is a little slow and doesn’t pay much attention to what you say and really isn’t interested in performing tricks, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t smart , and in some ways it might be smarter to be highly independent than to be obedient.”

Hounds like Basset Hounds, Beagles and Bloodhounds can sniff out almost anything. Sighthounds can spot their prey at the slightest movement and chase quickly. A Border Collie is far more trainable than a Bloodhound, but a Bloodhound is far better at tracking scents than a Border Collie. They each have different abilities, but they excel in their own way.

Determining the dumbest dog breeds poses the same problems as determining human intelligence

dr Dodman notes that measuring human intelligence can pose a similar problem to determining the dumbest dog breeds. “It just depends on how you classify people,” he explains. “Some people are good at math, some people are good at English. You can be good at some things and not so good at others.”

Given the wide variation in the abilities of dogs, and considering that dogs don’t speak our language, how can we accurately gauge a dog’s intelligence, and therefore the dumbest dog breeds? “It seems like multiple intelligences,” says Dr. dodman “Measure her as particularly bright like Jasper, almost a scholar when it comes to hunting? Or do you have to average all behaviors across 10 different behaviors and give them an average score, which I think would be pretty much the same for all dogs?

Brian Hare, Ph.D., associate professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University in North Carolina and founder of the Duke Canine Cognition Center, studies canine psychology. “We play the same types of games that researchers play with young children,” he says. “We give dogs puzzles to solve and the choices they make show how their minds work.”

according to dr Hare are canine intelligence and the dumbest dog breeds are no black and white affairs. “I don’t really think there’s such a thing as ‘smart’ and ‘dumb’ dogs,” he says. “That’s just looking back at a linear version of intelligence, as if intelligence were a more or less full cup of coffee. Different dogs are good at different things. And all are geniuses in their own way.”

In fact, some of the research on the dumbest dogs may not be accurate

As it turns out, some of the research used to determine the smartest dogs or the dumbest dog breeds may not be entirely accurate.

“Scientific work on breeds hasn’t really lasted,” notes Dr. Hare tight. “Most breeds are only 150 years old, so there is little difference between them. To scientifically prove the smartest breed, you would need to compare at least 30 dogs of each breed. They would need to be puppies raised in a similar manner and tested to control for the effects of rearing history and age on performance. If you took the AKC breeds, or all breeds worldwide, you would need anywhere from 6,000 to 12,000 puppies, decades of work, millions of dollars, and about a thousand graduate students. No wonder nobody has done that before.”

In fact, dr. In his own research, Hare saw as many differences within a breed as between them. “For example, Labradors bred for the military are the same breed as Labradors bred to be service dogs — and you’ve never seen two dogs so different in your life,” he explains.

When people rank certain breeds as the dumbest dog breeds, it’s less about really measuring their intelligence and more about not understanding the breed’s special abilities.

“No individual dog or an entire breed should be considered ‘dumb,'” says Gina DiNardo, executive director of the American Kennel Club. “Simple training is not an accurate way to judge a dog’s intelligence. What we humans perceive as “stupid” can be the self-reliance, stubbornness, or aloofness common to many races. Training takes time and patience, and every dog ​​is different. Learn various training techniques available and if you are struggling, seek out a trainer who can provide you with the skills you need to teach your dog.”

So what is it about certain races that led to them being in Dr. Coren’s book The Intelligence of Dogs when the dumbest dog breeds landed? Let’s take a look at each of the supposedly dumbest dog breeds.

The 10 Stupidest Dog Breeds and Why They’re Called “Stupid.”

1. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound tops the list of dumbest dog breeds according to The Intelligence of Dogs, but Afghan lovers certainly disagree. Afghan hounds are sighthounds, meaning they were bred to hunt using their exceptional speed and eyesight. Like many greyhounds, Afghan Hounds can be aloof, which means they can be a little aloof and reserved, especially around strangers. They can also be stubborn and independent. Because of these traits, Afghans aren’t easy to train, but that doesn’t mean they’re stupid. They just prefer to think for themselves and do things on their own terms. You may need to be more creative when training an Afghan Hound, but their elegance, regal looks, and dedication to their humans make them special companions.

2. Basenji

The Basenji is another sighthound that makes the list of the dumbest dog breeds due to its independence and reserved nature. Some people describe this breed as feline, and in fact many Basenjis groom like cats. The breed has earned a reputation for being “untrainable,” but again, ease of training isn’t always an accurate indicator of intelligence. On the contrary, Basenjis are intelligent, curious and playful. Like curious toddlers, they are smart enough to get into trouble if you don’t keep a close eye on them. Raising a Basenji can sometimes feel like taming a wild animal. They are alert and cautious, and while most bond with their owners, they may or may not like your friends. Conclusion: Basenjis are stubborn, so not always obedient, but they can be trained. Positive methods are best.

3. Bulldog

Another breed known for being stubborn on the list of the dumbest dog breeds is the bulldog. The term bull-headed fits the bulldog perfectly. Because of this, bulldogs can be difficult to train, but stupid? You only have to look at one of the famous skateboarding or surfing bulldogs to see that they are quite trainable. Bulldogs are also known as lazy, but some clearly enjoy more energetic activities than lounging on the couch.

4. Chow Chow

Chow Chows may look like adorable teddy bears, but they’re not always the cuddly type. Originally bred to be guard dogs, Chows are serious, independent, and aloof. Strong willed and stubborn, they are more difficult to train, earning them a spot on the list of the dumbest dog breeds. Chows are intelligent – they just have a mind of their own. If not properly trained, Chows may challenge their humans for authority, which can become problematic. For these reasons, Chows require rigorous but fair training and extensive socialization from an early age. Properly raised, Chows make noble, loyal, and devoted companions.

5. Borzoi

Another sighthound, the borzoi, is an independent freethinker. This breed makes the list of the dumbest dog breeds because they can also be stubborn – training a borzoi is an exercise in patience. Borzois seem to do best with frequent, short training sessions rather than hour-long lessons. In the home they are generally very well behaved, quiet, clean and very affectionate especially with their special someone.

6. Bloodhound

If you’ve ever seen the Aurora Borealis, the colorful Northern Lights that transform the night sky into a brilliant sight, you might be able to understand how a scent hound like the Bloodhound “sees” the world with its sensitive nose. Bloodhounds are on the list of the dumbest dog breeds and are difficult to train because they are so distracted with all the delightful scents just waiting to be examined. They also have loads of energy, are stubborn and independent, and are absolutely relentless on a track. Taken together, the Bloodhound’s unique abilities can sometimes make these dogs difficult to live with, but attend a tracking event with a Bloodhound and watch their special talents shine.

7. Pekingese

One reason people might think Pekingese are a bit slow is the fact that they’re a bit sloth-like. At home, they enjoy lounging around and surveying their domain. This could be due to their physical build, or derive in part from their history as sacred pets of Tang Dynasty 8th-century China. In fact, Pekingese were nicknamed “pod dogs” because members of the imperial household carried their prized companions comfortably around in their voluminous sleeves. Can you blame the Peke for enjoying the simple life? Pekingese are also stubborn and difficult to housetrain. It doesn’t make them stupid, but it does present some training challenges. Start training early and be consistent.

8. Beagle

Like Bloodhounds, Beagles like to follow their noses, which can sometimes get them in trouble…and put them on the list of dumbest dog breeds. The Beagle’s sweet, affectionate nature combined with his cheerful disposition might make you think he’s empty-headed, but this breed is anything but dumb. It is best to keep Beagles on a leash. You can’t resist the urge to explore the world, smell the world and hunt little critters.

9. Great Dane

The tall, laid-back Mastiff is a very cool dog. So chill you might think he’s a little dimwitted. They are also somewhat stubborn and may be more difficult to train than some breeds. Again, activity level and ease of exercise are not necessarily good indicators of intelligence. Mastiffs are actually quite light-colored. Because of their large size and natural wariness of strangers, it’s important for owners to begin training and socialization early in puppyhood to help Mastiffs grow into well-behaved and demanding companions.

10. Basset Hound

Like the Pekingese, Basset Hounds can be a bit lazy. This could be due in part to their long and low bodies or laid-back personalities. Bassets can be a little stubborn, and like their cousins ​​the Bloodhounds and Beagles, Bassets may have trouble ignoring the amazing smells around them long enough to focus on learning. However, Bassets want to please their humans and are very food motivated, so they respond well to training. However, don’t confuse the basset hound’s easy-going personality with a lack of intelligence. They are bright and loving dogs.

The quintessence of the dumbest dog breeds

It’s not fair to call a breed or an individual dog stupid. Yes, some dogs are smarter than others, but most dogs are good at something – you just have to find out what.

“Some dogs do some things better than others and they have different behaviors,” says Dr. dodman “Police dogs and army dogs tend to be of the German Shepherd and Malinois types because they are easy to train. Does that mean they are smart? Or does it mean that they aren’t that smart because they always follow other people’s directions and don’t think independently? You can argue both ways.”

Note: Dogster does not believe that any dog ​​breed is a “dumb” dog breed.

Thumbnail: Photography ©dimarik | Thinkstock.

Having trouble training your dog? Find out 3 reasons why dogs ignore our cues >>

Originally published in 2012 and updated in 2018.

Why read breed profiles?

Dog breed profiles help anyone, whether you have a mixed breed or a purebred dog, better understand and improve their dog’s quality of life. If you have a mixed breed dog, research all of the breed profiles that make up your dog. Not sure what breed your dog is? There are a number of simple DNA tests that can help you find out.

Read more about dog breeds at Dogster.com:

Akitas are known for being aloof and independent. They say if you want an extremely cuddly dog, then the Akita is not the dog for you. With that in mind, it stands to reason that the Akita would make a great dog for those who aren’t home much as they like to be left alone, right? So, can Akitas be left home alone?

Akitas can usually be left alone for more than 6-8 hours after they are 12 months old and if they have access to water and the temperature of your home is not too hot. However, whether it’s a good idea to leave your Akita alone depends on a few things, including their individual personality, how well trained they are, and what other items and animals you have in your household.

The Akita personality

One of our favorite things about our American Akita Haga is that he’s a big cuddle bug. When we go to bed at night he will do absolutely anything to crush himself on you. He loves to be close and he also loves a good butt scratching. If that sounds surprising to you based on what you’ve heard about Akitas, it shouldn’t because the truth is that Akitas can be very affectionate dogs, it just depends on the mood they’re in

Akitas have been said to be very feline in their cleanliness. It’s also a fair comparison when it comes to temperament. Most of us have probably had an interaction with a cat who was our best friend one minute and wanted nothing to do with us the next. Akitas can be the same. Any touching, caressing, or cuddling is entirely on her terms, not yours. The same cuddle bug we go to bed with every night scoots out of the room first thing in the morning and isn’t open to pets, games, or anything else until after its morning walk and breakfast. That’s his routine.

View this post on Instagram A post by Haga the Akita (@haga_the_akita)

When you bring your Akita home with you, you may find that he actually enjoys following you around the house. So our last dog, Loki, a Japanese Akita mix, was with us. He didn’t like being petted, but he always had to be in the same room as us.

How were these two Akitas when we left them home alone?

Can you leave an Akita alone?

First let’s say that puppies should never be left alone unless they are in a crate. As you probably know, puppies love to explore the world around them and they mainly interact with the world with their mouths. Your Akita pup will get into all sorts of troubles that you can never imagine, so you’ll need to bag him any time he’s unsupervised.

We didn’t leave our American Akita Haga alone until he was about 10 months old and even then he didn’t have full dominance of the whole house. We partitioned off our living room where he has plenty of space and can lie by the window to see the world outside. From the living room he has access to the 2nd floor but effectively this is just a flight of stairs as we would keep all the upstairs doors closed. The reason for this was that we only needed to ‘puppy proof’ one room.

After a while you will get a good feel for what your Akita likes to chew on and what he is not interested in, although our Akita never shows any interest in electrical cords, USB cords etc, we still made sure these were all out of range were removed before they left him alone.

The only thing our American Akita likes to chew on is anything that’s runny or puffy like pillows, blankets, etc., but he’ll only do this when he’s showing off. This usually happens when we first come home from work and he’s happy to see us. We could leave a blanket on the couch and he wouldn’t touch it all day, but as soon as he’s happy we’re home, you better watch out, he’s going to shred that thing!

In general, both our Japanese Akita mix, Loki, and our American Akita, Haga, can be left alone for long periods of time. We were out for more than 12 hours and had no problem (but try to avoid such long times as much as possible). But every dog ​​is different. Here’s a quick list of things to look out for when leaving your Akita unattended.

How long can you leave an Akita alone?

A typical guideline to leave a dog alone is 1 hour for every month of its life. For example, if your pup is 3 months old he will likely be able to hold his bladder for 3 hours, but leaving an Akita puppy alone for longer than 4 hours until he is at least 6 months old is really not ideal.

Adult Akitas are notoriously strong bladders. It’s not recommended to leave most adult dogs alone for more than 6-8 hours, but we’ve had situations with our American and Japanese Akitas where we’ve unfortunately been gone for more than 8 hours without incident, and they weren’t either Hurry to get out the door!

That being said, there’s more to consider than just cleaning up a mess when you get home. For the overall well being and mental health of your Akita, you should make sure that he is stimulated throughout the day. If you can’t be there for an extended period of time, consider hiring a dog walker or taking them to a dog daycare or boarding facility. Just make sure you’re very selective about who you hire. We only board our Akita with experienced dog trainers.

Don’t leave your Akita alone with these things

Electronics such as laptops, tablets, cell phones, TV remotes, or anything that plugs in or has a battery. If your Akita starts chewing on a TV remote and gets to the battery, the battery can seriously injure or even kill your Akita.

Edible chews such as bully sticks, rings, rawhide, etc. People think it’s nice to give your Akita a treat before leaving the house, but we never let our Akitas eat any hard or spicy treats unsupervised. If a piece of bone or skin gets stuck in your Akita’s throat and there’s no one around to help, it can be a recipe for disaster.

Houseplants Fortunately, most dogs don’t bother with houseplants, but some plants are poisonous to dogs. This can include, but is not limited to, lilies, aloe vera plants, dumb cane, and more. If you are unsure whether the plants in your home are poisonous to your Akita, it is best not to take the risk and do not leave them outside when you are home alone.

Anything valuable or irreplaceable This should be obvious, but don’t leave things like jewelry, wallets, etc. lying around. Not only do you not want your Akita not to swallow these things, but if they are of high value or irreplaceable then it simply isn’t worth the risk.

Crate training for your Akita

You may have heard that Akitas don’t love crates, and the rumors are true! Hailing from the snow-capped mountains of northern Japan, Akitas have it in their blood to be outdoors with plenty of room to run and play. That being said, there will be many instances when you will want your Akita to be crated. Therefore, it is extremely important to train him in a crate, even if you use him sparingly.

Watch out for a full article on crate training in the future, but the basics are pretty simple

Make the crate convenient for your Akita

Keep training sessions short at the beginning. Make the crate a fun place with lots of toys, treats, and praise

First, leave your crate open and let your Akita get in and out freely

When you start locking the door, do it for a short time, like 10 to 15 minutes at a time, so they know they won’t be locked in there forever

Consistently crate them overnight so they get used to being in there

Consider covering the box with a blanket so they can’t see out. This will actually help your Akita relax.

Do Akitas Get Separation Anxiety?

Although it’s possible for any breed of dog to develop separation anxiety, separation anxiety is an uncommon trait in Akitas. Although Akitas enjoy the company of their family, their independent nature means they are typically a strong-willed breed and do not develop separation anxiety.

If your Akita has separation anxiety, which is a growing concern among dog owners as more people work from home and their pets become more accustomed to their owners being around all the time, we highly recommend hiring a professional dog trainer to address this to overcome habit and cycle.

Akitas that have been abandoned at a shelter and then rescued by a new family are more likely to have separation anxiety than an Akita puppy, but this again underscores the importance of crate training, even if you are working from home, as it can be risky to let Getting your dog used to your constant presence as this may not always be the case in the future!

Akitas are native to Japan and are known to be incredibly loyal family pets. They are big dogs and very strong. Although originally bred as guard dogs due to their fearless and loyal personality, Akitas have historically been used extensively for hunting and therefore have a high prey drive.

There are actually two Akita breeds. The original Akita Inu was bred in Japan and then the Akita was thought to have evolved into a larger stature. This article focuses on Akitas.

While Akitas adapt well to family life, they are also very large and would therefore do best with experienced owners. They need an active household willing to take them on adventures anywhere because they are so attached to their families!

Common health problems in Akitas

Akitas are large dogs that thrive in the right household but unfortunately like many purebred dogs are prone to certain health issues. Tests and screenings are currently being conducted for some of the problems that Akitas can have.

If you are thinking of buying an Akita puppy, we recommend getting one from a Kennel Club Assured Breeder as they will have additional requirements including health screenings. Parents who do the appropriate screening will reduce the chances of your pup being affected by these bothersome conditions. We also recommend discussing the medical history of your potential pup’s parents and grandparents and thinking very carefully before adopting a dog with any of the health conditions listed in the family line.

Potential health issues that Akitas are prone to include:

Hip dysplasia – where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly which will eventually lead to arthritis. Before breeding, dogs should be x-rayed under the BVA/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia Scheme.

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) – Often known as “bloating,” this is a condition where the stomach twists. This is an emergency and requires urgent veterinary attention.

skin problems.

Various eye problems, including hereditary problems like cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. BVA/KC search tests are currently available for this purpose.

Progressive retinal atrophy – gradual loss of vision over several months or years.

Glaucoma – a disease that damages the eye nerve and gets worse over time. It is believed to be related to the build up of pressure in the eye.

Entropion – inward rolling of the eyelids, causing constant irritation and pain in the eye.

Ectropion – outward rolling of the eyelids, making the eyelid appear droopy and the eye dry.

VKH Syndrome (Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada) – It can cause eye and skin problems and is often seen as a loss of color around the dog’s eyes and nose and occasionally elsewhere.

Autoimmune diseases including: Sebaceous gland inflammation – This is a skin condition in which the skin’s own skin glands become inflamed and sore. Hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid that causes problems with weight, skin, and energy.

If you want to minimize the risk of your dog getting into trouble because of exaggerated traits, you can read our advice on choosing a pedigree dog.

Caring for your Akita

Akitas can make great pets for the right household, but their size and strength make them unsuitable for inexperienced owners. They need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy and love nothing more than going on adventures with their owners.

Because Akitas can be suspicious of strangers, your dog will need to be well socialized from an early age to ensure he grows up to be a well-rounded canine. They are a very intelligent breed so you need to make sure you can keep them busy or you might find them taking their boredom out on your house and furniture!

Akitas and Barks

As with any dog, Akitas are likely to make noise and how much they bark or vocalize depends on the individual dog. Akitas have a reputation for only barking when they feel it is necessary (which may differ from their owner’s idea of ​​what is necessary!). You may find them barking to alert you to strangers when they are unhappy with something or even bored. If you have problems with excessive noise or barking, we recommend that you seek advice from a recognized behaviorist.

training and socialization

Akitas are very intelligent and pick up new things quickly, but be aware that this involves both bad habits and good ones! You must provide ongoing positive, reward-based training with your Akita, and this must be consistent within your household. If you are not an experienced trainer or are new to owning a dog, you should seek the help of an accredited trainer.

Akitas are independent and because of their intelligence, this is often confused with stubbornness. You need to take a firm but fair approach to training and make sure your dog has clear boundaries. They get bored easily, so you might want to be given brain puzzles and keep spinning their toys so they don’t lose interest in them.

Because Akitas are so attached to their families, we would not recommend leaving them alone as many do not do well with them. If you must leave your Akita alone it should never be longer than four hours and you must ensure you provide something to keep him occupied.

Remember to socialize your Akita with lots of other dogs, different people, and different experiences from an early age. This is especially important for Akitas due to their wariness around strangers and other dogs.

exercise

dog breed

Akita American Akita (left) and Japanese Akita (right) Other names Akita Inu, Kuma Inu (Bearhound), Japanese Akita, American Akita, Great Japanese Dog Origin Japan Characteristics Size Males 64–71 cm (25–28 in) Females 58– 66 cm (23-26 in) Weight Males 27-54 kg (60-120 lb) Females 25-45 kg (55-100 lb) Coat Double coat Color Ginger, red, white brindle, sable, all with white fur on ventral side Ranges of the dog (genetic variants can be black & grey) (urajiro) Litter size 3-12 puppies (average 7-8) Lifespan 10 years[1] Kennel Club Standards Japan Kennel Club Standard FCI Standard Notes National Dog of Japan ,

Akita dog prefecture animal (domestic dog

The Akita (秋田犬, Akita-inu, Japanese pronunciation: [akʲita.inɯ]) is a historical dog breed of large size that originated in the mountains of northern Japan. The two separate varieties of Akita are an all-Japanese variety, commonly called Akita Inu (inu means dog in Japanese), and a mixed American variety that is usually larger.[2] The Akita has a short double coat similar to that of many other Northern Spitz breeds.

A powerful, independent, and dominant breed, the Akita is usually aloof with strangers but loving and deeply loyal to their family. As a breed, Akitas are generally hardy. Historically, they were used as guard dogs, fighting dogs, and for hunting bears.[3][4][5]

Breed name[edit]

There is debate among breeders as to whether they are two different Akita breeds. As of 2020, the American Kennel Club[6] now considers American and Japanese Akitas as two separate breeds and no longer allows free breeding between the two. The United Kennel Club,[7] the Federation Cynologique Internationale,[8] the Kennel Club,[9][10] the Australian National Kennel Council,[11] the New Zealand Kennel Club,[12][13] and Japan Der Kennel Club[14] considers Japanese and American Akitas to be separate breeds.[15] Some countries simply refer to the American Akita as the Akita and not the American Akita. The topic is particularly controversial in Japan.[16] For the 84 countries of the FCI, racial segregation officially took place in June 1999, when the FCI decided that the American type should be called the Great Japanese Dog,[15] later renamed the American Akita in January 2006.[15]

history [edit]

Japanese history[edit]

Loyal Hachikō became legendary after waiting each day for his master’s return at Shibuya Station in central Tokyo.

The Akita Inu is originally from the snowy and rural areas of Odate in Akita Prefecture, a wild and mountainous region of Japan. They have been trained to hunt animals such as moose, wild boar, and Ussuri brown bears.[17] This breed was involved in dog fighting, popular in Japan at the time, in the 17th century. From 1500 to 1800, the Akita served as a companion for samurai.[18]

During the early 20th century, the Akita was in decline due to crossbreeding with the German Shepherd, St. Bernard, and Mastiff. As a result, many specimens began to lose their pointed characteristics, adopting instead lop ears, straight tails, non-Japanese colors (black masks and any color other than red, white, or brindle), and loose skin. A native Japanese breed called the Matagi (hound dog) was used along with the Hokkaido Inu breed to blend back into the remaining Akita Inu to bring back the Spitz phenotype and restore the Akita breed. Today’s Japanese Akita has relatively few genes from western dogs and is pointed in phenotype after the breed’s reconstruction, but the larger American Akita breed is largely descended from the pre-breed-restoration mixed Akita, so American Akitas are typically mixed and become not considered true Akitas by Japanese standards.

The Akita breed was used during the Russo-Japanese War to track down prisoners of war and lost sailors.[20] During World War II, the Akita was considered a non-military breed and was crossed with German shepherds to save them from wartime government orders to kill all non-military dogs.[21] Some were used as scouts and guards during the war.[20] The ancestor of the American Akita was originally a variant of the Japanese Akita, a form that was undesirable in Japan due to the pattern and is not eligible for exhibition competition.[15]

The story of Hachikō, the most revered Akita of all time, helped bring the Akita into the international canine world. Hachikō was born in 1923 and belonged to Professor Hidesaburō Ueno from Tokyo.[22] Professor Ueno lived near the Shibuya train station in the suburbs of the city and commuted to work by train every day.[23] Hachikō accompanied his master to and from the train station every day.[23] On May 25, 1925, when the dog was 18 months old, he was awaiting his master’s arrival on the four o’clock train, but Professor Ueno had suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage while working.[23] Hachikō continued to await the return of his master.[23] He traveled to and from the train station every day for the next nine years.[23] He allowed the professor’s family to look after him, but he never gave up the night watch at the train station for his master.[23] His vigil became world famous when a bronze statue was erected in his honor at Shibuya station in 1934[24] shortly before his death.[23] This statue was melted down for munitions during the war, but a new one was commissioned after the war.[24] Every year since 1936, Hachikō has been honored with a solemn commemoration ceremony at Tokyo’s Shibuya Station on April 8th. Eventually, Hachikō’s legendary allegiance became a national symbol of loyalty, particularly to the person and institution of the Emperor.[27]

In 1931, the Akita was officially declared a Japanese natural monument. The Mayor of Odate City in Akita Prefecture organized the Akita Inu Hozonkai to preserve the original Akita as a Japanese natural treasure through careful breeding.[23] In 1934, the first Japanese breed standard for the Akita Inu was listed after the breed was declared a Natural Monument of Japan.[28] In 1967, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Akita Dog Preservation Society, the Akita Dog Museum was built to house information, documents, and photos.[23] In Japan, there is a tradition that a child is given an Akita statue at birth. This statue symbolizes health, happiness and long life.[29] [18] One of the few Akitas to survive the war is depicted here on a 1953 Japanese postage stamp. The Akita “Tachibana”, one of the few Akitas to survive the war, is featured here on a 1953 Japanese postage stamp.

In 1937 Helen Keller traveled to Japan. She showed great interest in the breed and became the father of the first two Akitas to come to the United States.[30] The first dog introduced to her by Ogasawara-san, named Kamikaze-go, died of distemper at the age of 7+1⁄2 months a month after her return to the States. A second Akita was sent to Miss Keller: Kamikaze’s litter brother, Kenzan-go.[31] Keller named the dog Go-Go and they were great companions from day one. Go-Go even spent his first night with Keller, sleeping at the foot of her bed.[32] Kenzan-go died in the mid-1940s.[33] By 1939 a breed standard had been established and dog shows were held, but such activity ceased after the start of World War II. [citation needed] Keller wrote in the Akita Journal:

If ever there was an angel in fur, it was kamikaze. I know I will never feel the same tenderness for any other pet. The Akita dog has all the qualities that appeal to me, being gentle, companionable and trustworthy.[34][35]

Just as the breed was stabilizing in its homeland, World War II brought the Akita to the brink of extinction. At the beginning of the war, the dogs lacked nutritious food. Then many were killed to be eaten by the starving population and their skins were used as clothing. Eventually, the government ordered any remaining dogs to be killed immediately to prevent the spread of disease. The only way concerned owners could save their beloved Akitas was to release them into remote mountainous areas where they would re-mate with their ancestral dogs, the Matagi,[21] or to hide them from the authorities by crossing them with German Shepherds and to give them a name in the style of the German shepherds of the time.[21] Morie Sawataishi and his efforts to breed the Akita are a major reason the breed exists today.[36]

During the years of occupation after the war, the breed began to thrive again through the efforts of Sawataishi and others.[18] Akitas were first bred for a uniform appearance.[37] Akita breeders in Japan began collecting and exhibiting the remaining Akitas and producing litters to bring the breed back to sustainable numbers and to emphasize the breed’s original characteristics, which had been tarnished by crossbreeding with other breeds. US soldiers fell in love with the Akita and imported many with them upon their return.[39]

American history[edit]

Bridle Japanese Akitas

A 9 week old American Akita

A female American Akita.

The Japanese Akita and the American Akita began to differ in type in the post-WWII era. Helen Keller is credited with bringing the Akita to America after receiving two Akitas from the Japanese government in 1938. In 1939 a breed standard was established and dog shows were held, but this development was interrupted by World War II. 40] During this time US soldiers serving as part of the occupying forces in Japan were first introduced to the Akita, the breed impressed them so much that many soldiers brought home an Akita after completing their tour. American soldiers were generally more impressed with the larger, more bear-like fighting Akita or German Shepherd type than with the smaller-framed and fox-like Akita-Inu; The dog types they brought back to the US reflected that feeling. Japanese Akita breeders focused on restoring the breed as a work of Japanese art or as a natural monument. American Akita breeders chose to breed larger, heavier-boned, and more intimidating dogs. Although both types descend from a common ancestor, there are clear differences between the two. American Akitas are generally heavier-boned and larger, with a more bear-like head, while Japanese Akitas tend to be lighter and more delicately designed, with a fox-like head.[15] While American Akitas are acceptable in all colors, Japanese Akitas may only be red, white, or brindle. Additionally, American Akitas can be pinto and/or have black masks, unlike Japanese Akitas where this is considered a disqualification and is not allowed in the breed standards.

The Akita was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955 and placed in the Miscellaneous class. The AKC didn’t approve the Akita standard until 1972, and it was moved to the Working Dog class. As such, the Akita is a fairly new breed in the United States. Ground stock in America continued to be imported from Japan until 1974, when the AKC stopped registering further Japanese imports until 1992, when it recognized the Japan Kennel Club’s standards. This decision laid the groundwork for the divergence in type between the American Akita and the Japanese Akita Inu that exists today.[42]

Elsewhere in the world, an American Akita was first introduced to Britain in 1937. It was a Canadian import owned by a Mrs Jenson; Mrs. Jenson’s offspring are now bred by American Akitas. The best known of these is Mr. Joseph Felton, an award-winning Akita breeder, but the breed itself was not widely known until the early 1980’s.[33] The breed was introduced to Australia in 1982 with an American import and to New Zealand in 1986 with a British import.[33]

Gallery [ edit ]

Long Coat Akita

Albania Akita hiking in Shpella e Pëllumbasit, Tirana

appearance [edit]

As a Spitz breed, the Akita’s appearance reflects adaptations to cold weather that are essential to its original function.[43] The Akita is a remarkable breed for its size and heavy bones.[44] Distinctive physical features of the breed include a large, bear-like head with erect, triangular ears that follow the arch of the neck at a slight angle. In addition, the Akita’s eyes are small, dark, deep-set, and triangular.[45] Akitas have thick double coats and tight, well-knuckled, feline feet.[44] Their tails are carried down the back in a soft or double curl along the loin.[46]

Mature American-type males typically measure 66–71 cm (26–28 in) at the withers and weigh between 45–59 kg (100–130 lb).[44] Mature females typically measure 61–66 cm (24–26 in) and weigh between 32–45 kg (70–100 lb).[47] The Japanese type, as stated in the breed standards, is slightly smaller and lighter.

Breed standards state that all coat colors of dog breeds are acceptable in the American Akita, including pinto, all types of brindle, solid white, black mask, white mask, solid mask, and even different colors of undercoat and overcoat (guard hairs).[48] This includes the common Shiba Inu color pattern known as urajiro.[49] The Japanese Akitas are restricted to red, fawn, sesame, brindle, and pure white, according to breed standards, all with urajiro markings – whitish fur on the sides of the muzzle, cheeks, underside of the jaw, neck, chest, and body tail and on the inside of the legs.[9]

Fur types[edit]

The two coat types on the Akita are the standard coat length and the long coat.[50] However, the long coat is considered a fault in the show ring.[50] The long coat, also known as Moku, is the result of an autosomal recessive gene and can only appear phenotypically when both father and mother are carriers. They have longer (about 3-4 in long) and softer coats[51] and are known to have sweeter temperaments.[50] This gene is believed to have originated from the nearly extinct samurai dog, Karafuto Ken.[52]

Nursing needs [ edit ]

American Akitas are a low maintenance dog breed. They actually groom themselves like a cat.[53] Grooming them should be a simple process. They are fairly heavy shedders and can get heavier than normal two to three times a year. In particular, Akitas “blow out” their coats twice a year.[54][55][56] Daily brushing could be a good way to reduce this problem. This breed needs bathing every few months, although it can be more often depending on each owner’s needs. Toenails should be trimmed every month and their ears should be cleaned once a week.

temper [edit]

The Akita is generally considered territorial about its property and can be reserved with strangers. It is sometimes described as feline in its actions; it is not uncommon for an Akita to brush its face after meals, groom its kennel mate, and be fastidious around the house.[58] It is known to be intolerant of other dogs of the same sex as stated in the AKC breed standard.[6]

Because it is a large, powerful dog, the Akita is not considered a first-time owner breed.[57] The breed has been defined as a dangerous dog in the breed-specific laws of some countries.[59][60][61][62] The Akita is a large, strong, independent, and dominant dog. A well-trained Akita should not accept threatening strangers, otherwise he will treat all strangers aggressively.[63] As a breed, they should be good with children; the breed is said to have an affinity for children.[64] Not all Akitas necessarily have the same temperament.[65][A]

Akitas tend to be reactive towards other dogs, so caution is advised in situations where Akitas are likely to be around other dogs, especially unfamiliar ones. [57] For this reason, unless highly socialized, Akitas generally do not do well in off-leash dog parks.[58] Sometimes spontaneous, it needs a confident, consistent handler, without which the dog becomes very headstrong and can become very aggressive towards other dogs and animals.[65]

health [edit]

Autoimmune diseases[edit]

Many autoimmune diseases are known to occur in the Akita, including:

Immune-mediated endocrine disorders[ edit ]

In addition, some immune-mediated endocrine disorders can occur with a hereditary factor, such as:

Hypoadrenocorticism, also known as Addison’s disease, affects the adrenal glands and is essentially the opposite of Cushing’s syndrome. [79]

Diabetes mellitus, also known as type 1 diabetes, affects the pancreas. [79]

Hypothyroidism,[80] also known as autoimmune hypothyroidism, is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland.[81]

Non-immune specific conditions[ edit ]

Other non-immune specific conditions known to have occurred in the Akita include:

Breed specific conditions[ edit ]

These breed-specific conditions are mentioned in the veterinary literature:

Immune sensitivity to vaccines, drugs, insecticides, anesthetics, and tranquilizers

Pseudohyperkalemia is an increase in potassium levels that occurs due to its excessive leakage from red blood cells (RBCs) when blood is drawn. This can give a false indication of hyperkalemia in laboratory tests, hence the prefix pseudo, meaning false.[78] This is because many East Asian breeds, including Akitas and Shiba Inus, have higher levels of potassium in their red blood cells than other dogs.[93]

working life [edit]

Predecessors of the modern Akita were still used in Japan for hunting bear, wild boar and deer as late as 1957.[94] They would be used to scare the boar and keep it at bay until the hunter could come and kill it. Today the breed is primarily used as a companion dog, but is also currently known to be used as a therapy dog[95] and competes in all canine competitions including conformation showing, obedience trials, good citizen dog program, tracking trials, and competitive agility[ 96] and weightlifting, hunting, and Schutzhund (personal protection) dogs.[97]

See also[edit]

References[ edit ]

Notes [edit]

^[66][67] An Akita fatally injured an Arizona woman who was attempting to rehabilitate him.

quotes[edit]

Further reading[edit]

If you had to name your dog’s favorite hobby, what would it be?

Some love to dig. Others love to hunt. But there’s one activity that seems to unite most pups – their love of running.

Whether it’s chasing a ball, a Frisbee, or even chasing other dogs, many of our most popular dog breeds love to run. And some of them love to run very, very fast.

Historically, some dog breeds were selectively bred to be working dogs and were required to have a high top speed to perform specific tasks. Some dogs are naturally fast runners, such as racing dogs and hounds. Though many dogs aren’t just used for these tasks anymore — and are more commonly viewed as pets these days — some of the breeds you might see at your local dog park may surprise you with their speed.

In this article, we’ll take a look at 15 of the fastest dog breeds, their top speeds, their breed traits, and what makes them such efficient runners.