Akita

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

Akitas thrive on a well-balanced dry or wet dog diet. They should be fed two meals every day, which you can split into two servings.

While Akita pups are developing, you can feed them 3-4 little meals each day. Safe, clean water should be provided all throughout the day.

Akitas have a dense double coat that sheds two or three times a year, which means they will fully shed their old hair and bring new, healthy fur.

It is quite noticeable usually during spring and fall, so you might want to increase their brushing routine on these days. Weekly brushing helps reduce the amount of hair in your home, and it keeps their plush coat healthy.

Grooming them would only take you a few minutes each week. Brush them weekly with a rubber grooming mitt or a brush with short, natural bristles. A fine-toothed flea comb helps remove loose or dead hair. Their undercoat may come out in little thuds.

Regular brushing will help keep shedding under control. With regular brushing, they shouldn’t need a bath more than every month or two.

Ears are an important area to check when you are grooming them, so if you smell an odour or see wax, clean the inner ear with a cotton ball, using a cleanser recommended by your veterinarian.

Your careful weekly assessment will help you recognise potential health problems early.

Akitas are large dogs that require a lot of activity. They need up to two hours of exercise which may be spent running or walking. They love playing in a spacious, safe yard with enough activity to keep their brain busy.

Akitas have a natural attraction for water, and many of them like a swim from time to time.

Regular visits to their vet will ensure their health and well-being. Schedule at least twice a year veterinary care or as recommended depending on your dog's state. In these visits, your vet will complete a physical examination, take your dog's temperature and check his heartbeat, among other things. Discuss with your vet any concerns you think needs immediate attention as it is a key part of preventative care.

The Akita is a loving and devoted family member who enjoys being an only dog. They are best suited for households with older children.

The Akita is a strong-willed dog who is naturally suspicious of strangers yet dedicated to its family. They are loving and playful with their family.

Akitas are very clever, strong-willed, and proud. They are intelligent and devoted, yet their independence and willingness to do things on their own may be challenging at times.

They respond best to polite orders and positive-training approaches that depend on motivation. So, make training enjoyable for both of you!

The Akita can be hostile toward other dogs outside the family, especially because they have a dominant personality. They are particularly prone to same-sex aggression.

They need positive socialization as well as persistent, tough training. When they are mismanaged or mistreated, they can become violent.