Any Akita owners who can answer a question or two?

[myersark]

Oh, in my personal experience with Dobies and Akitas, the Dobies are much more athletic and energetic. The Akitas were content to be more couch potatoes! LOL! Ours were more reserved than the Dobies. As to Schutzhund, I couldn't see them even being interested in it. Now our Dobie gal, Layla? That's another story. She's pure athlete. Always scanning her surroundings. Runs like the wind on our 160 acres. Jack, our male Dobie, is more reserved and, dare I say it, a bit on the lazy side.

In addition, many Akita owners say their dogs are very vocal. Pee Wee would "Woo-woo" to tell people hello. It scared some people, though, until they realized he was just saying 'hi'. My sister's Akita (a white female I gave to her as a puppy) is also vocal that way.

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

Now our Dobie gal, Layla? That's another story. She's pure athlete. Always scanning her surroundings. Runs like the wind on our 160 acres. Jack, our male Dobie, is more reserved

This has been my experience as well with our Dobies and also our GSDs. Very involved in overseeing the place and not vocal unless there is a reason to be vocal.

Rusty​

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

I have worked with many Akita's. I also am really familiar with the other Asian-spitz type dogs. IMO since you are used to working dogs an Akita will be a completely different ball game for you. I also have working dogs. I prefer the herding/working/sport dogs myself for their propencity to work with you and not against you. Akitas are not easily motivated dogs. I have worked with two of them who were not motivated by toys, food, praise, or anything else. While I love the challenge of these types of dogs, they are just not my cup of tea for a home pet.

Akita's have very subtle body language compared to a lot of other more commonly pet-kept dogs. This means they might be harder to read in different situations. Hard-to-read dogs are often more difficult to train and see what their true feelings are in a given situation. I have met several really nice and well socialized Akita's bit, quite honestly, if find those specimines to be the exception and not the rule. As far as their loyalty-- you can't beat it. They tend to be one person dogs and even in families I usually see them bonded to just one family member and other family members are tolerated but not respected as much. Trainable? Yes, but not even close to the same way a GSD, Dobie, Rottie, or even a Beagle. With early training and drive work I think an Akita would be fun, but again, it wouldn't be my first choice.

If you want some one-on-one experience go to your next AKC show or go to your local AKC club and talk to some breeders about them and see what you think. Its fun to go see breeders and dogs even if you are just looking. Always nice to get a feel for the dogs in your area too. Good luck!

 

[WhitehartRabbitry]

I'd stab myself in the eye repeatedly before I'd ever consider buying an Akita.

I even told my husband if I ever utter the words 'We should get an akita' he is to promptly douse me in kerosene and light me on fire.

Just sayin'...

 

[Akane]

You really can't beat the loyalty of an akita. Sometimes to the point it's a negative. When I was suddenly hospitalized from tachycardia my akita could not be contained. She knew something was up and she was going to go find me. She broke several crates and can open any door in the house so we came home to find her standing behind the screen door (which she can open) waiting for us and debating if she should open it to come find me or not. It wasn't until my health was better again that she would stay in her kennel (and the house) while we were gone. She's attempted to cover the 3miles between my house and my mom's a few times when I've left her there. She's not panicky or acting upset at all when parted from me. People have watched her just calmly working at a door latch until it opens and moving on to the next. When you finally do motivate an akita they have unwavering focus but most of the things that motivate them aren't little rewards you can use several times a day for training.