Akita (Japanese and American)
Approval Rate: 74%
Reviews 19
by laren616
Mon Jan 04 2010Ok. Akita's are BEAUTIFUL. Strong, protective, sweet, playful and very very loyal. But I have known 6. I found that they can be extremely aggressive towards other animals, especially dogs. But they seem to get along with other Akita's of the opposite sex. I lived next door to a male and a female Akita and they were "Cat Killers" they killed cats from their own families and killed the neighborhood cats. Even though they killed cats they were always friendly towards people. My sister used to babysit for this couple that also had a male and a female and they were Guard Dogs, they were not friendly if you were on the outside of the fence but as soon as you were in their yard with their masters they were very friendly. My Co Worker has one that is a outdoor dog at all times, when it gets really cold she stays in the heated garage. The reason why she is an outside dog is because she has attacked the family Beagle numerous times. My boyfriend's good friend has a Akita named Nikki and she is l... Read more
by jaspersmom1
Sun Jul 12 2009At the kennel I work at, I have seen many Akitas come and go. There have been a couple who have been absolute darlings with people and other dogs. For the most part though, I have seen aggressive and protective ones. This breed needs to go to a very responsible owner who continues to be alpha and uses positive training methods. One Akita we had was so aggressive you could not walk by it without it charging violently at you. Sadly, this dog bit a coworker of mine in the face. The owner was even terrified of it. So sad. This breed is not for a first time dog owner!!
by workingoutguy
Mon Apr 20 2009I have an American long haired Akita. She has a big head and looks like a small bear. She weights 87 Lbs, but due to the longer coat looks to be about 110 lbs. She is a wonderful dog. However, the breed is stubborn by nature and she took alot of work; i.e. professional training,obedience training,etc... She seemed to start becoming a really good dog by age 2.5. She is now a therapy dog. We do volunteer work with seniors and children at the local library. I believe the temperament of the Akita is most important. I have been to dog shows and seen BEAUTIFUL Akitas that you could not come close to because they would bite. My dog was bred by a good breeder who specializes in a milder temperament. She can go to the dog park ( Akita owner's books say don't do this) and play with other dogs, and she has good fun. She does have a high prey drive, and loves to stalk and chase small dogs, but she never hurts them. Some breeders say it isn't a true Akita unless it is a guard dog w/ a more aggress... Read more
by astone2
Tue Nov 25 2008I grew up with an akita and the only time he ever attacked anything was when the neighbors dog attacked me. But, since he was properly trained, I told him to sit and stay and he lived with scars for the rest of his life because he let the other dog chew on him in order to follow my command. He was the best dog ever. Akitas get a bad rep because of their appearance and size, but they truly are intelligent dogs and with training are amazing pets.
by bradhardy
Sun Oct 26 2008very dangerous
by akita4ever
Wed Aug 06 2008I own two Akitas. They are great everyone likes them. They are gentle giants. Yes they are aggressive to other animals, but I am the alpha they listen.
by doglovr
Sat Nov 17 2007they are loving dogs that can have problems like any other breed
by kawaiikoneko2
Fri Sep 21 2007They have a bad reputation. But like any dog you can train it to be good or train it to be horrible. With an Akita you need to know what your doing or you WILL have issues with them
by trebreh
Sun Sep 16 2007I adopted a five year old white male Akita from a shelter in Japan. He was good with my husband but sometimes would growl at me. He attacked a girl going door to door selling paintings. He was in the house most of the day and got regular long walks. We sometime chained him up at night on a 6 ft chain so he could nap outside. The girl had a roll of canvases over her shoulder and actually cut across the yard and stepped over him. Without warning he jumped up and tore her open from the neck down to her elbow. I could tell he felt bad about it because he came and layed on top of me and whined. His growling got worse over the years and although he never bit my husband or me I never trusted him. In Japan, they say the white ones are the worst,interesting.
by sam1996
Tue Aug 21 2007i have a cross between japanese and american Akita i have to say she is big mostly friendly to friends and family but she once turned on one of our friends when he sat on the kitchen step then she pinned him to the floor snarling she did not bite him she just gave him a warning i must say this never trust an Akita a 100 per sent they are supposed to be dangerous dogs i think they come second after the pitbull then the rottweiler. SAM 11 YRS OLD
by gov199
Sun Aug 19 2007they are to strong
by jozstrut82
Tue Apr 10 2007i have a japanese akita tai , 4 years, i have recently moved a woman who lives 4 door down seen my akita and fell in love with her and got one for herself then got another next her next door nabior has got one. woman 4 doors down has a 6 year old and the woman next door to her has a 7 year old. they are brilliant dog and so is tai xxx
by pitlover
Fri Mar 02 2007Better than a pit
by mellissia
Sun Feb 25 2007The way I see it, it comes down to the owners and how they train the dogs. I just "took" a 5 month old akita from a young couple who had never really had a dog before. When I got her she had some major problems with aggression and dominance, but she is turning around quickly now that she is getting steady training.
by jasper1982
Sat Feb 17 2007the akita is a great family dog and loyal companion i have 2 and there great with all family members and good guard 2
by femmefatal
Sun Feb 04 2007Dangerous Dogs? Hmmm, in the wrong hands they can be, but at the same time, they make fantastic family pets and companions also! My Akita is the softest, most loveable dog you could ever wish to meet; she is good with all types of people, including children, regardless of whether they are known to her ot not. On the flip side, the breed requires responsible ownership! These dogs are very powerful, dominant and can be extremely aggressive towards other animals. They are skilled hunters/fighters which coupled with their size, bravery and 'scared of nothing' mentality mean they can be quite a handful and as such should be treated with caution. The owner must always strive to be the alpha male as the Akita will test this repeatedly! Provided that this is adhered to, then the akita's master will have a loyal, devoted companion who will make him laugh, cry and well, pretty much (willingly) take over his life!! Sounds excessive? Once you have owned an Akita, you will appreciate what ... Read more
by traceyo5
Wed Jan 24 2007Well what can I say? only that my 15yr daughter was on holidays and went a friends house for new years and was playing all day with an akita (which nows her) only to have it later in the night totally maull her as she walked past it.. After to operations she now has problems with her hands and is scared for life (thanking god it was only here hands) I tnink a dog of that size and breed should not be in city domestic situations and definately not around younger people, maybe an intense license for owners may curb just anyone owning these dogs as they are highly unpredictable.....Tracey
by saulbuck
Mon Jan 22 2007Requires responsible ownership, not suited to someone who cannot devote time in professional training, love and affection. However, if you want a dog with real character, and understand their nature, and as such adopt your behaviour as a responsible Akita owner the rewards are huge and you'll wonder how you lived without them. There are few real demonic dogs out there - it comes down to the owner to be responsible at all times and stages of the dogs development and life.
by seefad7a
Sat Nov 25 2006Just got bit by one. At a friends 2 weeks ago. Pet it several times that night and then it decided to bite my face for no reason, intentionally. Almost ripped my bottom lip off. Around thirty stitches and plastic surgery. I am scarred for life. After my experience and reading more about the breed I would never own one as a pet.