5 Reasons to NOT Get an Akita Dog!

Here are 5 of my favorite reasons why someone looking for a dog should NOT consider the American Akita. Stay tuned for when I make my video for "5 reasons TO get an Akita"

These aren't meant to be the only reasons, nor even the Top 5 reasons. These are simply 5 reasons that I chose to list for the purpose of a 1 minute video. Also, it is important to note that not all Akitas are the same. Just like humans, every dog has it's own personality. However, breeds are breeds for a reason, and that's because certain traits were selected for so you can typically get a general expectation of what comes with a particular breed. This is meant to list 5 common issues that unprepared owners run into with the Akita.

They are:

1. Independent minded.

For most dog owners, they aren't prepared to handle a dog that believes it knows better than you and will refuse to heed your commands. They're not necessarily mean about it nor intend to defy you, they simply have other ideas on what they should be doing. They may listen to you at first, but they tend to quickly get bored with what you asked of them and decide that something else is more interesting than your interests.

2. Not Dog Friendly.

The Akita does not tend to get along well with other dogs - particularly of the same sex. The Akita is a natural front-of-the-pack type of dog, and they don't want to put up with any challenges or excitement from the dogs around them. They tend to be very willing to fight for status and control of other dogs. Therefore, if you want a dog to take to a dog park and allow to run free, that's not typically something that is wise with an Akita. They can be deadly to smaller dogs.

Yes, I know I have them at a dog park in this video, but I did go very early in the morning when I knew no one else would be there. I let my 3 run around together and recorded them. As soon as someone showed up to go into the large dog section that I was in, I asked them to wait as I grabbed my dogs and exited first.

3. Shedding.

Oh yeah, be prepared for it to snow in the home. On the floors, on the couches, on your clothes, etc. They shed a lot - especially when they blow their undercoat twice a year - and that hair will get EVERYWHERE.

4. Dog-sitter.

This is an issue I have run into. Many places refuse to take an Akita, and if you are going on vacation and cannot take your dog, SOMEONE has to watch them. You typically are going to want someone they know and who doesn't have other dogs or pets that the Akita may not get along with. With their distrust of strangers, it may not be wise to have a stranger watch them. Also, recall #1. The "not-listening" part of the Akita independence could drive an unsuspecting sitter crazy. If the Akita isn't super obedient to you, why would they be that way to a stranger. This can present a lot of issues if you want to travel.

5. Bonding.

This is a big reason why I do not like other people getting Akitas. Most Akita owners know the story of Hachi, the loyal Akita who went to the train station every day to greet his owner as he came home from work even after his master died suddenly at work. The Akita bond is very strong. Therefore, it is especially heartbreaking when someone gets an Akita without proper research or understanding, and then dump the Akita off at a shelter or a strangers house. The Akita is not like a black labrador who loves everyone. The Akita typically only likes their family, so abandoning them is especially hard on the Akita. Do not do this to these dogs. Do not get one unless you are 100% sure that you're in it for the long haul, regardless of how much work they will be.

Soon I will have a "5 Reasons TO get an Akita" video.