Japanese Akitainu

Breed Overview

The Japanese Akitainu is a medium size, long-haired, spitz-type breed of dog that was initially bred for hunting in Japan. It is a strong and powerful breed with a thick double-coat that comes in both a long-haired and a short-haired variety. This breed tends to be loyal, obedient and alert, and they thrive on being part of family life.

Care and Grooming

The Japanese Akitainu boasts a thick double-coat that requires regular grooming in order to keep it looking its best. This type of coat is known for shedding seasonally and therefore a weekly brushing is recommended to remove dead hair and keep it more manageable. Bathing should be done only when necessary and special care should be taken to dry the coat thoroughly after any baths.

Training and Socialization

The Japanese Akitainu is an intelligent breed that responds well to positive reinforcement training. Early socialization is recommended as this breed tends to be wary of strangers and may become protective if not properly exposed to different people and situations. Training should be consistent and fair in order to keep these dogs feeling secure and safe.

Health and Wellness

The Japanese Akitainu is generally a healthy breed that is known to have few congenital health issues. However, it does have a tendency towards hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular vet visits are recommended in order to keep them up to date on vaccinations and checkups.

Living Environment

The Japanese Akitainu is a fairly active breed and enjoys having space to play outdoors. They do best in an environment with enough space for regular exercise in order to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. They are also very sensitive to changes in their environment and may become anxious or fearful if things become too chaotic or unpredictable.

Temperament and Personality

The Japanese Akitainu is an overall friendly breed that loves being around its family. It is known for being loyal, obedient, alert and protective, but also can be a little aloof when it comes to strangers. They tend to be quite sensitive and anxious when faced with unfamiliar situations and require a patient and understanding owner in order to help them feel safe and secure.

Common Challenges

The most common challenges that the Japanese Akitainu presents its owners with include its coat, which requires daily grooming and care, as well as its tendency to display aggression towards strangers if not properly socialized. They may also be sensitive to changes in their environment and may become anxious if they are left alone for extended periods of time.