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Properly raised and trained,
Akitas make stunning, wonderfully complex canine companions. They are not
for every household, but in the right household they will blossom into
loving members of the family.
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|
Properly raised and trained,
Akitas make stunning, wonderfully complex canine companions. They are not
for every household, but in the right household they will blossom into
loving members of the family.
|
The
Akita is an ancient breed that was developed in Japan for large game hunting,
family guardianship, and in more recent times, dog fighting. Akitas were
never kept in large groups, and today they do best in single-dog households
or in households with a dog of the opposite sex. The historical function
of the Akita has left it with a high prey drive, which can make it difficult
to live harmoniously with small animals like cats, rabbits, guinea pigs,
etc.
Akitas
are large, powerful dogs who do best with respectful, firm leadership.
They cannot exist harmoniously in permissive or dictatorial households.
They require significant socialization, obedience work, and owners who
are as intelligent and as strong-willed as they are. Akitas are very intelligent
- sometimes uncannily so - but are not the most easily trainable of breeds.
Independence and aloofness is one of the hallmark traits of this breed,
so they are often not openly affectionate. Nevertheless, they form intensely
loyal attachments to their families and will protect those they love to
the death.