Nine Reasons You Should Not Get an Akita

I have seen a lot of Akita owners return their Akitas to pet breeders and rescue homes for several reasons. One of the most prevalent reasons is always their inability to handle this dog breed. 

Usually, pet owners want Akitas for all the beautiful things they hear about them but aren’t prepared for the work that comes with Akitas. 

In this article, I will show you reasons you should not get an Akita. If you are contemplating buying an Akita, you may find out that there are better ideas than this. 

Nine Reasons You Should Not Get an Akita 

The following are some of the reasons why an Akita may not be good for you:

You Have No Experience With Dogs 

I struggled with my Akita and it wasn’t my first dog. When I lived with my dog, we had a German Shepherd and a Shepskie which is a crossbred of a German Shepherd and a Husky. 

Despite living with these dog breeds, I still struggled to take care of my Akita. If you have never had a dog before and you do not know how to handle an aggressive dog, an Akita is not for you. 

I never advise my friends who are first-time dog owners to get an Akita. Among the many reasons why you should not get an Akita if you have no dog experience include:

• Akitas are a very stubborn dog breed and if you do not know how to manage a dog that isn’t as submissive as the Golden breed, then you shouldn’t be getting an Akita
• An Akita can weigh as large as 130 lbs. They are very large dogs. As a first-time dog owner, you would not be able to cater to the training needs and care of a dog that large. 

You Have a Lot of Smaller Dogs and Pets 

Akitas are generally dominant. An Akita would like to exert dominion over other dogs and smaller pets. Even though some pet parents have claimed that their Akitas did well with other dog breeds that they have, this is not often the case as I have seen. 

My uncle runs a pet rescue home and we’ve seen a lot of people come in with reports about how their Akita nearly killed their parrot, cat, and so on. I am not ruling out the fact that if you have an Akita you shouldn’t have other dogs, I am saying there’s an 80% chance other pets might be in danger around your Akita. 

Another important thing to consider about Akitas in this regard is that they do not associate properly with same-sex dogs. A male Akita is likely going to bother other male dogs in your home. They do this because of their predatory instincts and their desire to be the dominant figure in the vicinity. 

You Are Not Physically Fit 

Some people walk into my uncle’s pet store and say they want an Akita and we can tell from their appearance that an Akita will not be good for them. 

Akitas need to be constantly stimulated physically and if you do not have the energy and physical strength to cater to this need, then an Akita is not for you.

You need to train your Akita every day, play with it always, and take it out on brisk walks always. It can be exhausting because your Akita can be physical too. It wants to jump around and it needs you to show as much enthusiasm as possible. 

To properly train your Akita, you will need a significant amount of energy. Akitas require positive reinforcement and rewards during training sessions. If you are not energetic and enthusiastic, you may not be able to get the best results from your Akita. 

Additionally, playing with your Akita is a great way to bond with them and provide them with the exercise they need.

You Do Not Have Enough Time 

Another point to check when deciding whether to buy an Akita or not is how much time you can spare for your dog. You don’t just need to have enough energy, you need to be there for your dog. As puppies and mature dogs, you need to have time for your Akita and this is paramount. 

Your Akita can do well on its own but it needs attention as well. It is like dating an independent woman. She can do things on her own but all women want time and attention. She doesn’t mind being left alone for awhile but she wants all the attention she can get. That’s how an Akita is wired. 

If you are pursuing a career or have a busy schedule, you should not get an Akita. 

You Do Not Have Enough Space in Your Home or Yard

If you are considering getting an Akita as a pet, it is important to note that they require a significant amount of space. This is due to their large size and their need for physical activity and playtime. 

Akitas are a breed of dog that typically weigh between 70 to 130 pounds and can grow up to 28 inches in height. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with enough space to move around comfortably and avoid feeling cramped or restricted. 

Additionally, Akitas are known to be active and playful, which means they need ample space to run, jump, and play both inside and outside the house. Providing your Akita with enough space is crucial for their physical and emotional well-being.

You Do Not Have Money to Care for an Akita 

If you are planning to bring an Akita into your home, it is important to understand that in addition to the initial purchase price, you will also need to invest in various supplies and services to ensure your new furry friend stays healthy and happy. 

This includes grooming tools such as brushes, combs, and clippers, as well as high-quality meals that provide the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. 

Additionally, regular visits to the vet are essential to keep your Akita up-to-date on their vaccinations and to address any health concerns that may arise. 

By being prepared and investing in the right tools and services, you can provide your Akita with the best possible care and enjoy a long, loving relationship with your pet.

You Are Not Ready to Deal with Fur Everywhere 

My dad was an avid dog lover and always wanted to get an Akita as a pet. However, he ultimately decided against it because he despised the shedding process that Akitas typically went through. 

He was extremely particular about cleanliness and couldn’t stand the thought of hair being scattered all over the house. 

Despite his love for the breed, he knew that he wouldn’t be able to deal with the constant shedding that came with owning an Akita. 

If you find yourself in a similar situation, where cleanliness and tidiness are of utmost importance, it might be wise to consider other dog breeds, as Akitas may not be the right fit for you.

You Are Looking For a Dog That Can Help You Socialize

There are various reasons why people choose to buy dogs as pets. Amongst these reasons, socializing is one of the most common factors, especially for young people who feel the need to expand their social circle. 

According to the American Kennel Club, owning a dog can help improve one’s social life significantly. However, it’s important to note that not all breeds of dogs are equally adept at providing such benefits. 

For instance, the Akita breed is not categorized as one that offers a high level of social help. This is because Akitas tend to have dominant personalities and may show aggression towards other dogs. 

You Have Little Children 

It’s important to be cautious when introducing large dogs to children, and this advice definitely applies to Akitas. These dogs are not known for their tolerance of children, and may not be the best choice for families with young kids. 

While breeds like beagles, poodles, corgis, and golden retrievers are often considered great family pets, Akitas have a reputation for being less patient around children. 

This makes them unsuitable for young families with little children. Except, of course, you’ll always be around to teach your Akita and organize their interaction with your kids. 

Final Thoughts

Akitas are loyal but like to exert authority and dominion. If an Akita figures that you are weak and incapable of leading it, it will assume leadership responsibilities which have earned them the “stubborn” breed trait. 

Hence, owning an Akita is a lot of work. If you are looking at getting an Akita, I believe you have seen some reasons why an Akita may not be right for you.