Akita for Sale

About Akita

Originating from the mountains of Northern Japan, the Akita Inu or Canis lupus familiaris is well known for its size and skills in hunting. They hunted bears, boars, and elk and were also involved in dog fighting in the 1600s. However, from 1500 to 1800s they were Samurai companions and were later used in wars to recover prisoners of war and for scouting purposes. 

This dog is part of the Spitz family hence its similarities to breeds such as the Finnish spitz, Pomeranian, and Samoyed. They are also related to the famous Shiba Inu as well as other breeds such as the Kishu Ken and Kai Ken. The breed was brought to America after Helen Keller was gifted two of them by Japan and was also popularized by military officials who took a liking to these dogs, hence you can find it in many different areas. Below is all you need to know before seeking out “Akita puppy for sale near me”.

Appearance

Size	26 to 28 inches tall 24 to 26 inches tall (females)
Weight	100 to 130 pounds (males) and 70 to 100 pounds (females)
Head	Large bear-like head
Eyes	Small and triangular dark-brown eyes
Coat	Thick double coat
Coat color and patterns	White, brown, Urajiro, black mask, white mask, red, fawn (silver or golden), sesame (red, white, or black), brindle (black, brown, red, fawn, or blue), white-faced red, hooded
Tail	Full and curled over
Lifespan	10 to 13 years

 

Personality Traits

1. Alert-this dog is always aware of its surroundings, hence good for security.
2. Intelligent- this breed easily grasps and retains information and can easily learn new tricks.
3. Protective- they are territorial and seek to protect their homes and families.
4. Aggressive towards other dogs- they are not tolerant of other dogs, especially unfamiliar ones of the same gender. However, this behavior can be regulated with training and socialization.
5. Quiet- unlike other breeds, this dog only barks when the pup feels it is necessary.

Good with kids- the breed is very gentle towards kids hence good for families. This is a major consideration for many when they search for “Akita for sale near me”.

We also have descriptions for other dogs, such as our guide on American Foxhound. 

How To Care For The Akita

1. Diet and Nutrition

Your pet needs a balanced diet with high-quality foods. You may across different brands, but it is preferable to seek recommendations from the vet or the person who raised the dog. 

However, your pet will appreciate foods like:

• Lamb
• Beef
• Horse
• Venison
• Duck
• Rice
• Sea plants
• Turkey
• Eggs
• Fish oil supplements
• Water
• Marshmallow treats

You may also provide dry or wet dog foods, but since some may contain gluten or other allergens and low-quality ingredients, so check the ingredients before purchasing. 

Puppies will need several small portions of food during the day, but adults can do with two or three meals of 500-800 grams, depending on their activity level and size. This dog also eats a relatively small amount in comparison to its size, so you won’t break the bank feeding your pet!

2. Training and Discipline

Experts would advise you to train them when young. This is important to consider before searching “American Akita puppies for sale near me” as you need information on whether they have been trained and how to do it.

We also offer tips on how to handle other breeds, such as American Pitbull Terrier.

3. Physical Exercise

To keep your pet healthy, they need regular exercise. At least two hours a day of running, walking, or playing is enough to keep them mentally stimulated, but you can also invest in some toys, such as chew toys.

4. Hygiene and Grooming

Generally, the dog is low maintenance. The Japanese breed has a softer and shorter coat in comparison to its American and long-coat peers. They have a double coat which helps keep their temperature regulated. 

Your dog should be brushed at least once a week to prevent matting and distribute natural oils in the skin. However, you may increase the frequency in the spring and fall since this is when their coat blows out or sheds. The brushing process also helps with bonding. For this breed, you will need an undercoat rake for their double coat and a dryer for faster drying.

At times, you may give your dog a bath every 6 to 8 weeks. However, this may increase in frequency if your dog has any parasites or infections. There are various types of dog shampoos depending on your needs, ranging from antibacterial to soothing. For quality, consult your vet for quality recommendations.

It is also important to trim their nails every 4 or 6 weeks to prevent overgrowth. Their ears also gather dust and may harbor parasites, so be sure to cleanse gently with a cleaning solution or water and some gauze. 

5. Common Allergies

Before you search for where to find this breed, it is important to understand the various allergens that affect them to ensure your pet is safe. They include:

• Pollen
• Chocolate
• Certain foods (wheat, soy, chicken)
• Certain medicines (opiates, penicillin)
• Latex
• Perfume

When your dog is exposed to any of these allergens, it may exhibit signs like runny nose, watery eyes, itching skin, vomiting, sneezing, breathing problems, vomiting, diarrhea, ear infections (sometimes chronic), and chewing paws.

While limiting exposure is a good way to help your pet avoid allergic reactions, experts also advise you to give them foods rich in omega fatty acids, such as supplements, fish oil, and others. This nutrient helps reduce inflammation and promotes coat health, so your pet should not miss out on it.

6. Potential Diseases

This breed may suffer from various diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, Von Wildebrant’s disease, epilepsy, patellar luxation (weak knees), and cancer (heart, liver, and others).

There are many more diseases your pet may be at risk of, but regular vet visits help reduce the chances of them occurring and progressing. 

Where To Find An Akita Dog For Sale

You might have searched “American Akita puppies for sale near me” and found several results, but there are many scams targeting pet lovers. As such, you need to go with a site that is sure to provide you with good service. 

Here, we connect you with reputable breeders or donors looking to give their pets off to a loving home. Simply connect with the poster of your choice to get your pet today. 

Pros and Cons of  The Akita

Pros

• Affectionate towards family and friends.
• Good with children
• Very loyal and courageous
• Not loud
• Very gentle with small animals and children
• Independent and quick thinkers

Cons

• Easily bored
• Unfriendly to other dogs
• Too demanding for first-time owners
• Needs firm training

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Akitas good guard dogs?

Yes! Just like the American bulldog and other breeds, this dog will fiercely guard you and your property.

2. Do Akitas run away?

Yes, they have a high prey drive and are stubborn, hence the need for firm training.

3. Can I leave my dog at home alone?

Yes, but only for a few hours, as they are very attached and easily get bored.

4. What is the price of an Akita?

The Akita price is $1000 to $3000 for an American Akita, while the Japanese breed is more expensive. On the other hand, an Akita puppy's price is $1000 to $2500. They also tend to have some health issues and hence can drive your vet bills up.

5. Do Akitas bond easily?

Yes! This breed is known for having a favorite person who they bonded with.

6. Why do dogs lick people?

Dogs lick people as an act of grooming and bonding. They may also do this to get your attention.

Conclusion

In short, the Akita is a hunting and guard dog native to Japan. It is rather large and comes in various colors. This dog is known for its gentle nature and loyalty, so they are good for both families and single people. Just like other dogs, they are at risk of certain allergies and illnesses, but a vet can help you avoid this. To adopt this breed, simply search up terms like “American Akita for sale near me”, and you can find one from among the many available.