In this article, we will answer the following question: Are Akitas good guard dogs? We will talk about the temperament of the Akitas and whether they make good guard dogs or not.
Are Akitas good guard dogs?
Akitas are the best guard dogs. The Akita Inu, a large and powerful breed, comes from Japan. These intelligent dogs have long been used for therapeutic work, are popular in show rings, and can make great family pets. Many people choose this breed when they want a guard dog.
Akitas generally don’t bark much, except to inform you that an intruder or stranger is approaching the house. This makes them a good choice as a guard dog. In fact, they have no need for special guard dog training because they instinctively protect your home.
Because they naturally view all strangers as a threat, they need extensive training to learn to distinguish between a threat and something normal. This is not impossible, it is an intelligent breed that with the proper training and commands can achieve it.
The breed is especially known for their therapy work, but as they can be very aggressive, each team needs an evaluation prior to approval for therapy. Akitas who have been socialized from puppies around people, other animals, and who are friendly and attentive to strangers, may be candidates for animal therapy.
Unfortunately, not all show these traits. When one of them is approved it can help sick and lonely patients, including the elderly and children, by allowing strangers to come into physical contact with them.
The Japanese bred the Akita to be a hunter for bears, wild boars, and elk. Never leave one of these dogs off a leash in an unfenced yard, because they will probably be out looking for prey. On the other hand, it is a dog that needs to exercise daily, especially if it lives in a small area. They are not hyperactive anyway, so a good walk or jog will suffice.
The Akita Inu is also a good dog for the family. With proper training, an Akita can become a wonderful and loving pet for your family. They even have a slightly silly side that they share with people they trust. Some appear to be able to communicate by grunting or muttering. Akitas are intelligent and respond well to commands, as long as they are trained with motivation and not by force.
It is said that they share a couple of characteristics with cats, they bathe themselves and are independent so that they like to be together with their owner, they always know where they are inside the house, but they are content if they are not continuously close to you. They like to stay home all day, instead, they need interaction with the family.
These dogs can be aggressive towards other animals, especially male to male and female to female. So they are not good dogs to take to a dog park or to be left off-leash around other canines. They do not relate well to children who tease them and may bite in retaliation, so it is not advisable to leave an Akita alone with a child under 12 years old or one who does not know how to properly interact with a dog.
Are Akitas aggressive?
Akitas have an aggressive gene, which can be difficult or even impossible to change. Her temperament can change from playful to aggressive in a moment. So never leave young children and other animals along with you.
If you want a safe and peaceful home, take your pet to obedience classes and train her to curb her strong and aggressive character. These classes teach you how to earn and maintain your position as leader of the pack.
Because these are strong-willed and aggression-prone dogs, it is important that they mold themselves during the first weeks of life. Responsible breeders socialize Akitas with people and other animals, something that must be maintained throughout their lives.
Spaying and neutering can help socialize an aggressive dog, in conjunction with obedience training and sports competitions where your ability as a leader is put to the test because if you do not demonstrate your role well, your dog will take that role, which is a natural function for him.
There are few, if any, shy or lonely Akitas. Although they can be friendly and open with other known dogs, most of them never trust another dog, even a puppy friend. For example, an Akita is not the type of dog to take to a dog park. It should never be off-leash with other dogs around.
Akita is not for everybody. It is best to have a little experience with dogs before getting an Akita. This tough breed can be difficult for an inexperienced owner to handle. Although they may appear cute and cuddly when they are puppies, they need to be trained and raised to be friendly, sociable, and accepting of strangers. Small animals, such as cats and small dogs, can become prey for Akitas.
Akitas as guard dogs
Akitas possess a natural instinct as watchdogs. They protect your property against intruders, but they are also territorial and do not welcome home unless you are present. If your Akita spends time in a fenced yard, lock the door to keep people out. If a child enters the playground to retrieve a ball that he accidentally threw there, the Akita could injure him.
It is dangerous to go down to the level of Akita’s face and look at it. They interpret this as aggression on your part and they will react aggressively backward. You will be tested for dominance in your home, but this can be corrected by constant training. Never act aggressively towards or abuse an Akita, this could only make them more offensive. Treat him with respect and you may develop a close bond.
What type of Akita to choose as a guard dog?
There are two types of Akitas, the American Akita, and the Japanese Akita. Relatively few Akitas survived during the devastation of World War II in Japan and today the bloodlines of the two types are divided along with American and Japanese breeding practices. The differences between the two have to do with size and color.
The ancestors of this ancient Japanese breed had many functions through the centuries, including that of hunter, fighter, and watchdog. The first Akita Inu originated in the city of Odate, 200 years before Christ. In the late 1800s, the descendants of these dogs were crossed with European breeds such as the Mastiff, the Great Dane, and the German Shepherd. The modern Akita Inu registry was established in 1927.
The Akita is an important dog in Japanese culture. Parents of newborns receive an Akita statuette, a token traditionally thought to bring good health, happiness, and longevity.
Akita Inu
The Japanese Akita is smaller and less muscular than the American Akita. At maturity, they are 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 75-120 pounds, with males being larger than females. The Japanese regard this dog as a living work of art. Although its coat can be of various shades, it should always have white on the muzzle, neck, chest, body, and tail. The only exception is solid white Akita.
American Akita
The American type ranges from 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and the males larger than the females. The weight range is the same as that of its Japanese relative. Any hair color is allowed, but experts demand that there be no tangles or fringes in the layers of its thick fur, especially on the legs.
These dogs require regular grooming and care, shedding the undercoat twice a year, creating a heavy shedding situation. This is a strong, muscular, heavy boned dog with a large head and small erect ears. The American Akita may have a black mask on their face, something that is not allowed in the Japanese standard.
Due to its Japanese heritage as a fighting dog, the Akita cannot tolerate other canines, especially those of the same sex. He is not especially good with other pets, however, with their owners he can be affectionate and protective.
It is said that it is not the ideal dog for shy or inexperienced people. The Akita must know that you are the leader of his pack. If it is not clear, it could bite or show other inappropriate behavior. Investing in obedience training is a good idea with any dog, but especially dominant breeds like the Akita.
The bottom line
The Akita Inu is a breed of dog that, due to its past as a hunting dog and defense and attack dog, presents a loving, faithful, and very protective character with both its owner and his family.
He is suspicious of strangers but will never attack for no reason, he will simply be on the alert. Adults should always supervise dog-child interactions and this is especially true with this breed. No child could have a more loyal playmate or caretaker than an Akita, but a poorly educated Akita can become a great responsibility and even endanger the lives of minors.
It is therefore imperative to teach young people to be respectful and kind in all their interactions with dogs. Play between dogs and children should always be supervised, even with well-trained dogs.
What do you love most about Akitas? Please let us know in the comments your favorite thing about Akita Inu!
FAQ on Are Akitas good guard dogs?
Are Akitas good family dogs?
Akitas can become good family dogs. They are extremely intelligent, calm, and like to spend time with the family members. They are great because they also do not mind spending time by themselves.
Do Akitas bite their owners?
Akitas do not bite their owners, unless they are not properly trained, did not learn socialization, or are provoked. Akitas are incredibly loyal dogs.
Why are Akitas so mean?
Akitas are not mean unless provoked or if they do not know how to socialize. Akitas are very loyal and protective of their owners, so they can quickly become aggressive if they feel their owner is in danger.
Are female Akitas aggressive?
Females Akitas can be aggressive towards Akitas of the same sex because they can be very possessive, do not like to be teased and honestly, they prefer to be the “only” dog in the house!
Do Akitas like to cuddle?
Akitas do not like to cuddle, and generally, dogs do not understand our need for hugs. However, like any other faithful compassion, Akitas can grow to tolerate hugs and cuddles, but only from their owners!
References
Peteducate.com
Hillspet.com
Pets.thenest.com
