Are Akitas really aggressive?

Question

I'm really considering adding an Akita puppy to my family. I've been reading books and articles on them, and almost all say they are aggressive towards other dogs unless raised with them. Does this mean that even with a great deal of socialization, it will always be on the aggressive side? I have two GSDs and we make weekly trips to the dog park, would that be enough to stop aggression or is it an inherent trait you can't do anything about?

With Akitas and kids, I've been reading a lot of contradictions. Some books/articles say they are excellent with children, others say they aren't recommended for kids. I don't know which to believe. I know my husband and I will have kids eventually, and I have two young brothers and nieces and nephews. I will not tolerate children treating any of my dogs poorly, but I also need to feel safe with the dog and kids. If anyone who knows a lot about the breed could share their experience with me, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I work at a vet clinic, and I see Akitas who are on two extremes. I have met some Very Dangerous Akitas. Some of them are very aggressive, and because they are so large and powerful, they are a huge threat.

But I have also met the sweetest teddy bear Akitas. The kind of dog that you can do whatever you want to them, and they really couldn't care less. But I also see a pattern with the owners. The owners of friendly Akitas are very excellent owners. I will give you one example. Bear is a 140 pound teddy bear, he loves dogs, kids, strangers. He is not aggressive at all. But his owners had to socialize him A Lot when he was a pup. Meeting new dogs and people every day. And they had to be positive experiences. And when the couple found out they were going to have a baby, they took Bear to a dog behaviorist ahead of time, just to ensure a smooth transition. These owners go that extra mile to make sure they have a well behaved friendly dog, and it pays off. Bear is one of the nicest dogs I have ever met.

I think if you really want an Akita you can make it work, you just have to be up for a challenge.
http://dogbreedinfo.com/akita.htm

I also agree that an Akita is the kind of breed you want to get from a reputable breeder. Someone who breeds the dogs to have good temperaments. And someone who shows their dogs is good too. Because they wouldn't be showing dogs who have aggressive tendancies.

Answer 2

I Own A Japanese Akita Dog.............

My Akita dog is not aggressive to other dogs or people at all. I made every effort to socialise him with people and dogs when a puppy and he is fine. I trust him 100%.
Infact - I think I have socialised him too well as he is way too friendly. They do grow big but they are not hard to control. They make excellent family pets as they house train themselves pratically and are very quiet dogs. They don't show loads of effection until they are four months old but then they shower you with effection. Okay so can Akita's be aggressive. Yes - if you leave them tied up in the back garden. These dogs need to be around the family. If they are then they will be fine. I must tell you though that my Akita when a puppy would run from dogs trying to attack him. When he got to eight months old that stopped. Although he never starts a fight if he is threatened he stands his ground. He never backs down now. I have two kids. A three year old girl and a two month old baby. My girl jumps all over him and he loves it. He is awesome with the baby. He lies down next to the baby like a father figure. When my baby cries he comes and gets me or my wife. I would get another Akita no problem. They are great with kids, family and other pets if you are willing to take the time to socialise the dog. Akita female dogs are still as protective but less stubborn. For first time Akita owners I suggest a female dog.

Answer 3

I think with training and alot of work it would be a fine addition.. (I believe ANY breed is capable of being in a family with other animals if treated correctly from the start) The one thing you should research however is diseases that are common.. EVERY purebred dog has genetic problems that are common.. (even in well bred dogs sometimes) ... I remember Animal Planet's Breed All About It... and EVERY single person on there who had Akita's (and thought it was the best breed ever) had lost all of their previous ones due to these genetic problems.. (all different litters, all bought from well qualified breeders.. and all knew what they were getting into) The only reason I say this is because the chances of needing more money for Vet bills is a real possibility in 3 or 4 years... Just something to consider .. (My prefered breed is the Irish Wolfhound, which I don't currently have ONLY because they have the same problem.. I know I can't afford to pay the vet bills)_

Answer 4

Akita's are wonderful dogs for the right people and environments.

As a breed they tend toward the aggressive side. They are not know for their ability to get along well with other dogs, often even dogs they are raised with. I see a lot of them in the grooming shop, and most of them are aggressive with the other dogs they live with. Some to the point of one part of the house for the Akita, the rest for the other dog(s), making sure they never meet.

They are large working dogs, who can be stubborn and difficult to train. As far as how they are with children, it seems to depend on the individual dog. Here is a link to an excellent page on what living with an Akita is like:

http://www.baycrestakitas.com/2006/myths.htm

Answer 5

"2. You can train an Akita to rid them of their natural aggressiveness/ prey drive." Totally false. You can never get rid of their natural aggressiveness. You can control it to a certain extent. If you didn't want a dog-aggressive animal, you should have gotten another breed. I used to own & breed & show Akitas. None of my dogs were permitted to be aggressive with anyone, human or canine, but I always knew the danger was there. My dogs were 100% reliable off-leash, but I never would have dreamed letting mine off-leash around dogs they didn't know. Akitas can be trained not to start a fight, but they can't be trained to back down from one if another dog runs up and snaps at them. I would *never* take an Akita to an off-leash dog park. You're just asking for a lawsuit, even if it's the other dog that caused the problem.

Answer 6

If they are raised and socialized to other dogs, cats, other animals and children(and many, many other situations), they can be great dogs. I work at a large vet clinic and one of our clients has 5 Akitas(all very well bred show dogs, so none are spayed/neutered currently), 1 French Bulldog and 2 cats, and I believe they all co-exist fairly well. Like any animal, there may be some things(be it dog, cat, small animal) that individual dogs don't like There will sometimes be scuffles, but proper training can make these things manageable. I think one reason they aren't recommended for kids is for their sheer size...they are very large dogs and can easily knock a child down without meaning to. I recommend finding a very reputable breeder that has show stock with excellent temperaments to purchase your puppy from. Also, if you can visit their dogs, all the better to ensure you are getting the best dog possible. They are beautiful dogs and the ones I deal with are great examples of their breed. Good luck.

Answer 7

Akitas are like many Spitz breed dogs - they are loyal to their family and their territory. They can be rather snappy with grabby children and should never be left alone with a child, like any large dog.

An Akita can make a very good addition to the family if properly socilaized and given boundaries. They need obediance classes and a lot of exercise to burn off their working-class energy. A large back yard and some playmates will make a happy dog. Akita's are pushy and stubborn; like Chow Chows, they think THEY know what's best and hence the reason for good obediance classes.

You should only buy from a breeder, and make sure to draw up a contract in case of genetic defects, which can be common in Spitz breeds. Temperment should be determined before you bring the puppy home - an aggressive puppy can turn into an aggressive dog.

Answer 8

I used to house sit for a couple who owned two Akitas. I found them to be loyal and expressive dogs. Staying at their house alone, I had no fear of anyone breaking in.

I think that if you find a breeder with a stellar reputation for breeding even tempered Akitas you could get one. Then socialize and work on obedience from day one of the puppy being in your house. You should have a very good faithful companion for life.

Answer 9

I have and akita and i pittbull, both from puppies they both get long very well they get along great with children... i have two little brothers and numerous younger cousins. My akita nor pittbull have ever been agressive towards any of them... I think it all depends on the training and socialization of the dog while they are still puppies. My dogs are both well behaved and live in the house together.

Answer 10

Yes, they can be very aggressive, it's not just socializing it's also good or bad breeding. I have scars from one and I have also been around very sweet ones. I just feel it's best not to take a chance for your children and your dogs. Every book I have read about them is to get the males neutered asap. So that tells me something right there. I wish you well, I hope I gave you some insight. All the besr;~)