Akitas are a large breed. They are not considered to be a dog for novice owners, as the dog's master should be assertive in showing the dog its place in the pack, and to have some experience of dog behaviour. They are naturally wary of unknown people and animals and should be well socialised to avoid undesirable aggression.Left unattended in the backyard or in a kennel, they can develop "personality" problems, and may become destructive to the yard due to boredom. They are highly pack oriented, thus, isolating them from a social environment (i.e., the owner) causes them great stress.The Akita is a dominant dog which may expect other dogs to be submissive.

Akitas are devoted protectors of children in its pack, and it is said that Japanese mothers often left their children with only the Akitas to watch over and protect them.[ This devotion will not necessarily extend to other children, especially if teased, and can be aloof with strangers. Common sense should prevail, and adequate supervision of pets and children is generally a good idea.Having said this, a well socialized Akita will be more comfortable with this.

They are excellent house dogs. They require moderate, but regular exercise.Akitas are known to be very quiet dogs, only barking "when there is something to bark about".

Akitas may take a while to train because they are easily bored and can be stubborn. Akitas are highly intelligent, and will only obey a task if they see the point of it. They are not trick dogs. They are also a dominant breed, and will not take orders from a weak or abusive leader, requiring a firm but loving education where "no" always means "no" and never "whatever".

An Akita is not likely to shower affection on someone that is not a member of his family or a close friend that he sees frequently, and can be extremely aloof. The dogs are known for their loyalty, and a pet Akita will patiently follow its master from room to room, without ever getting underfoot.This trait is evident in the tale of Hachikō, a dog remembered in Japan for his loyalty, who daily met his master at the train station. After his master's death, Hachikō returned to the train station every day for 10 years until the end of his life.

Most Akita puppies chew. A poodle puts a few teeth marks in chair, an Akita will destroy the whole chair. Most grow out of this stage by their first birthday, but some do not stop until they are about two. They have been named "100 pound termites" with good reason.

Akitas do not bark unless there is a good reason. When an Akita is barking, pay attention!

Akitas are inherently aggressive towards other animals and for this reason, they should not be allowed to run free or roam at will.

Akitas consider small animals as prey and hunt them. This includes cats, rodents, birds, small wildlife and small dogs.

Akitas can be raised to accept animals in residence. Some adult Akitas can even be trained to fit into a home where other animals are already established. It is imperative, however, that the Akita be closely watched around the other animals until you have established a peaceful co-existence.

Akitas are VERY FOOD POSSESSIVE. If you have other pets, you will want to be certain the Akita is given his own food bowl or treats well away from other animals and that no other animal is allowed near the Akita until the food is gone.

Akitas not raised with children are not always tolerant of small children, and the Akita should never be left alone with a child until you are CERTAIN you have a dog who adores children. Often, Akitas raised with children will tolerate their own children, but may not accept the neighborhood kids.

Akitas do not like to be teased and may respond by biting. Some children are allowed to treat animals unkindly, a behavior that often leads to cruelty to animals. These children should be kept away from an Akita whose large size and hunting instincts can endanger the child's life.

Akitas like to take charge -- an inherited trait from their wolf ancestry and may, at times, challenge you for the dominant position (especially adolescent males from 1 year to 2 years of age). This behavior cannot be tolerated and a firm, CONSISTENT correction should be your immediate response. Akitas with good temperament accept discipline well -- not beating, but intelligent discipline.

Akitas should be obedience trained BY THEIR OWNER and not sent away to school like some little poodle!! A good obedience class will guarantee a firm bond with your dog and well-behaved dog. Remember though, Akitas are extremely intelligent and tend to get bored easily.

They learn quickly so short training periods are suggested. This keeps the dog from becoming bored.

Akitas are very stubborn, and when the dog thinks it is a waste of time to "sit" or "stay" one more time, he may simply walk away. Obedience training requires patience!

Some Akitas are "talkers". They may grunt, groan and mumble to entertain themselves and you. This conversational verbalizing is not growling and should not be interpreted as a growl which sounds quite different. Akita "talking" is an endearing trait and should not frighten you. After living with the dog, you will easily distinguish between talking and growling.

Akitas are not considered hyperactive; they are low activity indoor dogs and moderate activity outdoor dogs. They can fit into a sedentary household, but for optimum health for both you and your Akita, regular exercise is important.

Akitas are very people oriented and are not happy when kept apart from the family. If you do not plan on having your dog live with you both inside your home and yard, you should not seriously consider an Akita for a pet.

When keeping another dog with an Akita, it is usually more harmonious to have one of each sex.

If your Akita has a propensity for digging, expect your yard to resemble a lunar landscape; they are great earth moving machines when so motivated.

History
The Akita's ancestors were dogs used by matagi for hunting. These dogs, usually called matagi inu, were not as large as modern Akita dogs. Many of these dogs were used as guard dogs. They were also used in the sport of hunting bears. Many were used to guard the emperor and his children. Akitas would sometimes be used instead of babysitters.

Recent DNA analysis found that the Akita was among the most ancient dog breeds.