Is the Akita Inu a Dangerous Animal?

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Listed as one of the world’s most dangerous dogs, we wonder how dangerous is the Akita Inu? The truth is that any dog can be dangerous if they are exposed to negative environmental factors such as neglect, abuse, or being poorly trained by their owner. While some dogs are genetically predisposed to certain aggressive traits, irresponsible ownership can pose a far more significant threat regarding how dangerous a breed can be. While they may or may not be dangerous, the perception is enough to ban residents of the New York City Housing Authority from owning Akita Inu’s, as well as many other perceived dangerous breeds due to the risk that they may pose to other residents or animals. It only makes sense that larger dogs are always capable of inflicting greater injury on other animals or people. The Akita Inu is a large, powerful breed known for their strong protective instincts. If handled improperly, Akita Inu’s can be very dangerous animals.

History

Akita Inu’s were originally bred to hunt deer and bears in their native Japan. Large in stature, they were bred for strength, courage, and endurance. In his native Japan, the Akita Inu is considered a noble hunter and a fearsome guard dog. Due to their genetic disposition to hunt, the Akita Inu still enjoys this pursuit and requires a good deal of exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom. While hunting breeds aren’t necessarily dangerous by definition, their hunting instincts may mean they pose a higher risk of being dangerous in certain situations, such as if left unattended around small animals. This is one of the main reasons why Akita Inu’s are not recommended for families who have other pets. They should be placed in a single pet household.

Size

The Akita Inu is a very large breed of dog. Adult male Akita Inu’s are typically 26–28 inches tall and weigh between 100–130 pounds. The female Akita Inu’s are a little smaller, 24–26 inches tall and weigh between 70–100 pounds. Being such a large dog means that it takes a strong adult to be able to physically restrain an Akita Inu if presented with a dangerous situation.

Temperament

The Akita Inu is known to be territorial of its property and reserved around strangers. Naturally confident, protective and courageous, and Akita may act very aggressively if provoked while in its own home. For these reasons, Akita Inu owners must be careful of how they train their dog and how they behave toward him/her. Since this is such a large and powerful breed, the Akita Inu is not recommended for a first time dog owner or children. They prefer to be alone and do not do well with other pets.

Importance of Training and Socialization

Let’s face it, no there is no such thing as a perfect dog. Dogs, like humans, begin with a genetic predisposition for temperament. Dog owners can’t change their dog’s genetics, but they do have the ability to take the basic temperament of the dog and shape and influence it through environmental and social experiences. Training and socialization are two very important responsibilities of a dog owner, especially an Akita Inu owner. This breed has a reputation to be protective and hostile, so if you are thinking of getting one of these puppies, make sure you have a plan in place from day one. If not properly trained and socialized, the Akita Inu’s are more capable of hurting people and other animals when out of control.

Image via www.greatdogsite.com

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3 Comments

  1. My family has owned 3 Akitas. We have also had other pets, a Chihuahua, cats, 2 mixed breed dogs, and a horse at the same time. They all got along fine. We rescued one of the male Akitas when he was about 5 yrs old. He had been chained to a tree or locked in a garage most of his life. He turned out to be a very good dog.

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