Akitas can be challenging to understand and raise which can make training difficult. They have a primitive way of thinking and behaving and their body language and facial expressions and very subtle making them harder to “read”, some say similar to a feline! They are very willful and will make you work hard to prove you are the boss.
In appearance the Akita is a substantial breed for its height with heavy bones. They have a large, bear-like head with erect, triangular ears. Additionally, the eyes of the Akita are small, dark, deeply set and triangular in shape. The Aikta has a short, double coat, very similar to the Husky or Samoyed, so having the time to groom and care for this coat is a must as they are heavy shedders. Long-coated dogs can be found in many litters due to a gene mutation. Their tails are carried over the top of the back in a curl.