The Akita dog has many very positive traits that are common throughout the breed.  These traits include: Akitas need very little grooming beyond the usual brush and comb routine.  There is no trimming or shaving of the coat that you have with other breeds.  Of course, there is an exception in all this(there always is).  The Akita dog does "blow" coat.  What this means is that they completely shed their undercoats.  This is an intense, messy period of time.  Garbage bags full of hair can be generated.  The good news is that it only lasts about three weeks from start to finish.  Fortunately, it only occurs twice per year.  Akitas that are neutered, live indoors, or live in a temperate climate tend to shed in smaller amounts year-round, and do not go through such dramatic loss of coat.
Note:  There are long haired Akitas(this is considered to be a fault) that do  require more grooming.

The Akita is a noble and devoted dog, but so much depends on the owner taking responsibility for its being a good neighbor, and family member.  The Akita has a dominant type personality, an owner that is unable to exert control or lacks knowledge of how to train dominant type dogs, will not be able to control this dog.  Akitas require a great deal of socialization as puppies, without it they will become aggressive and unpredictable.  Obedience training is imperative even at a young age.  These dogs are smart and will learn quickly.  They will also test the limits of behavior. Puppies must learn early in life that humans are always their superior, and what behaviors are acceptable and which are not.
Akitas have a tendancy to be aggressive towards other dogs, especially of the same sex.  Some Akitas are jumpers, and if kept outside, it is advisable to have a fenced in area that is five(5') to six(6') feet high. This should prevent other dogs from wandering by and engaging in a dog fight. Invisible or electric fences will not be a reliable method of containment due to the Akita having a natural high pain threshold(Note: owners who think beating a dog into submission is a training method,should beware of using this method on an Akita.).  A high fence will also protect small children from playing near, or teasing the dog.  Akitas are hunters, and may view smaller animals such as cats, toy poodles, cocker spaniels and even small children as game to be hunted and killed.  A child, and some adults, too, don't realize the power of some of the larger dogs, it doesn't matter what breed.  Don't approach a strange dog, even if it is wagging it's tail.  Ask permission of the owner first, then ask the dog's permission by extending the hand and letting the dog approach on it's own.  Also, a small child may gaze directly into a dog's eyes, dog behaviour experts tells us this is an act of dominance, and if the dog isn't willing to be dominated, it will fight back.

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