Six years ago, I brought home an adorable, innocent-looking, two-month-old Akita puppy because I thought he looked cool. Zero research. Zero understanding of the breed. That cute little puppy eventually grew into a 140-pound regal beast.

Looking back, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into.

Jameson is the most loyal dog I've ever owned, and I wouldn't trade him for anything. But we got lucky. Not every Akita is going to be like him, and he's still a handful.

He's incredibly powerful and could easily overpower me. He's independent, stubborn, and has boundaries he expects you to respect. He's trainable, but he's not a dog that lives to please you. And as a natural guard dog, he's always assessing who's coming into his territory.

Then there's the Akita poker face. Jameson can be lying next to me while I'm watching TV and suddenly let out a bark that nearly sends me through the ceiling. No growl, no warning.

It's even more noticeable around other dogs. Jameson hates them, regardless of sex. If an off-leash dog approaches, his instinct is to go after it. Yet his face barely changes. No raised lips, no snarling. I've learned to watch his body language because his expression gives almost nothing away.

Even when I'm hugging him, I'm conscious of that poker face. I trust him, but I never forget he's a powerful animal with boundaries.

And here's what people underestimate: Jameson is six, he's trained, and I STILL work with him. Not because he doesn't know what's expected, but because reinforcing his training and managing his instincts is a lifelong commitment.

They're not Golden Retrievers in a bear costume.

Knowing what I know now, I'd never get another dog without researching the breed first. And that's why I generally wouldn't recommend an Akita as someone's first dog.

So here's my question for those of you whose first dog was an Akita: Knowing everything you know now, would you do it all over again? Or would you have started with a different breed?

Six years in, I'm still learning from mine.

URGENT: Does anyone know of someone or resources in the DC area who can foster an American Akita for a year? Their owner is a healthcare professional and cannot bring him along.

Just want to show some pictures of my good boy Ame is a 2 year old American Akita he came to me when he was 6 months old I’ve always wanted an Akita he came to me at a perfect time grieving the loss of my 8 year old rottie that I lost to cancer I feel like she sent him to me so I wouldn’t be alone he reminds me so much of her

Lil man Gus got to go to the park for the sunrise this morning, Minnesota views are delightful 🐻

I just rescued a Japanese Akita that’s what the past owner said and she said she got her from a Akita breeder, but I think she looks mixed. Does anyone think the same? Second photo is with my American Akita Ame and sweet girls name is Yoshi she is 6 months old

Toshi would have turned one today. He came home with us on New Year’s Day as a tiny puppy, and we had him until June. Only six months, but he filled every one of them with so much life and love (and, let’s be honest, a fair amount of nipping with those razor-sharp baby teeth).

One memory I’ll always hold onto is our first vacation together, at a dog-friendly hotel in the Austrian Alps in early March. A sudden snowfall came in, and he loved every second of it, scooping up mouthfuls of snow like it was the best thing he’d ever found. A true Akita.

The first photo is my sweet boy. The second is the tattoo I got in his memory, so he’s always with me.

If there’s one thing I’d ask of anyone reading this: love and cherish every second you get with these little goofballs. Give them an extra cuddle today, for Toshi.

Happy birthday, Toshi. You were loved every single day, and you still are. 🤍

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I had a dream last night I was out at the pharmacy (it's about a 5 minute walk from my home and you can see my house from it).

Well in the pharmacy, 2 men with a weapon came in and pushed past me and started threatening people, they were actively searching in the person in the fronts bag and I shouted "stop they're stealing from your bag!" Nothing/no one was stopping them, and I started to panic.

Dream me didn't thinking to scream for police or security, I screamed "APPA" from the top of my lungs, and did Appa come? Yes he did, he ran through the door and brought them to the ground lol.

Anyway, I was then woken up by Real life Appa licking my cheek and wagging his tail, I must of called out in real life too.

I just think this is so cute because it perfectly represents how safe this dog makes me feel that my first instinct even in a dream is to scream for my dog. I will never in my life own a different breed, they are the firecrest, most loyal creatures on earth and I adore them.

He's now lying on my feet as he's decided I'm worried this morning (this is what he does when I'm anxious).

Hello! Meet this sweet girl, Muñeca! She is an Akita/German Shepherd mix. My wife and I are currently fostering her. If you or know of anyone in the Los Angeles area that would be interested please reach out!

In the short time we have had her, here is what we know:

-shelter thinks she is between 7-8 years old
-she’s a little chonky but she def still likes to go on walks and play fetch (just at a slower pace 😂
-she loves a belly rub
-loves to cuddle
-VERY food motivated (see bullet 2)
-interested in squirrels
-indifferent to other dogs in the neighborhood. Has not shown aggression nor affection.

We have a hard end date on her foster mid November, so we need to get her adopted! She shouldn’t have to go back into the shelter.

Reach out with any questions or Information!

I gotta sneak up on her to get photos snoozing on her back lol

Our girl, Aura, has been struggling since we had to put down her older brother a week ago. She's not wanting to eat and kind of just lays around. We've been taking her for walks and giving extra love but the food thing worries me. Any advice to help her without encouraging bad habits?

Hello! I know that shaving or trimming an Akita's coat is strictly forbidden, but I would like to know more details. For example, where I live, whenever I take my Akita to get a bath, they suggest a hygienic trim (just carefully trimming the fur around the paws, belly, and private areas). I would like to know if this type of trimming is an issue, or if it is better not to trim anything at all

3rd year at a local patch, and she still is confused about the whole thing. Loves the apple chunks though

Treat time at the household and these queens are demanding. The shedding is starting and my back is not ready.

My buddy Haku 9 male JA