How to Groom an Akita

Akitas are large, strong dogs with a substantial build. Akitas are the biggest of the Japanese Spitz dogs, usually standing between 26 and 28 inches tall. They have a somewhat coarse, straight and hard outer coat that stands off the body and a shorter undercoat that is soft and thick. They need a full grooming every 8 to 10 weeks and a general grooming once per week.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slicker brush
• Pin brush
• Steel combs
• Scissors
• Mat rake

1. Apply a protein coat conditioner or a detangling solution to the coat and brush with a slicker brush, a pin brush or steel combs as needed. Akitas have a thick and soft undercoat which can tangle and mat harshly if you neglect it. Although the outer coat may appear to be in good condition, you must still brush to the skin to make sure the coat is healthy. Akitas have major shedding periods twice per year.

2. Use scissors to clip stray hairs around and under the feet, even between the pads. Leaving hair on the feet can foster the collection of dirt and grime which may be harmful to the dog. Trim the whiskers as well if you desire.

3. Bathe infrequently and only when necessary. The Akita has natural oils on its skin which make its coat waterproof. Bathing strips away these oils. Also remember that Akitas are large dogs with the potential to be aggressive. Have at least two people there to get the dog in and out of the tub and to handle him during the bath.

4. Use a cream rinse on the coat after you've rinsed out the shampoo. Go through the coat with a mat rake to dislodge any remaining tangles. This is most effective when your Akita is shedding heavily.

Tips & Warnings

• After putting on the second shampoo and before the final rinse out, use a cream rinse on the coat and go through it with a mat rake. This should mainly be done when the dog is shedding heavily.
• Akitas have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
• Other names for the Akita are Akita Inu, Japanese Akita and Great Japanese Dog.
• Akitas are susceptible to hip dysplasia, thyroid problems including both hypothyroid and autoimmune thyroiditis, immune diseases such as VKH and Pemphigus, skin problems like SA and eye problems (PRA, Micro, entropion). They may suffer from patella and other assorted knee problems.