The Akita: Japan's Most Devoted Breed — Complete Owner's Guide for Pune
If you have been searching for an Akita puppy for sale in Pune, you are exploring one of the most extraordinary, dignified, and loyal dog breeds that has ever existed. The Akita — made universally famous by the true story of Hachiko, the loyal Akita Inu who waited at Shibuya Station every day for 9 years and 9 months after his owner’s death — is a breed that defines devotion. Whether you are comparing the Akita price in Pune, researching the difference between an Akita Inu and an American Akita, or simply wondering if this majestic breed suits your lifestyle and Pune home, this complete guide gives you every answer you need before making your decision.
Appearance
The Akita is a large, powerfully built Spitz-type dog with a dignified, bear-like presence that commands immediate respect. The Japanese Akita Inu males stand 64–70 cm and weigh 32–45 kg; females 58–64 cm and 23–32 kg. The American Akita is heavier and stockier, with males reaching up to 66 kg. Both types share the Akita’s iconic features: a broad, triangular head, small erect triangular ears, deep-set dark eyes, a curled tail carried over the back, and a thick plush double coat. The Japanese Akita comes in red fawn, sesame, brindle, and pure white; the American Akita accepts all colours including pinto and black. Their bear-like facial structure and regal, unhurried gait make the Akita dog in Pune one of the most visually striking breeds a visitor could encounter.
Reputable Breeder
Given the Akita’s rarity and premium price point in India, sourcing from a KCI-registered Akita breeder in Pune is critically important. The Akita price in Pune from reputable, health-tested breeders ranges from ₹60,000 for pet-quality puppies to ₹1,50,000+ for Japanese-bloodline or import-lineage puppies with championship titles in the parentage. A genuine Akita Inu breeder in Pune will show you pedigree papers, OFA/KCI health certifications for both parents, and vaccination documentation. They will never pressure you into a purchase and will thoroughly question your experience with large, dominant breeds. Beware of any seller who cannot produce documentation or refuses a kennel visit — this breed’s popularity makes it a magnet for unethical breeding. At petshopinpune.com, we partner exclusively with verified, ethical Akita kennels committed to health and temperament excellence.
Health Clearances
The Akita has a unique and complex health profile that every prospective owner must understand thoroughly. Key Akita health issues in India include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat (GDV — life-threatening gastric torsion), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypothyroidism, and — most distinctively — a range of autoimmune conditions including Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome (VKH), which causes skin depigmentation and eye problems. Before purchasing, insist on OFA/KCI hip and elbow certifications, thyroid panel, and eye clearance (CERF) for both parents. Confirm the complete Akita vaccination schedule in Pune has been followed — 6-week, 9-week, and 12-week core vaccines, anti-rabies at 3 months, and annual boosters. Budget ₹8,000–14,000 per year for preventive care as part of your total Akita maintenance cost in Pune.
Socialization
Early, comprehensive, and ongoing socialisation is the single most important factor in raising a well-balanced Akita. By nature, Akitas are reserved with strangers, dominant with other dogs (especially same-sex dogs), and possess a powerful prey drive. Without structured exposure between 3 and 14 weeks of age, these natural tendencies can develop into serious behavioural problems. Introduce your Akita puppy systematically to children, diverse adults, other animals, vehicles, urban sounds, and Pune’s diverse environments — from the busy streets near Camp to quiet residential parks in Baner and Wakad. Puppy classes at certified dog training centres in Pune are essential for this breed. Socialisation must continue throughout the dog’s adolescent years, not just during puppyhood.
Training
The Akita is highly intelligent but deeply independent — a combination that requires an experienced, patient, and confident trainer. Akita training in Pune must begin at 8 weeks using positive reinforcement exclusively. Harsh corrections will cause an Akita to become evasive or resistant. Food motivation is typically strong and works well for reward-based training. Prioritise basic obedience — sit, stay, recall, leash manners — before attempting any advanced work. How to train an Akita in India is among the most searched training queries for this breed — the consistent answer from experts is: be firm, be calm, be consistent, and never lose your temper. Akitas respect confident leadership but will dominate an uncertain owner. Professional trainers offering dog obedience training in Pune with large-breed experience are strongly recommended.
Exercise Needs
Despite their large, powerful build, Akitas have moderate exercise requirements compared to working breeds like the Malinois or Rottweiler. Two brisk 30-45 minute walks daily plus off-leash time in a securely fenced area is sufficient for most adults. Akitas must always be walked on a leash in public — their strong prey drive and dominant nature with other dogs makes off-leash urban walks dangerous. Pune’s cooler months from October to February are ideal for outdoor activity. Avoid exercising in Pune’s summer heat (March–June) — the thick double coat makes them heat-sensitive. Mental stimulation through obedience work, nose games, and interactive toys is as important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed.
Temperament
The Akita’s temperament is best described as dignified, courageous, profoundly loyal, and deeply reserved with strangers. They are the embodiment of the Japanese principle of ‘inner strength expressed through outer calm’. Akitas are not exuberant people-pleasers like Golden Retrievers — they are selective with their affection, bonding intensely with their immediate family while remaining aloof with outsiders. This makes them exceptional guard dogs in Pune — naturally territorial and protective without requiring specific protection training. They can be wonderful with children they have been raised with, but are not suited to homes with multiple unknown dogs. The question ‘are Akitas aggressive in India’ is widely searched — the answer is: with proper socialisation and experienced ownership, they are stable and trustworthy. Without it, they can be problematic.
Akita — Complete Breed Overview
| Breed Name | Akita (Akita Inu — Japanese / American Akita — USA variant) |
| Nicknames | Akita Inu, American Akita, Great Japanese Dog, Hachi's Breed |
| Famous Story | Hachiko — the Akita who waited at Shibuya Station for 9 years 9 months |
| Origin | Akita Prefecture, northern Japan — ancient mountain breed |
| Breed Group | Working / Spitz / Guard |
| National Significance | Japanese National Monument; symbol of good health, happiness & longevity |
| Two Varieties | Japanese Akita Inu (smaller, fox-like) vs American Akita (larger, bear-like) |
| Male Size (Japanese) | 64–70 cm height | 32–45 kg weight |
| Female Size (Japanese) | 58–64 cm height | 23–32 kg weight |
| Male Size (American) | 66–71 cm height | 45–66 kg weight |
| Coat Type | Thick double coat — dense insulating undercoat + straight harsh outer coat |
| Coat Colours (Japanese) | Red fawn, sesame, brindle, white — with Urajiro (cream) markings required |
| Coat Colours (American) | All colours including pinto, white, brindle, black, fawn, multi-colour |
| Appearance | Broad triangular head, small erect ears, curled tail, bear-like face, powerful build |
| Temperament | Dignified, loyal, courageous, reserved with strangers, protective of family |
| Good With Children | Good with own family children when raised together; supervise with unknown children |
| Good With Other Dogs | Low — dominant, particularly with same-sex dogs; best as only dog |
| Guard Dog Ability | Excellent — naturally territorial, alert, and protective without formal training |
| Apartment Friendly | Moderate — needs large home with outdoor access; not ideal for small flats |
| Lifespan | 10–13 years (healthy, well-cared-for dogs) |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate — 2 x 30–45 min walks daily; always on leash in public |
| Training | Intelligent but independent; positive reinforcement only; experienced handler needed |
| Socialisation | Critical from 3–14 weeks AND throughout adolescence; must be ongoing |
| Grooming | Brush 2–3x/week; heavy coat blow twice yearly; bathe every 6–8 weeks |
| Shedding | Heavy seasonal shedder — dramatic coat blows in spring and fall |
| Climate Note | Heat-sensitive — AC living recommended in Pune from March to June |
| Health Clearances | OFA/KCI: Hip & elbow, PRA (eye), thyroid panel, cardiac screening |
| Common Health Issues | Hip/elbow dysplasia, bloat (GDV), PRA, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases |
| Unique Health Issue | Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like (VKH) syndrome — autoimmune eye & skin condition |
| Bloat (GDV) Risk | HIGH — feed twice daily; no exercise 1 hr before or after meals |
| First-Time Owner | NOT recommended — requires experienced handler with large, dominant-breed knowledge |
| Prey Drive | High — strong instinct toward small animals; must be managed from puppyhood |
| Maintenance Cost/mo. | Rs. 8,000 – Rs. 14,000 (food, vet, grooming, training, supplements, accessories) |
| Price in Pune | Rs. 60,000 – Rs. 1,50,000+ (pet-quality to Japanese bloodline import Akita) |
| Where to Buy in Pune | petshopinpune.com — KCI-verified, health-tested Akita & Akita Inu puppies in Pune |
Grooming
The Akita’s thick double coat — a dense, insulating undercoat beneath a straight, harsh outer coat — requires dedicated grooming management. Brush 2–3 times per week with a slicker brush and undercoat rake to remove loose fur. Twice yearly — in October-November and March-April in Pune — Akitas undergo dramatic coat blows where they shed their entire undercoat over 2–3 weeks. During these periods, daily deshedding brushing is essential. Akita double coat grooming in India is one of the most searched care topics for this breed. Bathing every 6–8 weeks is recommended. Professional Akita grooming services in Pune cost ₹2,500–5,000 per session. Clean ears weekly, trim nails monthly, and maintain dental hygiene with 3x weekly brushing.
Climate Adaptation
The Akita was developed in the cold, snowy mountains of northern Japan — which makes climate management in Pune’s warm climate an essential consideration. Pune’s October-to-February months are ideal for Akitas. However, from March through June, temperatures regularly exceed 35°C — potentially dangerous for a breed with this heavy a double coat. Air-conditioned living is strongly recommended for Akitas in Pune during summer. Never leave your Akita in direct sunlight, a car, or any enclosed space without ventilation during warm months. Always exercise during early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion — excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy — and respond immediately with cool water and shade. With these precautions, Akitas adapt well to Pune’s more temperate seasons and thrive as remarkable family companions.