Can Two Male Akitas Coexist?

Akitas are a large, handsome breed of dog, similar to wolves in appearance. There are two types, the American Akita, and the Japanese Akita -- also known as Akita Inu. They have thick, straight coats, wide heads with small, upright ears and curly tails. They are intelligent, calm and loyal, but they can also be strong willed and aggressive, if not carefully trained.

  1. Alpha Dog

    • The Akita has an assertive personality that wishes to establish its dominance over other household animals. They will also attempt to dominate you and your children, if you do not teach them otherwise. They require a firm and consistent hand when they are puppies. When an Akita comes into your house, you become its pack. In order to have a submissive, trainable dog, you must establish yourself as pack leader and other people in the house as superior pack members.

    Other Akitas

    • Nothing rouses an Akita's aggression and territorial instincts like another Akita, particularly one of the same sex. It is not wise to keep two male Akitas together unsupervised. They may be able to coexist, if one clearly establishes its willingness to be the lesser dog; even so, the peace could be precarious. Akitas do not always display signs of aggression -- such as growling -- when they are hostile. A dog may move from a minor disagreement with another dog to a furious attack within moments.

    Other Pets

    • Akitas usually peacefully live only with other animals who are willing to be submissive. Most often they are kept as only pets, because large animals are viewed as a threat, while small ones are not respected. If an Akita's particular territory is invaded --- its food bowl or a favorite toy --- it may retaliate. Cats and other small pets are probably safer kept away from an Akita. Sometimes the pairing of a male and female Akita together works.

    Children

    • In Japan, mothers used to leave their children in the guardianship of Akitas; a well-trained dog is very loving and trustworthy. They are not inherently good with children, however. They do not accept teasing well, and can turn their protective instincts into aggression against unknown people -- especially children. Teach your Akita that it is inferior in position to any human, however small and never leave it unsupervised around children. Akitas are particularly protective about their food; do not let children or other animals near during meal time.