Guide two
Coat & Care
The Akita’s double coat kept its ancestors warm in deep snow. It is beautiful, mostly clean and almost odourless, and twice a year it seems to come out all at once.
The double coat
A harsh, straight outer coat sits over a soft, dense undercoat. The undercoat insulates against cold and heat, so the coat should never be shaved. Shaving can damage the way it grows back and remove the dog’s protection from the sun.
Grooming through the year
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Most of the year | Brush right down to the skin once or twice a week. |
| Coat blow (usually spring and autumn) | Brush daily with an undercoat rake to lift out loose undercoat. |
| Bathing | Only occasionally, with a dog shampoo, drying the undercoat thoroughly. |
Paws, nails, ears and teeth
- Trim nails regularly, or check that walks are wearing them down.
- Look between the pads for ice balls and road salt in winter.
- Check ears and eyes when you brush.
- Brush teeth with a toothpaste made for dogs.
Weather
Akitas love cold weather and can find heat hard. In warm spells, walk early and late, provide shade and fresh water, and avoid hard exercise in the heat of the day.
Health
This site does not give veterinary advice. If you are choosing a puppy, ask the breeder which health tests the parents have had. Talk to your vet about vaccinations, diet, weight and any signs that worry you, and ask them which symptoms in a large, deep-chested breed need urgent attention.