When you take on any dog, whether a brand new puppy or a rescued adult, it is crucial to understand as much about the dog as possible. That is particularly true for how much exercise the dog will need day to day because this is a big aspect of your commitment to your potential pet. If you have not got many hours to spare in a day, the amount of exercise a dog needs is very important to consider, and that might lead you to wonder about how much your Akita needs to run around in order to be happy.
Are Akitas lazy dogs? No, Akitas are not lazy, however, some people consider them lazy, while others consider them high-energy. Really, most Akitas are quite adaptable, and they will play when it’s an option, and sleep when it isn’t.
We are going to look at the exercise requirements for this gorgeous breed, and explore how well they cope with lots of exercises. Is this a breed that will walk for miles with you, or do Akitas prefer to be napping by the fire? We’re also going to cover how much Akitas tend to sleep, and whether they are thought of as a low-energy canine companion or not. By the end of the article, you should have a good sense of how suitable an Akita is for your lifestyle.
Are Akitas Lazy Dogs?
Not all Akitas are laid back, but most prefer to play for brief bursts, and then take a rest. They do not tend to play well with other dogs and they dislike the heat, which might lead to your Akita lying around during the day, even when other dogs are jumping about, chasing balls, and having a great time.
That might make you think that your Akita is lazy, and perhaps it is. There is no hard definition of lazy, but you should be aware that Akitas are not happy if they are just left to sleep all day and never have any interaction or stimulation.
Akitas are very intelligent dogs, and they do like to be given things to do. If you have a secure yard, you might want to let your dog play in it every day (as a supplement to walking it) so that it can get exercise at its own pace, and play as it chooses.
In hot weather, you will probably notice that your Akita slows down significantly. Akitas are double-coated and have adapted to survive well in cold weather, but they often struggle with the heat. Don’t over-exercise your Akita or encourage it to engage in energetic play when the weather is very warm.
If your Akita wants to chill out and rest, that should be fine. As long as it isn’t getting overweight from lack of exercise, there’s nothing to worry about with an Akita that does not want to play all the time.
Are Akitas Low-Energy Dogs?
This depends a bit on your point of view. If you are used to something like a Border Collie, the chances are that you will find an Akita a very low-energy dog. However, Akitas are not completely sedentary. They will play and chase readily, but they are also prepared to relax and do nothing if that’s what is on your agenda.
Remember, Akitas were bred as guard dogs, not as hunting dogs. They have not evolved to run long distances, and they are usually reasonably happy to sit for extended periods of time, even if they are not being directly engaged.
However, you should not assume that an Akita does not need plenty of exercise and attention. They do like to chase things. As smart breeds, they need to be walked every day for both physical and mental exercise, and a quick play in the backyard is not enough for them.
On the whole, although they may be more laid back about exercise than some high-energy breeds, Akitas are not generally considered a low-energy breed, and they certainly aren’t sedentary. If you do not have a lot of time to dedicate to walking your Akita and playing with it, you should consider a different breed.
An Akita that is not given enough to do may become destructive and difficult to handle. They aren’t easy dogs for first-time owners, and you should only get an Akita if you are already familiar with training and handling dogs.
Do Akitas Need A Lot Of Exercises?
Yes, Akitas do need quite a lot of exercise. Remember, they are big dogs, and a quick jog around the block is not going to cut it with them. They are also vulnerable to weight problems and can suffer from hip dysplasia if you do not keep them in shape – which means they need plenty of exercises.
You should be walking an Akita at least once a day, preferably twice. They need at least two hours of exercise in a day, and this should be given via walking or running (you may wish to cycle slowly to let your Akita run alongside). You can also let your Akita swim, as many enjoy the water.
If you are getting an Akita, it is a good idea to ensure that your garden can be secured so that your Akita can be let out in it and allowed to roam freely.
It isn’t a good idea to let your Akita off its leash in public places, because these dogs can be aggressive toward other dogs and may run off – so having a private outdoor space for it to play in is ideal.
If you don’t have access to a private outdoor space, make sure that you give your Akita extra time on walks, but don’t let it off its leash. It might get hurt or injure another dog, and you could end up losing it if it runs off. Unless you are in a secure place, your dog needs to be kept on a leash for its safety.
Do Akitas Sleep A Lot?
Yes, Akitas do sleep a lot, which is partly what contributes to the reputation they have for being lazy. While an Akita likes to run and will enjoy exercising, it also sleeps for long hours every day. You will often find your Akita dozing when there is nothing more interesting going on to capture its attention.
Most Akitas are adaptable in terms of their sleep, and will simply go to sleep when there is nothing better to do. If things are going on and they are engaged, they will sleep less. However, if you are at work for hours, you can rest assured that your dog will probably nap for most of that time (although you should still check on it every four hours or so).
In general, an adult Akita will sleep between twelve and fourteen hours per day, and a puppy will sleep for even longer – up to eighteen hours in a day. That sounds like quite a long time for both puppies and adults, but if you have ever owned an Akita, you will probably be used to seeing them doze happily for hours on end.
Because they are adaptable, however, your Akita will happily wake up and respond when things are happening. If you are at home all day and there are things for it to do, your Akita will probably reduce its sleeping hours significantly. On days when you are absent, it is likely to spend much of its time curled up asleep.
Your dog is also more likely to sleep when it has been exercised thoroughly, so if your Akita is often restless at night, it’s a good idea to step up your exercise routines a bit. Add an extra twenty minutes to your evening walk, or let it have a good run in the garden before bed, and it will probably sleep better.
Conclusion
So, are Akitas lazy dogs? They aren’t really, but they will take a nap if there is nothing better to do. In terms of their actual energy levels, they are considered quite high-energy, but unlike some energetic dogs, they will be content to do nothing most of the time.
That said, you do need to exercise your Akita regularly and make sure that it is not getting restless or overweight as the result of a sedentary lifestyle. Your dog needs at least two hours of exercise per day!