Have you ever encountered a dog breed so loyal, it famously waited nine whole years for its deceased owner to return? Sounds like a heartbreaking story straight out of a movie script, right? But trust me, it’s not. This is the story of an Akita named Hachiko from Japan. This awe-striking example of faithfulness and intelligence is not just one story; it’s pretty representative of the spirit of the entire Akita breed. Depth of devotion, unparalleled bravery, and intelligence are the hallmarks of an Akita dog.
In case you don’t know, Akitas are powerful, independent, and dominant dogs, originally bred to guard royals and nobles in feudal Japan. These burly, imposing dogs also tracked and hunted wild game like boars, deer, and the fearsome Yezo bear. They’re not your average, run-of-the-mill backyard Fidos; they’re the strong, silent type who exude calmness and security, making them great companions at home.
But are they also smart? You bet they are! Not just smart, but extremely intelligent with a unique ability to think and act independently, solving problems in their own way.
Understanding dog intelligence comes down to putting it in the right context. Most often, when people think about dog intelligence, they compare it to the human understanding of the term. But dog intelligence varies immensely from one breed to another.
How smart is an Akita? How does their intelligence differ from other dogs? Let’s delve into this riveting subject to find out just how intelligent our furry Akita friends really are.
Stanley Coren is a noteworthy canine psychologist who rated different breeds on their intelligence in his popular book, “The Intelligence of Dogs”. Coren’s assessment was based on three facets: instinctive intelligence (what a dog is bred for), adaptive intelligence (the ability to independently problem solve), and work and obedience intelligence (the ability to learn from humans).
In Coren’s intelligence rating, Akitas took a respectable 54th position out of 138 breeds rated for their work and obedience intelligence. That may not seem like a high rank, but bear in mind that Akitas shared this position with other popular breeds like Boxers, Great Danes, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Another thing to remember is that this ranking doesn’t account for Akitas’ sheer brilliance in instinctive and adaptive intelligence.
Known as one of the most adaptable and versatile working breeds, Akitas have the unique ability to think independently and even show initiative, aspects that come into play due to their instinctive and adaptive intelligence. This lingering trait from their days of hunting and protecting royals makes them capable of making decisions on their own, assessing their environment, and taking the best action.
For example, if an Akita senses a threat to its family, it’ll patiently assess the situation rather than getting instantly aggressive. But once it decides to act, trust me, you wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end!
Training an intelligent Akita, therefore, is not about repetitive tasks but about embracing their instinctive and adaptive intelligence. Reward-based training methods can work wonders with this breed. Show respect for their independent nature, cultivate patience, and you’ll have one smart cookie eager to learn new tricks.
However, it’s important to underline that their independent thought process doesn’t always make them the best fit for first-time dog owners. If you don’t send out consistent leadership signals, Akitas may just take the alpha role for themselves! But under a firm, experienced hand, an Akita is not only highly trainable but also fiercely loyal and protective.
It’s crucial to remember that every dog’s intelligence and temperament depend largely on its upbringing and socialization opportunities, and Akitas are no exception. An Akita puppy, when properly socialized and trained, will grow to become a more rounded and adaptable adult dog.
So, there you have it! Not only are Akitas intelligent creatures, but they also throw in a splash of respect-demanding independence and a dash of intuitive instincts. They’ll astound you with their ability to think and act on their own.
Are they smart dogs? Absolutely! With their powerful minds and unique intelligence, Akitas rightly earn a well-deserved spot on the pedestal of smart dog breeds.
The journey with an Akita — one filled with loyalty, intelligence, and steadfastness — truly embodies a lifetime of delight and enrichment. So, if you are a fan of smart, independent, and brave dogs, an Akita will be your companion par excellence!
