Let’s start with a fun and intriguing fact: the story of an Akita named Hachiko who, back in the 1920s, waited in a Tokyo train station for his master to return from work every day – for almost ten years after his master’s death. This touching tale of loyalty isn’t the only fascinating thing about Akitas though. You might be wondering: is this loyalty a sign of their intelligence? Are Akitas the smartest dogs around? Let’s find out.
The Akita breed hails from the mountainous regions of northern Japan and is known for combining the values of loyalty, nobility, and intelligence in one large, furry package. According to the American Kennel Club, the Akita is ranked 54th in terms of intelligence out of 138 dog breeds. This may not sound particularly impressive until you remember there are hundreds of dog breeds in the world. Plus, the intelligence of a breed can’t be measured solely in numbers and rankings.
So, what makes Akitas smart?
Firstly, Akitas have an innate ability to guard and protect. This means they have a high level of situational awareness and can assess threats effectively. They instinctively know when to act defensive and when to be calm, displaying a unique form of intelligence.
Secondly, Akitas possess an independent intelligence. Unlike many dogs known for their slavish loyalty, Akitas have a mind of their own. They’re not overly dependent on their owners for direction and can make decisions independently. This trait adds to their charm and showcases their formidable intelligence.
Thirdly, Akitas have a strong memory. An Akita will remember training commands, friends, foes, and habits of its owner for a long time. This ability to retain information earned the Akita its respectable ranking in intelligence.
Still, intelligence in dogs can be subjective and depends a lot on how one defines and sees it. For some, a dog’s ability to learn commands quickly might be the ultimate indicator of intelligence, while others may consider a dog’s problem-solving skills or their ability to understand and communicate with humans as the true test.
For Akita lovers, their dog’s loyalty, independence, and strong memory combined with their physical prowess, make them the smartest dogs around, irrespective of official rankings. But owning an Akita isn’t for everyone.
Owning an Akita comes with its own unique challenges. These dogs require owners who can dedicate time and energy to their active lifestyle and mental stimulation. Because of their intelligence, they need regular mental and physical exercises to keep them from becoming bored, which can lead to destructive behavior.
Training an Akita also requires a firm and patient hand. These dogs are far from being pushovers: they are strong-willed and prefer doing things on their own terms. This does not mean they are untrainable, but it does mean shaping their behaviors takes time and consistency.
To summarize, is an Akita the smartest dog? According to the official rankings, they aren’t at the very top, but their unique blend of loyalty, independence, strong memory, and a strong will clearly demonstrate high intelligence levels. They might not always perform an asked task on command because of their independent streak, but that doesn’t make them any less intelligent – just a bit more free-spirited.
Remember, the right breed for you isn’t necessarily the one ranked as the smartest. The best dog for you is one whose temperament, size, and energy level fits your lifestyle. If you are the kind of person who values loyalty, independence, and a bit of challenge, then an Akita just might be the smart dog for you!
