They Are Quiet When Born
Unlike other dog breeds, Akita puppies are quite quiet when they are born. They rarely bark and usually only make noise when they need to attract attention. This is an early sign of their independent and observant nature in later life.
They Avoid Eye Contact
Puppy Akitas may consciously avoid making eye contact with humans. This is not a sign of aggression, but rather a reflection of the Japanese cultural concept of “respectful distance.” Akitas may perceive direct eye contact as a challenge.
They Have Limited Patience with Other Dogs
Even at just a few weeks old, Akita puppies may show a tendency to defend their territory. Unless they are raised together, they may have difficulty getting along with other puppies. This does not mean that they will be aggressive in the future, but it does indicate that care should be taken in their social interactions.
They Observe Quietly Rather Than Follow Scents
While typical puppies are drawn to smells when playing, Akita puppies observe their surroundings at length. Especially in new environments, they prefer to observe first and then move. This trait places them in the “thinking dog” category.
They Begin Shedding Very Early
Some Akita puppies may begin seasonal shedding as early as 8 weeks of age. This is quite rare and occurs as part of the adaptation process for their thick, double-layered coat. Puppies born in late spring or early summer are more susceptible to this.
They Prefer to Keep an Emotional Distance from People
A young Akita does not bond with its owner immediately. Some may even avoid physical contact during the first few weeks. However, as trust is built over time, this distance gives way to loyalty. Nevertheless, they prefer spending time together rather than physical contact.
Their First Sleeps Must Be Deep and Secure
If Akitas do not sleep undisturbed and in quiet areas during their puppyhood, they will show signs of restlessness. This stems from their protective nature and instinct to be alert. Crowded home environments can be stressful for puppies during this period.
They Develop a Sense of Smell at a Very Early Age
Even before their eyes are fully open, Akita puppies begin to distinguish their mother and siblings by smell. This scent-based memory is the foundation of their high loyalty as adults. Similarly, they do not easily forget bad smell experiences.
Biting Tendencies Are Not Due to Teething, But Power Testing
Most puppies damage objects when teething. In Akatas, however, this behavior is more of a reflex to control their environment and test their strength. This is why they are more likely to go after furniture legs instead of toys.
Powerful Silence: The Ability to Express Emotions Without Barking
Puppies may make a purring sound instead of crying. This behavior is part of their attempt to “communicate without words.” Over time, they learn to express their feelings through their gaze, facial expressions, and posture.
They React Excessively to Foreign Smells
Puppies may be overly sensitive to the smells of new people or animals during their first few months. Even the laundry detergent of a different guest in the house can cause a puppy to become restless. This is a small but important sign of how attached they are to their “territorial integrity.”
Their Ears Stand Up Late
While most puppies erect their ears within a few weeks, this process can take up to 3-4 months in Akitas. This is not a sign of physical weakness but rather the slow yet steady development of the ear muscles. Once the ears stand erect, their facial expressions change instantly, and the characteristic “Akita gaze” becomes prominent.
Some Akita mothers may reject their own puppies
In rare cases, some female Akitas may not want their own puppies after giving birth. This is not due to a genetic instinct weakness, but rather to stress experienced during birth or environmental disturbances. Without human intervention, it is difficult for the puppy to survive.
They Have a Natural Tendency to Sleep Alone
While most puppies enjoy sleeping together, some Akita puppies may prefer to sleep alone in a corner away from their mother, even in the first few weeks. This may be a genetic result of their emphasis on individuality.
They May Be Unresponsive to Initial Obedience Training
Indifference to commands is common in Akita puppies. This is not disobedience; it is a natural test of you, your consistency, and your tone of voice. Once a bond is established, they will try to “understand” you rather than memorize commands.
They May Give Sarcastic Reactions with Their Facial Expressions
Puppy Akitas may turn their faces away and turn their backs on you during an activity they find fun but meaningless to them. This is more of a “I think this is silly” kind of sarcasm than anger or fear. Facial expressions are powerful tools for this kind of silent humor.
They Distinguish Between Wood and Metal Objects
While many dogs chew on everything during playtime, Akita puppies usually prefer wooden objects. They show less interest in plastic or metal objects. This selective behavior also indicates that they have high tactile sensitivity.
Reaction Time After Eye Contact Can Be Calculated
When you look directly at a puppy Akita, it will often avert its gaze but respond within a few seconds. The shorter this time, the stronger the bond between you and the dog is said to be. These behaviors are used by experienced trainers as “bond tests.”
No tendency to jump from heights
Some dog breeds love to jump off furniture even when they are young. However, Akita puppies generally refuse to jump down from high places. This is not because they are cautious, but because they are overly confident in their balance. Instead of jumping, they carefully check the area below them.
Behavior May Change After Bathing
After the first few baths, Akita puppies may become cranky. However, this is not because they dislike water, but because their scent has changed. They may perceive the suppression of their natural scent by soap as a “loss of identity.” As a result, some may exhibit behavior such as rubbing their backs on the carpet after being washed.
They Naturally Assume the Role of “Door Guard”
Even when they are only a few weeks old, Akita puppies tend to spend a lot of time near boundaries such as the front door or balcony threshold. This behavior is not playful but stems from a territorial instinct. Although they may not fully understand the concept of “home,” they instinctively claim the boundaries of the space as their own.
They Follow Shadows Even as Puppies
Akkitas show an unusual interest in light games or shadow movements. This behavior cannot be explained solely by play, as some puppies can watch a shadow for hours. In Japanese culture, this behavior is interpreted as a metaphor for intuitive depth and introversion.
They Don't Want Anyone Near Them While Eating
Leaving Akita puppies alone while they eat is a safe starting rule for both them and their owners. This stems more from a desire to avoid intrusion into their space than aggression. Food sharing is only possible once a strong bond has been established.
They Tend to Deodorize New Items
A new rug, cushion, or toy is first sniffed by Akita puppies, then rubbed with their nose or paw to “neutralize” it. This is a ritual to determine whether the object belongs to the home. They “accept” the object by transferring their own scent to it.
They Stay Away from Loud Toys
Puppies generally dislike toys that make loud noises, which other dogs love. They prefer quiet toys made of fabric, felt, or natural materials. This preference is an indication of their tendency to bond through touch rather than sound.
They Are Slow to React to Short Separations
Even if their owner leaves the room for a few minutes, Akita puppies do not react immediately. However, when the person returns, they wag their tail after staring for a few seconds. This delayed reaction stems from their tendency to show their emotions in a measured and careful manner.
High Level of Ability to Play Alone
While most puppies want constant interaction to play, Akitas enjoy spending time alone. They move their toys in a specific pattern, take them to certain areas and leave them there, then start the same process again. These behaviors are not learned, but instinctive.
Their First Encounters with Mirrors Are Interesting
A puppy Akita's first encounter with a mirror is not just a moment of ordinary surprise. Most will stare at their reflection for a long time without barking or attacking. Sometimes they will tilt their head and look at themselves from different angles. This “thoughtful observation” during the self-recognition process sets them apart from other breeds.
They Create a Mental Map of Their Home
At 3-4 weeks old, puppies almost memorize the routes inside the house. They never forget the location of their water bowl, food bowl, and bed. Moving objects can temporarily upset them. This behavior is similar to the sense of direction seen in animals with a highly developed mental map.
They May Act as if They Have Recorded Their Own Voices
Some Akita puppies freeze and become silent when they hear echoes inside the house or similar barking sounds from outside. This pause is a sign that they are trying to distinguish the sound. Hearing their own voice repeated can cause them to temporarily withdraw into themselves.