Do Akitas Shed?

My friend Adriana has a two-year-old Akita, and she loves their thick, fluffy coat.

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According to her, the Akita’s cuteness lies in their coat.

This means there may be a bit of shed, but she doesn’t mind.

When a dog sheds excessively, we all know what happens; hair covers the entire house, quickly turning it into something out of a horror movie with giant spider webs made from dog hair.

So, you might want to know the shed rate of an Akita before adopting them.

So, do Akitas shed?

Yes, they shed quite a bit.

Due to their thick, coarse coat, this process is more apparent in them than in other breeds.

Akitas blow their old, dead coat in spring and fall to grow new, thicker coats.

However, regular brushing can minimize the amount of shedding.

This article examines whether or not Akitas shed so that you can make an informed decision as to whether it’s the right dog for your home.

It’ll also look at reasons for their shedding, how it’s to groom them, and other aspects.

Akitas’ Undercoat Blow Out

The Akita’s coat is one of their defining characteristics.

The double coat consists of an outer layer and an undercoat, which changes in texture and length throughout the year.

However, don’t let that fluffy coat fool you.

The undercoat blows out twice a year, but only for two to four weeks at a time.

So, in a worst-case scenario, you’re looking at two months of heavy-duty dog hair that blows everything out of proportion.

“Blowing out” is a pretty accurate description of your pet shedding large amounts of fur that fly around and stick to everything in their path.

As part of this process, an Akita will shed a lot of hair.

For this reason, they can create a literal fur storm if not groomed regularly.

Even though brushing is inconvenient during summer and winter, it can reduce hair accumulation on furniture and carpet.

It’ll help keep your home from turning into a giant hairball.

Do Akitas Shed a Lot?

Akitas shed a lot of hair.

This breed has a double coat and is known as one of the heaviest shedders among dogs.

So, you’ll want to brush them regularly to remove loose, dead hair and help prevent matting.

However, fur grows back quickly.

Akitas have two layers of fur: a coarse outer layer that sheds all the time and a softer inner layer.

Their outer coat is long and thick, while the undercoat is short and fine.

The short coat helps to keep them warm during the winter, while the long coat keeps them cool during the summer months.

During spring and fall, they lose a lot of hair, leaving a mess everywhere (especially on your clothing).

Fortunately, the amount of shedding depends on the season, so you will only have to deal with it for a short period each year.

If you always get annoyed by excess hair in your house, an Akita may not be the best dog for you.

The good news is that this doesn’t mean you must vacuum your house more than once daily; you need to brush your dog regularly.

However, brushing too often can cause skin irritations, leading to infections.

It can also causes matting, which can lead to discomfort for your dog and make it difficult for them to move around normally.

Why do Akitas Shed?

Akita dogs shed because it’s part of their natural cycle.

They grow hair, rest and lose the old fur through shedding.

Older hair falls out to make way for new hair, which is why you see fur on your carpet or couch.

A double-coated dog tends to shed more than one with a single coat or none.

However, some dogs have short coats, yet they shed as well.

As with most dogs, the Akita sheds year-round.

What Are Akitas Like to Groom?

An Akita’s coat needs constant maintenance to avoid dense tangles and more shedding.

A weekly brush should keep it looking good.

Akitas shed a great deal, so you must brush them regularly to remove loose, dead hair and prevent matting.

Regular brushing will help distribute the natural oils in their fur and avoid matting.

If their hair gets matted, use scissors or clippers to cut them out.

Just go slow and steady, and don’t cut more than you need.

Moreover, watch for skin problems, such as hot spots (when your dog licks excessively at one area on their body) or rashes.

If you see any signs of skin irritation, take them to the vet immediately.

How to Stop Akitas from Shedding

Adopting an Akita entails making sure they are well cared for.

They shed a lot, so you’ll need to deal with that.

You cant avoid it.

Your Akita’s shedding can be frustrating, but stopping them from doing it is impossible.

Shedding occurs all year round after they lose their puppy coat.

The process lasts just a few months per year, depending on their breed and genetics.

Shedding reduces the number of old and damaged hair follicles and replaces them with new ones.

This can take weeks, months or even years. When their fur grows and sheds, it can result in heavy amounts of hair.

Many owners have problems removing the shed from their house, furniture and clothing.

Though it’s impossible to stop your Akita from shedding, it may be easy to reduce their shedding through good grooming.

Are Akitas Hypoallergenic?

Akitas are not hypoallergenic.
A hypoallergenic dog will shed less.
This way, anyone with dog allergies can tolerate their presence without being affected by the allergens shed.
Such a dog doesn’t produce dander, a combination of hair, skin, and saliva.
Akitas shed and have a distinct doggy odor that may bother some people.

Conclusion

Akitas make excellent family pets.

However, they shed a lot.

Thus, they’re not suitable for people who have dog allergies.

It’s common for their hair to fall out in large tufts at certain times of the year due to the thick coat.

These large tufts are often noticeable.

Yet, Akitas don’t shed as much as some of the other breeds.

Fortunately, with regular brushing, you can reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your furniture, couch, and rug.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

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