One thing that surprised me about owning an Akita was their protectiveness. They can be aloof with strangers, which is often misinterpreted as aggression. It’s not that they’re mean; they just take their guarding duties seriously. On the flip side, they are incredibly loving with their family. It’s like having a guardian and a cuddle buddy all in one!

I was shocked by how fiercely loyal they are. My Akita is by my side all the time, which is great but also means I need to work on independence training.

Yes, they can be super stubborn.

I expected my Akita to be calm and laid back. However, they can have a surprisingly playful side that can catch new owners off guard. It's important to have a good balance of exercise to manage their energy.