Do Akitas bark? what sound do they make?

Question

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27357944@N08/

i got these 3 pups surrendered to me a couple months ago. the "breeder" claims they're akita/labs.

they're about 8 mths old now and they don't bark. when they open their mouths all that comes out is "yiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiy". fairly high pitched. and the only time they make any sound is when they get excited.

all the other rescues bark. is this common for akitas?

Answer 1

Akitas bark. I don't know if that sound is common for Akitas but I'm sure it's just some sort of howl/cry. The only known domesticated barkless breed of dog is the Basenji.

Answer 2

Akitas usually have a loud, regular sounding bark.  They may just be excited whimpers...  My dog's bark is regular, but when she plays she makes a loud whimper because she's excited.  That may be the same case for your dogs.  Also, they do look like they are lab/akita mixes.

Answer 3

Hey there Isis!

As the owner of their much smaller cousin, the Shiba Inu, I imagine their "barks" can be similar, just done in different octaves, ha.  Saki doesn't bark or yap (she can, I've heard her bark, it's just not common for her).  She prefers what is affectionately - or not so affectionately - referred to as the "Shiba Scream".  They are vocalizations that, when done full blast, sounds like someone is dying or at least in some serious pain.  Here is an example of a pup doing it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_A8XMezT...

Pretty heartbreaking (and ear splitting).  Saki doesn't employ the full on scream often, mostly it's just a quieter, quicker yelp/yodel, but it sounds like she's saying "Heyheyheyhey!" (always entertaining) and she only does it when excited - or trying to make a point with rude dogs who rush up to her.  Akitas are not big barkers, only barking when need be and when they do, it's deep and loud.  So...maybe these dogs have Shiba in them instead of Akita?  :-)

Answer 4

They go: "woof, woof" or sometimes "bow wow".

Answer 5

hmm, i don't really see any trademarks of the akita breed but i guess anything is possible. i would try taking it to the vet, they may be able to accurately tell you what your dogs are mixed with. i grew up with an akita and she did not bark often, only when she felt threatened and when she did, it was not high pitched at all. some dogs just don't bark often.